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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.
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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*ChatGPT assisted.
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