The Stubborn Tortoise

A lot of this depends on whether it's a training run, a self-supported race or a race with a bit of distance between aid stations. We share our favorite things and talk a little about packs. But the truth is: it's not the pack, but what you put in them.

I volunteered this past weekend at the Trivium race, hosted by Tejas Trails. It is their only road race, but it is challenging with lots of hills. I introduced my friend, Jessica, to the volunteer life, and she was a big hit with the crew. She also said she wants to do more of this. At times, we wore costumes, rang cowbells, cut up fruits and put out snacks. In short, we had a great time encouragi...

Using hiking poles/sticks can be advantageous on technical, hilly trails. But, you have to weigh the pros and cons -- especially if your poles are like mine -- and don't collapse to fit into a pack.

If you were a part of the Caactus Rose trail race, you had to quickly pivot from Plan A to Plan B. Runners had to adjust to a different course, cancel lodging and plans and make new ones. Behind the scenes, the setup had to be torn down at the original venue and set up again at the new one -- less than 48 hours before race time. I got a firsthand look at the course situation, as the race was cance...

We're not doctors but we play them on a podcast -- not really. But, as average runners, we have sustained a variety of injuries over the years. I think we agree the worst one is plantar fasciitis. We offer up tips and advice -- based on our experiences. We also veer offroad and off-topic a couple of times, but it's all fun -- until someone gets injured. Photo: Me, with a loud green wrap holding my...

Mary Kay Cooper is a triple-threat: swimmer, runner and cyclist. She didn't let a bout with thyroid cancer slow her down. She has a strong drive and enjoys trying new, unusual things, like a swim, run, swim, run, swim, run....where you have to wear your trail shoes for the swim!

I discovered that Sept. 26 had a couple of significant memories in my running career: in 2015, I sprang back from a disappointing DNF and redeemed myself, even after the course closed. The following year marked my first time as an aid station captain at the inaugural J&J Trail Running Reunion. I brought a couple of young guys to Camp Eagle, from the Rio Grande Valley. Neither of them had ever...

When you're doing a self-supported race or a long training run, you need to pack bags for sustenance. We offer tips for what and how to pack, as well as reminiscing about self-supported races. Also, Paz has some Breaking News about Cactus Rose. (Don't get too excited, but she will be out there in the middle of the night on Saturday.) If you have other tips, send 'em my way.

If you have done Brazos Bend or Habenero Hundred, you may have seen Steven Monté out there dragging a 22-pound tire with his name on it or wearing a weighted vest. Crazy? Yes. But that isn't the point. Monté has reinvented himself in the last few years and has landed upon a certain freedom that lets him live out his dreams. Very inspirational. In other matters, I talk about regaining that ultra mi...

Since I moved from the Rio Grande Valley to San Antonio four years ago, I have had limited success in finding a running group where I truly felt comfortable. It's more to do with me and my insecurities about not being fast enough. When I lived in the Valley, my group was supportive of runners of all speeds and I started a rule where no runner was left behind. I have made some friends within variou...

Have you ever run a race and wondered how long it took for organizers to mark the course? For the Capt'n Karl's race last weekend at Reveille Peak Ranch, it took two solid days. I joined the crew last Wednesday and hung little flags from branches and other spots to guide runners. I'm hoping no one got lost. Other duties involved driving stakes into the ground and tying caution tape to them, to kee...

The title says it all.

Even though I like to drift through a lot of things, adapting to whatever is thrown my way, having a training plan is a good idea. Sometimes, they're too rigid, sometimes too flexible and every now and then, they're just right. The big component is your willingness to stick to it to get the desired results. Sure, you could probably gut it out, but it might be nicer to work with a plan. My thoughts...

OK, this episode is light on the running thing but more on the philosophy/mental game of running: you have to accept who you are and respect that. Just because other folx do 100-milers doesn't mean you should. Nonetheless, thank you, OP, for helping me reach a moment of clarity about life and running. :)

Two of the Biggest Sweaters in Texas offer advice about hydration, what to take, what implements to use and more!

It's funny, but I recorded one version of this earlier but deleted it because my dang allergies made me sound sinusy. In between, a friend who offered to coach me for the Brazos Bend 50-miler emailed me and admitted that it would be too complicated to successfully see me through. It was then that I realized I've been succumbing to pressure (my own) to keep pushing the limits when I really don't wa...

This week marks the third anniversary of The Stubborn Tortoise. What started as me reading previous blog posts have evolved into something more: my experiences, hearing the experiences of master's runners, how the community coped with the pandemic to advice episodes with my buddy, Hundo. I share a handful of clips from previous episodes. Here's to evolution!

Four Austin-area guys in their 60s-plus, gather each week to run or hike together. They are all formidable runners but at this age, injuries can hinder their efforts. Still, they take it in stride (pardon the pun) and say they have no interest in ever "retiring" from the sport they love. Younger folks may want to heed their message as runners of any age look to the future. Photo: From left: Henry...

In the latest installment of Paz and Hundo, we delve into the mysterious world of shoes and socks -- what works for us and what advice we give to you in your quest. Also, I give a brief-ish recap of my race at Pedernales Falls over the weekend. Photo: Me and Hundo wringing out our socks midway though a 20-miler in 2015.

I have discovered that simply grinding out miles day after day is a good thing. I'm looking forward to it, even if it is insanely hot and humid. I may be acclimating. I am logging miles to virtually get across Tennessee (and I am behind, but determined). I also offer up some tips on surviving summer races. And (no boys allowed) I talk about the Holy Grail of sports bras for me. I found one a few y...

Frank Arredondo is a friend of mine from the Rio Grande Valley. He is a pharmacist and became one of the first people to be hospitalized with COVID-19. He is doing great now, but he was on a ventilator for 10 days and given some experimental drugs. He was more or less of a guinea pig for doctors in the early days of the pandemic. Frank recounts his gripping story, including the bravery and tenacit...

In this episode, I talk a little about a training concept known as "Jeffing." It is a term related to coach and marathoner, J eff Galloway . The concept is regardless of your ability, by incorporating walk breaks into your runs will ultimately prevent injuries, help your mental outlook and allow you to accomplish faster finishing times than if you just ran the whole thing. I know this will ruffle...

On Saturday. four hardy souls toed the line for the Third Annual Ice Cream Challenge. Contestants have to eat a variety of ice cream treats and then run 1.5 miles in between each serving. It starts with a Chipwich and ends with a pint of ice cream -- unless you choose to go the Junior Varsity route. I spectated and shot video of the festivities. No one threw up but getting through the pint proved...

Paz and Hundo are back with some strategies and tips for running in the wild. Bodily function stories ahead. Plus, a bonus story about herding a baby goat back to its mama.

Matt Martinez was one of my running buddies when I lived in the Rio Grande Valley. He is 55, more of a road runner and doesn't aspire to run beyond 25K - ever. And that's OK. I think too often we pressure ourselves into aspiring to crazy distances or paces. Matt doesn't do that. He gets the run-life balance. We used to call him "Mr. Selfie" because he would post , um, selfies on Facebook after his...