She ran away in her sleep.

1. The wife said, you should take a run today. So I did.

2. Done with the zombies.

Distance: 3,1 miles 

Duration: 32:56
Pace: 10:37

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 39°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: all right

 

I am also not recording my intake anymore, or my weight. I will run. If I run, I win.

The Dreaming Playlist

Ship To Wreck - Florence + The Machine

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics

Stay Awake - Julie Andrews

Dream On - Aerosmith

Dream Lover - Bobby Darin

Paradise - Coldplay

Enter Sandman - Metallica

Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Morrissey - The Smiths 

Dreams  - The Cranberries

 

Stretches: yes
Abdominals:
Water: yes

The nicest parts of Hell.

Vertigo, day four. Time to make an appointment. Guess I should have done that before. 

First, however, a run. It's seventy freaking degrees out. Time to escape some zombies!

Paul Revere: 0105

Distance: 3.75 miles
Duration: 38:35
Pace: 10:17

Steps: 5570

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 70°
Climate: sunny & warm!
Mood: all right

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec. (2x)
Water: yes

Weight: 186 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Breakfast: pot of yogurt

Lunch: cheeseburger, fries & soda (hey, it was free)

Treat: Oreos (3), milk
Dinner: Galley Boy, potato teezers & ranch, shake (hey, it's Thursday)

What's That Lyric?

Justified - Nine Inch Nails

There's no point in escaping.

Yeah, we'll try another zombie run. I want the story to pick up a little.

A Lost Child: 0104

Distance: 3.15 miles
Duration: 31:09
Pace: 9:53

Steps: 4860

In the film Last Night the local DJ is playing what he calls "The Greatest 500 Songs of All Time" but really, they are his favorite songs of all time, because the world is literally about the be destroyed.

So, I am listening to the "Sings For My Funeral" playlist, while I navigate the zombie apocalypse, because those are my favorite songs of all time.

  
Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 46°
Climate: bright & cool
Mood: all right

Yesterday, first thing in the morning, I suffered a sudden bout of vertigo. Just sitting in a chair, talking to Toni, my head started spinning, and wouldn't stop. I began to feel nauseated and it didn't stop until I lay down on the couch. It took most of the morning to feel close to normal.

I still don't feel normal, I'm a little disoriented, but I was able to run. It felt good to run. 

But what was that? Is it related to Covid? Advance warning of a stroke? No idea. I did let my doctor know.

 
Stretches: not really
Water: yes

Weight: 186 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

What's That Lyric?

Take Me Home - Phil Collins

It ain't easy living above.

There are few acts that I am hopelessly dedicated to. Like, "Oh, man! The Stones has a new album coming out!" I've never said. No one says that. But you know what I mean? 

There are acts that once had a great run of singles, but few that consistently generate work that I like -- me -- over an extended period of time.

Except Ben Gibbard. And I'm not, like, I wouldn't call myself a Death Cab fan. But he keeps creating songs I really enjoy, year after year. He's the Dad Whisperer.

Oh! And Everything But the Girl is releasing their first album since 1999 next year!!!

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:29
Pace: 9:31

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 60°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: good

 

Man. Most of these tunes have excellent bpm, too! Boss run, no zombies. Just sunshine and dead leaves.

 
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 186 lbs. 

Goal: 180 lbs.

I have a reading tonight. I will not record what I ate today.

Ben Gibbard Playlist

Here to Forever

The District Seeps Alone Tonight

The Ghosts of Beverly Drive

Transatlantisicsm

I Will Possess Your Heart (Radio Edit)

Gold Rush

Baby, I'm a walking dead.

Compulsion can be a force for good, and a force for not so good. I have run compulsively in the past, but there are several reasons that is not possible today. My ageing body, and also my schedule.

Then there is the compulsion to eat, which is what I am currently suffering. It's a boredom thing. It's an unhappiness thing. Recording my diet here helps, but only if I am running more often. Otherwise I backslide. And there's leftover candy. And there are chips. There are always nuts and cheese. Fats and carbs and sugar.

It's rainy fall weather, cool and damp. Time to elude some zombies.

Lay of the Land: 0103

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:59
Pace: 9:39

Steps:  4736

  

Good run! Beautiful fall day, listening to spooky music and running and a carpet of golden leaves. I felt stronger than I might, good breathing.

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 48°
Climate: sunny & cool
Mood: all right

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)
Water: yes

Breakfast: Honey Nut Cheerios (1C.) w/milk, banana, coffee (2x)

Lunch: cheeseburger, fries, Coke

Treat: "fun size" Twizzlers (1x)

Happy hour: Almonds, dried fruit, beer
Dinner: pasta & sauce w/greens, salad

Treat: “fun size” KitKat

What's That Lyric?

Bloodletting (The Vampire Song) - Concrete Blonde

Are you receiving me?

When I told my wife I was experimenting with  zombie run app she said, "I thought you hated zombies." 

And she's right. I really hate zombies. But I like storytelling and radio drama, and that part I enjoy very much.

Distraction: 0102

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:10
Pace: 9:43

Steps: 4622

We went to Cedar Point Halloweekends and boy did we get our timing right, the weather was ideal.

Neither the wife nor I are big haunted house people, so we just got our fortune told and rode some rides -- the trip was more for the boy, who brought a friend and they had their time while we had ours.

But if I had to do it again? I'd go into one of the haunted attractions. I guess I am still evolving. Next time!

  
Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 74°
Climate: sunny, bright & humid
Mood: slight headache

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)
Water: yes

Weight: 186.5 lbs.

My sensible eating practice went off the rails when I got Covid. Not that it was very good up to that point, but I was eating less garbage. Cedar Point trip, of course I ate more than necessary.

It's sugar season. Let's see if I can exert healthy control.

Breakfast: banana bread, latte

Lunch: ramen w/carrot & egg

Snack: apple, banana
Dinner: pierogis, sautéed apples & onions, sour cream

Also: fizzy water (1x)

What's That Lyric?

88 Lines About 44 Women (Original Version) - The Nails

Is there anyone following you?

As we have entered creepy season,  I have decided to try something I swore I would never do. I have down loaded a "zombie run" app, which I will now use on a run. A daytime run.

Jolly Alpha Fiver Nine: 0101

Distance: 5.0 KM
Duration: 29:24
Pace: 5:51/KM

Steps: 4559

Okay? Not bad. Maybe we will continue with this. I will remember to convert to miles next time, but I liked the DJs.

Speaking of DJs, I was listening to the Nine of Clubs Memories playlist, which was only appropriate.

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 66°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: good

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)
Water: yes

Weight: 

Goal: 180 lbs.

Breakfast: Chinese leftovers 

Lunch: Sunbutter bagel, apple
Dinner: TBA

What's the Lyric?

Awake and Watching - Click Click

All you really got to do is just-a move your little feet.

Big weekend. Big meals. My wife had a do-over birthday dinner on Friday, last night we attended the screening of I Hate This at Playhouse Square. And tonight? The Guardians at Progressive Field!

Distance: 3.75 miles
Duration: 36:22
Pace: 9:42
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 64°
Climate: bright & breezy
Mood: good!
Stretches: yes
Abdominals:
Water: yes

Beautiful day. My ankles are sore, though. They were after my last run, and sleeping I ached a bit. Will continue to take (at least) a day between runs.

Breakfast: bagel w/lox, cream cheese, capers & tomato, coffee & cappuccino    

Lunch: TBA TBA
Dinner:

155 - 164 BPM Playlist

Catch Us If You Can - The Challengers

Give Novocain/She's a Rebel - Green Day

Do You Wanna Dance - Del Shannon

Ranking Full Stop - The Beat

Like Easting Glass - Bloc Party

Tommy Gun - The Clash

Don't Lose My Number - Phil Collins

Doubt - Hippo Campus

Numb - Portishead

Very Ape - Nirvana

Ball of Confusion - Leon Bridges

I'm so free!

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:01
Pace: 9:40
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 59°
Climate: sunny & breezy
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: no

Breakfast: oatmeal w/dried fruit, butter, cream, brown sugar, coffee (2x)

Lunch: mac & cheese (1c.) w/sautéed greens & hot sauce
Dinner: oof.

155 - 164 BPM Playlist

I Predict a Riot - Kaiser Chiefs

Walking Wounded (Dave Wallace Remix) - Everything But the Girl

Halo - Beyonce

Light Will Keep Your Heart Beating in the Future - Mike Doughty

Fire In the Twilight - Wang Chung

I'm So Free - Lou Reed

Dose - Filter

Hero Takes a Fall - The Bangles

The day I lose half my sight.

Huh. Not a great morning, feeling logy and low energy. But hey, gotta hit the pavement.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:32
Pace: 9:31
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 66°
Climate: cloudy, fall breeze
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes - not enough

Weight: 185.5 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Beautiful day for running, light breeze, overcast. Almost like rain, but not quite. Lots of golden leaves in the trees and on the ground.

Breakfast: granola, yogurt, dried fruit banana, honey & cream, coffee (2x)

Lunch: tuna melt, apple, coffee

Happy hour: beer, popcorn
Dinner: Beans & greens soup, GooGoo Cluster

155 - 164 BPM Playlist

Play For Today - The Cure

Cool Places - Sparks ft. Jane Wiedlin

In the Waiting Line - Zero 7 ft. Sophie Barker

World Before Columbus - Suzanne Vega

Boombastic - Shaggy

Maria - Blondie

Rehab - "Glee" Cast

Don't Come Around Here No More - Tom Petty &the Heartbreaker

They say that time's supposed to heal you.

With Daniel Hahn and Taneisha Cordell

Going to try some BPM runs for a while, to bring up my speed. Maybe it will help the metabolism. Or not. Anyway, it feels good to go faster.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:12
Pace: 9:25
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 54°
Climate: sunny, cool
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

We were on Good Morning Cleveland today, promoting I HATE THIS: A Play Without the Baby. Got your tickets yet?

Breakfast: oatmeal with brown sugar, dried fruit, butter & cream, coffee (2x)

Snack: grapes, almonds

Lunch: Pesto pasta w/roasted string beans

Dinner: ribs w/fries & broccoli, beer (2x)

Control is not eating everyone on your plate when you go to a restaurant. I was practically ill. That was unnecessary.

155 - 164 BPM Playlist

5 Out of 6 - Dessa

Tainted Love - Gloria Jones

Good Times - Fine Young Cannibals

Thank You - Dido

Hello - Adele

Alex Chilton - The Replacements

Flight Test - The Flaming Lips

A Well Resected Man - The Kinks 

Good Times - The Easybeats

Falling behind in what could be.

Late afternoon run with my son. And that's good.

Distance: 3.15 miles
Duration: 31:01
Pace: 9:51
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 67°
Climate: sunny & nice
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 185.5 lbs. (+2.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Breakfast: half bagel w/lox, cream cheese, capers, coffee (2x)

Lunch: ramen w/egg & carrot, Moxie
Dinner: mac & cheese w/brisket, broccoli (1c.)

Happy hour: beer (2x), tapioca & popcorn

What's That Lyric?

Higher Love - Steve Winwood

MOVE OUT THE WAY

The Mississippi River
October 2015

Finding it very difficult to justify run time. The time is there, I need to take it. I mean, yes. I have a lot of work work and homework and housework, but seriously. Run that run!

Besides, The Current created an awesome thirty minute playlist last Friday, inspired by the Twin Cities Marathon, which was last Sunday.

Man. The Twin Cities Marathon. That was really good.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:34
Pace: 9:32
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 63°
Climate: bright & cool
Mood: better!
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 183.5 lbs.

Goal: 180 lbs.

Laws, that was gorgeous. See? Still so many beautiful fall days left, get your ass out there, man.

Breakfast: pasta w/vodka pepper sauce, Coffee (2x)

Treat: Twin Bing

Dinner: whipped potatoes & sausage, apple

Snack: popcorn, beer

Coffee Break: Marathon Playlist

Roadrunner - Modern Lovers

Ready Steady Go - Generation X

My Adidas - Run DMC

Pump It Up - Elvis Costello & the Attractions

Ready to Go - Republica

Fast As You Can - Fiona Apple

Every 1's a Winner - Hot Chocolate

MOVE - Beyoncé ft. Grace Jones & Tema

I know I'm a bit too intimate.

No, David!

Read all the way to the bottom for a special video.

So busy! So much homework! And work work! But I've got too exercise!

And stop eating so much! I am back in the "whatever" zone and I need to break out of it.

Truth is, eating is a great way to procrastinate, and I am seriously pushing back against my responsibilities. More podcasts and chores, fewer sandwiches and nuts.

I will resume recording my diet. It's the best way to check myself.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:59
Pace: 10:00
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 56°
Climate: lovely
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: no (ope)

What's That Lruic?

Big Time Sensuality - Björk

We are young. We run green.

Sunday (September 11): Began feeling symptoms, difficult night's sleep.

Monday: Took a Covid test. It was positive.

Tuesday: Another bad night's sleep, the day was better.

Wednesday: My wife's birthday, she tested positive. Happy birthday.

Thursday: Feeling more human. Minor sore throat, slight ear ache.

Friday: Finally a good night's sleep, still tested positive.

However, a weekend of special plans was off the table, had a complete emotional breakdown. I have had eye surgery, now Covid, I miss my family, I miss life, I miss my mother, my world is getting smaller and smaller instead of bigger and bigger and I am falling into despair.

Saturday: Went without Benadryl for bed, I still slept well but woke feeling worse than the day before.

Sunday (September 18): On the mend. Still weak, disoriented. 

Monday: Still weak with minor congestion. Worried I will never feel normal again.

Tuesday: Another down day, achy head and listless body.

Wednesday: Took a short walk, felt good.

Thursday: Still muddled, pain in the head. Just want to sleep.

Took a walk, instead. A three mile walk on Thursday afternoon, like I did after my surgery, to keep up.  To get me through. Now it's cool, now it's breezy. Perfect running weather, and yet I am not running. But I am also not standing still.

Friday: Back to work. What do you know about that.

Saturday. Fell asleep the night before at eight. Woke at nine. Trimming one hedge in the yard rendered me exhausted and unmotivated for the rest of the afternoon.

Sunday (September 25): Easily wearied. Also, occasionally queasy.

Monday: Visiting actor-teachers in schools. Feeling next to normal.

Tuesday: Conducted a writing workshop for middle school students. I am on my feet. 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:33
Pace: 9:51
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 57°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: all right.
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Okay, mother fuckers. We're back.

What's That Lyric?

Alright - Supergrass

An endless path unbroken.

Took the boy and his friends to see THE IDLES last night.

Sleep is important. Glad my head doesn't hurt today. Still, great concert.

Tonight is PANDEMONIUM. I plan to be at home and in bed before the party is over. Because I can't deal anymore.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:04
Pace: 10:01
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: overcast & muggy
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Abdominals:
Water: yes

Weight: 181.5 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Ugh. Heat, light, humidity. And not enough good sleep. These things are relevant.

What's That Lyric?

Let Me Go - Heaven 17

My heart is that much harder now.

Residency rehearsal period. In the past, it has been a time of marathon training. Or a time when I do not run at all. These days, it is a time of good, of feeling good, and free. For I rise earlier every other day, to write and then run, and that is good. Every other day I rise later, to write and then to read my homework. So responsible! So pleasurable!

Coming soon. (get it?)

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 32:11
Pace: 9:54
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 59°
Climate: cool
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 181.5 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Yes, stretches. Much cooler today, so it is that much more important. I feel much stiffer than I did when weather was in the 70s and 80s. 

But fifty-nine degrees is the perfect weather in which to run! So, stretch, drink ... I would like to resume abdominals (and upper body work) as I no longer worry it will add pressure to my eye.

What's That Lyric?

Before Today - Everything But the Girl

Last night I got nearly eight hours, what what a night! I felt like I slept for years, natural sleep, natural dreams. Lots of dreams, great adventures, alligators and and stairs and hallways. And I think my entire family was there!

And if I listen in I hear my own heart beating.

Now that it is cooling down, here are the rules:

1. Stretch longer. Stretch better.

2. Always take a break between days.

3. Run slower. Do not push against fatigue.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:47
Pace:10:15
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 67°
Climate: rainy & cool
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 182 lbs. (+0.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.

What is up with these playlists? Karina Longworth produces the amazing You Must Remember This podcast chronicling the "secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century." 

Earlier this year she presented a whopping twelve episodes about the manner in which Hollywood both pushed the boundaries of sexual activity on screen while also cleaving closely to heteronormative morality during the 1980s.

She curated this playlist, which is by its very subject matter is exactly the kind of music I prefer to run to, namely upbeat 80s technopop. And it's a long playlist!

Erotic80s Playlist

Strip - Adam Ant

This City Never Sleeps  - Eurythmics

In the Air Tonight - Phil Collins

Never Say Never - Romeo Void

Imagination - Laura Branigan

The Best is Yet to Come - Luba

One Night in Bangkok (slight return) - Murray Head

And we are spent.

In a world of pain I have no peer.

Rainy day. But a holiday weekend! Must run. I know what I said about resting between days. I do not care what I said about that.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:10
Pace: 9:45
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 71°
Climate: rain
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 181.5 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs. 

Maybe I should have cared. My calves felt tight, and it started raining more as I headed out. It was nice, but not great. It's Shaw High reunion at the park! The marching band was playing as I ran through. That was awesome.

Erotic80s Playlist

Curated by "You Must Remember This" podcast

Love On a Real Train - Tangerine Dream

Only a Memory - The Smithereens

Sex Dwarf - Soft Cell

Work For Love - Ministry

Sin - Pet Shop Boys

I Feel For You (Remix) - Chaka Khan

You May Me Feel (Mighty Real) - Sylvester

Dress me in the fashions of the 19-8-80s.

Artist rendering.

What should have been an untroubled night's sleep became eventful for several reason, not least of which high drama in our neighborhood streets as someone who was not terribly happy let us all know of it. This was around two in the a.m. 

I went to sleep with a headache and woke with one, but at least it has not interrupted my day (the head pain is gone) and I am doing homework and housework and considering a run at the hottest part of the day. Why not? It has been a while since I've had a hot run.

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 30:10
Pace:10:04 
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 83°
Climate: sunny & hot!
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 182.5 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Yes, hot runs can be fun ...until your phone stops streaming the tunes. Sigh. I have the premium service, I really should download the playlists.

Erotic80s Playlist

Curated by "You Must Remember This" podcast

Flesh For Fantasy - Billy Idol

Slave To Love - Bryan Ferry

Call Me - Blondie

Your ha-ha-heart goes pit-a-pat.

Mindfulness and control. Sleeping, and sleeping well. Running and not running. And working, and that makes me a little ... I do not know what.

Chose another clip from And Then You Die in 2009. This story was cut when I tried to make the show one hour, and I miss it. I had learned something about myself, about the picture I had created of myself as a youth, that I was oppressed and intimidated by thick-headed athletes when nothing could be farther from the truth. I was the arrogant one. It was me.

In particular I love this clip because I was surprised by an audience member's reaction when I announced, "Twenty years later, I am a jock." It's the kind of thing that only happens in live performance, I hope you enjoy it.

Distance: 3.75 miles

Duration: 36:29
Pace: 9:43
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 63°
Climate: cool but humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 182.5 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

There are a lot of snacks in the rehearsal space. But there's also fresh fruit.

Erotic80s Playlist

Curated by "You Must Remember This" podcast

Cradle of Love - Billy Idol

The Things That Dreams Are Made Of - Human League

Smooth Operator - Sade

Paradise - Phoebe Cates

Aphrodisiac - Bow Wow Wow

Fascination Street - The Cure

Like To Get To Know You Well - Howard Jones

Some Like It Hot - The Power Station

West End Girls (Disco Mix) - Pet Shop Boys

Slight pain in my knee. Standing straight while you run is a great abdominal workout, and it's just good in general. And by the way, this weather is perfect.

Get out my way.

This week I was moved (for some reason) to revisit the video from And Then You Die at Cleveland Public Theater. Man, some of that was pretty damn funny.

Residencies rehearsal began this week. I haven't bonked yet, but I will. I mean, become lost and tired and confused. I guess I have been that way for some time now, so I can't tell the difference.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 30:52
Pace: 9:57
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 66°
Climate: nice, also humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 812.5 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

So far (cross fingers) not running consecutive days has minimized the kind of kinks and pains that have troubled me through the spring and early summer. In my ankle, in my knees. We shall see how it continues. There is an inspiration to run every day, and a fear of missing a day, which is a kind of mania. Mindfulness. We're all talking about mindfulness.

Erotic80s Playlist

Curated by "You Must Remember This" podcast

Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) - Pet Shop Boys

Girls On Film - Duran Duran

Aeiou Sometimes Y - Ebn-Ozn

Erotica - Madonna

Eighties - Killing Joke

Sex (I'm A ...) - Berlin

I Love Rock and Roll - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Death of Butterfly (Tu Tu Piccolo) - Malcolm McLaren

Let me show you the world in my eyes.

End of summer fun at Cedar Point. We took the boy and his friend for an overnight at Hotel Breakers which I have never even seen before. I had no idea. I had no plans to get onto any roller coasters, but the temptation was too strong. It wasn't speed I was concerned about, but centrifugal force.

Oh, also? Yes to corndogs, cola, ribs and fries, thank you. And beer. Okay, back to work.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:19
Pace: 10:06
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 76°
Climate: daybreak, humid
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 183.5 lbs. (+3.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Erotic80s Playlist

Curated by "You Must Remember This" podcast

One Night in Bangkok - Murray Head

Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Life In the Fast Lane - The Eagles

I Didn't Mean to Turn You On - Robert Palmer

You Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker

All She Wants to Do is Dance - Don Henley

So Alive - Love & Rockets

Now we gotta run.

First morning after the first run my legs were weak and sore, but I felt grateful and glad. For the present it would be best to only run every other day. I will attempt to be mindful in my diet, no more slices from Guy's in the middle of the afternoon as a "treat" for conducting an errand. No more ice cream, at all. Not without celebration.

These shoes, though. The new shoe feeling, like bouncing on springs. It made running slower easier, I just took more air in each stride. Bouncy bouncy bouncy.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:49
Pace: 9:56
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 74°
Climate: nice and sweaty
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 180.5 lbs. (-2.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

What's That Lyric?

Catch Us If You Can - The Challengers

I'm a cool dude in a loose mood.

On top of the world, looking over the edge.

Ha ha. See you on the cove. Sure. I would like one summer when I can and do run for the entire season.

My retina detached (more on that here) and was repaired. But impact-based exercise was off the table for an extended period. And I was unable to join my family in our annual retreat. Things could be worse.

Things could always be worse.

For the time being, I have been walking. Three miles, every other day or so, when I have the time. And that's really been nice. And it's kept me sane. And it's good for me. I follow the same path to the park, through the park and back. 

When I started it took twenty minutes to walk a mile. Then it was more like eighteen.

But I have been eating whatever. Back to square one. Time to get my act together. Again. 

One month ago.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 33:25
Pace: 10:47
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 77°
Climate: lovely (but humid)
Mood: good, you know?
Stretches: yes
Water: not enough

Weight: 182.5 lbs. 

Goal: 180 lbs.

Today I had my one month visit and was told that my retina looked "gorgeous" -- that was the word he used. I no longer must sleep only on my right side, and I may resume normal exercise, like running.

The celebrate, I bought a new pair of New Balance shoes at Second Sole. Support your local business!

What's That Lyric?

Cloudbusting - Kate Bush

Everybody knows that you live forever.

Two years ago, I remember where I was. It was in North Carolina and I was sitting out on the deck, writing. There was this flashing in my left eye, it lasted a long time. Quite distracting. When it subsided, I noticed that there were a number of blurry little things, floating in my eye.

The eye doctor said that ... well he said something, I can't remember exactly what. Just a deterioration, something coming away from something else in the back of my eye. He didn't sound concerned. It's one of those thing, an operation may help alleviate the floaters, but really. Fixing it would be a major operation and possibly unsuccessful and was it really so inconvenient?

No, not so inconvenient. But it has continued. Not getting worse, but no better, either. A minor inconvenience,

The other day, as I was lying down to rest, the was more flashing. This time, in the lower right quadrant of my sight, a curve, like a corona, a bright line in the darkness when I closed my eyes. Monday night as I slept there was a different kind of flashing, like concentrated arms of light, in the same area.

Yesterday I looked in the mirror and closed my right eye, and I realized I had lost sight in ten to fifteen percent of vision in my left eye. Right where the corona had been, my sight had been carved away. 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:15
Pace: 10:04
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 79°
Climate: sunny & humid
Mood: anxious
Stretches: yes
Abdominals:
Water: yes, but not enough

Weight: 180 lbs. (+1.0)

Goal: 175 lbs.

What's That Lyric?

Everybody Knows - Leonard Cohen

See you on the cove.

Panic on the streets of London.

The world is seized by extreme temperatures. In Cleveland it's all right at the moment, just summery. When my brother lives, in England, they are coping with monstrously high temperatures. Record levels.

This is where we are. This is where we are headed. These are facts, and my children will have to deal with them because we have failed to.

Meanwhile, the vision in my left eye is getting worse. Cloudy, specks, floaters, even flashing lights when I try to sleep at night. I saw one eye doctor, twice, who had little patience or interest in my concerns. I will be seeing (heh) a new eye doctor soon.

Long ago I realized that if I had to choose, I would rather be blind than deaf. This is still true. 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:45
Pace: 9:36
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 81°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Abdominals:
Water: yes

Weight: 179 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 175 lbs.

Yeah, we're in a Cincinnati Marriott, visiting a school tomorrow. The boy and I checked out the fitness room.

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 24:00
Route: Treadmill
Mood: good
Stretches: oops. no.
Abdominals: 90 sec. (2x)
Water: yes

His atomic heart.

Now taking my sertraline at bedtime. The wife heard that it helps you sleep, and truly, it obviates the need for melatonin. I feel much better this week than I did last week. It also helps to sleep until seven or eight o'clock.

But I'm not writing. I don't know yet if that is a choice or not. Might as well say it is. The reading today, however, was off the chain (means 'lit'.)

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:52
Pace: 9:38
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 78°
Climate: overcast, sundown, after the rain
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: Yes

Weight: 179 lbs. (-2.0)

Goal: 175 lbs.

What's That Lyric? 

Automatic Man - Michael Sembello

It's a hundred miles from yesterday night.

Zenyatta Mondatta is the greatest album by The Police. Folks say its Synchronicity, which is a very good record, and quite possibly ranks as high as their fifth best. That's an argument for another time.

Tracks from Zenyatta keep popping up on the boy's playlist, and then we start talking about what a great record it is. By their own account they were "disappointed" with it, that they made it too fast during a very short break in their touring schedule (four weeks) but maybe that's why it's so great. They didn't over think it.

Listen to their re-recording of "Don't Stand So Close To Me" if you'll see what I mean. 

I tell people I was listening to so much Genesis in high school, but seriously, The Police were a very close second. Everything else was third.

Distance: 4.1 miles

Duration: 38:11
Pace: 9:11
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 77°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Abdominals:
Water: yes

Weight: 181 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 175 lbs.

My God, what a beautiful day. What a beautiful body. I felt good, the entire time. 

Zenyatta Mondatta - The Police (1980)

Don't Stand So Close To Me

Driven To Tears (161 bpm)

When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around

Canary In a Coalmine

Voices Inside My Head

Bombs Away

De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da

Behind My Camel

Man In a Suitcase

Shadows In the Rain (158 bpm)

The Other Way of Stopping (165 bpm)

Spring Break, April 1982. We were visiting relatives in Florida. I was lying on the shag carpeting of a bedroom at my aunt's and uncle's condo in Clearwater. High in the sky, slide doors opened to the gulf a few hundred feet away.

My brother had a Walkman, but he let me use it. He had a 90 minute cassette of Zenyatta Mondatta b/w Ghost In the Machine, dubbed from his vinyl records. While they include the pop of vinyl it was also the first time I had really listened to music on headphones, Walkman headphones. I was transported. I was alive. I was about to turn fourteen. And I needed to break up with my girlfriend.

Yeah, it's gone daddy gone.

Phil Collins in space.

Evening run with the boy. a debate about where to go, how far to go, and how fast. He preferred one, seven minute mile. I said I couldn't do that, like physically. His reaction was challenging. I don't want him to make me run faster than I feel comfortable doing. Isn't that acceptable?

I also don't want to freak him out about my health concerns. They may be entirely in my head. But seriously, a flat-out seven minute mile? Not my thing anymore.

Distance: 1.55 miles
Duration: 13:35
Pace: 8:43
Route: Mayfield Loop
Temperature: 71°
Climate: sunset & humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

Weight: 182 lbs. (+2.0)

Goal: 175 lbs.

That went very well. I set the pace with the music, which made it easier for me. It was fun! Up the street, up the hill, along the main city thoroughfare and then down, down, downhill. Nice.

Now. I promised ice cream.

160 - 169 BPM Playlist

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott Heron

Gone Daddy Gone - Violent Femmes

Cruel World - Phantogram

You Don't Mess Around With Jim - Jim Croce

Ask - The Smiths

The Adults Are Talking - The Strokes

Forest Hill Three Mile

I keep running. I will keep running. Knees be damned, Ankles be damned. Thighs be damned, be damned, be damned!

It is remarkable how inspiring music can be. It can also un-inspire, I have to be sure to keep it up beat and interesting. Recent tracks, classic, tracks. I wonder if I should try podcasts again, it is irritating when I cannot forward through the ads.

There appears to be a tiny piece of glass in my left foot. Very small,  

Distance: 29:36
Duration: 3:12
Pace: 9:29
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 79°
Climate: hot & bright
Mood: angsty
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec
Water: yes

Achievement Unlocked: 180 lbs.

New Goal: 175 lbs.

Things timed out, the boy joined me. Good call. If only I could relieve this head pain.

Just can't win the race.

Every morning I wake exhausted. I've been sleeping in the past three mornings, and yet it is a drag to get out. Am I ill? Am I uninspired? Am I old? 

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 32:09
Pace: 9:53
Route: Boulevard Loop
Temperature: 78°
Climate: sunny & beautiful
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes 
Water: yes

Weight: 181 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Still. Did that.

What's That Lyric

Delirious - Prince

I can deal with falling.

Ok. Ugh. My left ankle began to hurt shortly into my last run. It hurt all day. And the next day. Then my knee again. I don't understand.

This weekend I have also been exhausted. All day Friday, all day Saturday. I have been fortunate in that I can sleep eight, nine, even ten uninterrupted hours.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 32:31
Pace: 10:29
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: logy
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec. (2x)
Water: yes

Weight: 181 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Friday morning, I dreamed that I was running Monticello, very weary, and I fell asleep. While running. I regained awareness, and I was several blocks down the street, past my usual turning.

Took it easily, very easily. Which was just what I needed. I hope this passes soon.

The Twenties (So Far)

Back to Oz - Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine

Montero (Call Me By Your Name) - Lil Nas X

Anxiety - Idles

Security - Amyl and the Sniffers

Postman - Toro y Moi

The Only Heartbreaker - Mitski

It Might Be Time - Tame Impala

Trouble's Coming - Royal Blood

Record Player (with AJR) - Daisy the Great 

Glowing in the Dark - Django Django

Many Times - Dijon

And the world, still so wild, called to me.

My knee. Now my thigh. It’s irritating. This happens when I run a lot, I guess. As in 2019, training for Chicago. God, that was a lifetime ago.

What will I do with this lifetime?

Distance: 2.5 miles
Duration: 24:44
Pace: 9:53
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 77°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: no
Water: yes

Weight: 182 lbs. (-0.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.

What's That Lyric?

Wild - Spoon

Rushing 'cross the forest.

Welcome back. Goodness, has it been four days since I last had a run? Travel will do that. Travel and work and social events. Getting back into life at home. It's still summer, thought, man. There is work, to be sure, but also hot temperatures and visits from friends and alternate plans.

No school, is what I am saying. Not for him, not for them, not for her, and not for me. 

Distance: 3.7 miles
Duration: 37:12
Pace: 9:55
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 74°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 45 sec.
Water: yes

Weight: 182.5 lbs. (+0.5)

Tell you this, I have got to go to sleep earlier. I was exhausted this morning, so I waited a bit, washed some dishes, until I had the energy.

Also: pavement. Man, what a difference sand makes. It's more challenging to run on sand, but it's also less damaging. My left knee still troubles me, to sit down and stand up. I make sounds like an old man.

Stranger Things 4 (Spring Break 1986 Mixtape) Extended 12"

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) - Dead Or Alive

Rock Me Amadeus - Falco

Tarzan Boy - Baltimora

Wipe Out - The Surfaris

Psycho Killer - Talking Heads

Diamonds & Emeralds - The Interior Castle

Something About You - Level 42

Burning Up - Donnell Pitman

Ten Tons of Wet - Reno

Pass the Dutchie - Musical Youth

Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground) - Mike & the Mechanics

The eldest and I finished Stranger Things 4, and I have revised the playlist accordingly.

Caroline laughs and it's raining all day.

Tropical Storm Colin is coming. I got a run in, light rain halfway out which abated, then more as I approached the pier, so I came in. Desired to go five miles at least once this week, but ah well.

I need to switch the phone strap to my right arm. I have felt pain in my left hand this week, and now my arm and shoulder. If I weren't phobic about having a coronary I would write it off to the extra exertion caused by this new tight strap.

One way or another, though, it's my last run on Topsail Island this summer.

Distance: 4.1 miles
Duration: 42:38

Pace: 10:26
Route: Asher Island Beach
Temperature: 78°
Climate: darkening clouds w/light rain
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

The eldest and I are holding off on the final episodes of Stranger Things 4 (released yesterday) until I return. Today I listened to the playlist I made for them, including songs from the first part of the series plus other tunes which would have been on the radio at the time.

Stranger Things 4 (Spring Break 1986 Mixtape)

California Dreamin' - The Beach Boys

Object of My Desire - Starpoint

Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush

Pretty In Pink - Psychedelic Furs

I Was a Teenage Werewolf - The Cramps

Chica Mejicanita - Andrea Litkei & Ervin Litkei

Play With Me - Extreme

Left of Center - Suzanne Vega ft. Joe Jackson

Detroit Rock City - KISS

American-Soviets - C.C.C.P.

Got Your Number - The Lloyd Langton Group

Fever - The Cramps

God damn right, it's a beautiful day.

The weather was perfect, cloudy, not too hot, and the beaches were clear -- because it was due to rain. I checked in with the boy, he gave me the go-ahead to go ahead.

The plan was to run four, but the rain started pelting my back a but more than a mile and a half down the beach so I headed back, which was fine. But I received an emergency call shortly before I reached the pier and foolish tried to answer it. Not only did I miss the call, but now my phone is waterlogged.

Sigh. 

Distance: 3.15 miles
Duration: 31:36
Pace: 10:06
Route: Ashe Island Beach
Climate: rain
Mood: anxious
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

What's That Lyric?

Goddamn Right, It's A Beautiful Day - Eels

UPDATE: My phone is fine, and so am I.

Ashe Island Two Mile

My left knee continues to give me grief. Not running, not walking. But sitting, then standing, these actions pain me. Meanwhile, at home our eldest has been trying to run more often, but has developed some excruciating pain in both shins for which they are seeking treatment.

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 20:13
Pace: 10:02
Route: Ashe Island Beach
Temperature: 82°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

Dinner at the Beach Grill last night was pretty epic, and yet I managed to indulge without excess. There's even a good chunk of leftover steak in the fridge waiting for breakfast.

And now the boy is preparing me breakfast.

... but not mine.

Topsail Island Pier
(2012/2022)

So far, it's a great week. Lots of running, not too much rain, just enough to keep things less-than-blazing. Reading a great deal, chatting with family. plenty of personal time with my spouse -- and also my son (Monday night the two of us we went to the miniature golf place across the road) just relaxing.

Because there is not enough relaxing. I have to be doing. I like doing. I need relaxing. I need to let my mind go. I'm always thinking about writing or working or fretting. About the world. And there is so much to fret about.

At least the Hutchinson hearing was fun.

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 19:52
Pace: 9:56
Route: Topsail Island Beach
Temperature: 76°
Climate: cloudy & windy
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

The boy was up, literally, all night, fishing. That's why he is here, or one of the primary reasons he loves to come here, and he picked the perfect evening for an all-nighter because today it is overcast and raining (at least this morning).

I hung out with him until about midnight, he came in around six. I'm not waking him up to go running.

Patti Smith Playlist

Dancing Barefoot

People Have the Power

Gloria: In Excelsis Deo

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Finished reading Just Kids this morning. I may write a little something about that.

Ashe Island Four Mile

Rained overnight, and the skies remain cloudy. Might have run two hours ago, but waited for the boy to rise. He was fishing on the pier until 2:00 AM, so you have to cut him a break. We woke him up, though, because he said yesterday he'd really prefer not to run on his own.

Sunscreen is a big del, I sat out a good part of the day yesterday, under the tent (it's not really a tent, it is a suspended sail, amazingly simple and effective technology) reading and not getting in the water. The wife and I discussed this yesterday, neither of us think we'll ever get into the waves again. It's too risky. Is that a sad thing? I don't know.

Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 43:02
Pace: 10:38
Route: Topsail Island Beach
Temperature: 80°
Climate: overcast & breezy
Mood: good
Stretches: no
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

Into the wind and into the sun for two and a half-miles, at four we decided to take our shoes off and walk in the surf.

Now he's talked me into going into the water. Every day includes the possibility for change.

All I want to do is have a little fun before I die.

Baking by seven am. Last night was our anniversary, so we were up later than anyone else (there are small children in the house) but I would not have said too late. Even so, I might need to set an alarm just to catch the dawn from the deck.

By the way, the nation has lost its mind. And here I am having a vacation on the beach. Just seems wrong.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 37:39
Pace: 9:25
Route: Topsail Island Beach
Temperature: 81°
Climate: hot & sunny
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 90 sec.

Water: yes

Scorcher. Direct sun. Yeah, running at six might be preferable. And yet! That was awesome. Just not sure I can do it every day.

Thinking about the script. Thinking about two new lines. Must write those down.

What are we all going to do without air conditioning?

What's That Lyric?

All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow

And here's a note on diet. Mindfulness. I'm in the land of delicious fried food. I am going to eat it. I'm just not going to eat all of it. Saturday afternoon, a fried green tomato sandwich and fries -- I ate all the fries, that was a misstep. But I had a salad for dinner and sampled everyone else's greasy things.

Yesterday I had half a vegetable quesadilla and a few of the fried pickles and mushrooms ordered by others. Last night was our anniversary dinner at the Breezeway way they make, honest to God, the best hush puppies I've ever had. Clam strips and fries for dinner, but I didn't even eat half.

Still. Too many fries. Fewer fries. So many great fried things, potatoes are basic.

Now that we're settled into the house, I think we will go a bit easier on that stuff. But I do have half a quesadilla in the fridge for breakfast.

Athens morning run.

First vacation run. Lovely day by the Hocking, forgot my headphones which was only disappointing in I expected to be listening to Elvis Presley this morning. Instead, birds! The wind! Traffic from the two-lane across the river.

Asked the boy to bring running shoes, which he did. There will be team beach runs this week, if I can get him up any time before nine.

Distance: 2.25 miles

Duration: 21:28
Pace: 9:32
Route: Hocking River Bike Path
Temperature: 74°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: one guess

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 90 sec.

Water: yes

Run #2 (with Ze)

Distance: 3.5 miles (2.5 miles running, 1 mile walking)
Duration: 40:02
Pace: 11:22
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 82°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: good

Stretches: not really

Water: yes

When the offspring asks if you want to run, you say yes.

Following the footsteps.

The heat returns, it was already spiking as I ran yesterday morning. I wonder, maybe I will get a Saturday morning Athens run in before we head south for the week. That would be nice.

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 28:36
Pace: 9:31
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 80°
Climate: dawn, humid
Mood: very anxious

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)

Water: yes
Weight: 182 lbs. (-1.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.  

Oof. I can hold off for a week, and then it becomes a mania of irritating hunger. Dinner is like this excuse to eat as much as possible -- carry out is the fucking devil, man.

I can't wait for camp to be over now, it's driving me distracted. The entire run was taken up by trying to figure out how best for this day to run smoothly.

Great run, though. I was surprised. More water, though. More rest.

What's That Lyric?

Spellbound - Siouxsie & the Banshees

In the streetlight dawn this beat turns on.

Rose this morning at 5 AM. A beautiful, cool dawn. All the birds, speaking to each other. I start the day by sitting on the deck, recalling my dreams into a notepad. The cats are fed, the birds, too. The wife sleeps, both children. I wear my fathers Asian robe, drink coffee, and try to think of some thing original to say.

Skipped one day of running. Feels like forever.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:51
Pace: 9:37
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 66°
Climate: cool & humid
Mood: good

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)

Water: yes
Weight: 183.5 lbs. (+0.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.  

What's That Lyric?

Mass Romantic *  - The New Pornographers

Look at my scars. Look at my bones.

Ladies and gentlemen ... 56 Playlists for 56 Years (1967-2022).

2022 Playlist

Wild - Spoon

Love Me More - Mitski

More Pressure - Kae Tempest ft. Kevin Abstract

About Damn Time - Lizzo

Hi-De-Ho - Jack White ft. Q-Tip

Next to Normal - Lucius

Postman - Toro y Moi

The Only Heartbreaker - Mitski

As It Was - Harry Styles

Ride or Die - Hippo Campus

The house has COVID. I do not. Wish me luck.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:07
Pace: 9:23
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 63°
Climate: fucking gorgeous
Mood: good

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x) 

Water: yes
Weight: 183 lbs. (+1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.  

We ate a lot of bread last night. Gazpacho, yes. But also a lot of bread. And cheese. Pre-Father's Day celebration. Today we have lox and bagels!

Yes, I'm in the zone.

Up next!

So, I got a Covid booster yesterday. And yet, I feel like running. Because it's a beautiful sunny day and I feel great! Also, we're almost through the annual playlists and completion is a thing.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 28:48
Pace: 9:17
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 64°
Climate: sunny & perfect
Mood: all right

Stretches: no (ope)

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)

Water: yes
Weight: 182 lbs. (-0.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.  

My left knee hurts. Like, it doesn't hurt to run. But it hurts to stand up

2012 Playlist

Good Time - Carly Rae Jepsen ft. Owl City

What Makes You Beautiful - Harry Styles ft. One Direction

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch

Home - Phillip Phillips

Starships - Nicki Minaj

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera

Genesis - Grimes

We Found Love - Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna