Texas Nurse Practitioner And Marathoner Answers NYC COVID Call

(I learned today that five pieces of content that I had submitted to Texas Runner and Triathlete editor Lance Phegley to be included in an edition that was to feature what runners and triathletes did to keep themselves motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic was not included by the publisher in the purported last issue of the magazine.  As a result, I'm posting the content here on the blog to share with those who might have expected to see it.  I haven't seen the publication yet, but it is my understanding that the number of pages was dramatically reduced from the last quarterly edition.)

What are friends for, right?

Conroe’s Holly Benson will one day look back on March of this year and -- tell you’d she sign up again for all of what her good friends got her into.

After finishing six marathons in 13 months (the last being January’s Chevron Houston Marathon), the 33-year-old family nurse practitioner decided to have some fun for the Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Marathon the first Saturday of March.

Cajoled by her Volte Endurance Running teammate Bonnie Scholz, Benson and running partner Mayra Caamano, also of Volte, and Zero Dark Thirty’s Meredith Moss dressed up as superwomen and ran – all smiles - to a 3:12:39 second-place four-women marathon relay finish.

Three weeks later, a fellow family nurse practitioner reached out to Benson with an opportunity that she had discovered with a staffing company to go to New York City -- to care for patients in one of the world’s COVID-19 hotspots.

Less than 96 hours later and after a flurry of paperwork, packing, arranging for child care and managing her own personal anxiety, Benson and her friend were on a plane to the Big Apple.

Flying on wings of support from family, friends and well-wishers back home.

“My husband was incredibly supportive and understanding due to his experiences in his career, and he understood the risks as well,” she said.  “He simply kept encouraging me to remain strong and be as safe as I knew to be.”

She was assigned to care for patients at Harlem Hospital.

“Initially, I was working as a nurse practitioner on a general medical floor that was all COVID patients, ideally either improving to go home or were on hospice care,” she said.

Benson said that she cared for patients from the ages of 26 to 91.

She was able to leverage her nursing background at M.D. Anderson that involved Stem Cell Transplants in hematology and oncology patients, which she says often were situations of high acuity.

“The type of acuity seen with the COVID patients was certainly different than I or any of the other staff had seen,” she added.  “Traditional treatments and methods were not working and we were all learning together.”

Two weeks into her planned three-week stint, she was asked to transfer to the research team there at Harlem Hospital because the medications being used in research were similar to those she worked with at M.D. Anderson.

“To assist in research for COVID in the heat of THE pandemic struck a chord in my heart,” she explained.  “It was a way to really try to help proactively versus reactively.

“Since my husband and daughter were managing very well, I signed up for another 21-day rotation.  The decision was incredibly difficult, yet it felt like the right one and I do not regret it one bit.”

And because of the care at the outpatient family clinics she works at in north Houston, her company was supportive and saw it “as an opportunity for me to learn and be available as a resource concerning COVID to the company once I returned.”

When you meet Benson, it is clear how she carries herself that she lives her faith, yet she said – despite her faith – she “never felt fully safe”.

“I have a fair amount of faith in our attempts as healthcare providers to prevent infection, and I have an incredible amount of faith in God,” she said.  “I don’t believe that faith in God makes me above the capacity of being infected, as many of the sick also believe in Him!

“I felt as though it was completely possible that I might become infected; it’s such a new virus and the modes of transmission include airborne in a setting where patients are ventilated.

“I understood the risk I was taking and simply hoped and prayed that my health and fitness combined with my extreme efforts to prevent infection would be enough.”

Working 12-hour shifts for 32 of the 37 days she was in New York City didn’t give Benson too much time to keep up training as she said that her mileage was about eight to 10 miles per week.

“The running I was able to accomplish was incredibly therapeutic,” she said.

She said she ran in Central Park as it was close to the hotel they were stationed at.

“In those moments, life felt a bit normal and hope would reignite,” she said.  “I often prayed while running, and I found peace with God and His creation in my soul while running and praying.

“Tears were not lacking during some of these times remembering the tragedies I had seen and frustration over the oddities of the pathology of this wicked virus.

“Running provided a mental reset. Clarity. Peace. Hope. Gratitude for my health and this unique opportunity to try to help.”

And her help was greatly appreciated – by her people at home – whose concerns weren’t alleviated until she returned home, tested negative and was illness-free -- and those of New York City.

Her running friends couldn’t help think of the irony of her being dressed as a superwoman a month or two before donning different gear and being seen as a hero for – like a police officer or fireman or women – rushing to the hot-spot of a pandemic.

She insisted, though, that she doesn’t “feel like I am a hero”, saying that she was “just doing what I am supposed to do. It’s what I was created to do.”

However, “the showering of love from the people of NYC and my circle of friends and family has been so amazing and appreciated. It’s very humbling,” she added.

She said while she was in New York City she was always surprised and humbled when the citizens - especially children - would cheer and thank us while simply walking down the street.

Personally and professionally, Benson said she was stretched like never before.

“I was able to learn on the front lines of the pandemic with some of the brightest, hardest working professionals I have ever known,” she said.  “I have learned, as with running, that I am capable of much more than I ever thought possible by working so many endless days in such stressful situations.

“My resolve to live life to the fullest is a resolve I developed while working with oncology patients; it has been strengthened by this situation. I am blessed to have been allowed this experience and I pray that God continues to see fit to use me as He needs.”

Texans Flock To Cantrell's Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee

(I learned today that five pieces of content that I had submitted to Texas Runner and Triathlete editor Lance Phegley to be included in an edition that was to feature what runners and triathletes did to keep themselves motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic was not included by the publisher in the purported last issue of the magazine.  As a result, I'm posting the content here on the blog to share with those who might have expected to see it.  I haven't seen the publication yet, but it is my understanding that the number of pages was dramatically reduced from the last quarterly edition.)

When Barkley Marathons race director Gary Cantrell does something, he goes big – even when he’s at home in Tennessee.

Big’s Backyard Ultra.  A Race For The Ages.  The Last Annual Vol State Road Race.

Fueled by the global lockdowns, shelter in place orders and the inevitable shutdown of racing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cantrell, better known as Lazarus Lake, created The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000K.

It is a take-off on the 314-mile road race, that goes across Tennessee from Dorena Landing, Missouri to Castle Rock, Georgia every July.

Actually 1,021.68 kilometers long, runners would venture from Anthonyville, Arkansas to the northeast tip of the state at the Virginia-Tennessee border.

Runners have four months – from May 1 to August 31 – to run a little over 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) – or about five miles a day wherever they are.

Or more, if they sign up after the first.  No backloading miles.

As of May 18, some 19,287 runners from all over the globe – 77 countries and at least 22 of the 24 time zones -- had signed up for the event that will deliver approximately $200,000 to food banks throughout Tennessee.

Texans are a little more than four percent of the field with 880 runners, as of May 18.

And one – Selma’s John Sharp – finished the distance with 634 miles at the end of day, Wednesday, May 12.

61 were averaging more than 10 miles a day and 323 miles have completed a 10K or more per day.

810.8 - John Sharp, 42, Selma
353.0 - Dale Cougot, 54, Garland
298.7 - Bobby Whittington, 33, Fort Worth
288.8 - William Moeller, 64, Spring
280.9 - Wayne Bullard, 56, The Colony
254.6 - Steve Maliszewski, 48, Houston
253.3 - Van Joslin, 34, Spring
251.2 - Jason Ball, 42
237.4 - Jay Teinert, 57, Bedford
234.9 - David Coats, 59, Houston

273.6 - Stephanie Stonebraker, 36, Fort Worth
262.4 - Elizabeth Ferguson, 43
258.0 - Jean Hofschulte, 53, Spring
253.1 - Kay Leighton, 50, Bedford
246.4 - Tracy Larson, 39, Houston
245.0 - Davina Nichols, 51, Keller
243.0 - Leslie Williamson, 35, McKinney
242.7 - Hazel Chase, 46, Houston
236.3 - Penny Lane, 56, Austin
235.0 - Robin Phelps, 58, Spring

And, of course, imitators have followed.

The One NY Challenge, which includes both a 1000K and 500K Challenge and managed by the producers of the Syracuse Half Marathon, has nearly 10,000 runners on its leaderboards that will attempt to mimic a run from the Niagara Falls to Montauk Point on the eastern end of Long Island.

SPC Coaches Go Over 5,000 Miles In One Day For 2020 Senior Student-Athletes

(I learned today that five pieces of content that I had submitted to Texas Runner and Triathlete editor Lance Phegley to be included in an edition that was to feature what runners and triathletes did to keep themselves motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic was not included by the publisher in the purported last issue of the magazine.  As a result, I'm posting the content here on the blog to share with those who might have expected to see it.  I haven't seen the publication yet, but it is my understanding that the number of pages was dramatically reduced from the last quarterly edition.)

All across America, communities found innovative ways to recognize their student-athletes who lost their senior season of competition to the COVID-19 crisis.

The 18 schools of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), all but one of who are located in Texas, may have outdone them all – and themselves.

The athletic departments and their coaching staffs pledged to run, hike, bike and walk 2,020 miles in honor of their seniors on Saturday, May 2.

Generally, depending on where they would have started and finished on both coasts, the 476 coaches collectively could have run, walked and cycled across the United States and back as they registered 5,397.82 miles.

Five schools posted totals of more than 400 miles with Houston St. John’s School edging out Fort Worth Trinity Valley School by just less than a 5K and The Woodlands John Cooper School by less than a 5-miler.

The Mavericks coaching staff led the way with 486.90 miles, followed by the Trojans with 484.45 and the Dragons with 482.01.

The idea was the brainchild of John Cooper School athletic director John Hoye.

“As coaches, we have a respect for one another and enjoy friendly competition,” said Hoye.  “This is an opportunity for all of us to connect.”

SPC Commissioner Bob Windham couldn’t have agreed more.

“I really appreciate the SPC Athletic Directors working together to create an event to honor our senior athletes," he said. "This has been an unsettling and difficult time for all of our athletes, coaches, and fans. I am glad to see the ADs have initiated a fun activity to end what would have been the end of our spring season.”

And fun it was.

Episcopal School of Dallas crew coach Adam Jones led all cyclists with 81 miles, edging out Fort Worth Country Day School cross country and track coach Lexi Endicott by just a mile.  Fort Worth Trinity Valley School cross country coach Carry Hansen rounded out the podium with 65.1 miles on the bike.

Dallas Hockaday School cross country and swimming coach Rachel Grabow, also a Dallas Running Club member, led all runners with 26.25 miles, which might have been expected as she has completed 42 races of marathon or greater distance since her marathon debut at the Cowtown Marathon in February 2013.

Houston The Kinkaid School assistant girls soccer coach Tarik Guendouzi was second with 20.9 miles while Houston St. John’s School girls basketball coach Kathy Halligan was third with 20.2.

Bellaire Episcopal High School head track and field coach Isaiah Coleman grabbed the walking division with 50 kilometers -- on the treadmill.

Dallas Hockaday School head athletic trainer Jeanne Olson was second with 22 miles and Houston The Kinkaid School mental skills coach John Couture edged out Austin St. Andrew’s School’s Victor Nunez by less than a mile with 13.76 miles.

Dallas St. Mark’s School of Texas associate athletic director Josh Friesen was first in multisport miles with 56.5, besting Fort Worth Country Day School boys head soccer coach Mike Vincent and The Woodlands John Cooper School cross country, track and basketball coach Carrie Aman, who achieved 51 and 50.53 miles, respectively.

Houston St. John’s School – 486.90
Fort Worth Trinity Valley School – 484.45
The Woodlands John Cooper School – 482.01
Fort Worth Country Day School – 439.11
Dallas Hockaday School – 411.84
Austin St. Stephen’s Episcopal School – 378.30
Houston The Kinkaid School – 348.41
Dallas St. Mark’s School of Texas – 338.08
Dallas Greenhill School – 321.25
Bellaire Episcopal High School – 319.27
Austin St. Andrew’s Episcopal School – 268.52
Episcopal School of Dallas – 243.21
Arlington The Oakridge School – 191.40
Houston Awty International School – 186.72
Oklahoma City Casady School – 175.90
Houston Christian High School – 139.02
Houston Duchesne Academy – 135.20
Irving Cistercian Prep – 15.6

Cycling Miles
81 - Adam Jones, Episcopal School of Dallas
80 – Lexi Endicott, Fort Worth Country Day School
65.1 – Carry Hansen, Fort Worth Trinity Valley School
63.25 – Jeff Kralik, Houston Awty International School
55.1 – Charleton Perry, Austin St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
50.3 – Alexis Jones, Dallas Hockaday School
50 – Andy Aceves, Austin St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
50 – Neil Mendalson, Austin St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
37 – Brady Brown, Fort Worth Country Day School
33.25 – Kendall Bernard, Houston St. John’s School

Multi-Sport Miles
56.5 – Josh Friesen, Dallas St. Mark’s School of Texas
51 – Mike Vincent, Fort Worth Country Day School
50.53 – Carrie Aman, The Woodlands John Cooper School
44.3 – Spencer Dornin, Dallas St. Mark’s School of Texas
44.12 – Kyle Kennedy, Fort Worth Trinity Valley School
40.58 – Kenny Halligan, Houston St. John’s School
38.01 – Heidi Crone, Dallas Hockaday School
33.3 – Julius Michael, Bellaire Episcopal High
30.34 – Amber Clevenger, The Woodlands John Cooper School
30 – Jennifer Johnson, Dallas Hockaday School

Running Miles
26.25 – Rachel Grabow, Dallas Hockaday School
20.9 – Tarik Guendouzi, Houston The Kinkaid School
20.2 – Kathy Halligan, Houston St. John’s School
15.05 – Keon Jefferson, Fort Worth Country Day School
13.1 – Matt Byrd, Austin St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
10.32 – John Hoye, The Woodlands John Cooper School
10.04 – Gillian Glengarry, Dallas Greenhill School
10 – Curt Brooks, Houston The Kinkaid School
9.03 – David Nelson, Houston Christian High School
8.13 – Matt Blimline, Dallas Greenhill School

Walking Miles
31.2 – Isaiah Coleman, Bellaire Episcopal High School
22 – Jeanne Olson, Dallas Hockaday School
13.76 – John Couture, Houston The Kinkaid School
12.92 – Victor Nunez, Austin St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
12.4 – Walt Miga, Dallas St. Mark’s School of Texas
11.11 – Josh Blumenthal, Austin St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
11 – Matt Assiff, Houston The Kinkaid School
11 – Jack Soliman, Houston St. John’s School
10.89 – Sam Chambers, Houston St. John’s School
10.7 – John Tomczak, Houston St. John’s School

Baylor WR Benitez Runs Longest Pattern to Date at Virtual Silo District Marathon

(I learned today that five pieces of content that I had submitted to Texas Runner and Triathlete editor Lance Phegley to be included in an edition that was to feature what runners and triathletes did to keep themselves motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic was not included by the publisher in the purported last issue of the magazine.  As a result, I'm posting the content here on the blog to share with those who might have expected to see it.  I haven't seen the publication yet, but it is my understanding that the number of pages was dramatically reduced from the last quarterly edition.)

While Baylor wide receiver Ricardo Benitez's head coach Matt Ruhle was taking a new job with the Carolina Panthers and four teammates were preparing to be drafted in late April's NFL Draft, he was still training, but differently than the rest of his teammates.

Sure, the Plano West graduate had been studying new head coach Dave Aranda's playbook for the 2020 season, but Benitez was training to run the Silo District Marathon - Chip Gaines' creation two years ago that raises money to benefit the foundation of the late Gabe Grunewald, a professional runner who succumbed last year to a rare form of cancer.

Ricardo knows all about rare too, but differently.

Benitz is 4-foot-2. He was born without femurs, a disability known as femur hypoplasia.

While the Silo District Marathon, like all other events across the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, was cancelled, Benitez still planned to cover the distance that same weekend, Saturday, April 25, 2020.

The Gaines' called in their volunteer coordinator - and one of Waco's most notable local athletes - Nancy Goodnight for help.

Not only did Goodnight, a veteran of more than 160 marathons and 16 Ironmans, design the course she - and her daughter Elizabeth - along with a pair of Benitez's teammates, Bears signal caller Brandon Bass and safety Will Baxter, covered every step of the way with Ricardo.

He also received support from other area runners, including the Waco Striders Running Club, who set up aid stations, cheered for and offered encouragement the entire way.

Even those with the cancelled Chalk Waco Chalk Art Festival drew a colorful eagle with the saying, "Rise with wings like eagles," just beyond his finish line at the end of the Suspension Bridge which spans the Brazos River.

"This is our guy right here," Bass, the former Addison Trinity Christian Trojan, told KWTX-TV.  "I mean, we do everything together.  I wasn't just going to let him do this by himself."

Not for one minute out of Ricardo's 13-hour, two-minute time that started that morning at 4 a.m.

"Sunburned, tired and blistered, they refused to leave his side," said Goodnight.

And for Ricardo?

"He never, ever really quit," Goodnight told KWTX-TV.  "No matter what, he wasn't ever even considering quitting.  Not for one minute."

The extremely outgoing mother of four daughters and endurance sports community leader was for one of a few times -- at a loss for words.

"I've been trying to think of how to describe this day since I crossed the finish line, but it was utterly indescribable," she said on her Facebook page post-race.

After he finished, he remarked to KWTX's Julie Hays, "I won.  We won."

No, Ricardo, we all win - because of feats like yours.

Seven Hills RC Has One of First Races Back In Texas After COVID-19

(I learned today that five pieces of content that I had submitted to Texas Runner and Triathlete editor Lance Phegley to be included in an edition that was to feature what runners and triathletes did to keep themselves motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic was not included by the publisher in the purported last issue of the magazine.  As a result, I'm posting the content here on the blog to share with those who might have expected to see it.  I haven't seen the publication yet, but it is my understanding that the number of pages was dramatically reduced from the last quarterly edition.)

With permission from Walker County Judge Danny Pierce and guidance from the Road Runners Club of America, the Seven Hills Running Club in Huntsville was still able to host its annual Memorial Day 5K and 1-Mile Run -- even if some of its regular annual traditions had to be set aside because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some 30 club members and friends made their way to the Timberwilde subdivision where Ken and Marilynn Johnson's driveway turns into the race's start and finish line.

While post-race breakfast tacos had to be foregone, Steven Bickford's speech about the meaning of Memorial Day and Waverly Walk's National Anthem were missed and attendance was down, the spirits were just as high as always, especially as everyone was racing for the first time since early March.

A brand-new course - held on wide, non-busy streets that didn't require any type of closures and that Johnson had laid out and measured -- was open to runners for two hours, starting at 8 a.m.

Participants brought their own completed entry form and fluids, if needed, started when they wished, timed themselves and submitted those results manually to Johnson or via e-mail after leaving the site.  All in an effort to produce a contactless race among participants.

Steve Pecina and Myriam Mayes had the fastest times in the 5K with marks of 22:29 and 28:40, respectively.  Martin Mayes led all runners in the one-mile in 7:36.

Johnson, a long-time officer with the Club, credited RRCA South Texas Representative Lee Greb in working with the National Office of the RRCA, who insures Seven Hills' club events, to help

Greb thanked the Club on Facebook "for having one of the earliest events since Covid-19, a safe one and for leading the way."

Three of the two races' finishers were awarded $25 gift cards to Academy in an off-site, post-race drawing.

Texas' Largest Independence Day-Themed Races - 2020

Using the number of timed finishers as the metric, here is a list by individual race distances of Fourth of July-themed races in Texas in 2020:

182 - Christoval VFD Firecracker 5K, Christoval, 7/4
131 - Lake Granbury Kiwanis Firecracker 5K, Granbury, 7/4
90 - Christoval VFD Firecracker 1M, Christoval, 7/4
84 - Cox Running Club 4th 5K, Fort Worth, 7/4
84 - Freedom 5K, Snyder, 7/4

77 - Popsicle Run 4M, Kyle, 7/4
74 - Fireman's 4 2-Mile Walk, Port O'Connor, 7/4
68 - Firecracker 5K, Mexia, 7/4
64 - West Texas Running Club Firecracker 3M, Brownfield, 7/4
46 - Popsicle Run 3K, Kyle, 7/4

41 - West Texas Running Club Firecracker 10K, Brownfield, 7/4
38 - Fireman's 4-Miler, Port O'Connor, 7/4
26 - Freedom 1M, Snyder, 7/4
19 - Freedom 10K, Snyder, 7/4
17 - Firecracker 1M Walk, Mexia, 7/4

These were live, in-person races.  No virtual run finisher numbers are included above.

Texas Fourth of July Races 2020

As of 12 a.m., June 14, 2020, this is the current status of all of the Fourth of July-themed races in the Lone Star state.

Please take the time to investigate these races online as some may have terms or prices you may or may not be in agreement with, such as no race day packet pickup.

Still On
Christoval VFD Firecracker 5K/1M, Christoval, 7/4
Cox Running Club 4th 5K/1M, Fort Worth, 7/4
12th annual Firecracker 5000, Fort Worth, 7/4
Firecracker 5K, Greenville, 7/4
Firecracker 5K/1M, Mexia, 7/4 (HELD)
Firecracker Flight 10K/5K, Georgetown, 7/4
Firecracker Flight Austin 10K/5K, Georgetown, 6/27
8th annual Fireman's 4 4M/2M Walk, Port O'Connor, 7/4 (HELD)
Hotter 'N Firecrackers 5K, Frisco, 7/3 (CANCELLED)
Lake Granbury Kiwanis Firecracker 5K, Granbury, 7/4 (HELD)
Pecan Grove VFD 5 Miles My Way, Richmond, 7/4 (CANCELLED)
Popsicle Run 4M/3K/1K, Kyle, 7/4
Run White and Blue 5K, Rancho Viejo, 6/27
Stu's Country Mile 5K/Kids 1K, Centerville, 7/4 (CANCELLED)
Texas Bud Heat Wave 5M/Michelob Ultra 5K, Mont Belvieu, 7/4 (SUSPENDED)
West Texas Running Club Firecracker Run 10K/3M/1M, Brownfield, 7/4 (HELD)

Tentative
Run For The Blue 5K, Dallas, 7/11 (Registration Not Open; Will be virtual we've been told!)

Moved to a New Date
September 7 - Run Wild 5K, Houston

No Information Available
Stars & Stripes 5K, Mission, 7/4

Virtual
Dow Firecracker 4M/2M, Lake Jackson
Firecracker Flight 10K/5K, Arlington (moved on this list on June 15)
Firecracker Flight 10K/5K, Fort Worth, 6/27 (moved on this list on June 15)
Flag Run 5K, Boerne
Freedom Fighter 5K, Tyler
Independence Day 8K, Houston
Liberty Run 5K Run, Denton
Midland Freedom Run 10K/5K, Midland
Rowlett Freedom 5K on Main, Rowlett
San Antonio Road Runners Freedom Day Four Miler, San Antonio
TXU Energy Wings of Freedom 10K/5K, Houston
Up And Running Fourth of July 5K, El Paso

Unknown
City of Del Rio 4th of July 5K Color Run, Del Rio
Firecracker 5K Evening Run, San Marcos
Fitness Today & Cisco Chamber of Commerce Red, White and BOOM 5K Color Run, Cisco
Freedom Fest 5K, Mathis
Freedom Run 10K/5K, Snyder
Pioneer Firecracker 5K, Leon Valley
Stars and Stripes 5K/1M, Eagle Pass

Cancelled
Coolest 5K in Texas, Fort Davis (May 29)
Corpus Christi Road Runners Four on the Fourth, Corpus Christi (June 6)
Firecracker 5K, Lago Vista (May 4)
First Colony Community Association Freedom 5K, Sugar Land (May 26)
Liberty by the Lake 10K/5K, The Colony
Memorial Villages 5K, Houston (moved to this category on June 15)
Old Jo's Firecracker Run 5K, St. Jo (May 19)
Patriot 5K, Trophy Club
runDallas Five on the 4th 5M/5K, Dallas
RUN, White & Blue 5K, Bastrop (May 27)
Shiner Half Moon Holidays 5K, Shiner (May 20)

My 2020 Races

January
1.  Texas Half Marathon, 1/1 (Kingwood, TX) - 2:19:48.74
2.  Thin Mint Sprint 5K, 1/11 (College Station, TX) - 29:15.22
3.  Arches Resolution 10K, 1/11 (Temple, TX) - 59:56.16
4.  We Are Houston 5K, 1/18 (Houston, TX) - 29:04.21
5.  5K Run to the Polar Bear Plunge, 1/25 (Copperas Cove, TX) - 28:47.06 (3.06 miles)
6.  Wildcat Dash 5K Color Run, 1/25 (Temple, TX) - 28:19.76 (2.88 miles)
7.  Miracle Match Half Marathon, 1/26 (Waco, TX) - 2:31:14.02

February
8.  Fort Bend Kia Half Marathon, 2/2 (Sugar Land, TX) - 2:10:43.23
9.  Bear Creek Greenbelt parkrun #17 5K, 2/15 (Keller, TX) -- 28:49.25
10.  13th annual Run The Line Half Marathon, 2/16 (Texarkana, TX) -- 2:15:41.50
11.  Run The Woodlands 5K, 2/22 (The Woodlands, TX) -- 29:38.98
12.  The Woodlands Waterway parkrun #5 5K, 2/22 (The Woodlands, TX) -- 29:40.60
13.  Tom King Classic 5K, 2/29 (Nashville, TN) -- 28:37.24

March
14.  Run For Wellness - Heights 5K, 3/1 (Houston, TX) -- 29:33.56
15.  The Woodlands Running Club Sunday Night 5K, 3/1 (The Woodlands, TX) -- 43:25.87 (with Ken Johnson
16.  9th annual San Jacinto Texas Independence Fun Run 5K, 3/7 (La Porte, TX) -- 29:13.65
17.  Summer Creek Bulldogs 5K Fun Run, 3/7 (Houston, TX) -- 27:59.47 (likely 3 miles)
18.  St. Paddy's Day 5K, 3/14 (New Braunfels, TX) -- 30:03.77

May
19.  2nd annual Larry Don's 7 & 7K, 5/23 (Gustine, TX) -- 42:10.65 (42:09.1) 1AG
20.  Memorial Day 5K, 5/25 (Huntsville, TX) -- 30:34.63

June
21.  Stop Distracted Driving 5K, 6/6 (Huntsville, TX) -- 31:34.57 (likely 3.23 miles per Steve Allen)

July22.  Firecracker 5K, 7/4 (Mexia, TX) -- 31:04.27 (likely 3.09 miles per Keith Cotropia)