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    Happy Healthy Me

    Running from zombies & a giant banana for the Health Museum

    Marci Gilbert
    Oct 23, 2010 | 4:55 pm
    • You never know what might be running behind you at the Health Museum race.
    • This was the Health Museum's first Run For Your Life, but likely not its last.
    • Not every road race features a giant banana.
    • Marci Gilbert and her husband Jeffrey at the starting line.
    • A race can bring out the power in you.

    Some 450 runners, walkers and strollers participated on Saturday in the Run For Your Life Race, benefiting Houston’s Health Museum. It was my first 5K of the season, and my only race before the Dallas Run the Rock Half Marathon I’m participating in on Dec. 5.

    Being a health and fitness writer, I appreciate that the Health Museum is a great place for children and families to learn about the human body in a fun way. This was the Museum’s first-ever race, and based on the success, it looks like it will continue to grow in years to come.

    Coming just a week before Halloween, costumes were welcomed at the race, and I saw men dressed as princesses, lots of masks and fun outfits, some which could not be deciphered. I hope the woman wearing the banana costume covering her head and body had a successful run.

    I treated the morning like a dress rehearsal for the half-marathon. I ate one piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and raspberries, coffee and water. The night before, I laid out my clothes, Garmin watch, shoes, race bib, water bottle, hat and runner’s tape so I would not forget anything. I arrived early to get my timing chip and stretch. My preparation was great and I wasn’t rushed nor did I forget anything. I only wish it wasn’t 80 degrees before 8 a.m. in late October!

    Promptly at 8 a.m., the race started and we were off. This was my first race with my new Garmin, a watch with pacing and distance capabilities. I began much faster than my usual pace, which is expected in a race.

    A 5K is also a shorter distance, so many people can maintain a faster pace for a short period of time. I noticed before the first mile marker that my watch said I had gone further than the marker indicated, so I then realized that I was either taking too many unnecessary steps to add distance, or the course wasn’t properly marked.

    I finished the race in 33:40 minutes, but according to my watch, I ran 3.6 miles in that time. The Garmin said my average pace was 9:20 minutes/mile, much faster than I am used to. But the official race results for 3.1 miles say my average pace was 10:50 minutes. Either way, it was good practice, and I added miles to my weekly total.

    No matter the distance, it is always a great feeling to cross the finish line knowing you ran your hardest. Running is a great time to be reflective — you can’t distract yourself with your phone or a TV — and it’s always important to remember that you might not always have strong enough legs to support running or the time to devote to it, so be thankful and enjoy it in the moment.

    Now I need to fine tweak my pacing and work on evening it out to preserve some energy for the end of a longer race.

     Marci Gilbert writes a daily blog on health and fitness at www.marcigilbert.com.

    unspecified
    news/city-life

    WEATHER WATCH

    Houston will have vivid sunsets and air quality issues from Saharan dust

    Brandon Watson
    Jun 30, 2025 | 11:00 am
    Silhouette of electricity pylon against orange sky,San Antonio,Texas,United States,USA
    Getty Images
    The Saharan dust cloud causes vibrant sunrises and sunsets.

    An annual meteorological phenomenon has blown in to make Houston's sunsets a little more spectacular. A huge Sahara Desert dust cloud made its way to the Houston area on June 29, bringing hazy skies. The bad news is that air quality might worsen; the good news is that locals can expect a week of Technicolor twilights.

    According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the dust is caused by the 2.5-mile-thick Saharan Air Layer, which is associated with “warmth, dryness, and strong winds.” That has strong effects on weather patterns, including lessening the intensity of cyclones. ABC13 meteorologist Travis Herzog shared an image of the dust cloud on Threads.


      
     
    View on Threads


    But Saharan dust can also wreak havoc on health. The fine particulate matter can trigger symptoms for locals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Those sensitive to atmospheric irritation may experience sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, or shortness of breath. Some studies have even linked it with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that people with underlying conditions stay indoors during dust storms. The vibrant red, orange, and yellow skies can still be enjoyed with the comfort of air conditioning.

    The blast of cold air will be welcome to everyone as the Sahara dust can also cause some of the hottest days of the year. NOAA says that is because the thick cloud can stifle cooling afternoon thunderstorms.

    Still, Houstonians might want to step outside to snap a pic of the breathtaking skies. The vivid dusks and dawns are caused by the sun’s rays scattering the dust particles in the atmosphere. Sunrises and sunsets typically take on warmer hues as low-angle sunlight passes through the atmosphere, but the dust particles enhance the striking effect.

    National Weather Service forecasts say that this year’s cloud will only bring light concentrations with no major impacts on visibility. The phenomenon is expected to dissipate by the end of the week.

    sahara dusthealthmeteorologysunsetsair qualitysunrisesweather
    news/city-life

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