A lot of this depends on whether it's a training run, a self-supported race or a race with a bit of distance between aid stations. We share our favorite things and talk a little about packs. But the truth is: it's not the pack, but what you put in them.

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.

Using hiking poles/sticks can be advantageous on technical, hilly trails. But, you have to weigh the pros and cons -- especially if your poles are like mine -- and don't collapse to fit into a pack.

If you were a part of the Caactus Rose trail race, you had to quickly pivot from Plan A to Plan B. Runners had to adjust to a different course, cancel lodging and plans and make new ones. Behind the scenes, the setup had to be torn down at the original venue and set up again at the new one -- less than 48 hours before race time. I got a firsthand look at the course situation, as the race was canceled by the park manager on Wednesday morning. We grumbled but stoically set out to tear down and then set back up.

I had to shift my plan for pacing my friend, Seresa, when her Friday night pacer missed catching her as she looped through. We devised a plan and then had to change it again when our runner called her own race.

Being able to gracefully pivot under stress is a skill that can be applied to life, regardless if it involves running.

We're not doctors but we play them on a podcast -- not really. But, as average runners, we have sustained a variety of injuries over the years. I think we agree the worst one is plantar fasciitis. We offer up tips and advice -- based on our experiences.

We also veer offroad and off-topic a couple of times, but it's all fun -- until someone gets injured.

Photo: Me, with a loud green wrap holding my freshly stiched knee after a tumble down Lucky Peak at Cactus Rose in 2015.

Mary Kay Cooper is a triple-threat: swimmer, runner and cyclist. She didn't let a bout with thyroid cancer slow her down. She has a strong drive and enjoys trying new, unusual things, like a swim, run, swim, run, swim, run....where you have to wear your trail shoes for the swim!

I discovered that Sept. 26 had a couple of significant memories in my running career: in 2015, I sprang back from a disappointing DNF and redeemed myself, even after the course closed. The following year marked my first time as an aid station captain at the inaugural J&J Trail Running Reunion. I brought a couple of young guys to Camp Eagle, from the Rio Grande Valley. Neither of them had ever participated in a trail race before. One of those guys, PJ, loved it so much that he has just become one of the race directors for Tejas Trails. I felt proud of that. :)

This week marked our first cool front and much better running weather. I was showing improvement and tenacity and discovered the joy of the 4:2 interval. Things are looking up!

When you're doing a self-supported race or a long training run, you need to pack bags for sustenance. We offer tips for what and how to pack, as well as reminiscing about self-supported races. Also, Paz has some Breaking News about Cactus Rose. (Don't get too excited, but she will be out there in the middle of the night on Saturday.) If you have other tips, send 'em my way.

If you have done Brazos Bend or Habenero Hundred, you may have seen Steven Monté out there dragging a 22-pound tire with his name on it or wearing a weighted vest. Crazy? Yes. But that isn't the point. Monté has reinvented himself in the last few years and has landed upon a certain freedom that lets him live out his dreams. Very inspirational.

In other matters, I talk about regaining that ultra mindset and have the joy of making like-minded friends. It has changed things for me. Plus, mentions of the B-52s, Joe Jackson, the Monkees and (surprise) Orville Peck. lol

Since I moved from the Rio Grande Valley to San Antonio four years ago, I have had limited success in finding a running group where I truly felt comfortable. It's more to do with me and my insecurities about not being fast enough. When I lived in the Valley, my group was supportive of runners of all speeds and I started a rule where no runner was left behind.

I have made some friends within various groups and occasionally meet up with them. But, a lot of the time I hang back from joining because I feel like I'm slowing everyone down.

This past weekend, I think I found a group. We're all stubborn tortoises and we walk occasionally but it felt so good to actually hold a pace for more than a mile. I felt right at home with them and enjoyed getting to know them. I plan to do my weekend runs with them whenever I can. This is kind of a breakthrough and makes me pretty happy.

Photo: From back to front: Maria, Karen, Becky, me (in a rare instance of leading). Photo courtesy of Vivian Montalvo.