2026 Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon

The Background

I had struggled mentally the last few races, and my left knee was slightly sore. Since it was spring break, I made a point to rest, sitting in my chair and watching basketball and Oscar movies. I did do one 3-mile run on the Thursday before the race.

Terri and Princess joined me as we drove out to the Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon.  As always, there were the bagpipes that I love. And they had a backdrop with all the legacy runners' names, beginning at 4 years completed.  I love that stuff, and I definitely will go for 4 years.

At the Start

The Race 

It was good weather, just getting a little hot towards the end of the race. At the start line, I chatted with some folks who had run Jackalope Jam and Habanero.

I started off at 10- or 11-minute miles.  At the end of the first loop, I saw a couple of kids playing with Princess.

Loop 1

Heading out on the 2nd loop, I made a goal of getting to half marathon running continuously and did that. The knee held up with only slight soreness at moments.

Princess Waiting

On the 3rd loop, I set a goal of making it to the bay, which would be 16 miles.  I put on some music and sang along.  After reaching 16 miles, I started hiking, more due to mental weakness that physical fatigue. 

I hiked a couple of miles. I knew Terri was waiting to see me, so that was motivation to start running from 18.25 miles to end of the 3rd loop.

End of Loop 3

I mostly hiked the 4th loop at 14- or 15-minute miles, with scattered bits of running. There were a couple of ladies behind me chatting for miles, and I made a goal to stay in front of them.  I also decided to try to make it in under 5:30. I saw a fellow with a beard, who I knew had run hundreds of marathons, maybe even 1000, which was inspiring.

As I approached the school which was about a half mile from the finish, I heard the ladies chatting again, which was motivation enough for me to run it in. I finished in 5:22.

Reflections

I'm happy that I made it in under 5:30. I gave it a good effort. I improved on my time of 5:34 last year, which at least was some progress.

I failed to run a marathon continuously this season.  I did some decent training, but it could have been better.  Mainly the failure was due to a lack of mental discipline.  I have Houston Marathon coming up in 2027, and I have never walked at Houston Marathon. I can make it a goal to run Kingwood Marathon and Houston Marathon continuously next year.

This really was one long season starting in August with Habanero last year, though I took a 3-week break after Dinosaur Valley in November.  And before this season, I had only 2-months and change since the last race.  So I am due for a good rest.  I will not run for 7 weeks until UHD's commencement.  Then I will enjoy running in the summer to get ready for the next season. 

As far as the season goes, it was not my best, but pretty good. I finished 3 100ks.  I finished Bandera 100k for the 3rd straight year.  I got a Western States Qualifier at Dinosaur Valley. I did manage 1 sub-5-hour marathon at Galveston Marathon.

Well, I do have in mind a possible 100-miler in the summer.  We will see what happens!