Seems like yesterday I was just a little boy. The year 2008 is coming to an end and what a year it has been. Team Hendryx had some great programs and we look forward to some bigger things in 2009. I would like to thank a few sponsors for their support over the years. Rudy Project sunglasses, Clif Bar and Fleet Feet Sports in Orlando. Also, would like to thank all the Team Hendryx staff and all our participants this year. Wish everyone the best in 2009.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Memories of Huntsville State Park

Huntsville State Park used to be the place that I would do a lot of my long runs when I was in college. I have many memories (1985-1991) about running out in the park and a few stand out in my mind. http://www.stateparks.com/huntsville.html

1. One time we were running and we all saw this ball on the trail so one of our athletes decided to sprint up ahead and kick it. Well before he could stop his kicking motion he ended up kicking a bowling ball. I will have to say it was a funny watching him as he kicked it. It didn't go very far but he did put it in the air. After we all stopped laughing we decided we should make sure he didn't hurt himself. He did limp around for a few days.

2. Another time we decided we would do an extra long run and take a few trails we had never been on before. Well it ended up getting dark and we were having to cut through the brush and we ended up getting chiggers on us.


3. Also, I remember all the hard workouts that we used to do out there. Coach Stanfield (now the coach for UAB) used to make us to these two mile repeats on the hilly section. Coach Francis (no clue where he is now) used to drop us off at 6:00 a.m and make us run 8 miles back to the college. Coach Lumley (owns a running store), well we used to do some biking out on the roads in the park. I remember one time we were all climbing one of the hills coming out of the park and we heard some noise coming from one of the bikes and next thing you know the bike split right in half.

Lots more but I better stop.

Long Run

Well Bill and I just completed our 3 hour run out in Wekiwa Springs State Park. This is the first time I have ever run on the trails in this park and it was fun. I will have to say that running on trails is a lot of work for me because I have to stay focus at all times or I would end up on my face. Trail running is hard but fun. I guess Bill and I will need to do more of this if we plan on taking on the 50 mile run out in Huntsville State Park. I will have to say it will be neat to get a chance to run on the trails that I used to run on when I was in college. It will be a challenge for me because I don't usually eat much when I am racing but I am having to learn how to eat on the run.

Rene' National Board Certified for Teaching

Rene' my lovely wife has just passed her National Boards for Teaching. Congrats to her for all her hard work. Hard work does pay off.

Last long run until Disney race :)

With the Disney Marathon coming up, today was our last long run for our running groups. Everyone did a great job. You can tell that most were glad it was the last long run before the race and that they are looking forward to the shorter run next week and then the taper. Team Hendryx coaching is really looking forward to see everyone run the Disney 1/2 marathon, Marathon and Goofy. Keep up the good work and have a Merry Christmas.

Santa's Helper

Well Rene' is gone is for a few days so I am watching Mabel. I have always wonder what Mabel was up to while we are not home. I have some ideas but Rene' tells me that Mabel is too old to do anything. Now Mabel is 14 years old and enjoying what older animals like to do. Sleep is good in fact as I am typing now she is out like a light.

Rocky Raccoon 50 miler

Looks like I might be headed back to an area that I used to run when I was in college. I won't take on this event by myself because Coach Bill wants to do this race as well. Rene' will be there to help us out with our special needs. I am lucky to have family that doesn't live to far from the race so we will be staying with them. Now I have never run this far. I have run 26.2 miles but need to really work on my nutrition which is one of the most important thing. I would like to get one 50 miler under my belt but I probably won't want to do another one. I would like to get back to Ironman Triathlon Distance races.

Race info: http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky.html
Location: Huntsville State Park in Texas
Date: 7 February 2009
Event: 50mi starts @ 7:00am

Surprises at OUC 1/2 marathon

One of our own Team Hendryx athlete gets a big surprise at the finish of the OUC 1/2 marathon. Not only did Kaitlin have a great race but she got engaged as well.

OUC 1/2 marathon

Awesome job to all Team Hendryx athletes at this years OUC 1/2 marathon. There were a lot of PR's from our group and we are proud of each and everyone of you. Keep up the good work. We look forward to seeing great results at the Disney 1/2 and Marathon weekend.