This is the first in an occasional series about master's runners. My good friend, Louisa Escamilla, was picked as my first guest. She is a cancer survivor and recently broke her ankle on a descent at Bandera. She's healing up but is eager to get back at it. She is one of the toughest runners I know.

Photo: Sullivan  City trails a few years ago.

I literally had to pull this episode out of my, well, you know.

And it's a pretty important aspect of trail running, but not something discussed in polite company.

So, if you're offended by this sort of stuff, feel free to skip to the last three minutes.

Also, here is the link to my favorite 50K training plan. 

I finally had a great race -- probably one of my favorites of all time. I ran the half marathon on Saturday at the Rocky Raccoon 50 at Huntsville State Park. I LOVE this course. I did watch my step with the roots and made some trail friends, so my time wasn't super-fast. But I'm satisfied with how it all went. Great weather, vibe and course made it a great experience.

Sometimes, you have to decide if it's better to set aside personal goals and help someone else. Plus an update on my intentions for Rocky Raccoon on Feb. 8. And I talk about plans for an occasional feature on master's athletes.

Photo: Carly and Javi.

Injury or nagging aches and pains can really be a drag. I am on the fence about gutting out a 50K next weekend versus playing it safe and running a half marathon. I have an achy hip and don't want to be debilitated, so my decision will be made next week.

Also, I share an inspiring message from a fellow runner who just earned a beauty of a buckle at a 108K over the weekend.

Here is the link to Louisa's Go Fund Me.

It really helps to have a training group, because if you're me, you will occasionally decide it's OK to not do what you're planning to do. It also helps to have a running buddy. In my case, it's Maria,  who is about my pace and makes easy conversation.

I also ran my first 5K in about 5 years. It was surprisingly OK.

Also, I give y'all an update on Louisa, who broke her ankle last week during a fall at Bandera.

Here is her Go Fund Me link if you would like to chip in.

Photo: Me and Maria

I ended up losing my friends at a race due to a handful of stupid delays/impediments on Sunday at the Hoke One One Bandera trail run.  Those delays led to me being where I needed to be at the end after a friend got seriously injured during a fall. 

Photo: Louisa, Kelly. and Vero.

Photo by: Julio Montalvo of Counterpunch Media

I spent my New Year running (and walking) for six hours from midnight to 6 am for a good cause. It also provided an avenue to mend a fence or two, as well as provide some much-needed confidence. I also discuss my upcoming races, including one where I will travel to Wisconsin, of all places!

I had some unusual mental demons haunting me at a race on Saturday: a couple of nightmares in the days before. That, coupled with being the caboose and a few other things had me battling the DNF Fairy the entire time.

I am, admittedly, in a bit of a slump. I'm working on how to break out of it. I guess this is all part of the deal with running.

Since it's That Time of Year, I wanted to share with you some of my suggestions for gear for the runner in your life. Or, maybe yourself!

You are an experiment of one, so take my suggestions as just that.

If you have no ideas, a gift certificate to a local running store is always a winner. :)

Photo features Rabbit tank top and shorts and an Amphipod handheld bottle.