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Jovan Abernathy is an international marathoner and owner of Houston Tourism Gym. Read her blog, HTownRunTourist. Follow her on Twitter @jovanabernathy. Instagram @HTownRunTourist. Facebook @jovanabernathy
Is it May yet? Nope, it is only the first week of April. There is only so much beer, rest, and Tiger King that you can handle. Do you find yourself waking up wondering what day is it? Have you worn pajamas for the last week in a half straight? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I think I have something for you. It is the Let's Take it One Day at a Time" Challenge. Here are some FAQs about it:
Why should I do this challenge?
That's simple. To stay sane. It is hard to have purpose in your life when your routine is turned over. This is the perfect thing to find some grounding. Besides mental and physical health should be top priority now.
When does it start?
The official start date in Monday, April 13, 2002.
Where is it held?
We are definitely practicing social distancing. This challenge can be done where ever you can find some mileage. This could be at a park, in your neighborhood, on a hike and bike trail, or on a treadmill.
How do I do this challenge?
This is a running and walking challenge. Every Sunday, you will pledge your commitment on our Facebook page. The commitment goes as follows:
10 miles/week
15 miles/week
20 miles/week
25 miles/week
We will keep track of the miles and post them on Sunday.
When does the challenge end?
This challenge starts every Monday. Because we do not know when life will go back to normal, we will have a challenge every week.
What can I post on the Facebook group?
Post as much as you want. We love to see memes, pictures, your times and distances, and other motivational posts. The rules are on the Facebook group.
How do I join?
Follow this link to register. You will receive a welcome email with further instructions.
Is there anything else I should know?
Join us Sunday, April 12, 2020 from 4-5pm for our virtual Happy Hour on Zoom. You will be invited after you register for the challenge.
What is really cool about the challenge is you now have a community to be a part of. So tell us about your run. Ask any questions you need and I'll be there to answer them. So get those running shoes dusted off and meet us in the Facebook group.
The NFL playoffs are finally here, and the Texans will kick off the postseason by hosting the LA Chargers this Saturday at NRG.
And while the Texans are only 3 point underdogs, the national media is making it seem like Houston has no chance against Justin Herbert and company.
ESPN's Rex Ryan has gone as far as calling the Texans a "bye" week for the Chargers, giving the team no chance to win despite playing at home.
However, the Texans are no stranger to this situation, as they were given little chance to win against the Browns in last year's Wild Card game. And we know how that ended, with the Texans thrashing the Browns 45-14.
It's certainly fair to predict the Chargers will come away with a win this Saturday, they have been playing much better football than Houston in recent weeks.
But it's important to remember that home underdogs have performed well in the Wild Card round. In fact, home underdogs are 16-14 all-time in the Wild Card playoffs, and both home underdogs won last year (Texans, Buccaneers).
Speaking of last year, many credit the Texans defense for securing the win over Cleveland, with two pick sixes in the second half helping to seal the deal.
But the real reason Houston won the game was because of CJ Stroud and the offense. Stroud threw 3 touchdowns before halftime and the team was leading 24-14 with six minutes left in the third quarter. That's when the defense tacked on two interceptions for touchdowns and put the game out of reach. Stroud and the offense also went on to score another TD on a Devin Singletary run.
If Stroud and the offense didn't put so much pressure on Joe Flacco and the Cleveland offense to score, he may not have forced those passes that were picked off.
Now, many will point to the Chargers having the best defense (points allowed) this season, but it's worth noting the Browns had the number one defense (yards allowed) last year as well.
Bulls on Parade
Houston's defense will have its hands full against a strong rushing attack led by JK Dobbins. And Justin Herbert has been terrific this season, spreading the ball around to his top two targets, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
Fortunately for the Texans, they are extremely healthy on defense this week. While Jimmy Ward and Jalen Pitre are out for the year, we'll finally get to see linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Christian Harris play together for the first time this season.
The defensive line is expected to be at full strength as well, keep in mind Jonathan Greenard was injured and unable to play against the Browns last year.
Outlook on offense
We should see the best possible version of the offensive line this Saturday. We're all aware how many hits Stroud has taken due to poor o-line play. But with Tytus Howard and left guard and Juice Scruggs at right guard, Stroud should have more time to get the passing game going, featuring Nico Collins.
Speaking of the receivers, it's pretty amazing that this receiver group is almost identical to last year's in the Wild Card round. Stroud didn't have Stefon Diggs (on the Bills) or Tank Dell (injured) to throw to last year, either. But he does have one big addition in Joe Mixon this year. Hopefully, they can get Mixon involved in the passing game, and the shuffling of the o-line provides Mixon with some holes to run through.
X-factor
At least there's a possibility newly acquired receiver Diontae Johnson could provide a spark to the offense. Last year John Metchie and Robert Woods were the main targets besides Collins and Dalton Schultz.
What does Vegas think?
The Chargers are favored by 3 and the total is set at 42.5 points
Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap previews this week's big game!