The Stubborn Tortoise

Mendoza, a South Texas native, has a compelling backstory about his upbringing, race and being first in his family to graduate from college. He coaches high school cross country and has seen his team win state championships. He raises money for his team to travel outside of the Valley by holding local road and trail races. In between, he coaches adults. He is a very accomplished runner in his own right. And no matter what your ability, Coach Mendoza always has supportive things to say.

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 encouraging others to reach their goal.

I had a bit of a COVID scare last week. I purposely stayed off of social media until I knew the results, On Saturday night, I found out I tested negative. While most were supportive and upbeat, I had a handful of folks with unsolicited advice: I should be tested again because it was likely a false negative. Wow, way to throw cold water on you after an agonizing wait. And while I know the advice came from a place of sincerity, that particular moment was not the time to hear this kind of news. Eventually, I killed the post. My unsolicited advice: think of how the other person will receive that news. Imagine you tell people you're cancer-free (not the most accurate analogy) and people pile on saying, "It's probably wrong and will come back." A lesson for us all.

It's been a few weeks, people. I know. Had a couple of eps ready to go and I changed my mind because I wasn't happy with them.In the past few weeks, I have rekindled my love of running, but also adjusted my plans for a couple of upcoming races out of an abundance of caution -- or pride.And one of you gets a shoutout. You'll just have to listen to find out. :)

Kate Mihevc Edwards used to run for no particular reason, except that she loved it. Then, she discovered the world of competitive running in college and ran numerous half marathons and 13 marathons -- three of which were Boston. On her son's first birthday, she went for a run, like always. As she returned home, her heart rate skyrocketed to 300 bpm. She was later diagnosed with a rare heart condition that sidelined any hope of returning to running.Meanwhile, she left her career in marketing and studied to be a physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic specialist who practices running medicine. She has over 15+ years of experience working with high performers, CEOs, runners and athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to Olympians. She is the founder of Precision Performance Running Medicine Clinic in Atlanta, GA, the RUNsource app and co-host of the Interdisciplinary Case MIles Podcast. She is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team supporting Atlanta Track Club Elite. Dr. Edwards has served as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine and is a published author and speaker, contributing extensively to education, research and the advancement of sports medicine for runners. Follow her at: @katemihevcedwards @FBrunsource @precisionpt_atl

I'm signing up for races all over the place. I guess that means getting out of the house and actually running.Strangely, a memory came up on Facebook the other day. It was a photo of me and Orly (Hundo) with Normita looking on as we wrung out our socks midway through a 20-miler. I mentioned that I went out later and got in 3 more miles. (!) Those were the days when I was training for a 50-miler.I look back on that time and realize it likely won't happen again. But, I'm grateful to have had the ability to get through almost three 50s.

Geez, Louise, it's been a wild few days. My car began vibrating like it did last year when the front control arm/bushing (listen to me talking like I know what I'm talking about) cracked. I fear that the rear version is faulty and did not feel great about driving up to Killeen for last night's Hill Country Strong race. Putting the car in the shop on Wednesday after my summer class (Podcasting!) ends. Meanwhile, I look back at another time when another car failed me on the way to a summer race and the resulting drama about that.As if that wasn't enough, it's been Wild Kingdom around here. A couple of weeks ago, a squirrel got stuck in my chimney but found its way out. A few days ago, a family of raccoons moved under my house. They're cute, sure. Not fun though as they scamper under my bedroom and tub at night. I have a trapper coming by tomorrow to estimate the cost and remove and relocate them somewhere in the wild. I definitely don't want them killed. It's not their fault.And, I had to go three rounds yesterday with health care folks in order to get a prescription they claimed was a duplicate.I got it, but, boy, what a process.I did run-walk a mile 30-30 today and fast hiked another. It's humbling to return to the start, but here I am. Grateful to have that ability, to be honest.

The Kerrville flood remains a horrific piece of Texas/national history. I have signed up for a couple of races to help give back to that community. I even kicked in some extra at HEB's fancy Central Market to help. I also signed up for a race in San Antonio next month called Poker 5K. I misremembered the name of the org benefiting from this. Also, a big shout-out to my dear friend, PJ Izaguierre, for all that he is doing for the recovery effort. He had to move the Colorado Bend race to another venue, marked it, and it got flooded. Undeterred, he found a new place and I hope to see you out there on Saturday night!

I have been gutted all weekend by the news of the floods in Hill Country, my playground. I weep for the families of lost children and my former police-reporter sensibilities kicked in this morning when I thought of all of the funerals and small caskets.It's a little too much.There are a lot of factors that played into this disaster.Most are political, unfortunately.I can only hope this unites us to work toward our best interests instead of those that benefit the few.If you wan to help, sign up by the end of the day today and all proceeds will benefit the victims.

I've been making concerted efforts to return to running and volunteering, but sometimes life gets in the way. That said, I am determined to do the inaugural half marathon in December at the San Antonio Marathon.I also take a little time to get political, if you will.Not sorry. I am honestly concerned about what is happening and if you never hear from me again, I've told you why. Not crazy about the idea of being thrown into a prison but I am a childless Cat Lady who is outspoken and teaches journalism. I know I could be a target.Otherwise, life goes on.

Tia Banks is a former professional flag football and basketball player. Injuries caused her to switch gears. She took up hiking and in 2021, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in six days. She was sick with an unknown illness but persevered. She has translated that experience into a career as a resilience coach: helping people of all ages to reframe their negative thoughts. Her story is inspirational. To contact her or read more, go here: https://www.tiabanks.com/

It's been a frustrating six or so weeks. Weather and arthritis in my hip and lower back are creating havoc for my return to running.In the last week, I managed to hike 2 miles until my hip yelled at me to stop. Later last week, I returned to the ol' walk-run format.It's a start, but not what I envision. Hoping to get back at it gradually until I can knock out a half or 25K without it killing me.Also, some tales about why you should not let your medications lapse after your primary care physician moves to another state. The former practice will not re-prescribe and without an appointment two months from now.Not great if you need it NOW.The story ends well, but the lesson is learned.

A dozen years ago I happened upon a book in the middle of a dirt road surrounding a cotton field. It was a Bible. In Spanish. I still wonder why someone who had likely carried it with them across the US-Mexico border suddenly dropped it and left it behind. Were they being chased by border patrol or some law enforcement agency? I will never know for sure. But it got me to thinking about all of the random things trail runners find discarded in the woods, like they'll magically disappear.

A longish story about why I did not volunteer on Sunday at the Bandera trail race, plus some history. Also, why I won't be running Big Bend this weekend. But the real story involves a terrific indoor rowing event at my favorite workout spot, overcoming mental obstacles and treating it like an ultra. Oh, and I threw in a couple of journalism references, explained, along with a nod to my Documentary Film History class and the new Bob Dylan biopic.

I was reacquainted with some old friends from the RGV and made new ones during the Snowdrop 55-hour relay last week. It was a great experience and I made new friends and supported a great cause. Photo: l-r: Janelle Uroff, Silvia Garza, me, Shanty Rodriguez, Vicki Allen, Norma Lozano

Hey, it's New Year's Eve, and I am looking back a little on the year. This episode gives you a very brief peek at Snowdrop, but more importantly, a look at some creeps from this past year. The last of which I skillfully avoided at Snowdrop. He does not deserve my time or attention, but here I am, outlining his creepy behavior. For 2025, I only want to meet decent men who aren't social retards or who think they're my last hope for romance. Yo: I'm good. I'd rather be alone than with a loser.

As I ready to embark on the Snowdrop 55-hour relay event at the end of the month, I spent some time looking back at times when I needed to muster up my own resilience to help others reach their goals. It is a well I need to rely on for the coming year.

I ran my first race in almost six months. It went well, except for the men who decided not to alert me that they were passing me, or who scared the hell out of me when they passed, or who almost ran me over on the course. I am a 12-year veteran of trail races. I am accustomed to the "on your left," courtesy. Or "good job, runner!" Yesterday, I seldom heard this, as guys nearly mowed me over because they thought they were going to win a course record. It was a seismic shift in my experience with this sport and kind of concerned me. One of the reasons I love this sport is for its egalitarian nature, and support of each other. I didn't feel much of that yesterday at my FAVORITE race of the year. Once I finished, I spotted some political signs asking people to vote Republican and mentioned Trump, Vance and Cruz. The election was 11 days ago. Why are you showing these signs, much less at a dang trail race, where the expectation is to be egalitarian? The offenders claimed that the "wind" (2 mph) blew away their signs of support for runners and left behind the hideous political crap. They sat there for awhile, with those signs intimidating anyone who felt otherwise. They obviously cared little for anyone who wasn't invested in their "cause." Your team won. Yay. Just stop bringing your beliefs to MY happy place.

Essentially what the headline says. You may not like the first half because of my personal views. But, I encourage you to stick around.

I'm baaaack! Running/strong hiking is my new thing, which demonstrates that I am improving after a long hiatus. Happy to be back.