Cactus Rose 25 Mile Trail Race

I was feeling so good about running again that I decided to sign up for the Cactus Rose 25 mile trail run. Cactus Rose is held at Hill country State natural area right outside of Bandera Texas. This place is very familiar to me. I’ve been running here for over 20 years, and before I began running here, I would come here mountain biking with my older brother and friends. Hill country State natural area is a very hilly and rugged place with rocks of all sizes and shapes. And most of these rocks on the trail are not stationary so it requires firm footing and close attention to foot placement. Leading up to the race I thought I should  go run at Government Canyon. Government Canyon state park is right up the road from where I live and some of the trails are just a little similar to Bandera with its rocks and climbs and descents. Just a LITTLE similar. Two weeks before the Cactus Rose race I was out there for a 12 miler and kept telling myself don’t fall, don’t fall. You’re too old to get hurt. It takes too long to recover from injury. Everything was going fine until the last mile. I guess I was preoccupied with what I was gonna do when I got home because I was only 1 mile away from the car when bang! I caught a rock with my left foot and down I went. I knew I was hurt and had to get up as quickly as possible. I got up and wobbled to the car. The pain on my left knee radiated up to my hip. I thought, “ well it’ll pass.”  “I’ll be ok.” It didn’t pass. It wouldn’t pass for almost two weeks. Three days before the Cactus Rose 25 mile race on Saturday, October 24, I saw an orthopedic doctor just to be sure that there was not any serious damage and that I could still run the race without further damage to my knee. The x-rays were fine. The orthopedic surgeon determined that I had bruise my IT band and he told me I have many miles left on my knees, which was good news. The bad news was that the previous two weeks I had only run twice. Well, I am well rested and recovered, I thought. Everything will be fine. 

“And just like that... on Saturday morning…my pain was gone. Mama always said pain don’t last forever.”

- F. Gump

The 8:15 AM race start time allowed for me to take my time make breakfast and have a leisurely 45 mile drive to the park. At the park I met up with some old friends who I haven’t seen in quite awhile. Nate, Tom, Michele, Chris, and I gathered around Tom‘s car and chatted about what’s been going on not only about our running lives but also with our families. It was fun to catch up with old friends. At the starting line I caught up with my good buddy Joe Prusaitus. Joe designed this race. It is one of the first races he created as founder of  "Tejas Trails" trail running company. After the trail briefing we were off. The temperature was a comfortable 52 degrees with a cool crisp breeze and partly cloudy skies. The temperature would rise later in the day but the cool breeze was constant all day with gentle gusts at times.

Joe and I chatted as we approached the first climb at about a mile and a half in. Lucky Peak is a pretty steep climb with a descent on the other side full of loose football and softball size rocks. Once over Lucky Peak I got into a good pace of fast walking. I figured this is what would carry me for most of the day. I slowed to dig some snacks out of my race pack and Joe forged ahead getting quite a bit ahead of me. I was trying to catch up and got him into my sight where he was leading about five other fast hikers and runners. As I got close, one of the other runners asked if I wanted to get through. I said “well I’m in no hurry, but I want to catch that old man up there.” Joe heard me and shouted, “Tony is that you?” “Yeah it’s me Joe.” I responded. Once I caught up, Joe and I continued our catching up on each other’s lives. We spoke about races we’ve done and other adventures. Joe is a couple of years older than me and has much more running experience. Road and mostly trail. We also discussed our lives growing up and our families. It was very interesting. I learned a lot that I didn’t know about Joe. Approaching the first aid station I slowed down to refill my handheld but Joe kept trucking on. I caught him down the trail. The other runners/hikers with us had dropped back except for one who is doing the 25K rucksack race. We learned this guy was from north Texas and his name was Stone. Joe said,” boy you fit right in at this place with all these rocks.” He laughed. I explained to James Stone that Joe had designed this course and many other  of Tejas Trails courses. He was surprised to learn he was running with the founder of Tejas trails and said he has run many Tejas trail events but this was the first time he had actually held a conversation with other runners in a race. Somehow I found myself leading our threesome when we came upon a tarantula! COOL! 

After marveling at the spider we were at mile nine and at Nacho’s aid station. Joe grabbed his drop bag and offered a runner his Gatorade . I refilled my water bottle and one of the flasks in my running vest. After nachos, the real hill climbing begins. We first crested ice cream Hill. At the  top Joe stopped  and said “ this is where I like to sit down and take in the view for a few minutes “

Down the steep rock ledges on the other side of ice cream hill and on we went to the sisters. The sisters are two hills very close together with very challenging climbs.  Somehow hiking with Joe made them seem easier. Once we ascended the second hill we stopped at the top to take another break  and I thought this would be a good place for another picture. This time of Joe and I.

  

Down the second sister and on to the third aid station and my drop bag.

Joe and I shared a pomegranate soda at the equestrian aid station. I ate half a sandwich and a bag of jalapeno chips. I refilled my water flasks and handheld with another scoop of carbo powder. I stashed the other half sandwich in my pocket and on to sky island, the last big hill on the course. But there were plenty of challenging climbs after sky island. Hills I had forgotten about. Approaching sky island Joe said he was over heating and told me to go on. I said goodbye to Joe and pulled away. I couldn't help thinking about how nice it was to hike with Joe for 5 hours. I've known Joe for about 20 years but this day I got to know him a whole lot better. And he learned more about me. 

Climbing sky island my legs began to burn! This is where I was really glad I brought along a trekking pole. Cresting Sky island was a relief. Until the trail littered with jagged rocks were biting at my feet. I made it down and to Boyles. The last aid station.

At Boyles again I refilled as I eyed the small rock ledge where I took a break two years ago on this trail race. Just like then, I sat and leaned back stretching my lower back hoping no creepy crawlers were around. Only five miles to go from this point.

The final five mile stretch over Cairns climb, also known as Boyles bump wouldn't be too bad. I thought. That’s how I remembered it anyway. A long time had passed since I'd been out here. Some portions of the trail jogged my memory. What I didn't remember was how MANY short climbs there were. They seemed endless, and the trails weren't getting any smoother. I wondered, how the heck did I run 100 miles here in 2009? I was 49 years old then, That's how. With two miles to go I was feeling woozy. I was tired and the hat on my head began feeling like a headband two sizes too small. I took my hat off for some relief thinking I need to eat something but dates, pretzels, or a clifbar isn't gonna cut it. Then I remembered, "I have a half of a sandwich in  my pocket!" The turkey and cheese sandwich hit the spot. And it shrunk my head too! What a pretty sight when I reached the smooth dirt road of the last half mile leading to the finish. And what a treat to see Michelle and Tom cheering for me as I crossed the finish line.

 

Back to where it began.

 I have been ramping up my mileage lately, so two days ago I went out for a 12 mile run. This would be the longest run for me in quite a long time. I headed out my door, on to the paved trail in the nearby greenbelt, and headed to the park trails where trail running all began for me. Memories of running in O.P. with my good friend John began filling my mind. I ran on some of the trails we unofficially named, Cedar Loop, Lunar boobs, bamboo chute, and Tony’s trail. I didn’t make it to Joanie’s loop (named for Joanie Mitchell’s lyrics “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot”). It was 2004 when I was a regular at a local bike shop’s weekday group run where I met John Palmer, who on one night asked others at the run if they’d be interested in forming a trail running group. I was in immediately. Our initial group consisted of John and I along with three women. O. P. Schnabel park was our meeting place on Saturday mornings before daybreak. Over the years the group that became The Rockhoppers grew and transitioned to other larger parks for group runs. For John and I though, O.P. remained one of our favorite places. When I run familiar trails wherever it may be, memories of previous runs always fill my mind. They are all good too. Even the ones where I fell or bonked. John moved out of state recently but we still keep in touch. And I’ll always have O.P. for memories.

Cedar loop

Bamboo chute

Lunar boobs

The Rockhoppers are still going strong. Many trail runners have come and gone. Many bonds and  friendships flourished and continue. Some of the original core group remain after 20+ years!. The Rockhoppers are a testament to how the trail running community is one where life long friendships are formed and survive for years.

It’s been such a mighty long time.

 Yep, it’s been awhile.

I’ve quit running…….hmm, about 5 or 6 times in the last 4 years. About a month or two ago I quit running for good. I made up my mind. I can just walk and ride my bike. I found how much I enjoy riding my road bike. I can go faster and further! All was going well. I’d put on a 15 pound ruck sack and head out the door to walk the hills in my neighborhood a couple of days a week and throw in a couple of bike rides. It was just fine with me. Then on one morning walk in the pre dawn hours there were two runners in the neighborhood. As I was passed by the second one, I waved hi and saw it was my friend Hilda from up the street. It was dark and she didn’t recognize me right away but as soon as she did she yelled Hi! right back at me. I quickly turned and ran along with her. I had to hear about her recent Camino de Santiago adventure. 

Last May Hilda told me about her plans to hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago starting from Portugal. The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes to the tomb of the Apostle St. James in northwestern Spain. As we ran she told me all about her adventure on the route and her travels through Portugal, Spain and France. Well, before I knew it we reached the 2 mile mark. It was time to turn around and run back to our neighborhood. I was running! The pace was easy and enjoyable.  We turned off the road and back to our neighborhood and I bid Hilda farewell as we parted ways. We had run 4 miles! Good thing I didn’t wear the ruck sack this morning. I truly enjoyed the run! Why had I quit running?  

So many times I struggled with getting comfortable on a run. I was beat, exhausted, frustrated after a run. It took too long to recover. Again and again I questioned why I continued to run. I’m old, I said to myself. I’m worn out. I’m a broken runner. Turns out I was losing the runner I once was and I couldn’t let go. I kept looking at my watch on my runs. Kept checking my pace. Yes, I’m getting slower but not by that much, I thought. It was hard to accept. Recently I read something about how people who live their lives according to a clock are not as happy as those who do not adhere to a strict schedule. Yes, there are appointments and commitments to be kept but our free time should be free of time constraints. Running with Hilda at her comfortable pace made me realize running can be fun again if I just run free. Something I always knew but failed to practice. I’m not the runner I once was. And never will be. But I can be the runner I am today, and maybe I can be a runner tomorrow.

I ran again two days after that. And two days after that! Yesterday I returned to the trails at Friedrich park, one of the local favorite nature parks in my area and I loved it. Tomorrow I’ll be running at Government Canyon State natural area. I have the route mapped out in my mind, Joe Johnston trail to wildcat canyon to  far reaches and recharge trail for a little over 6 miles of enjoyment. I’ll run at an easy pace and walk when I want to without being tied to my watch. 

 Here’s hoping I don’t quit again. Wish me luck.

Oh, and Thanks Hilda.

Drenched

  Today's run was at my favorite Local natural area. It was very humid with no wind at all. I had a fairly good run not concentrating too much on speed but as a runner with a techie watch, I kept glancing at my time. But all in all I had a great run listening to a Podcast with an interview of the Korean Vegan. I've gone Vegan! Never felt better.  After my run I had to run an errand to the grocery store. Pick up a few things for the house. I changed my shirt, I brought an extra one, but as I glanced down at my sky blue shorts I noticed I was drenched in sweat. On the back all over my butt. On the front it looked like I had not made it to the bathroom in time. oh well maybe I'll dry up in the 15 minutes it'll take me to get to the grocery store. Not a chance. As I got out of my truck I quickly walked to the grocery store hoping that I could get to a shopping cart quick enough to shield my body before anyone noticed.  Forget the back. I can't see anyone looking at me from the rear. 

 I got home and made some soup with any and all vegetables I could find. With tofu as my added protein. I called it junk soup. That's what my wife said she called  Homemade vegetable soup when she was a kid. As I was eating an old childhood friend called me up. In the conversation I related my story of today and he shared a story of playing a water balloon fight with his kids and then having to go to the store. He didn't realize it until he noticed everyone was staring at him at the store. Then he said he got out of there as quick as possible. We shared a great laugh as we always do when he calls.

All runs are good.

 Friday April 16, 2021. The morning was damp. A light drizzle became heavy at times. Arriving at the Salado creek trailhead at loop 1604 there were two runners exchanging laughs as they prepared for their run. Second thoughts entered my mind. Should I run? Will the drizzle turn to rain? My phone and car remote tucked safely in my water proof waist belt, I took off headed south on the paved trail. Initially I saw no one else on the trail. Half a mile in, to the right of the trail at a construction site, two men were working on a wooden structure. Only the frame of what looked to someday be a house was up. These guys had to work. Drizzle or no drizzle, I thought. In the construction business it's no work no pay. 

The music I was listening  to on my Bluetooth headset complimented the scenery around me. Allman brothers, Neil Young, Steely Dan, Doobie brothers all fit the mood of being surrounded by Live and Red Oak trees. Some covered in deep green moss. The cloudy skies dripping with a soft light drizzle on the Texas Persimmon, Juniper, cedar, and Mountain Laurel, various shrubs and dripping off the brim of my visor. Nature trails crisscrossed the oak pollen stained paved trails. Many of these nature trails were recognizable. Years earlier, races were held here. Long before the paved trails existed. Friends and I trained on these nature trails. We ran races here. Memories of those runs with friends filled my mind. 

Up ahead two men who looked to be in there 60's emerged from the woods with two dogs. They crossed the pavement and walked back into the woods. A lone cyclist appeared around a bend in the trail coming toward me and whizzed by gesturing with a slight wave. A group of three ladies, one carrying an umbrella, two ladies and a threesome of elderly folks were others I saw. As well an an eighty something looking gentleman shuffling along. A 60 something runner like myself at the end of his run shares a friendly good morning.

Four miles? Five, or six? Not sure how many miles I wanted to run. I decide I would turn around after reaching Voelker park. There, at the 3 mile point is one of my favorite spots on this trail. Trees closely line both sides of the trail with a drop off  of over ten feet just beyond the trees on one side, overlooking natural trails in the creek bottom, and  wooden fencing of the backside of homes behind the trees on the other side. This approximately one quarter mile stretch just seems so tranquil.

Turning around I see the the folks I had passed. One mile back up the trail and suddenly, around a bend in the trail, I see a Large OWL! It looks at me from it's perch on a tree stump. It looks sideways. Still keeping on eye on me, it jumps off the stump as I fumble with my waist belt to get my phone out. On the ground the owl walks slowly away and stops. The phone out, the camera ready, I snap a photo. Then another. The owl jumps back on the stump as I am about to put the phone away. I try to take a better photo. I talk to the Owl. "hello bud." I say. "How's it going." " Be still." It looks straight at me as still as can be. I get a great shot.

All runs are good. Some are great. So many of Nature's creatures I have seen in all my years of  running. This one will be remembered for a long time, and will be recalled every time I run this route on Salado creek.

After speaking to a park maintenance man at the end of this run I find out the Owl has three little ones! Maybe I will see them next time. Or maybe when they are big like Momma.

He graduated High school the year I was born!

I ran into my friend Roland yesterday. He flashed a big smile as he raised his head to see who was calling his name.

I met Roland several years ago on the trail near our home and have been running into him occasionally. Roland is turning 81 on Tuesday March 2. Again he smiled when he shared this with me. We talked and he shared a prose he had just written that morning. Again smiling as he watched me read his prose. 

Writing proses mainly about memories of his youth is his new hobby.

We shared stories of some of the places we both knew in our youth. It turns out we grew up not too far from each other, though he pointed out he graduated from High school the year I was born! Again he smiled broadly.

But perhaps his biggest smile was when he told me of a 5K he is running on Saturday.

Running, writing, smiling. 

yep, that's the ticket.

Hillotes half marathon

 The Hillotes half marathon is usually held in Helotes TX. As you might guess,"Hillotes" is a play on words of the name Helotes, a small town just northwest of San Antonio and at the foot of the Texas Hill country. Helotes is Spanish for Corn, by the way.  Because of covid-19 restrictions in Helotes the race was relocated to Bankersmith Tx. 70 miles further to the northwest. Bankersmith is nothing but a general store next to an old barn turned into a honky tonk. There is an old 1950's era bus behind the barn next to a small stage surrounded by picnic tables. This is where packet pickup and after race festivities took place. Parking was on the grass along the winding hilly state road that runs through Bankersmith..

At race start from the courtyard adjacent to the store, runners were required to wear a mask until they spilled on to the road for the out and back race. The field of 92 runners were also released 10 at a time and at 10 second intervals. 

The run starts with a long downhill. First thought that came to mind was how this would be an uphill at the end! Next to running trails I really enjoy running country roads. There were no spectacular views on this course though. There were cattle ranches and the remnants of what looked like an old stone home on the course that made me wonder who may have lived there 150 years or more ago. 

The road had may twists and slanted curves. This had me switching from the left to the right side of the road for a more even surface to run on. luckily this was the case for only about a quarter of the race. There were also dips where the road crossed 3 creeks. These were not to steep except for one where I did walk up after crossing the bridge at the dry creek. 

There was about a three quarter gradual uphill climb approaching the turn around. Surprisingly I felt good at this point. I had been worried since I crammed in only a couple "long" runs of 9 and 11 miles in my training. I thought about running the 10K but I could not see driving 70+ miles to run a 10K. After the turn around I began leap frogging with a young girl. She passed me as I slowed on the ascents and I caught and passed her on the flats and descents. It seemed like we were playing a game as we exchanged smiles and thumbs up. With a little over 2 miles to go I set my eyes on another runner who had been running ahead of me for most of the race. Her pace was good and I locked in on it as I slowly cut the distance between us. As I was about to pass her I recalled what my friend Liza Howard would say when she accelerated near the end of  Ultra marathons where I paced her,  "lets get this thing over with!" As I passed this runner I said "come on, we've got this thing licked. just two miles to go!'

The last quarter mile and there it was! The uphill climb that was a downhill at the start. I walked most of it but of course ran the last 100 yards when I was in sight of the finish. After the race the runner I leap frogged with thanked me for helping her pace. The one I passed at two miles also came to tell me "Thanks for the motivation."  Very Nice. They helped me as much as I helped them.

Post race I hung out and saw two old friends and my neighbor down the street who had signed up at the last minute. He won the Half Marathon race with a time of 1:25:08! 

I was third in the 60 to 65 age category with a time of 2:01:48. 

Fun race, fun experience.