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I can feel it coming back again

     (If you sang the title in your best "Live" voice, you'd be correct.)  I had that thought during a conversation with a couple different friends lately.  One was lifting while I was on the treadmill (hey, it's over 100 degrees outside!) and asked what I'm training for. 
what happens when I run in 100 degree weather
while wearing a tank top
He seemed a bit surprised that I didn't have a specific race coming up as I was doing a hard tempo workout.  Another friend has been texting me updates on her daily runs.  I think she does this to mainly keep herself accountable but it serves in motivating me too.  As in "Well, if Jammie got up early to run, I might as well at least hit the treadmill for a few miles..."     Between the two of them, it's given me the itch to train for a big "A" race again.  I am starting to look forward to waking up early on the weekends, feeling a bit beat up, just to go run for hours. I look forward to making my training spreadsheet/calendar fully knowing that I'm going to be negotiating with myself throughout training. 
     A big part of the attraction of training is having a "team."  That is, having people training with me towards the same goal race.  That's why I'm trying to bring some people along with me.  I'm actively recruiting people to run the 3M half marathon with me next January and the Rock N Roll in San Antonio in December. 
     I don't know how many times I'll be able to set a PR.  I think my marathon PR is reachable as I didn't train quite as well as I could have last year.  Other than that, I'm not sure.  Someone recently asked me why I'm running longer.  The answer is a simple "Because, I'm not sure that I'll be able to run faster."  I think that I'll have to start adjusting my goals from PR to a tough, reachable time. 
      The question becomes, who's coming with me?  I'm slowly ratcheting up my weekly mileage in preparation to actually start marathon training in August or so.  I plan on continuing our lifting routine but I might cut back on my bike rides this fall. 
Here are my planned races for the rest of the year and going into next year.  I might throw a few more in there also.  I'm including registration links so you can come run too!

Eagle Charge Team RWB 4 or 7 mile fundraiser
July 4 Christoval Christoval Firecraker 5k
July 7 San Antonio Free-Da's Run 5k (where you at RyanByron?)
August 18 San Angelo Southland Shuffle 6 mile (race day registration)
September 15 San Antonio La Loteria 5k (running w/Mila)
In mid October we have the ECVFD Stop, Drop, and Roll 1/2 marathon  (October 13) as well as the Shannon Pink Ribbon Run here in San Angelo.  Not seeing a date for the Pink Ribbon Run yet.
October 19-20 Comfort Ragnar Trail Hill Country relay with Carl and the Boyz  I'm pretty sure we have much of the same team.
October 27 San Antonio Dia De Los Muertos Run 5k (haven't signed up yet but I'm already putting together my costume based on Coco)
December 2 San Antonio Rock N Roll Marathon (this'll be year #8!) 
January 20 Austin 3M half marathon  supposedly a few of my coworkers are going to come with me.  so far, I'm the only one to sign up though
February 23rd/24th Fort Worth Cow Town 10K Saturday, 1/2 marathon Sunday.  At least, that's what I'm thinking right now
March 9 San Angelo Crazy Desert 100K yep... I'm gonna go for 100K.  I'll have to really put work into my nutrition strategy.

     Which races are you planning on running?  Anyone want to work with me towards one or more of these races?  We can physically train together, or do it like Jammie and I have been doing by texting Garmin screen shots nearly every day. 

     I visited my favorite running route yesterday morning while in San Antonio.  Mila's flight was at 5:45 AM.  I was going to try and join up with a former student of mine but I wouldn't have made it on time.  Instead, I went downtown to the Pearl and ran our old Carrera training route.  There were a few other people out there and it was cool to see some of the changes.  Sure was muggy though.
Unfortunately I realized later that my phone doesn't take the greatest pictures in the dark.
Local Coffee at the Pearl.  After the run, I switched shirts and grabbed a drink to keep me awake on my 3 hour drive back

The Grotto at 5:30 AM




I ran through scaffolding like that a couple times, must still be doing work

had the touristy section nearly to myself at 6 AM

Came up from the River Walk to run the streets a bit


gotta see the Alamo

one of my favorite little spots in San Antonio 

that red light is actually coming from the Ripley's Believe It or Not sign


the water features run right through the hotel

wake up ducks!


It was fairly light by 6:15

now you can actually see the Grotto


took me til the return trip to realize that this is the apartment complex that they've been working on for a few years
One last note.  It's funny how someone that I've never met could be so influential in my life.  In writing this blog, I draw from my grandfather, Andrew Heller, and Anthony Bourdain.  Bourdain inspired my love of cooking, a sense of adventure in trying foods I've never heard of, and provided an example on how to engage with people and cultures completely different from my own.  I own two of his books and have seen every episode of No Reservations and Parts Unknown.  He's influenced my way of travelling, viewing the world, and even how I go about writing this blog.  He was a good one and will certainly be missed.   If anyone reading this is going through tough times, please reach out. 
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