Thursday, April 30, 2015

Emotion.

There are so many jokes here, I do not know where to start.

Temperature: 45°
Distance: 2.65 miles
Avg Pace: irrelevant
Climate: cool
The Most Distracted Man In The World
There are actually three million different events and projects for me to think about and cope with and manage today, and every day. And yet yesterday I felt entirely adrift and unable to concentrate. The future is not without great work, but it's so far in the future.

Sunday I begin rehearsal on the summer Shakespeare. You would think that would be kind of on my mind. But that's three days from now, I mean come on.

Weight: 159 lbs.
From Goal: -1.0

Wow. Doesn't take much to ruin my morning. Construction at Monticello and Forest Hills, Spotify dropped the internet connection, and other events I do not need to mention.

That's right, Spotify, you lose. Nothing I hate more than a solo run without music. I need to figure out why I can't sync my iTunes to my phone because I'm not dealing with that again.

Tuesday Alcohol Units: -0-
Wednesday Alcohol Units: -0-

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Nothing's ever tough enough until we hit the road.

Snacking is a thing, we all know this. Gen X aged parents have had it impressed upon them that they must provide snack. We all know it, we all complain about. Those of us who have tried to rise above the garbage to provide something different and healthy are treated to the confused or even suspicious stare of small children when we offer something home baked or otherwise not arriving safely in a factory-fresh wrapper. Anyone who brings water to the game instead of Gatorade is treated like an asshole.

We've read these articles and blog entries, I need not add to those. Just to tell a personal story. We have had the benefit of a wonderful childcare associate for years, named Sarah. Her job is to keep the children safe, to provide oversight. She is not a nanny, it is not her job to correct the children. They do not need correction, anyhow. Much. She follows our lead. My wife reminds me not to give her too much instruction on how the kids are supposed to spend the two hours between the end of school and when we arrive home from work.

But she is, of course, there for when the kids want Snack. Not a snack, like something to nibble on, but Snack, that fourth meal between lunch and dinner. And as our home is often the venue for classmates who are also in Sarah's care, we keep the cupboard stocked with a variety of less-than-horrible offerings.

The problem is, by virtue of their use, they are usually not fresh. Crackers, sometimes chips, even cookies occasionally. There is yogurt in the fridge, and cheese. But they do not grab fruit or vegetables. Plant matter seems complicated to people. Or it's that a small amount of apples to do last very long, and we used to shop once a week.

But we're thinking healthy. I go grocery shopping for one bag of fresh tings maybe three times a week, like people used to do, or still do in large cities. Have we not a large city, with urban grocers? We do. I get more apples and whatever else they want, and also celery and carrots.

My mother used to do this thing, she would cut sticks of celery or carrot, stick them in a short glass of water, and leave them on the kitchen table. She wouldn't draw any additional attention to them, they were just there. We came home from school, we walked by the table, we took and ate the vegetables. Snack accomplished.

Lately, I have attempted to remember to cut up a vegetable and put it in a glass of water and place it in the fridge for Sarah to bring out after school. At the end of that day, that glass is always on the counter and empty.

Temperature: 43°
Distance: 3.36 miles
Avg Pace: 7.35
Climate: bright and brisk

Weight: 160 lbs.
From Goal: -0-

Wii Fit tells me I am NORMAL. My BMI is precisely where someone my age, gender and height should be. The goal now is maintain, to stay this weight and continue this work.

Sunday Alcohol Units: -0-
Monday Alcohol Units: -0-

The weather is irritating. Yesterday, freezing rain. Forget that. Today, just not as warm as I would care for. But tomorrow ... and tomorrow ... and tomorrow. We return to spring.

My head has been unhappy for days. I used to think it was the daily evening libation. And now we know that is not true. It's just my head and the way it is built.

However, pseudoephedrine can be daddy's little helper. My head is now high and clear. Aaahh.

Playlist: Hot Chip Radio

Marathon training begins Monday, June 15.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Sweat pours down.


So dehydrated today. Dehydrated and cold. So glad to get out in the early evening for a run, it has been a beautiful day. Bright and cool outside, the kids each had a soccer game, the wife and I made plans for the week and for the summer. And big plans they are.

I think, for the first time, I will participate in a 5K at Topsail Beach. Correct that - the entire family may participate.

Temperature: 48
Distance: 3.36 miles
Avg Pace: 7.32
Climate: bright and cool - ideal

Weight: 161.5 lbs.
From Goal: +1.5

Saturday Alcohol Units: -0-
End-of-Week Total: 3.0

We are drinking less.

Playlist: Talking Heads Radio

Tingling again in my right foot. Yesterday Nina said it may have something to do with my disinterest in stretching. I have a pulled string in my thigh, and have had for months. Also feeling it in the front of my right thigh tonight. Stretching certainly couldn't hurt, so let's find out.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Asleep at the wheel.

This morning I had a scare. I had to drive a couple miles from dropping the boy off at baseball to picking the girl up at violin. It took me a while to realize my gas foot had fallen asleep.

My foot fell asleep? Driving? DIABETES!

Then I noticed a few other things. These are the 32" pants I haven't fit in for some time, but they are still snug. And I had a wallet in the back pocket of these already snug jeans. Also, I hadn't readjusted my seat since letting the boy out (it's a two-door) and was sitting a little cramped.

Took out the wallet, reclined the seat, sensation came back in my foot. Should I worry about this, or just put on looser pants?

Temperature: 46
Distance: 2.52 miles
Avg Pace: 10.16
Climate: brisk & beautiful
Weight: 160 lbs.
From Goal: -0-
Friday Alcohol Units: 1.0

The girl and I ran three laps around the block.  She has expressed interest in changing up our routes, unfortunately some of the more interesting ones involve long climbs, and she's not there yet. She laments the fact that she generally gets at least one bad cramp on each run. But three laps was a bit of a breakthrough today.

Also, there's the issue of helicopter parent-coaching. She ran twice around the block a few days ago, and that made me feel odd. I mean, hell, I did that many times at her age. But that was, you know, different.

Sigh.

Friday, April 24, 2015

I have been running too long.

Three o'clock is a deadly time for those working in a traditional office setting. Or anywhere, really. When we are in rehearsal for the residency, 3 PM is generally when everyone goes insane and cannot concentrate. When you are at a desk, it generally means your brain falls off.

Yesterday a colleague came into my office around that time and asked if I felt I had any additional energy since I stopped taking sugar. I thought about it a moment and decided, yes, I really do.

In the morning, I used to drink two or three cups of coffee. Without sugar to entice me further, barely finish one. I enjoy coffee, but it's not something I need to have and have a lot of. Hot beverage, tastes good, thanks that's enough.

In the recent past, I might buy another coffee as soon as I get to work. Or one in the afternoon - around 2:30 - or worse yet, a cola. These days, I don't get sleepy. I don't get irritable. I don't need an afternoon pick-me-up, I just keep going.

I don't get tired in the afternoon, I get tired at night like a normal human being. I used to be edgy at night, now I want to go to bed. I think this is a good thing.

Temperature: 36°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.57
Climate: cool but calm
Weight: 161.5 lbs.
From Goal: +1.5

Wednesday Alcohol Units: -0-
Thursday Alcohol Units: 1.0

Thursday was a lesson in control. Opening the door a little can be a dangerous thing. Also, stretching was a daily exercise which was good for me in a number of ways and now I miss it.

The annual playlists were a motivator, and provided a goal which is gone, like training for a race. I have a race to train for ... in 162 days. Now I need to run because I need to keep running. And yesterday it snowed. I am tired of cold. Very, very tired of dull, boring, uninspiring cold.

Man. Don't run for one day and I get all freaking depressed and anxious.

Playlist:  Calvin Harris Radio

Love now.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

You were never fleet of foot, hippie.

Twin Cities! And Toronto! Wait ... what?
Things close, and I am antsy. When I am antsy, I should delve into supercool new activities, but most I spend time online googling myself. It's not fulfilling, because there is nothing new from second to second, but as an angst-inducing timesuck there is nothing to beat it.

There are plays to view, scripts to print, production meetings to attend, contracts to email, and writing to be accomplished. I have a reading of a short play of modern adult folk tales to continue throwing words at (to see if they stick) but first I must shave and put on a tie to play host to a party of English teachers including my wife.

This is all happening just today.

Temperature: 45°
Distance: 2.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.43
Climate: breezy & cold

Constant breeze, all the way up Monticello and that was pissing me off. Decided I could deal with a short run today. There's too much to do!

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 160 lbs.
Goal: 160 lbs.

Tuesday Alcohol Units: -0-

I do not know how to eat. I am very glad to be avoiding any kind of junk food whatsoever but the portions of proper food are entirely throwing me off. Last night I prepared health food company created boxed mac and cheese made of whole grain wheat pasta and threw some tuna and extra cheddar cheese in there, served with broiled green beans. Everyone loved it, we talked about the consistency of whole wheat pasta (no, it does not always work, we all understand that) and afterward I felt like I had swallowed a bocce ball. My wife assures me that a three quarter-cup of macaroni and cheese is not overdoing it.

Playlist: Style Council Radio

By the way, everyone ran yesterday! Everyone!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Talking like a jerk.

2006 - 2015
Seasons used to change, that's how we would put it. Watch the seasons change. Today seasons rip into each other, the new seasons laying waste to the previous season and taking down a lot of tree branches in a process, or making your pipes burst. (Not ours, fortunately, but those of several people we know.)

Yesterday I walked up the street to the grocery store and it was bright and sunny. When I stepped back out onto Euclid Avenue with my bags, it was pissing downright, sheets of rain sweeping down through downtown. These things happen, but rarely with such anger.

Temperature: 48°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.52
Climate: breezy & cool

A few days without a three-miler, a bit hard going into the wind. But it was at my back all the way down Taylor Road. Feels good.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 160 lbs.
Goal: 160 lbs.

Oh, uh ... I'm sorry. That wasn't supposed to happen. Seriously, I need to manage my diet better.

Sunday Alcohol Units: 1.0
Monday Alcohol Units: -0-

Playlist: LCD Soundsystem Radio on Spotify.

Yes, I have gone there. And they are correct, I will never pay for music again.

Today was the first day I used the new phone exclusively. For a couple weeks I have been using the old iPod and holding the phone, because I am lazy that way. I haven't figured out how to load music into my phone yet, and I am not sure I wish to. I guess I do not need to.

The strap pictured above is as old as the iPod itself, almost nine years old. Nine years on the road, I can't imagine how miles that is. It has been across the Atlantic, and at various points on its western shore. It has managed two marathons and several other races (admittedly not many of those.)

Now I have this big, heavy, stupid thing on my arm ... like my very first iPod strap, or carrying a Walkman. This to me is not progress.

But I do like the MapMyRun lady whispering in my ear. Ah, well.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Someone to run with.

Kinda worried about reporting this, but I stopped stretching my back almost a week ago and ... there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with my back any more. No pain, no kinks. Yesterday I even did a little yard work with no ill effects.

Temperature: 59°
Distance: 1.2 miles
Avg Pace: 9.22
Climate: cool and damp

The girl is very careful. After yesterday's run, she wanted to do less. She also does what she says she will do, six laps and no more. As we approached goal I asked if we were going to do another lap, and she said no. 1.2 miles today, and no more.

I think I have waited my entire life for this.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163 lbs. (-1.5)
Final Goal: 160 lbs.

Saturday Alcohol Units: 1.5

Saturday, April 18, 2015

A new era.

Cheese.
Today everyone has new running shoes. The girl and I have made a pact to work as a team, my wife and the boy have done the same. As a soccer player, now working on a regulation field, the girl has to sprint - a lot. She didn't think she would be prepared for the HB 5K tomorrow. I disagree, but who knows? She has a touch of asthma, and she is right to play it safe, not merely launching back into distance running without any training.

At the same time, my wife is dedicated to getting fit, and the boy needs this, too. I feel very good about our teams, and hope we can all keep to a kind of schedule during the late spring and into the summer.

Temperature: 70°
Distance: 1.8 miles
Climate: Warm!

Yesterday I was much more liberal about my diet. Overdid it a bit at dinner, we got carry out from a new local restaurant and it was all so good. I didn't need that second piece of fried chicken.

However, my wife did express concern that she smelled protein on my breath. That I have been digesting myself. Better to digest chicken.

I would like to get to 160 lbs. and stay around there. And that would be a healthy place for me to be.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 164.5 lbs. (+2.0)
Final goal: 160 lbs.

Friday, April 17, 2015

We're wild and weary but we won't give in.

Yes. I do believe the cranberry clown shoes were not good for my feet, or that I had overused them. I was getting flashes of pain in my arches, which is never good. I have been with the UA slippers for a few weeks now, and the pain has entirely vanished.

Knees do not hurt, hips feel great, nothing wrong with my ankles. Annual playlist series completed, time for the rest of the year.

Temperature: 57°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.42
Climate: cool and humid

Great news! Double Heart (The Courtship of Beatrice and Benedick) has been published by YouthPLAYS. I have had high hopes that someone might pick that up, that many high schools or colleges would take advantage of a clever, romantic verse play, and YouthPLAYS is a great company.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 162.5 lbs.

Ladies and gentlemen ... 49 Playlists for 49 Years.

2015 Playlist
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
Huarache Lights - Hot Chip
Can't Break Me Down - Billy Idol
Sugah Daddy - D'Angelo
Bury Our Friends - Sleater-Kinney

Barely ran in January and February, but I ended up beating last year's finish by thirteen days. And I have lost fifteen pounds in two months.

So what's next?

Evening Run
Temperature: 64°
Distance: 0.8 miles

The girl has had an ache to resume running. But her soccer games and practice have been exercise enough. Tonight before dinner she announced she just wanted to run around the block. I joined her, running one lap but then she wanted to do a second on her own, so she did.

The whole family is getting into a running mood. But they will all require shoes.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Moving in time and space.

Here and now.
Late night Tuesday night. Hot bed, long pajamas. Sinus headache. Not fair. Tried to catch a few more minutes of sleep, just ended up with a more troubling headache and no time to run. Oh dear, missed a day. Hum.

Recently I began measuring my breakfast cereal according the "serving size" on the side of the box. One cup of Raisin Bran to 1/2 cup milk. It is less than I am accustomed to eating, but it perfectly satisfies.

Temperature: 57°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7:52
Climate: cool, breezy

Loving the new shoes. Haven't stretched in two days. Stretching or writing, you must choose. So far I have been managing well ... however, one pleasant side effect of performing the stretches is that it has toned my linea semilunaris in a most pleasing way, and in a fashion sit-ups or crunches do not.

Upon your imaginary forces work.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 165 lbs.

Oh, and my doctor? The one who recommended diet soda? She was appalled to learn we drink whole milk, and urged me to switch to skim. These tedious old fools.

2014 Playlist
Easy Money - Johnny Marr
Busy Earnin' - Jungle
Me and My Broken Heart - Rixton
Do You - Spoon
Two Bodies - Flight Facilities ft. Emma Louise
Studio - Schoolboy Q ft. BJ The Chicago Kid
Happy Idiot - TV on the Radio

Studio. Huh. It's like a modern-day Beth.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Run like me.

Little lion man.
Did it. I registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, October 4, 2015. I have a question about how a long distance run will effect my back ... or rather, the other way around.

Great morning, cool and clear, dry pavement. Picked up the pace a little. Two more playlists, and then I am going to synch my new phone to the iTunes. This will require an update to iTunes and rumor has it that in some cases the upgrade deletes all your self-made playlists.

If this is the case, well, big deal. But it means all my annual playlists - which took some time to make - will be gone.

I am thinking I am not going to be posting complete playlists after this. Not sure. I like to record them. Believe it or not, I go back and look them over from time to time, on this blog.

This blog is over nine years old. That is so totally weird.

Temperature: 51°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.53 (brisk)
Climate: that's-a cool
Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 165 lbs.

2013 Playlist
Sigh No More - Joss Whedon feat. Maurissa Tancharoen & Jed Whedon
Harlem - New Politics
Heart Attack - Demi Lovato
Ain't It Fun - Paramore
Come & Get It * - Selena Gomez
Grace For Saints & Sinners * - Iron & Wine
Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z

Monday, April 13, 2015

Your time is running out.

My nemesis.
What a full week I have ahead of me. Little time to dawdle, time to hit the road early or not at all.

Attended a few social gatherings this weekend, mostly centering around food.  It is challenging to control your intake in situations like that, but not impossible. I was more successful when I put myself in a room away from the food.

But that's where they keep the booze.

Temperature: 60°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.07
Climate: cool and humid

Outstanding run. Wish every morning could be like this. No traffic, cool and breezy. Funny how soon the humidity kicks in. Actually, that's not funny at all, that's just Cleveland.

Not enough time. Want to get to work on the backyard. It will be ninety degrees at dawn before we know it. The wife says she thought this winter would never end. Not metaphorically, during the coldest days she just could not imagine the spring.

Here you go, sweetheart. Welcome home.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163.5 lbs. (-2.0)
Goal: 165 lbs.

Uhm ... okay. That's weird. I had mac and cheese with bacon for lunch, and an enormous Caesar salad with grilled chicken for dinner. The wife thinks it might be all the running.

2012 Playlist
Take a Walk - Passion Pit
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Madness - Muse
Let's Go - Calvin Harris ft. Ne-Yo
Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch
Starships - Nicki Minaj
It's Time - Imagine Dragons

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Tripping on your feet.

Feeling good. Knee stiffness gone, pain in my ankle gone. A little muzzy-headed, slept a little warm last night. Woke early though, to run. Big day, last full day on my own with the kids. The wife returns home tomorrow night. I miss our little talks.

My diet was almost normal yesterday, I even indulged in fish fry for lunch.

This is where it gets dangerous, I have noticed my eating has become faster and I realize I am not tasting. I wait for these moments but then I do not indulge in them with patience.

Temperature: 37°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.08
Climate: cool & dry

Day of events downtown at the Rock Hall. We are thinking of plunging in. Should be a good day for it.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America®) is Sunday, October 4, 2015. I am thinking that is a thing that might happen.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 (+0.5)
Revised Goal: 165 lbs.

2011 Playlist
Rise Above - Reeve Carney ft. Bono & The Edge
Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
Breakthrough from "Lemonade Mouth"
The Afterlife * - Paul Simon
Monkey Maker - The Black Keys
Makelloser Mann - Mike Doughty
Into the Un - Mike Doughty

Friday, April 10, 2015

I believe in waiting out the weather.

To run or not to. It is seventy degrees before dawn. It is also blowing crazily, and every now and then it rains. A lot. However, the birds are singing. I will take that as a sign. I would take anything as a sign.

Temperature: 67°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.06
Climate: muggy

Win. No rain, the humidity of Cleveland is upon us. Directing some free, outdoor Shakespeare this summer, I wonder what surprising weather we will get hit with.

Auditions are tonight, come join us.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Very tired this morning, hard to get to bed before eleven when there's no one to remind you what time it is. At least it was time well spent, editing, writing, folding laundry.

Once I started running, however, in the cool pre-dawn breeze, I felt good, I felt strong and light. I wonder if I have another long race in me. I don't see why not. One more before fifty? Making plans.

2010 Playlist
Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
Blow - Ke$ha
Derezzed - Daft Punk
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira ft. Freshlyground
Rocketeer - Far East Movement
Cynthia - Millionyoung
Home - Glasser
Drunk Girls - LCD Soundsystem

Two Thousand Ten, the year the girl discovered pop music. Last night we had our final bedtime phone call before Con drives her home this afternoon.

When she said "Hi, Daddy," she sounded like that little girl. By the time we said good-bye her voice had relaxed, it sounded deeper, more confident. When she said "Good-night, Daddy," she was a teenager.

Thursday, April 09, 2015

You're gonna run late.

And Then You Die (2009)
I have recounted in this blog, many times, about my compulsive eating habits. Especially when it comes to sugar. There is currently a bowl of jelly beans sitting on the front desk at work, a particularly tasty brand. I have passed by them numerous times, and my instinct is to take a few - a handful, in fact. Bring a handful back to my desk and just pop them into my mouth, one after the other.

But the thought of the sensation of grinding what is largely pure sugar and corn syrup into my teeth and swallowing that ... it entirely puts me off. I think of how I would feel doing that, and so I don't. And yet it's still not easy, I still think, when I first glance at these brightly colored beans, "Oh!"

Sugar for its own sake.

One month ago today, my doctor told me I was close to developing "borderline" type 2 diabetes. Since that time I have altered a great deal of my eating habits. I am grateful my family has been patient, in fact downright encouraging. The girl has even observed, several times, that the whole wheat pasta tastes good.

How long will this mania continue? I have been writing about diet almost every day since. And of course, running. Last night I had a very sensible, solitary dinner. Mock chicken alfredo with broccoli and roasted green beans.

Before bed I had a small serving of ice cream.

Temperature: 39°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.08
Climate: light to heavy rain

Brisk, hazy morning. The rain began just as I headed out, but came downright as I made the final turn. My pace picked up considerably then.

I moan about having extra baggage to carry as I run, when I have it, but rarely think of it when I don't. The baggage is gone. But what was in it? We process what we consume and it becomes part of our chemistry. To wit; what you eat is what you are. How much of what remains of me is Pringles?

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

2009 Playlist
Mute (Jokers of the Scene Mix) - The Brash
Ghosts N' Stuff - Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire
In For The Kill - La Roux
I Get Around - Dragonette
Fireflies - Owl City
Rollerskate - Matias Aguayo

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Got it going on.

Stop sign of Sauron.
Monday was great, but yesterday I felt the full impact of running eight miles the day before. Fatigue in my legs, and my right knee has been flaring up a little since before the weekend - only now it is more pronounced and constant.

Also, the pad of my left foot. So, is this repetition without rest soreness, or is it the shoes? Almost ten years ago I sustained an injury in my feet and was trying to figure out what was happening and it took me a surprisingly amount of time to realize it was the shoes. Ditched the shoes, all was well.

Is it the shoes?

Temperature: 43°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.25
Climate: damp

The wife departed before dawn for the AWP Conference, she will be gone until Sunday. The kids do not return until Friday evening.

Now I am alone.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

No one in the house, I totally forgot to eat.

2008 Playlist
Alice - Moby
Mercy - Duffy
Paris Is Burning (Paris s'enflamme) - Ladyhawke
Go All The Way (Into the Twilight) - Perry Farrell
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
Halo - Beyoncé
Breakeven - The Script

You know what ... the aughts playlists? Not my favorite playlists.

Tuesday, April 07, 2015

Your ankles are swollen.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (2007)
The children are staying with their grandparents in Athens for Spring Break. We are home attending to work. For the past two nights we have been binge watching Mad Men. All that remains is Sunday night's episode, and we will, for the first time, know as much as anyone else. We have finally caught up.

I watched the first episode of Breaking Bad last week. I understand that was very popular.

Temperature: 52°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.06
Climate: Rainy

In college and through my very young adulthood I took coffee black. My wife introduced me to the joys of sugar and cream, and I have been drinking it that way for twenty years. She stopped taking sugar in her years ago, but now I have. I thought it would be rude adjustment, but it's not. I enjoy coffee without any sweetener.

However, not as much, apparently. Without noticing it, I realize I am drinking one cup in the morning. That's it. Not two, as were usual, nor a third once I get to work. I drink water at work. One cup of caffeine, no additional pick-me-up at 3 PM, no soda pop at all.

Not sure if I ever will drink soda pop again. That stuff will kill you.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Did I mention that my doctor, believing perhaps that I would find it difficult to just stop drinking soda (I just stopped smoking one day, almost 14 years ago and never looked back) actually suggested, in fact encouraged me to drink diet soda? I mean, seriously, she said that's fine.

Not sure what to do with that information. It's ridiculous. 

2007 Playlist
The Moneymaker - Rilo Kiley
Army of Me - Grisbi
Nan You're a Window Shopper - Lily Allen
Certified - Calvin Harris
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid
Stronger - Kanye West
Acceptable In The 80s (Tom Nevis Remix) - Calvin Harris

Mad Men debuted in 2007. Huh.

Monday, April 06, 2015

Until this breath is over.

Hiya, Harvey.
First long run in a long time. Glorious sunrise trek down through Lakeview Cemetery and up through Little Italy. Dust In The Wind played as I passed Garfield Monument. Good morning, sir.


Temperature: 42° → 52°
Distance: 8.16 miles
Avg Pace: 8.21*

*Remember - that includes running up Mayfield Road through Little Italy. I am a machine.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 lbs. (-2.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.


Eight more runs before the 2015 Playlist. Now fielding suggestions. Songs must be released in 2015 or they may have been released earlier if they only entered heavy rotation after January 1st.

Yes, there will be the Uptown Funk.

2006 Playlist - or -
Gabriel & Dresden (Continuous Mix) - Gabriel & Dresden
  1. Let Go
  2. Eleven
  3. Enemy
  4. Dust In The Wind
  5. Mass Repeat
  6. Closer
  7. Not Enough/Amsterdam Interlude
  8. New Path
  9. Sydney
  10. Dangerous Power
  11. Tracking Treasure Down 
Following my first marathon, I found it challenging to resume running. This album was a major motivating factor. I had picked up Tracking Treasure Down during the 2006 training period, and was encouraged to "complete my album".

While the download features 11 individual tracks, it also includes a twelfth, the entire album as one complete mix. With the exception of the bogged-down, Pink Floyd-inspired,, slow, trippy and dull-as-shit Not Enough/Amsterdam Interlude, the entire album kicks ass from start to finish. The last three tracks are particularly awe-inducing.

Sunday, April 05, 2015

Don't stop.

New kicks.
As we generally appear at holidays, it is extremely challenging to be in residence here and not overdo it. I have given myself a pass, but not complete carte blanche, having the chips with guacamole, yes, having dessert, yes (couldn't say no to dessert, my wife and the girl together made an apple pie from scratch) and taking in 3 alcohol units in one day as opposed to, you know, none.

When I say "alcohol units" I do mean real alcohol units. I assume the Bloody Mary we had at brunch yesterday had one shot in it, and not two. One before dinner Heineken and a small glass of wine - not one large drink of wine in one large glass. I believe I will go without for the rest of the week.

Fortunately for me, they do not have a scale for weighing myself here, and if they do, I would prefer not to know about it.

Temperature: 55°
Distance: 4.35 miles
Avg Pace: 7.51

Perfect day, down by the river. No complaints, not in my feet, my hips, my back or knees. Yes, I will keep these fine shoes. Thanks, Under Armour!

2005 Playlist
Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz ft. De La Soul
Bound Too Long (HyperMix) - The Crystal Method
We Both Go Down Together - The Decemberists
Dirty Harry - Gorillaz
Marvo Ging - The Chemical Brothers
Surface to Air - The Chemical Brothers
Natural Born Lover - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

That run was damn inspiring ... except for the one about rape and suicide. Thanks, Colin Meloy, you fucking weirdo.

For a long while, it felt like the annual playlists would never end. Suddenly there are only ten to go.

Saturday, April 04, 2015

A big, strong Tower.

What is that smell?
On Thursday, I consumed more calories in two hours than I had in the previous two days. The outreach tour had just closed, one final morning show at a high school in Akron, and the company and I hit a local tavern for lunch. I had a cheeseburger with everything, with a beer, but judiciously avoided sampling any of the fried appetizers the rest of the guys got.

When I arrived back at the office, I discovered (to mine and everyone's delight) that one of our colleagues had created homemade crème brûlée with berries in celebration of another's birthday. Only a complete ass would have declined. It was amazing.

Not every day is a special occasion, but that day certainly was.

Temperature: 52°
Distance: 4.35 miles
Avg Pace: 7:51

And Charlie Bucket repeated, "A chocolate river!"

This is my idea of a vacation. This morning I read, wrote, edited and submitted scripts. That was all before 10 AM. We visited the farmer's market, then had lunch at Casa. I decided to visit the university library to look over copies of The Post from the year 1970 and then walked back to the house - a forty-five minute walk on a cool but not uncomfortable day which warmed up as I went.

Then I put on my new shoes, a pair of UA Charge RC. Not exactly zero drop, but very close to it. It felt refreshing to have just a bit more sole after these past three years. I will let you know how they work out. Today they felt great.

Oh, and one other really great thing. On my way down Court Street, heading for the library I stopped in at the UA store (yes, O.U. has one of those now) looking for that shirt, the one I saw first at Homecoming, but decided was too expensive. At the holidays I shared a link for it with my wife ... but Santa did not get the hint.

It was there in the shop when we got the girl a Bobcats shirt for Christmas that she had asked for and just loves. It made me want the one I wanted even more.

So, dammit, I was going to buy it today. I looked around, and sure enough, it wasn't there. A retired design. I looked through the clearance rack in the back, but to no avail. Just another missed opportunity.

Heading out I just caught this small pile of shirts - right by the front door! It was a messy pile, too, it looked sad in this small shop where everything was either neatly hung or folded and stacked. Sure enough, a half dozen of the design I was looking for, and every one of them in my size.

Half-price. Good things.

2004 Playlist
Cobrastyle - Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra
L-L-Love - Astaire
Suddenly I See - KY Tunstall
In The Waiting Line - Zero 7
Beware - Punjabi MC ft. Jay-z
Golden Touch - Razorlight
An Open Letter to NYC - Beastie Boys 
Hunting Season - Felix da Housecat
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

We are accidents waiting to happen.

"Rosalynde." Because this.
We return to writing. Rose earlier this morning, as it should be. The great hibernation is through. It is the old new year (April 1!) and though I feel unsure, there should be new beginnings. Yesterday, decisions were made to mark the next year, which gives focus and urgency to this year.

Yes, it's all very vague. Sorry. More later. For now I am fighting a certain dull ennui which comes with the highs and lows of closing one show and opening another. I will miss The Globe (two more private shows at two public high schools, today and tomorrow) and I am very excited about all the good press Rosalynde is getting.

Temperature: 37°
Distance: 3.35 miles

Ah-ha. This morning, not just my left ankle, but my left hip was a little sore. Trying not to run myself down, but also wish to choose the dates I do not run, like tomorrow when I need to leave the house at seven.

Wait. It's supposed to be like summer tomorrow. I'll make it happen.

Baseline:178.5 lbs.
Today: 167.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

What will happen when I have a heart attack on a run? Will I fall on the sidewalk, or in the street? Will anyone pull over to assist? Will I die there, or make my way to someone's front door? Will it be an abandoned house?

One thing that has changed since my childhood, I will not be found by an adolescent paperboy.

2003 Playlist
Ignition (Remix) - R. Kelly
New Killer Star - David Bowie
Such Great Heights (173 bpm) - The Postal Service
Mosquito - The Mosquitos
All Wrong (167 bpm) - Kaada
House Party Time - Dan Zanes and his Friends
There There (The Boney King of Nowhere) - Radiohead
Peace and Love - Fountains of Wayne

Who has R. Kelly and Dan Zanes on the same playlist? I am so sorry.