The Stubborn Tortoise

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Essentially what the headline says. You may not like the first half because of my personal views. But, I encourage you to stick around. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I'm baaaack! Running/strong hiking is my new thing, which demonstrates that I am improving after a long hiatus. Happy to be back. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Deepak Shukla has been a runner since he was a teenager. The sport comes easily to him, although he has had his share of finishes and DNFs. The 38-year-old digital marketing manager did the Chicago Marathon, his first, in 4:40. From there, he crossed over to the dark side: ultras. Rather than completing a 50K or 50-mile race, he opted for a 100K. From there, he tackled the hundo, with mixed results. In December, he will attempt his first 200-mile race: the Centurion Winter Downs, a single loop around the south of England (He is English, after all.) Runners get 96 hours to complete this feat. We talk about his running career, the ups and downs of ultras and whether he listens to music on race day. Very interesting person, now based in Northwest Italy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

It's something that every woman will experience, yet we're left feeling overwhelmed, demoralized and confused when this life change hits. It is especially challenging when you're an active woman and it feels like overnight you've got a swim ring around your middle and your pants don't fit. Mironda Meyer, a Concord, Vermont-based coach, is one of the administrators of Facebook's Menopausal Athletes page. She has a great website full of resources. This is an episode for both women and men. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I was fortunate to interview Kenneth Anderlitch in December 2022, shortly after he spent 19 days running 840 miles across Texas to raise almost $57,000 for Pay it Forward SA. This organization provides resources for those in recovery. On Sept. 20, Kenneth embarked on an even bigger challenge: to run from Washington, D.C. to San Antonio. He expects this 1,800-mile journey to take about six weeks. His goal is to raise money for a new program called Families in Recovery, which allows families to remain together while they heal in treatment. You can read about his journey, watch a documentary, and contribute here. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I read ⁠an article⁠ about how running clubs in New York City are overrun (ha ha) with singles looking to meet others. The problem is, the subjects said, these clubs are almost as useless as dating apps. It got me thinking about my own experiences. First and foremost, the trail community is my tribe. I unwittingly found a group of like-minded people who are altruistic, tough and don't mind getting dirty. I have had a few instances where I've met some guys whom I thought shared a connection, especially an aid-station volunteer I met at Pedernales Falls in 2013, when I DNF'd due to heat exhaustion. We had some great conversations but nothing came of it, and that was fine. I did a little crowdsourcing yesterday on some FB trail forums and found a few people who met their spouse or significant other through the trail/running scene. Others have not. Bottom line: I don't run races or volunteer with an ulterior motive. But sometimes, friendships and potential romances are forged in the unlikliest of places. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

t helps to keep things in perspective when you're beating yourself down. And other stories. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I have been attempting to recommit to running/power hiking for about a year and a half. This time, I am getting serious. I miss spending hours on my feet on weekends. I've been committed to running/hiking a few times per week and at least once on the weekend. I think I just needed the mental break. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Courtney Lumpkin Classen weighed 334 pounds in 2012. She had gastric bypass surgery and began walking, and then began to run...she has finished multiple marathons and her first 50K in March. She has her sights set on a 50-miler. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

It's been a minute. I recap my trip to Florida. Despite my absolute love for where I used to live, I realized this week I can't go back. But, it will be a nice place to visit. Running on a beach is not what I remembered and it is dang hot. I've signed up for the Big Bend 20K in January, which will be an adventure. Just catching up. Photo: the view from my back-row window as we finally left Miami on July 22. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

My return to running is not the stellar triumph I'd imagined, but it's there. And I don't suck as bad as before. Stories about the impending trip to Florida, smoke detector nonsense and the death of a bat. Not proud. But, I hope y'all can forgive me. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

After six or so weeks, I am back at the podcasting thing. And the running thing, too. It's been a nice break but I'm glad to be back. I have pretty much restarted running from scratch. (Like, I'm in a 10K walk-run training group.) It's humbling but necessary. I've been dealing with some aggravations in the hip and lower back but am trying to ease myself into it. Oh, and there is talk of my YOLO summer, which involved seeing Orville Peck with my sister and a return to Florida mid-July to reconnect with some former colleagues. And, I am continuing to work on my new podcast, "Sitting at the Kids' Table," which may also be released as a book. So, I've been busy. Welcome to season 6! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I've been doing this thing almost every week for close to five years. Admittedly, I've hit a wall: I'm not running, racing or volunteering like before, and it is getting to be a challenge to find weekly guests. So, I'm going to not force this for a couple of months, or until I have some more stories to tell. I do this as a labor of love, so it's not like it's a job. Meanwhile, I am ramping up the training, little by little. I've also got another podcast on a burner that I have been kicking around for years. It will be called, "Sitting at the Kids' Table," and is about being 40, leaving behind a successful journalism career to start grad school with the hopes of teaching journalism. This notion got a nudge when I watched (and rewatched) Netflix's great show called "Baby Reindeer," which is created and acted by the amazing Richard Gadd. Our stories are personal, but his is written with a near-perfect dramatic arc. I am not sure if my grad-school days are close to being as compelling as that show, but I do know both come from an authentic place. Anyway, still working out how I will do this, but it won't be boring. Looking forward to re-joining the trail-running community, getting more stories to tell, both personal and otherwise. Until then, thanks for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

This is such a fun chat with two of my RGV friends, Coach and Hundo. They drove 38 hours straight from Mission, Texas to Marlboro, Mass. on April 11. By the 13th, they were setting up 10-foot-long interlocking barricades that weighed up to 30 pounds apiece, alongside 70-something local women. The RGV duo were not volunteers. They were paid $350 per day to work on the course and to do operations. The days were long and hard, but memorable as they worked behind the scenes at the world's oldest annual marathon. Mendoza, a retired high school coach from Donna High School ISD, first began working behind the scenes as a volunteer in 2019. From there, he returned each year, but as a paid worker. Mendoza gained experience to help him direct South Texas International Marathon, a point-to-point race that goes through cities along the US-Mexico border. Montalvo is a retired high school science and engineering teacher who coached the Sharyland High School robotics team. He is also an accomplished ultrarunner. Here is their recount of working behind the scenes at the 128th Boston Marathon. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Robert Gonzales ran his first 50K about a month ago. He is 74 years old. He had a mishap during that race that later required surgery, but he finished the race in 8:47, well ahead of others much younger. Gonzales tells me about his running journey, with credit to his coach, Christi Myers Faulk, and his daughter, Roxanne Lockhart. He is not ready to stop at a 50K. He now has his sights on getting a 100-mile buckle. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I had Easter lunch with my friend, Jessica. Over the course of our conversation, we agreed to do the Wild Hare 50K in November. We also agreed to hold each other accountable in our respective training plans. Another form of commitment is that I am signing up to be the team captain for The Flying Chanclas relay team this year at Snowdrop. I'm looking for a few folks willing to loop around a .69-mile course for a couple of hours throughout the 55-hour event. That would likely mean you would have three shifts, or be a masochist like I was a few years back when I did the whole six hours in one stretch. Not recommended. Anyway, follow the link above for more info and let me know if you're in. C'mon, you know you wanna. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I reached WAAAAAY into the archives and uprooted this old gem from the early days of this podcast. This is about the relationships you make while on the trails. It's fun, short and sweet. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I have talked to my fair share of gritty runners, but Lisa Tuckwood may be the grittiest. Maybe it's her background in the Army or maybe it's just how she is, but regardless, Lisa is one tough lady. She's always been athletic, but didn't start running races until 2015 -- three months after back surgery. Her record speaks for itself. No DNFs, but enduring some incredible challenges. She's got a 200-miler this month in Georgia, followed by a couple of hundos later this year. Feel inspired. I was. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

This week, I thought it might be helpful to offer advice and tips to those who are new to trail running. You generally won't see people holding signs and cheering for you in the woods, like you might on the road. I go over things like shoes, hydration, sports watches and more. I don't cover everything, but there are some useful tidbits if you want to hit the dirt. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

After years of running at Colorado Bend State Park at night, I finally got to see it during daylight hours. It's almost more gnarly because you can see stealth rocks that catch your toes, the narrow, terrifying rock ledges and tombstone-sized rocks. I also found new parts of the park where I'd never been. I learned that you should never ignore the race director's pre-race briefing, where they go over the details of the course. Had I listened, I would have heard about the multitude of water crossings, like seven of them (I didn't count, but someone told me this). It was one for the books for me and reminded me of why I do this stuff: it's all about the stories. It's also about strategizing where to put your feet and, sometimes, other body parts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Two of my San Antonio Off-Road-Running friends joined me this week to talk about completing their first 100K (62 miles). What sets this effort apart from others is that they tackled it under extraordinary conditions: extreme water, mud and roots. Huntsville State Park, on a good day, is challenging with its crazy tree roots cluttering the trails. This one sounded insane: knee-deep water in sections, wet feet and MUD. We talk about their experiences and background. Plus, I recount a fairly epic cold/windy 10K I signed up for on a whim and lived to talk about it. Oh, and here is my playlist. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Steve Carter is a Michigan-born, San Antonio-based retired Air Force veteran. He is also an accomplished cyclist and ultrarunner. We chronicle his running and cycling career, including him crewing for Kenneth Anderlitch, who spent 19 days in 2022, running across Texas. Steve has some big ultra goals coming up, along with a couple of cycling events. Oh, and he finished Rocky Raccoon 50-miler this past weekend, with an impressive 10:19 finishing time. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Kate Motsko and I share a common conceit: we've both received the Spirit of Dan Keitz award, the highest honor bestowed by Tejas Trails. I won it in 2022 (and had no idea that it existed) and Kate got it this year. It is well-deserved. She has a storied career as an ultrarunner but also has sustained some epic injuries along the way. She's taken up cycling in the meanwhile and has some ambitious goals. Last fall she was the assistant race director for the inaugural Great Springs trail race in San Marcos. She says she enjoys volunteering at the particularly long races because she can apply her hard-earned expertise to help the runners get through the tough parts. She has an infectious smile and upbeat attitude. You should run a Tejas race to see her in action. In other news, my washing machine saga continues. I had lunch with my birthday-month buddy, Jessica Kestermann and offer shout-outs to a few folks who tackled the Rocky Raccoon 100 and 100K this past weekend. It was a slopfest, based on what I saw. Kudos to anyone who tried. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Timothy Sneed, admittedly, dealt with addiction to stimulants, off and on, for years. He is finally clean and is living away from bad influences in Kerrville, Texas. He is wicked fast on 50Ks and loves the trail scene. I cajoled him into doing the Cactus Rose 100K next year and offered to crew for him. I love that runners are so suggestible. (I should know.) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Meg Eckert, a native of Spring, Texas, began her running career seven years ago. In that time, she has won a number of long-distance races. Over the New Year's weekend this year, she set the course record for female runners at the Snowdrop 55-hour event, running 100 miles in 16 hours and 6 minutes. She went on to complete 218.87 miles in hours - another record. The middle-school special education teacher, who now lives in Santa Fe, NM., likes a combination of road and trail races, but likes mountain trails. She is super upbeat and generous as a runner. Photo credit: Susan Kretschmer Leining Snowdrop 2023-24. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

In this episode, I give a buncha shoutouts. (You might be mentioned) I give big kudos to my friend, Sara Dudzikowski, who finally got to bring home that 100-mile buckle for completing Snowdrop last week. I also shout out to Meg Eckert (who will be next week's guest), who set the 100-mile course record, course distance record (218.87 miles -- forgive my error in the podcast as I said it was 212.) She finished first overall and garnered a few other accolades. On top of all that, she is an incredibly generous and kind person. Band of Runners gets a shoutout, too, as I hope to have Phil Parsons, an attendee at this year's camp and who just set the FKT for the Natchez trail. I also got to participate in a cool relay event over the weekend called Resolve to Row. (Hi Alison, Danny and David!) at EnergyX Fitness I love this place and the people. It's been my sanctuary for almost a year as I have recovered from a hip injury. My team (four people) rotated in and out until we got 10,000 meters. I love relays because you get to work as a team to achieve a goal. Three of us had never done it before and mercifully we had Coach Nicole (hi) and her expertise to guide us through. And finally, I am getting back to the running. I will continue working out at this studio but has resolved to run more this year because I miss it. I'll be up at Bandera on Wednesday to help set up for one of the biggest races of the year and am going back on Saturday to hand out food and drink at the Equestrian aid station for a few hours. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

This was a weird year: not much running, a lot of introspection, new gym challenges, new goals and dealing with the beast known as menopause. It's not kind, ladies. Also, re-ditched a person who was incredibly selfish and unkind in my life. I don't know why I let myself put up with this nonsense, but I saw through it and stopped it. Anyway, hoping to run more in 2024. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I met Angela early on in the Wild Hare 10K at Bluff Creek Ranch. The reason I met her is because I heard this gutteral voice in the woods belonging to our mutual friend, David Salazar. She invited me to join her crew, doing an interval walk-run, which I appreciated. She is fairly new to the trail scene, but plans to do her first 50K next year! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Robbie has been a friend of mine for a few years. (He made a shirt that I gave to Orville Peck -- long backstory) And, he has proven that he is there for us all. He started out as a runner at a young age and later got into ultrarunning in his 40s. He and his significant other, Ann Ludewig, have gone on many adventures. For him, it's all about the love of running. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I once had a colleague from Southeastern Kentucky who was a master storyteller. She's start in one direction, veer off into left field, go to center field, then right field and manage to tie it all up by the time she got to home plate. Weird analogy, but that's kind of where this episode goes. I talk about staying consistent in November, interval joy, road bike riding (including a spectacular tale about a crash where I zoomed downhill at 30 mph and lived to tell about it.) Oh, and there are some assorted other bits. But stay with me. I think it's worthwhile. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I ran my favorite race yesterday -- WildHare. I just did the 10K, but ran into a bunch of friends from the San Antonio Off-Road Runners. Later, I watched a longhorn give birth (see photo) and a marriage proposal. It was an uplifting day after a sort of dark one. Hip feels good, so there's that. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I was privileged to join the Band of Runners this past weekend in Leakey, Texas, for its annual Band Camp. It is a trail running event for veterans and their families. I was a pseudo-mentor, chronicling the event but participating in a group's activities: meal cleanup, prep, yoga, running form, running various courses/miles. I enjoyed it so much. I met so many inspirational folks and made lifelong friends. Again, trail-running is all about the stories. Expect to hear many, many more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Today, I worked a couple of aid stations at the Hill Country Trivium in Marble Falls, Texas. I also got to hand out medals at the finish line. It was so fun to meet people, hear their stories and see them complete their first half, full or 50K. Yesterday, I ran/hiked an 8K (5.2) out at Government Canyon. It felt pretty good, although the arthritic hip made me feel like The Tin Man. Earlier in the week, I traveled to Atlanta and brought home eight national awards for Texas A&M-San Antonio's student magazine, El Espejo. I'm the adviser. It was super-cool. But with the time difference and now the time change, my internal clock is at WTF o'clock. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Christine Foster is only 29 but she's already tackled three 50Ks. The Cincinnati, Ohio native has always been active and figured doing ultras was a natural next step. She's eyeing 50-milers in the future. Oh, and she said it was a dream to be featured on a podcast. I was happy to oblige. :) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

It took me a minute to come up with a themed headline that played off of the Javelina Jundred, but here we are. Anyway, Brad and Pamela Toelle, of Kerrville, will tackle this race this coming weekend in Arizona. It will be Brad's first 100K. Pamela, who has finished the Rocky Raccoon 100M, will join her husband on a hike through some beautiful scenery with altitude. They hope to get it done between 21-25 hours. Our conversation is giggly at times, as they've been friends for a number of years. Pamela and I have a friendly rivalry in the master's trail running arena, but she always bests me. That's OK. I have two years and less experience on her. :) They're a great team. I enjoy talking to couples who run races together because they have a built-in support system. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I had a great time volunteering on Saturday at the inaugural Great Springs Trail race in San Marcos. I was the person handing out medals. We got to witness the annualar solar eclipse and everyone finished! Good times. Switching gears....I had an annual physical the other day and it triggered my eating disorder issues, big time. I was deemed "overweight," according to the BMI (my height is wrong and I was wearing more clothes than the last time.) The nurse-practitioner wanted to up certain drugs for cholesterol and blood pressure. No heed given to my thyroid being removed in 2015 and that I have been on the same dosage of synthetic thyroid since then. (narrator's voice: I think I should be on a higher dose, but my lab numbers are considered "fine.") I explained that I was concerned about post-menopausal weight gain and body changes, despite hard workouts, lifting weights and doing functional training and eating mainly plant-based. My words were ignored. Instead, she suggested that I go on one of these diet drugs that have become so popular. She said I would need to check with my insurance company to see what would be covered, and that the co-pay would be the equivalent of a steak dinner with wine. I went into a tailspin. I still am. I have never been overweight, except for when I was 10 and a growth spurt slowed, so I eventually turned toward disordered eating. Menopause is a bitch. I was spared most of the symptoms, but the shifting weight has killed my sense of self. I still feel like me, but when I see photos of myself or catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror, I want to die. I have a lot of friends in the same boat, so that sort of helps. It's just infuriating that when men can't get an erection, they're offered all sorts of options. Women, when dealing with a loss of estrogen are told to eat less and buy bigger clothes. This can't be the way it should be. This is a little heavy, but it comes from the heart. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I'm still only running very little once a week, but am optimistic this will gradually increase now that the torrid heat has left for the season -- I hope. I look back on captaining an aid station after its anniversary popped up in my FB memories last week. Oh, and I managed to lock myself out of FB for two, long days after attempting to publish last week's episode, which ended up being deleted by me. This coming weekend, I'll be at an aid station at the new Great Springs half in San Marcos. Looking forward to that. Oh, and last week, a song on my playlist made me smile during a run and I feature it at the end of this episode, instead of the usual outtro. Hopefully, I won't get thrown in the penalty box for this. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I discovered over the weekend that while I can lop branches from cedar trees, doing so in almost 100-degree heat with little shade is not my thing. I learned a few things and enjoyed myself, but once I became overheated, I realized I'm better off serving up drinks and sandwiches and encouragement at aid stations. It's a good discovery to make and it taught me to respect my limits. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

It's coming up on the nine-year anniversary of my first 20-miler, with my friend, Orly (aka Hundo). I look back on that experience and talk about the importance of having another person to mentally help you get through something hard. I've mentally Sherpa'd a couple of friends through 100-milers (doing a 20-mile or 31-mile segment -- usually in the middle of the night because I'm a talker.) There are also times, though, when you need to decide if someone you run with at a race needs your help or whether you need to run your own race. Sometimes, it's good to help someone through. Other times, you can give yourself the permission to run your own race. Also, looking ahead to next weekend, I'll be heading up to Hill Country SNA (aka: Bandera) to help the folks at Tejas Trails build and maintain trails. I'm not especially handy but I do have a sweet set of Fiskars limb cutters (which I employed this morning after discovering that a HUGE tree part was in my side yard.) We'll be camping and eating and running/hiking at one of the most beautiful places in Texas.) And, hey, leave a review, subscribe and all that jazz! It's free. If you want to sponsor this podcast, lmk. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

I didn't have a ton to talk about and then it hit me: why not share my Top 10 favorite places to run trails in Texas? This is highly subjective and limited to my experience. Hint: I'm not a huge fan of those gnarly, super-technical courses, so don't come at me. The majority of these places are venues patronized by Tejas Trails races. BUT, there are a handful of small, San Antonio parks and some obscure spots that aren't on a map in the Rio Grande Valley. (From Mission to Sullivan City to outside of Rio Grande City.) I count 'em down in reverse order, like any awards show. Ha ha. Yes, there are places I still want to run: Big Bend and maybe some others in West Texas. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Julie Haynes was having pain and sought help from her doctor. "Just don't run," was the advice. Haynes, like a lot of women, hear this sort of thing more often than we'd like. I've had a chiropractor mutter, "We'll see," when I mentioned that I wanted to run again. And, of course, there was a recent incident with an X-ray technician who pointedly and judgmentally wondered aloud if I "really" was a runner or if I'd just overdone it. Haynes and I talk about this topic at some length. I went on a bit of a chat with her about my feral cat colony that I share with my neighbors. Still, it is a conversation worth having and listening to. I found this story from the New York Times that addresses this topic. (Women not being taken seriously by their doctors, not feral cat colonies.) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support

Liz Casa Perez is sort of infamous in the Trail Racing Over Texas community because she occasionally puts up a canopy emblazoned, "You Are Not Alone." She is also an accomplished ultrarunner, who currently lives in Victoria, Texas and loves the 100K distance. She recently attempted the 100M race at Habanero Hundred, but did not finish. Still, she is undeterred and ready to tackle it next year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestubborntortoise/support