More of a chiller than sizzler

For another year, the South Texas Sizzler didn’t live up to its name. It was chilly. Or for a South Texas native as myself, really, really cold, like “Why am outside without a jacket” cold.

I have to tell you that little running buff I got at the San Antonio Rock ’n’ Roll expo once again proved very helpful.

I feel like Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat when I wear it. But that’s really just a bonus.

This was my first run after not being able to complete the half at the McAllen Marathon. 

Short version about what caused that: I had an ear infection.

You know what’s not a good combination. Dizzy spells and running.

The South Texas Sizzler is special to me. Years ago, it was the first running event I ran the whole way. Of course, unknown to me, the 1 Mile Fun Run was actually a kids’ run.

In my defense, it was not labeled as such at the time. Three or four other adults who also lined up for the start were as confused as I was. Yes, I was tempted to just stay close to a child to make it seem like I was with them. But that could come off as creepy.

That year, as I finished my mile, I thought, “Well, at least, no one I know is here to see me run with children.” And then I heard, “Go Malena!” and saw a camera pointed at me. So that happened.

I was nervous about running this year, since I did still get a dizzy spell every now and then. But Tony Forina, MC extraordinaire at the event, assured me before the race, “No one dies today.”

I didn’t retain my title of last finisher, but I was close. The route changed this year (or maybe last year, I missed that one). It gave me chance to finally check out the 25th Street Hike and Bike Trail. It’s a nice trail, but I’m not sure what the lighting is when it’s dark, so I hadn’t tried to use it before.

My workplace was one of the sponsors, so I was joined at the event with coworkers. Some of them I saw returning to their cars as I tried to finish the run. The route got a little confusing at the end with lots of finishers wandering about, but there was someone there to guide me to the last part.

Along with the cool palm-tree medal, I was looking forward to the raffle giveaways. But the cold go to me, I couldn’t stay for that part. Note to self: Leave extra layers of clothing in the car.