What you've been running away from your whole life.

The effects of daily running are becoming evident. The past two days, my left ankle has felt hinkey when first walking down the stairs in the morning. It goes away, but it suggests I need more rest.

Speaking of which, I have been sleeping extremely well for a few weeks now. Just, head hits the pillow and I am out until she brings me coffee in the morning. I am thankful for that. Not sure if it is the running, the diet ... or the absence of stress. Getting the tour on its feet took quite a bit out of me.

April begins tomorrow, and I have a new resolution (because I have done such a terrible job with my original New Year's resolutions). I was working on one thing in time for an April 27 reading, but now I have a different plan, one which involves writing every day ... something I am sad to say I have not been doing, pretty much since I hurt my back. Time that used to be used letting my mind wander first thing in the morning have been devoted to twenty minutes of ritualistic stretching.

This has been the "new normal". I would like to create a newer one.

Temperature: 41°
Distance: 3.35 miles

For two days solid I have successfully gotten the boy out of bed, exhorted him to drink a glass of water, and exercise for ten minutes. This is not the totality of my plan, but it is a promising start.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 167 lbs. (-1.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Twenty-two runs in the month of March. That is a personal best.

2002 Playlist
Work It - Missy Elliott
Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (Rae & Christian Remix) - Dinah Washington
I'm The Man Who Loves You - Wilco
The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash
Let's Go Again - Télépopmusik
Six Feet Under (Photek Remix) - Thomas Newman
Shelf Wobbler - Mr. Scruff

I need a glass of water.

We all lose our charms in the end.

"Whip-smart!"

- Christine Howey, Rave & Pan

Good stride, cool day, due to get warmer all week.

Time for new shoes.

Temperature: 43°
Distance: 3.35 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 168 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

2001 Playlist
Hella Good - No Doubt
19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) - Gorillaz
Start the Commotion - Wiseguys
Hindi Sad Diamonds - Nicole Kidman, John Legizamo, Alka Yagnik & Jim Broadbent
Too Long - Daft Punk
Smoke - Cornelius

It's like riding on the wind and it never goes away.

Post-show greetings.

Beautiful day yesterday, enjoying the premiere of a production of my new play Rosalynde & The Falcon at Talespinner Children's Theatre, taking the kids on an excursion to the new Heinen's downtown, and at last picking the wife up from the airport. We are home and safe and happy.

Ugh. Big decisions. Sunny, late morning, with the mercury edging above freezing. Do I wear the fleece jacket or the windbreaker. Going to take a risk on Spring.

Temperature: 32° → 34°
Distance: 5 miles

Further revision ... my 5.15 mile neighborhood run is actually 5.05. I will call that five miles.

Thanks, Map My Run. (sad trombone)

Beautiful, bright Palm Sunday. Yes, glad I wore the windbreaker, I might have gone in shorts. The forecast looks bright. The Globe closes this week, as Rosalynde opens. The end will be the beginning. No offense.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 168 lbs. (-2.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Life is too short to drink "light" beer.

Twenty runs in the month of March, that's tied with 2012 when I was training for a marathon.

2000 Playlist
Music - Madonna
Dead Already - Thomas Newman 
The Way I Am * - Eminem
Do It Now - Dubtribe Sound System
Household Names - Stereolab
August Day Song - Bebel Gilberto
Soma - The Strokes
Sem Contenção - Bebel Gilberto
Useless - Thomas Newman
It's My Turn To Fly - The Urge

The year 2000 playlist always irritates me. It isn't difficult to figure out why. At the age of thirty-two, my life ended, and I became this entirely different person. It is very hard not to feel that way.

I want to get away.

Brisk and fast. Cold with yes, a little snow. It's Northeast Ohio. We do that. In spite of gusts of unpleasant wind in my face, it was a strong run. Spine lengthening, abdomen stretching, some speed trials, excellent playlist except for the stupid closer.

Speaking of which, thank you, Sixpence None the Richer for bringing to a close a decade marked for its incredibly terrible band names.

Temperature: 28°
Distance: 4 miles

Map My Run says the Cain Park run is actually 4.08 miles. I will call it 4 miles.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 170 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

When the annual playlists I am going to try some bpm mixes. If you don't know what I mean, you will.

1999 Playlist
Fly Away (160 bpm) - Lenny Kravitz
The Future of The Future (Stay Gold) - Everything But the Girl ft. Deep Dish
Push Upstairs - Underworld
Compression (175 bpm) - Everything But the Girl
Stars All Seems To Weep (Ben Watt Mix) - Beth Orton
Stop Breaking Down - The White Stripes
Steal My Sunshine - Len

For the record, Fly Away was released on December 29, 1998.

Walk away from what gets you down.

33" waist. New pants.

 One warm, freshly baked cookie, by itself, is a treat and not to be denied.

This is the thing. Since 2008-09 I was able to keep my weight within a reasonable range. Mid-160s, not exactly svelte but healthy for someone with my frame. During 2010, I was fighting depression and began a series of anti-depressants. I became less depressed, though not exactly "happy."

I didn't write, I didn't run (in 2011 I ran almost half my annual average) and I gained about fifteen pounds. Going off medication I found other ways to work though my emotions, and in 2012 I ran another marathon. Training took that fifteen pounds off ... but by the end of the year I had put them back on and just kept them.

The issue at hand is how best to attain and maintain my healthy weight. The kids are being very patient with the introduction of whole grains into our diet (sometimes I make the white stuff just for them - bread, rice) and the girl has even helpfully expressed a taste for whole wheat pasta, though the boy is not having it.

Everything in moderation. We had dinner at my folks house last night, my dad offered me a beer. A gift? I will accept that gift. I hadn't had any alcohol since last Thursday. That's moderate, isn't it?

It is downright abstemious.

Temperature: 37°
Distance: 3.35 miles
Climate: Rain!

Just used Map My Run for the first time, and found out my baseline run is actually longer than I always thought. Sorry, Stephani. It's still not even.

Actually, it's 3.36. So give me a little credit.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 170 lbs.
Goal: 170 lbs.

1998 Playlist
Closing Time - Semisonic
Starwayze - back 2 earth
Better? - Propellerheads
Strength - Sister Soleil
The Rockafeller Skank - Fatboy Slim
Kelly Watch The Stars - AIR


Sometimes your starting tune just shows up on The Current, and you have to use it to start your run. And there's this:

Two foots racing.

Ghosts of 1997

How is life without a wife? The girl and I were discussing that yesterday, the days are longer. Much, much longer. I am shocked it is only Wednesday. The kids are more vocal about how much they miss her, but they understand why she had to take this journey. She's getting a lot work done, good work, and I am so proud of her.

Temperature: 41°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Now, dammit. Twenty degrees warmer should feel warmer. But I bless the rains that fall in Cleveland Heights. I am lighter and I can feel it. Breathing is easier, striding is easier. If only this string in my right thigh would not sing all day long. Doesn't bother me when I run, only when I walk.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 171 lbs. (-1.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.

I did not eat three meals yesterday. I had four. Breakfast, lunch, a modest dinner before we headed out for the tour performance, and another after we returned. I am of the belief that what I am not eating is what is making the difference. What I am eating includes whole grains, not too much, more good protein and far more fruits and vegetables.

Look, the day I went in for my physical, a little over two weeks ago, on the drive there I knocked off almost an entire can of Pringles. This is what I am talking about.

1997 Playlist
How Bizarre - OMC
Water From a Vine Leaf - William Orbit
Absurd (Landslide Mix) - Fluke
Miss Modular - Stereolab
Busy Child - The Crystal Method
Good Shit - Cornershop

I have a dearth of good running music released in the years 1999 and 2000. Why is that? Sure, the year 1999 gave us Moby's Play album, and Everything But the Girl's Temperamental, the following year Radiohead's Kid A ... but then what? Suggestions welcome.

You run like a fool.

Running every day for two weeks makes you feel like running is all you do. Taking one day off, you feel like you have never had a run in your life. Or maybe it's just my mind.

Eating nothing between meals I have been tasting my mouth a lot. It tastes like soap.

Temperature: 25°
Distance:3.25 miles

Brisk run, fast run, strong run - cold run. Made my face hurt, my jaw aches. I have this fantasy about running in shorts, I just keep thinking about it. I want to take long runs down to Lakeview, to the Cultural Gardens. I need more time, time and good weather.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 172 lbs. (-1.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

What? We even had ice cream last night. Okay, I need to eat something.

1996 Playlist
Sleep To Dream - Fiona Apple
I Hate You Mr. Einstein - Queue Up
The Checkered Flag - Combustible Edison
Soundtrack To Mary - Soul Coughing
The Old Apartment (160 bpm) - Barenaked Ladies
Super Bon Bon - Soul Coughing
Unmarked Helicopters - Soul Coughing
Short Double Latte (176 bpm) - Combustible Edison
... And Then You Die (167 bpm) - The Receiver

So just get off of your ass.

Really wish it were warmer today.

The wife will be out of town all week for a writing retreat. Back in the day when she would go out of town, I would be kind of stuck here, with children in the house, not able to take a run. Now that they are older that is not a problem, they can safely look after themselves for a half-hour or so. However, it does mean waking one of them up to tell them I will be out for a little bit.

Temperature: 23°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Frigid air and light snowflakes can be bracing, but today it made me weary. Nonetheless, the music was very inspiring. I feel strong, I feel good. Yesterday, I passed on the opportunity to eat pizza twice. Dinner was a polite portion of whole wheat spaghetti with a few homemade meatballs.

Thinking about the Third Marathon. I have ideas. None of them include Cleveland.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 173.5 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

Yesterday afternoon, the boy and I had a frank conversation about weight gain. This has been a hard winter for him, tearing a muscle, and spending weeks in a wheelchair and then on crutches. He's gained at least five pounds.

His habit has been to either lie around and read, use a screen, or eat something. Getting him to choose any other activity takes major effort. Then I remember we have a Wii Fit, if he were to move for a half hour - especially on a morning like this - and make that a habit, that would be a good place to start.

He is rejoining his soccer team this spring, and baseball clinics begin this week!

1995 Playlist
Here Comes the Hotstepper - Ini Kamoze
All Mixed Up - 311
Wonderwall (173 bpm) - Oasis
Statue of Liberty - Joe Jackson
We Prick You (160 bpm) - David Bowie
Mama Told Me Not To Come - The Wolfgang Press
I Saw The Light - The The

Wide, wide open spaces.

Beautiful morning run, overcast and cool.

Yesterday was also very beautiful. Fourteen years we have told the world to go away and taken this day for ourselves to be together, and to remember.

The day began with a lie-in, all four of us in one big bed, telling stories about the birth of all three children. Then an awesome frittata for breakfast before heading to the "rainforest" at the zoo. The otters were not playful today, but they were visible, at least three of them, asleep, curled up inside a burlap sack.

We visited the boy's grave at Riverside Cemetery. His ashes remain in a communal grave sponsored by UH and Great Lakes Crematory. As we understood it, they would unearth the plot once a year to add more remains from the neonatal deaths for the parents who requested they do so. Ours must have been one of the last years before they moved to an adjacent plot on the other side of the large oak tree by the road.

I know this because there are two identical stones, one from the nurses, one from the crematory, taking up two plots, only this one is marked 2003. Ours is not marked with a date. And now, up the road in the other direction, are another two identical stones, one marked 2013.

The one of the two stones we choose to decorate shows its age. Several years ago a backhoe pressed it into the earth so that it sits in an indentation, which collects mud and leaves. This year in particular it was clogged with earth and leaves and broken acorns. There was, however, a winged, purple pony that someone had left. I wonder where all the other parents who used to leave things have gone. One day, a long time from now, we will each stop visiting.

The boy and I used a rake and broom to clear off the stone, and newspaper to wipe off the mud. The girl colored in the bear etching and the wife arranged flowers and acorns. The boy left Nerf bullets.

Fourteen.

Temperature: 45°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 174 lbs. (-1.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.

1994 Playlist
Burn - Nine Inch Nails
I Do Not Want This - Nine Inch Nails
Mr. Self Destruct - Nine Inch Nails
Mystery Train - Michael J. Sheehey
Gel - Collective Soul
Strangers (168 bpm) - Portishead
The Dresses Song - Lisa Germano
She (183 bpm) - Green Day

Here come the springtime.

Bit of a cold this morning, we all seem to have gotten the same cold. No matter, we are all still headed out into the world today to experience some beautiful things. A brief run, first, to keep things moving in the right direction.

Hold them close. Kiss them for me.

Temperature: 39°
Distance: 2 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 175 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.

1993 Playlist
Love Is Stronger Than Death - The The
Sunflower - Paul Weller
Come Undone - Duran Duran
Gepetto - Belly
Epilogue (Nothing 'Bout Me) - Sting

Can't go on like this too long.

Happy anniversary, baby.

I have gotten a run in every single day since a week ago Sunday, twelve straight running days. It feels good, the running, but the repetition is beginning to tell in different parts of my legs. My shins are beginning the feel a little worn, and sometimes my ankles.

Perhaps I will take a break tomorrow, when the entire family is taking the day off to be together for Calvin's Day. On the other hand, if I get up before everyone else I might still go for a run, it's not like shabbas or anything, I am not compelled to rest on that day. In fact, sometimes it is a beautiful communion.

Temperature: 28°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Went a bit off the diet last night, the wife and I went out on a big people date to see Kingsman. She was to get tickets and popcorn and by the time I got in there were also already two beers poured out.

"Sorry, she said, I didn't know whether you would want one or not."

That was very thoughtful. I had not planned to have another drink so soon, but it would have been rude to make a big deal out of it. And besides, seriously? This is not a problem. However, I did notice I enjoyed it a lot slower than I would have normally, sipping it throughout the movie instead of pulling it down. I think it sat there for a half hour before I even touched it.

Baseline: 178 lbs.
Today: 175 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

We have slowed our descent, which is good. However, today I am on the third notch in my belt. I have to keep this up, I have several new pair of size 33 pants waiting for me.

Oh! And twenty years ago today, the girlfriend (now the wife) moved to Cleveland Heights. Amazing.

1992 Playlist
Kiko and The Lavender Moon - Los Lobos
Digging In The Dirt (162 bpm) - Peter Gabriel
It's Probably Me - Sting ft. Eric Clapton
Soulalahoalih - Hassan Hakmoun
The Disappointed - XTC
Steam - Peter Gabriel
Disappointed - Electronic

Where we're going no one really knows.

Romeo & Juliet Globe (Hudson Middle School)

Survived St. Patrick's Day. I had one drink, a pint of fortifying Guinness. Only one, and a lot of water. For dinner, I had half a Reuben. I asked our server if it came with anything, and he said it did not, but he suggested fries or onion rings and I agreed to onion rings and then he took orders from two more friends around the table and I got his attention and asked if I could have a side salad instead.

Not bragging. Just be happy for me. 
 
Even better news, this means I have half a leftover Reuben for lunch today. Warm that sucker up in a skillet, perfection.

Temperature: 32°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Yesterday we brought the outreach tour to Hudson Middle School, about which I will eventually write in my other blog. After the performance our contact teacher took me for a tour of the artwork and other craft projects her eighth grade students created in preparation for the performance. They were all very impressive, and I look forward to sharing them (on the other blog.)

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 174.5 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

1991 Playlist
The Globe (Dub Version) - BAD II
Summertime - Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Theme from "Northern Exposure" - David Schwartz
Why Should I Cry For You - Sting
Rockin' Back Inside My Heart [Tibertan 12"] - Julee Cruise
3 A.M. Eternal (Live at the S.S.L.) - The KLF
Let, Let Me In - De La Soul


Down at The Globe.

To win the race.

The temperature dips again. The air tastes like snow coming in. Brisk run in the cool, March air. At least it is not raining. Can't be thankful enough for clear, dry pavement.

Yesterday I returned to the scene of the crime - yardwork. The backyard remains a battleground since there was a backhoe parked in it. Brush to be cleared, gravel and large stones to be exhumed. It is a mass of wet, hard earth which must be carefully brought back to life. Only, hopefully, this time, without damaging me and further in the process.

Temperature: 39°
Distance: 5.15 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 175 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

Thank you, St. Patrick! Yes, one-half pound a day, for a week, is too steep a drop. But I made myself a promise ... if I can see 175 pounds, then I can have one tasty, high-calorie, alcoholic beverage. And just in time, too. Tonight we are meeting friends for something of a tradition, St. Patrick's Day at Brennan's. If we can get a table.

Now, if I can only take it easy on the corned beef. Wish me "luck".

1990 Playlist
Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
Freedom 90 - George Michael
Tom's Diner - DNA ft. Suzanne Vega
Can't Stop This Feeling I Got - Prince
Don't Fence Me In * - David Byrne
Too Darn Hot *  - Erasure
So Hard - Pet Shop Boys
Pure - Lightning Seeds
Hippychick - Soho
Everybody Everybody - Black Box
Hello, I Love You - The Cure

Your shoes worn through and there's a rumble in your tummy.

I will walk to this one.

In honor of the Ides of March, last night I made a real Caesar salad for the family. It was huge, with some sauteed chicken strips on top. We are all sweating garlic this morning.

Temperature: 50°
Distance: 4 miles

This diet is on, I have become highly conscious of what I am taking in, and also painfully aware of what I am not taking in. And by that, I am aware every time I pass a cookie on a dish at work, or a stray piece of candy on a table at home, that I would usually just sweep that thing up and put it in my mouth.

Sunday breakfast: coffee with cream (no sugar, which is different), half a cup of granola with plain yogurt and a splash of milk.

Sunday lunch: half a cup of brown rice with soy sauce, half a dozen cubes of various cheese, a few piece of dried fruit, several slivers of raw vegetable, water.

Sunday dinner: big-ass Caesar salad with three modest slices of sauteed chicken, water.

This is just what's in the house, I didn't even need to do any special shopping for any of this. Except the brown rice. No snacks. That's not true, I had an apple, I had one apple.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 175.5 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

1989 Playlist
Love Buzz - Nirvana
Say No Go - De La Soul
Buffalo Stance - Neneh Cherry
Armageddon Days (Again) - The The
Love Shack - The B-52's
No Myth (Damascus Mix) - Michael Penn
Cuts You Up - Peter Murphy
Waiting For Mary (What Are We Doing Here) - Pere Ubu

Sometimes my head hurts and sometimes my stomach hurts.

Ay, Caesar ... but not gone.

With daily running, certain complaints return. My right big toe bends in, I can correct that with a toe separator and massage, pulling it back into place, basically. It is a self-conscious effort, keeping my feet pointed forward, not splayed out at all, as I run.

Also, the string in my right thigh is really irritating, the run was great but during the mid-afternoon I was limping a bit.

Yesterday I noticed my right eye hurt, the eyelid, actually. Today it is noticeably swollen. I was at the doctor a week ago, I am not interested in going back. But, ah well, I don't think I have a choice. The wife suggests it may be a plugged tear duct, my eye looks entirely clear.

Temperature: 36°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 176 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

With yesterday's surprise decrease, today's slight bump only means I have still lost a neat average of one half-pound per day.This should not come as a surprise, my intake yesterday was modest and appropriate, but definitely greater than the day before.

Last night I made a beef and onion stir fry that the kids totally loved, but the portions were generous. I have been trying to measure everything, not merely because I am obsessive compulsive but because all of our bowls are different sizes, I simply cannot eyeball an appropriate serving.

Eyeballs.

1988 Playlist
Beat of Love - Voice of the Beehive
Happy Families - XTC
Rattled - Traveling Wilburys
Balloon Man - Robyn Hitchcock
Party For Your Right To Fight - Public Enemy
Lake Shore Driving (162 bpm) - Duran Duran
I'm An Adult Now - The Pursuit of Happiness
Reptile (157 bpm) - The Church

Show your stuff or let it be.

I'm taking a ride with my best friend.

 Have you noticed? The running is now happening.

The newer, cranberry clown shoes, the ones with the treads, are not holding up as well as my green ones have. They are beginning to crack and split on the top. They are made of some material which is less forgiving than the others, which is odd because other than the treads they are virtually identical.

Temperature: 48°
Distance: 5.15 miles

Brisk, wet day. Sidewalks mostly clear, though there were some major puddles to deal with. Again, my back issues mean I run upright - the way they always say you should - with my feet striking the pavement mid-step. We turn our weaknesses into strengths.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 175.5 lbs. (-1.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

The sinus opening strips are very effective, and do make my head feel clear. However, I need to remember to bring a tissue on cooler days like this, my nose was like a drainpipe.

1987 Playlist
Wishing Well - Terrence Trent D'Arby
Good Times (157 bpm) - INXS ft. Jimmy Barnes
Leave Me Alone - Michael Jackson
Never Let Me Down Again (Split Mix) - Depeche Mode
Zydeco Gris Gris - Beausoleil
I.O.U. (181 bpm) - The Replacements
Bad - Michael Jackson
Calling All Nations  - INXS
Diamonds - Herb Alpert ft. Janet Jackson
Finest Worksong (178 bpm) - R.E.M.

Okay, now that is an awesome running playlist. Thank you, 1987 ... for everything.

Bring your blue sky back.

Fruit cage.

It is astonishing how well my junk email is targeted to me. Generally I receive spam about baldness, but I just started receiving email yesterday about weight loss and diabetes. Thanks, internet!

Let me try this ... my doctor also pointed out that I have a mild case of athlete's foot (a fungal infection also known by its medical nomenclature tinea pedum) which I have easily cured by drying my feet thoroughly after washing and applying a happy layer of Gold Bond.

So I don't have it anymore. But let's see what shows up in my inbox. 

By the way, I like running in springtime, a lot.

Temperature: 45°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 177 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

One half-pound a day, over three days. Not overdoing it. I can already use the next notch in my belt. If I can make it to 175 by the end of next week I will have a drink to celebrate.

1986 Playlist
Brand New lover - Dead Or Alive
Wild Wild Life (Extended Mix) - Talking Heads
Boys Don't Cry (12" Extended Version - 1986 Vocal) (171 bpm)  - The Cure
Hold It Now, Hit It - Beastie Boys
Seven Day Weekend (175 bpm) - Elvis Costello ft. Jimmy Cliff
Big Time - Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel

Now listen up, children. This is a real sledgehammer.

You're running at a different speed.

The wife made granola! That is awesome. It's almost like cheating, that stuff is so expensive, at least if you are purchasing granola that is any good, devoid of additives and, I don't know, chocolate chips or marshmallows something like that. When you look at it, it's what? Toasted oats with spices and dried fruit and nuts.

My mother, the hippie, started making granola in the 1970s. Just kidding, she's not a hippie, but she was always attuned to food trends. She made her own yogurt starting in the 70s, and granola. When stir fry became thing we had that, like, once a week.

Mmmn. Granola and yogurt. Mmn.

Temperature: 34°
Distance: 3.25 miles

It was much easier to diet when I was young and single. If I became neurotic enough, I could just not eat. I turned it into a mental exercise, I could focus on being hungry as just this thing I was going through, and remember that in a few moments it would pass, and think of something else.

Yesterday, as the day before, I was made keenly aware of all of the stuff I would just pick up and put in my mouth between meals. I had to return to the rehearsal space to pick something up and saw all the left over snack food from the process. There was this unopened bag of pretzels rods, there's no way that would have remained unopened on any other Wednesday. But today, there they remain, untouched.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 177.5 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

Oh, how is the running? Running is good. Pavement is dry for the most part, I have a mildly pulled hamstring in my right thigh, have done for a week or so now. So that's no fun. Eating less makes me a bit winded, but then not freezing to death has it's pleasures.

The playlist moves into my young adult years, all music gives me memories, some much less pleasant than others. Lately I have worked to concentrate on the good ones.

1985 Playlist
This Is Not America (The Falcon and The Snowman) - Pat Metheny ft. David Bowie
Addicted To Love (Extended Version) - Robert Palmer
Some Like It Hot - The Power Station
Singapore - Tom Waits
Stay Up Late - Talking Heads
Shout (12" Version) - Tears For Fear

I'm on the road and it's so nice to meet you.

When I think back on all the crap I ate during rehearsal period, it's a wonder I can move at all.

Temperature: 39°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 178 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

Half a pound is a start. It's also within the margin of error. Yesterday for lunch I had a salad with dried cranberries, mozzarella and Italian dressing. For dinner, we went out. I had a chicken Caesar. It was a big salad, but not unreasonably so - we weren't at Applebee's, it didn't have bacon on it.

When I was hungry I gored myself on a stick of celery, an apple. And I think that's the point. I avoided cookies, I didn't have anything from the bread basket at dinner, nor anything to drink than water ... half a pound, less. Not more. And that is the direction I hope to continue going.

1984 Playlist
Walk Through the Fire - Peter Gabriel
You're the Wish You Were I Had - XTC
Day After Day - Thompson Twins
Axel F - Harold Faltermeyer
Cue Fanfare - Prefab Sprout
Wish (The Lads Were Here) - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Stay - Little Mix - The Blue Nile
The Only Flame In Town - Elvis Costello ft. Darryl Hall
All You Pretty Girls (167 bpm) - XTC
Harborcoat (157 bpm) - R.E.M.

You run for cover so discreet.

Yes, this is why we are supposed to have a physical every year, and not every five years. Yes, my last physical exam was in 2010.

I am overweight, I knew that. What I was surprised to learn is I am possibly borderline diabetic. My blood sugar level is just below where "borderline" starts, whatever that means.

I should find out what that means.

I have three months to cut the sugar and drop my weight by ten pounds, and check again.

So there you go. I have to get below 170 by June. Doctor's orders. Gotta happen.

Then I got another rejection message from a publishing house. It was a happy Monday.

Temperature:43°
Distance: 3.25 miles
Baseline Weight: 178.5 lbs.
Goal Weight: 170 lbs.

Deceptive pavement. When the sun is shining ice can melt even a few degrees below freezing. When it is overcast, like today, a thin layer of snow melt can send you into a snowbank. Or the street. Or just cause a nasty pull in your hamstring. None of these things happened to me today. So it's a good day already, right? 

1983 Playlist
Beatbox (Diversion One) - The Art of Noise
One Thing Leads to Another - The Fixx
Power and the Passion (154 bpm) - Midnight Oil
Add It Up (184 bpm) - Violent Femmes
Song For a Future Generation (152 bpm) - The B-52's
Bad Boys (12" Remix) - Wham! UK
Walking In Your Footsteps - The Police

You can never win or lose if you don't run the race.

New shirt. I feel like a superhero.

Having my annual physical exam today for the first time in about five years. So, you know. Don't hate, congratulate.

Temperature: 41°
Distance: 3.25 miles

True Heights Story

Crossing the path of a mustachioed dude in knit hat and mirrored sunglasses in the crosswalk.

Dude: (points a finger at me) HEY!!!
Me: (coming to a stop right in front of him) Yeah?
Dude: Take a lap for me.
Me: (running off) Ha! I will do that for you.
Dude: (calling out) I feel better already!

1982 Playlist
House of Fun - Madness
New World Man * - Rush
Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girls) - Haircut 100
Town Called Malice - The Jam
Lonely In Your Nightmare - Duran Duran
Love My Way - Psychedelic Furs
Valley Girl - Frank Zappa
Lysistrata - Utopia
Hold Me - Fleetwood Mac

Who needs to think when your feet just go?

The week ahead looks promising, highs in the 40s. Fatigue has set into several large muscle groups. I haven't been doing stretches as often because of long nights and early mornings, but in general that hasn't been an issue.

Temperature: 39°
Distance: 4 miles

Crusty, slushy, even ,treacherous, murderous pavement. But a glorious day. My injury keeps my back straight as I run, can't really lean over to drive anymore, but that's probably a good thing. It makes hills difficult ... but then, hills are difficult when they are coated in ice. So I walked those.

This week will be interesting, should I get out. Heaps of icy, jagged snow on either side of the sidewalk, holding in the flood waters.

I have been having great sinus pain this past week, no doubt due in part to the change in the weather. Screaming I wanted to die on Friday morning, not a joke, the pain and sickness was excruciating. It has been many years since a headache has caused me to vomit.

The wife picked up Sinus Opening Strips™ because we were out. So deceptively simple, and useful. I had one on this morning, pretty much forgot about it but my head is clearer than it has been for some time.

Hmn. Feels like I need to do some back stretches.

1981 Playlist
I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) - Hall & Oates
Hard Act To Follow (171 bpm) - Split Enz
Genius Of Love - Tom Tom Club
Keep It Dark - Genesis
Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode
Super Freak - Rick James
Through Being Cool (154 bpm) - Devo
Everything's Gone Green - New Order
Five Miles Out (175 bpm) - Mike Oldfield
Golden Brown - The Stranglers