BCRR This Week, December 24 through 31, 2012

HAPPY HOLIDAYS BAYOU CITY!

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Last week's Valhalla tab was sponsored by Joe Schwieterman. Thanks Joe!

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BCRR would like to welcome a new member this week: Hristelina Ilieva. Welcome Hristelina!

BCRR Birthdays This Week: Lynn Craig (December 25), Jesus Flores (December 25), Gary Wood* (December 27), Simon Brabo (December 28), Becky Spaulding (December 28), Heather Hofstetter (December 29), Anna Helm (December 30) and Kat Furitsch (December 31).
* =New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!

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Sunday January 6, 2013: As part of our BCRR pre marathon tradition we will run the last six miles of the Houston Marathon Course - this run is in lieu of our regular Sunday River Oaks Run and is estimated between 10-12 miles round trip. Meet at the 0 mile marker Memorial Park 6:30 am Sunday January 6, 2013; Gatorade and water supplied.

Post Run Breakfast at Barnaby's:  414 West Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019

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Join us Sunday, January 6th at 8 AM for Chris & Lynn's 2nd Annual Shoooooort Run. Sleep in a bit, and enjoy your last short run on a soft and smooth surface in scenic Seabrook. The run starts at Miramar Park and the out and back route is 8 miles, and can be modified for any distance. Afterward, breakfast will be served at Chris & Lynn's place. A $5 donation to help with cost is requested. Space is limited, so please RSVP to BCRR.Short.Run@gmail.com.

Run Start: 8 AM at Miramar Park In Seabrook, at the corner of Hammer Drive and N. Meyer Avenue.
Breakfast: 16415 Brookvilla Drive, Houston, 77059

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Some of you attending the Holiday Bash were lucky enough to win a door prize. The door prizes were donated by area business and some of our own BCRR members. We would like to thank the following people and businesses for donating these door prizes:

Dr. Dana Howard, Memorial Park Vision, Ray Ban Sunglasses
Raymond Cooper, Finish Strong Sports, Runners Car Seat Cover
Peter Blackwell, LMT, Free Massage
Susan Cita, Purple Blankets
June Harris, Three Purple Logo Workout Bags

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SOCIAL CALENDER:

BCRR Annual Pre-Marathon Pasta Party will be held on Thursday, January 10th 7:00pm at Spaghetti Western (1608 Shepherd Dr.). The set menu includes three pasta dishes (one will be vegetarian), salad, bread, dessert and tea/soda. Cash bar will be available.

The cost is only $15 but you must RSVP no later than Monday, January 7th. We are trying the HONOR system where you will pay at the front door. No shows will still be required to pay so that the club doesn't have to absorb the cost. You will need to bring cash or check. No credit cards please.

RSVP should be made to susandavisbcrr@gmail.com (cut off date January 7th). A response email will be sent to confirm.

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WORD FROM THE BIRD wants to hear from you. Feel free to contribute with any interesting running material you want to see in the newsletter. The bird is always on the lookout for entertaining run/race reports, how-to/technical articles, editorials, and photos. Just submit your story to (bcrr.news@gmail.com). The Deadline for consideration to the next newsletter is always the 20th day of the month.

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Want to know about local races, training runs and BCRR events? Just go to (https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=runwiththebird1%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago)

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REPORT YOUR RACE RESULTS: We want to know what our members are doing on the roads and/or trails. Send all your results to us at (bcrr.results@gmail.com) before the 20th day of the month and we’ll make sure they hit the next newsletter!

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RUNNING CALENDAR:

SAVE THE DATES: HARRA Spring Series Races:

February 9, 2013 Buffalo Wallow
March 9, 2013 Bayou City Classic
March 23, 2013 Law Week 8K
April 13, 2013 Bellaire Trolley Run

Wednesday (Rice University): Join us every Wednesday evening at Rice University for Sprints and Spirits. The group meets at the First Christian Church/School parking lot off Rice Blvd. (1628 Rice Blvd.) at 5:45 pm (run leaves at 6 pm). The Bayou Run (6.6 miles) is the usual route but there are shortcuts and alternative routes as well. All levels are welcome. And the best part is the cheap beer at Valhalla, a delightfully casual and economical watering hole, afterwards. Come on out! It's a great way to break up the stressful work week.

Friday Hills at Mount Bacon (Tanglewood): Join us for this weekly run from St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road to Mount Bacon. We meet in the church parking lot at the corner of Sage Road and Woodway Drive at 5:30 am. We have a 1.3 mile warm-up run to Mount Bacon and do 2 to 4 miles of hills with a 1.3 mile run back to the church.

Sunday Long Run (Memorial Park, 6:30AM): Join us for the weekly long run from Memorial Park zero-mile marker. We leave promptly at 6:30 and members typically run between 10 and 15 miles. Breakfast afterwards at Whole Foods.

The HARRA Fall Race Series: BCRR needs for you to run as many of the following races to score valuable points for the club for the HARRA Inter Club Competition. You must be a current HARRA member to earn points so if you have not joined please do so now.

 - January 13, 2013 - Chevron Houston Marathon

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Your BCRR Board!!!

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Are you stressed, sore, or do you just need a relaxing massage? Contact Peter Blackwell, LMT, a BCRR-affiliated massage therapist. Call(832) 248-2339 and let him know you're a BCRR member when you book your appointment.

*******
Visit Finish Strong Sports atwww.Finishstrongsports.com.Finish Strong Sports isn't like your regular athletic store. We understand that every person has different feet, different fitness levels and different exercise goals. Whether you're looking for the latest shoes, apparel or accessories, our knowledgeable staff will take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend products and solutions to help you achieve peak performance.

*******
"MultiSportHealthCenter" for runners utilizing ART& FOOTMAXX. Contact Dr. Chris Sanders at 713.572.4100 for Injury Treatment& Prevention Through Structural Management or visit http://www.multisporthealthcenter.com

BCRR This Week, December 10 through 17, 2012

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Cheryl Shaw (December 11), Glenn Alan Darrah (December 15), Matthew Reue* (December 16) and Tina Reynolds (December 16). *=New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!

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We hope that all who ran the 30K race on Sunday felt good about their race despite the warm and humid conditions. We had a good number of BCRR runners who took home some hardware. Also thanks to all who volunteered at the Jingle Bell Run.

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Social Calendar:

WEDNESDAY IS OUR 12/12/12 CELEBRATION: We will meet at the Rose Garden in River Oaks at 6:30 pm for an easy 4 mile run to enjoy the Christmas lights followed by a party at Lisa Thompson's Modern B & B (4003 Hazard Street). We will provide the beer, wine and soft drinks. For admission to the party we ask that you either contribute to the party food or a non-perishable food item to the Houston Food Bank.

Donate 12 cookies or 12 cupcakes or 12 appetizers or 12 appropriate snack items to the party.
or
Donate 12 cans of soup or 12 juice boxes or 12 cans of vegetables, 12 boxes of macaroni and cheese or 12 quarters or $12 to the Food Bank.

For those interested, a White Elephant Exchange will also take place. Please bring a wrapped, unmarked "present" with a $10 maximum price limit.

Running route printable map; interactive map

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SATURDAY IS JOHN'S LOOOOONG RUN AND BREAKFAST starts at 6:30 am at 8211 Burkhart 77055. There is street parking but carpooling is encouraged. And the driveway holds many cars. RSVP via e-mail (jrphillips@comcast.net)

John provides the breakfast and it cost about $7-$8 a person so please donate to help John with the cost. Please donate a minimum of $5 and if you want to donate more feel free.

More info and maps here

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SUNDAY IS THE BCRR Holiday Bash, 5:30pm to 10:00pm
If you want to attend you must RSVP by tomorrow.
Cadillac Bar Party Room
1802 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX
(713) 862-2020

This year's event includes soft drinks (cash bar for alcohol), appetizers, dinner, dessert, music, dancing, door prizes, and maybe a few surprises. People who volunteer for the Jingle Bell Run get a free drink ticket or pair of new BCRR socks - suitable attire for the holiday party as well as your next run.

Party Schedule:

5:30pm-6:30pm: Happy Hour (cash bar)
Chips, Salsa, Queso, and Chicken Flautas

6:30pm-8pm: Dinner Buffet
Beef Enchiladas and Veggie Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, and Dessert
Unlimited iced tea and soft drinks included.
Cash Bar for alcohol
8pm-10pm: Dancing, Door Prizes, and Fun Filled Merriment!!!
Attire is party casual with extra style points for wearing purple!

**Please RSVP by tomorrow Dec 11, so that we can submit an accurate head count to the Cadillac Bar.  Also, if you have already signed up but are now unable to go, please let us know.
You can send your RSVP at rschmandt@yahoo.com

*******
WORD FROM THE BIRD wants to hear from you. Feel free to contribute with any interesting running material you want to see in the newsletter. The bird is always on the lookout for entertaining run/race reports, how-to/technical articles, editorials, and photos. Just submit your story to (bcrr.news@gmail.com). The Deadline for consideration to the next newsletter is always the 20th day of the month.

*******
SAVE THE DATE: January 10th, 6:30pm, BCRR Marathon Pasta Loading Party, Spaghetti Western

*******
Want to know about local races, training runs and BCRR events? Just go to (https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=runwiththebird1%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago)

*******
REPORT YOUR RACE RESULTS We want to know what our members are doing on the roads and/or trails. Send all your results to us at (bcrr.results@gmail.com) before the 20th day of the month and we’ll make sure they hit the next newsletter!

*******
Running Calendar:

Wednesday (Rice University): Join us every Wednesday evening at Rice University for Sprints and Spirits. The group meets at the First Christian Church/School parking lot off Rice Blvd. (1628 Rice Blvd.) at 5:45 pm (run leaves at 6 pm). The Bayou Run (6.6 miles) is the usual route but there are shortcuts and alternative routes as well. All levels are welcome. And the best part is the cheap beer at Valhalla, a delightfully casual and economical watering hole, afterwards. Come on out! It's a great way to break up the stressful work week.

Friday Hills at Mount Bacon (Tanglewood): Join us for this weekly run from St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road to Mount Bacon. We meet in the church parking lot at the corner of Sage Road and Woodway Drive at 5:30 am. We have a 1.3 mile warm-up run to Mount Bacon and do 2 to 4 miles of hills with a 1.3 mile run back to the church.

Sunday Long Run (Memorial Park, 6:30AM): Join us for the weekly long run from Memorial Park zero-mile marker. We leave promptly at 6:30 and members typically run between 10 and 15 miles. Breakfast afterwards at Whole Foods.

The HARRA Fall Race Series: BCRR needs for you to run as many of the following races to score valuable points for the club for the HARRA Inter Club Competition. You must be a current HARRA member to earn points so if you have not joined please do so now.

- January 13, 2013 - Chevron Houston Marathon

(Webmaster's Note: Only the race distances listed count for the HARRA competitions. Auxiliary races such as the half-marathon relay, 5K's, and the Aramco Half marathon that occur as part of these events do not count.) 

Santa Claus is coming to your town!
Santas will be filling the streets of Galveston, Texas on December 23, 2012! All participants receive a dri-fit santa shirt, hat, and beard to wear while running. There will be festive decorations, holiday music along the course, and even cookie & candy stations! Register today at ww.SantaHustleGalveston.com! For $5 off registration be sure to use coupon code TEXASSANTA.

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Your BCRR Board!!!


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Are you stressed, sore, or do you just need a relaxing massage? Contact Peter Blackwell, LMT, a BCRR-affiliated massage therapist. Call (832) 248-2339 and let him know you're a BCRR member when you book your appointment.

*******
Visit Finish Strong Sports atwww.Finishstrongsports.com.Finish Strong Sports isn't like your regular athletic store. We understand that every person has different feet, different fitness levels and different exercise goals. Whether you're looking for the latest shoes, apparel or accessories, our knowledgeable staff will take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend products and solutions to help you achieve peak performance.

*******
"MultiSportHealthCenter" for runners utilizing ART& FOOTMAXX. Contact Dr. Chris Sanders at 713.572.4100 for Injury Treatment& Prevention Through Structural Management or visit http://www.multisporthealthcenter.com

BCRR Members Qualified for "Local Elite" Status for Houston Marathon

Five Bayou City Members have achieved "Local Elite"status for the 2013 Houston Marathon. Elite status is awarded to the first local finisher per category meeting the minimum qualifying standards in each of the 2012 HARRA Fall Series races and the 2012 Chevron Houston Marathon. These runners are "invited" to run the Houston Marathon or the Aramco Half-Marathon as VIPs and are treated to all the accouterments befitting, including gratis registration, swag, special pre-race VIP suites (so they don't have to rub elbows with the sweaty/shivering masses), etc, etc... (groupies?? ;-)

Congratulations to the following qualifiers (qualifying races indicated): Rob Walters (2012 Houston Marathon), Jody Berry (USA 10 Miler), Pablo Rivera (Houston Half Marathon), Scott Bounds (25K), and Suzy Seeley (30K)!

You make us all proud!

More info

BCRR This Week, December 3 through 10, 2012

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Welcome new members: Randy Shoup, Deborah Tait, Ed Fry and Jonathan Miller!

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Lisa Thompson hosted Wednesday's beer tab at Valhalla. Several smiling members in her age group provided cake to celebrate her birthday and her moving on to a new age group. Thanks Lisa!!!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Blanca Avery (December 4), Pam Fourie (December 6), Bill Hayes (December 6), Peter Birckhead (December 7), Shirley Bludau (December 7), Deborah Touchy (December 9) and Cecilia Fraias-Ruiz *(December 10). *=New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!

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Volunteers Still Needed for this Sundays Jingle Bell Run! If you are available to volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinators Rosie Schmandt at rschmandt@yahoo.com or Susan Cita at susancita.bcrr@gmail.com. For the Jingle Bell Run, the BCRR volunteer tent will be located near the Pease entrance of the YMCA (808 Pease Street). Look for the BCRR banner.

Because the JBR start time has been moved to 1 pm, with the kids run starting time scheduled for 12:40, we're trying to assemble volunteers between 11:30 am and 12:00 noon. Even if you think you will be a little later than noon arriving from the 30K, please come regardless. We still need your help. Complimentary parking on race day in the KBR Garage (500 Jefferson entrance on Louisiana), the 1600 Smith Garage (entrance on Bell), and the LAMB parking lot at Pease and Travis.

Other race details can be found at: http://www.ymcahouston.org/jingle-bell-run/race-day/

If you are not running the 30K and are planning to run River Oaks on Sunday morning remember that there will be no water or Gatorade out because most runners will be running the 30K.

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Social Calendar:

Next Week 12/12/12 CELEBRATION: The BCRR Board invites everyone to join us in celebrating the 12 days of Christmas

December 12th falls on Wednesday so instead of meeting at Rice University we will meet at the Rose Garden in River Oaks at 6:30 pm for an easy 4 mile run to enjoy the Christmas lights followed by a party at Lisa Thompson's Modern B & B (4003 Hazard Street). We will provide the beer, wine and soft drinks. Christmas is a time for giving and we would like to help the Houston Food Bank replenish their pantries which are usually depleted this time of year. For admission to the party we ask that you either contribute to the party food or a non-perishable food item to the Houston Food Bank.

Donate 12 cookies or 12 cupcakes or 12 appetizers or 12 appropriate snack items to the party.
Or
Donate 12 cans of soup or 12 juice boxes or 12 cans of vegetables, 12 boxes of macaroni and cheese or $12 to the Food Bank.

For those interested, a White Elephant Exchange will also take place. Please bring a wrapped, unmarked "present" with a $10 maximum price limit.
******

2012 BCRR Holiday Bash
Sunday December 16, 2012
2012 BCRR Holiday Bash
5:30pm to 10:00pm
If you want to attend you must RSVP THIS WEEK!!!!
Cadillac Bar Party Room
1802 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX
(713) 862-2020

Cost:
$30 for members and guests if you sign up online before Dec 12
$40 at the door **** price hike to cover additional food costs for last minute drop ins…our head count is due to the Cadillac Bar by Dec 11th

Uncomfortable paying online? Cyberphobic?

• Susan Cita will be at Valhalla next Wed Dec 5 for people who want to RSVP and pay by cash or check.

• You can also pay $30 at the door (cash or check only) if you send your RSVP to Rosie Schmandt (rschmandt@yahoo.com) in advance by Dec 11, 2012.

• If you have a “free BCRR party” coupon from last years awards banquet, and you want to use it for this event, please also let Rosie know ASAP so she can include you on the RSVP/headcount list, and please present your coupon at the door.

This year's event includes soft drinks (cash bar for alcohol), appetizers, dinner, dessert, music, dancing, door prizes, and maybe a few surprises. People who volunteer for the Jingle Bell Run get a free drink ticket or pair of new BCRR socks - suitable attire for the holiday party as well as your next run.

Party Schedule:
5:30pm-6:30pm: Happy Hour(cash bar)
Chips, Salsa, Queso, and Chicken Flautas
6:30pm-8pm: Dinner Buffet
Beef Enchiladas and Veggie Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, and Dessert
Unlimited iced tea and soft drinks included.
 Cash Bar for alcohol
8pm-10pm: Dancing, Door Prizes, and Fun Filled Merriment!!!

Attire is party casual with extra style points for wearing purple!

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DECEMBER 15TH JOHN'S LOOOOONG RUN AND BREAKFAST

It’s time once again for the 21 mile looooong run and breakfast. The route has many ways to get in different mileage. This is the 12th year of this run so most know the routine. But as a reminder here are some details. Starts at 6:30 am sharp from my home ( 8211 Burkhart 77055 ). There is water and Gatorade about every 3 miles. Normally have a sag wagon if you run into trouble. Following the run there is a full multi course breakfast. Adult beverages, and hot-tub Bag drop in house with a shower. Shower with a friend, the line moves faster and conserves water. There is street parking but carpooling is encouraged. And the driveway holds many cars.

All I ask is that you RSVP via e-mail (jrphillips@comcast.net) so I can plan for the right amount of food and drink. And as years past a $5 donation to help with the cost. It cost about $7-$8 a person to put this on but I don’t like making change. So if you want to donate more feel free. I may update info as the date approaches, but wanted to give everyone a heads up. Run well and stay healthy my friend.

John Phillips

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HARRA REACHES ITS GOAL Of course we did, we are runners. Thanks to a significant donation by the Houston Marathon Foundation, The Mark Fraser Remembrance Fund surpassed its $25,000 target in early November. The fund was established in June to raise funds to provide funding for a new stretching center at Memorial Park. We would like to thank over 130 runners, supporters and running clubs for their contribution. You can learn more about the planned new stretching center and the Remembrance Fund at this link: http://www.harra.org/955dir/campaigns/fraser/mff-done.html.

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WORD FROM THE BIRD wants to hear from you. Feel free to contribute with any interesting running material you want to see in the newsletter. The bird is always on the lookout for entertaining run/race reports, how-to/technical articles, editorials, and photos. Just submit your story to (bcrr.news@gmail.com). The Deadline for consideration to the next newsletter is always the 20th day of the month.

*******

SAVE THE DATE: January 10th, 6:30pm, BCRR Marathon Pasta Loading Party, Spaghetti Western

*******

Want to know about local races, training runs and BCRR events? Just go to (https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=runwiththebird1%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago)

*******

REPORT YOUR RACE RESULTS We want to know what our members are doing on the roads and/or trails. Send all your results to us at (bcrr.results@gmail.com)before the 20th day of the month and we’ll make sure they hit the next newsletter!

*******

Running Calendar:

Wednesday (Rice University): Join us every Wednesday evening at Rice University for Sprints and Spirits. The group meets at the First Christian Church/School parking lot off Rice Blvd. (1628 Rice Blvd.) at 5:45 pm (run leaves at 6 pm). The Bayou Run (6.6 miles) is the usual route but there are shortcuts and alternative routes as well. All levels are welcome. And the best part is the cheap beer at Valhalla, a delightfully casual and economical watering hole, afterwards. Come on out! It's a great way to break up the stressful work week.

Friday Hills at Mount Bacon (Tanglewood):Join us for this weekly run from St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road to Mount Bacon. We meet in the church parking lot at the corner of Sage Road and Woodway Drive at 5:30 am. We have a 1.3 mile warm-up run to Mount Bacon and do 2 to 4 miles of hills with a 1.3 mile run back to the church.

Sunday Long Run (Memorial Park, 6:30AM): Join us for the weekly long run from Memorial Park zero-mile marker. We leave promptly at 6:30 and members typically run between 10 and 15 miles. Breakfast afterwards at Whole Foods.

The HARRA Fall Race Series: BCRR needs for you to run as many of the following races to score valuable points for the club for the HARRA Inter Club Competition. You must be a current HARRA member to earn points so if you have not joined please do so now.

•December 9, 2012 - Sugar Land Finish Line Sports 30K
•January 13, 2013 - Chevron Houston Marathon

(Webmaster's Note: Only the race distances listed count for the HARRA competitions. Auxiliary races such as the half-marathon relay, 5K's, and the Aramco Half marathon that occur as part of these events do not count.)

*******
Your BCRR Board!!!


Are you stressed, sore, or do you just need a relaxing massage? Contact Peter Blackwell, LMT, a BCRR-affiliated massage therapist. Call (832) 248-2339 and let him know you're a BCRR member when you book your appointment.

*******
Visit Finish Strong Sports atwww.Finishstrongsports.com.Finish Strong Sports isn't like your regular athletic store. We understand that every person has different feet, different fitness levels and different exercise goals. Whether you're looking for the latest shoes, apparel or accessories, our knowledgeable staff will take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend products and solutions to help you achieve peak performance.

*******
"MultiSportHealthCenter" for runners utilizing ART& FOOTMAXX. Contact Dr. Chris Sanders at 713.572.4100 for Injury Treatment& Prevention Through Structural Management or visit http://www.multisporthealthcenter.com