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

Ope, there goes gravity.

A day off. Not broiling hot. I slept for at least eight hours, which is good. dropped some melatonin last night to be sure and it had the desired effect.

That also leaves me groggy in the morning, so it's good not to take it all the time. I'm hoping the run itself is inspiring, and not leaden.

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 30:23
Pace: 9:20
Route: Boulevard Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)

Water: yes
Weight: 182.5 lbs. (-0.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.  

Yep, that was the correct decision.

2002 Playlist

A Little Less Conversation (JXL Remix) - Elvis Presley

Clap Your Hands - They Might Be Giants

Heavy Metal Drummer - Wilco

Lose Yourself - Eminem

Do You Realize?? - Flaming Lips

A Better Future * - David Bowie

Daybreaker - Beth Orton

Lessons Learned froom Rocky I to Rocky III - Cornershop

Soul Bossanova * - Skeewiff

Feeling kinda better. Put on your sweater.

It was literally 100° during the day yesterday. That morning I was just tired, I pushed it our for TWO DAYS, but my head hurt, and I wanted more rest ... which I did not get. I just lie awake for an hour. Alack. Today is the last day of camp for the week, and I hope to catch up on rest. 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:08
Pace: 10:03
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 86°
Climate: hot, you know?
Mood: good

Stretches: no

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)

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

Goal: 180 lbs.  

Well. That was toasty. But not wearying. It felt great! Like a sauna. Like running through a sauna. I was not naked.

1992 Playlist

Happy - George Michael

Get Ready - 2 Unlimited

Hazy Shade of Criminals - Public Enemy

Jimmy James - Beastie Boys

Take the Power Back - Rage Against the Machine

Erotica - Madonna

Girlfriend - Matthew Sweet

Found Out About You - Gin Blossoms

When I am unhappy there's nothing that can move me.

Camp days are long. Maybe I should have slept this morning, but I can't run after camp. I'm too exhausted. Yesterday I slept for an hour after camp.

It was raining when I got up, but I sat on the side porch and wrote. The rain subsided with the dawn. Time to get out. No time to dawdle on a camp morning.  

Camp camp camp.

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 30:24
Pace: 9:21
Route: Boulevard Loop
Temperature: 67°
Climate: cool, humid & damp
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: no

Water: yes
Weight: 184 lbs. (-0.5)

Goal: 180 lbs.  

Getting there. No pain, easy breathing, some bursts of speed.

1982 Playlist

Sat In Your Lap - Kate Bush

It's Nearly Africa - XTC

She Blinded Me With Science - Thomas Dolby

Goody Two Shoes - Adam Ant

Don't Pay the Ferryman - Chris de Burgh

The Loved Ones - Elvis Costello & the Attractions

Rock the Casbah - The Clash

Stray Cat Strut - Stray Cats

Kiss Off - Violent Femmes

Yeah, there are some songs I can't listen to anymore. (I skipped them.)

Think not now your journey's done.

The Musical Box, 6/12/2022

Theater camp begins today! Can I get the rest I need throughout the week to rise early enough to take a run? It is a question and a good one. I am not going to track my diet for the time being, it's become a mania. I am hoping being on my feet all day will help.

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 30:34
Pace: 9:24
Route: Boulevard Loop
Temperature: 63°
Climate: dawn & humid
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: no

Water: yes
Weight: 184.5 lbs. (-2.0)

Achievement Unlocked: 185 lbs.  

New Goal: 180 lbs.

We're in the homestretch! Only six more playlists for the year.

Also? Bought a new phone strap. It's a little big, though.

1972 Playlist

Watcher of the Skies - Genesis

All Down the Line - The Rolling Stones

Roadrunner - Modern Lovers

Walk On the Wild Side - Lou Reed

Hot Rod Lincoln - Commodore Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen

Jungle Fever - The Chakachas

She Cracked - Modern Lovers

(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep At All - The Fifth Dimension

New armband ROCKS.

I got all the boys.

I need new sneakers. My ankles were weak on the run Friday afternoon, and pained Saturday morning. I put on my brace bandages, but I think my shoes are entirely flat. Pain shot up my right thigh and sitting was uncomfortable Friday evening. 

Wearing the braces tonight, see what happens.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 28:44
Pace: 9:16
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 73°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x)

Water: yes
Weight: 186.5 lbs. (+0.5)

Goal: 185 lbs.  

Okay, now I am running like the mother fucking wind, my dudes.

Intake (Friday)

Breakfast: banana, coffee (2x)

Lunch: last of the pasta salad (1/2C.)

Dinner: pancake w/butter, syrup & cotage cheese, sausage links (2), egg -- breakfast! 

Evening: beer, ice cream cone

Also, fizzy water (1x)

2007 Playlist

Pumpkin Soup - Kate Nash

1973 - James Blunt

Love Song - Sara Bareilles

Nan You're a Window Shopper - Lily Allen

The Boys - Dragonette

Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) - MIKA

I Feel It All - Feist

Kids - MGMT

Watch out now, I'm gonna get there.

Please be sure to drink a glass of water every morning. It makes a difference.

Also, before a summer run. Oof.

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 28:59
Pace: 9:40
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: no

Water: not enough!
Weight: 186 lbs. (-0.5)

Goal: 185 lbs.  

Damn, those geese! They have been across my path every day for the past few days. I swear to God one of them is gonna jump me.

Intake (Thursday)

Breakfast: coffee (2x), banana

Lunch: spicy California roll

Dinner: brussels sprouts, hummus w/lamb, nut dip, shrimp, naan

Dessert: ice cream sundae

That was a lot of dinner. I was dining with my eldest, the dishes were deceptive.

1967 Playlist

96 Tears - ? and the Mysterians

I Think We're Alone Now - Tommy James & The Shondells

(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson

Flying - The Beatles

Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin

Hip Hug-Her - Booker T. & the M.G.'s

Boogaloo Down Broadway - Fantastic Johnny C

People Are Strange - The Doors

Are You Experinced? - Jimi Hendrix Experience

Big Boss Man - Elvis Presley

All Tomorrow's Parties - The Velvet Underground and Nico

I FEEL SO EXTRAORDINARY

Tim Cappello, Sexy Saxman.

Afternoon run. Well timed, well run.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 38:28
Pace: 9:37
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 69°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: good

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x) 

Water: yes
Weight: 186.5 lbs. (+0.5)

Goal: 185 lbs.  

Intake (Wednesday)

Breakfast: bran cereal (1C), berries (1/2C), milk (1/2C), coffee (2x)

Lunch: buffallo chicken salad wrap (half), chips

Dinner: mushroom wrap (half)

Movie night: popcorn, beer

1987 Playlist

I Still Believe - Tim Cappello

The Passenger - Siouxsie & the Banshees

True Faith (New Vresion) - New Order

Seattle - Public Image Ltd.

Sign O' The Times - Prince

Got My Mind Set On You - George Harrison

Bedbugs & Ballyhoo - Echo and the Bunnymen

Guns In the Sky - INXS

Need You Tonight - INXS

Mirror People - Love & Rockets

Fraying at the seams every mile that I run.

Ten hours of sleep, I think. It's what I need. It's not what I have been getting, generally, though last night I did, more or less. I was awake. I've been laying off the melatonin. It just makes the morning difficult.

It's been so cool the past week, and I am grateful for that after severeal days in the eighties. I like the hot weather but it had a bad effect on my energy just then. 

Anyway if we're going to do this.

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 31:18
Pace: 9:38
Route: Boulevard Loop
Temperature: 60°
Climate: sunny & nice
Mood: holding a grudge

Stretches: yes

Abdominals: 30 sec. (3x) 

Water: yes
Weight: 186 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 185 lbs.  

Ten hours, and the breathing is easy, the legs are strong. We took the route which includes a steady incline (or two) and it went very, very well. I feel great, physically. Emotionally, not so much. Better, stronger, but not good.

Intake (Tuesday)

Breakfast: pasta salad (1C), coffee (2x) 

Lunch: Buffalo chicken salad wrap (half), chips

Happy Hour: beer

Dinner: popcorn, cocktail

2017 Playlist

Boogie - Brockhampton

Green Light - Lorde

Lucky Penny - JD McPherson

We Got the Power - Gorillaz ft. Johnny Beth

We Could Run - Beth Ditto

Want You Backi - HAIM

This Is Me (Dave Aude Remix) - Keala Settle & ensemble from "The Greatest Showman"

Drew Barrymore - SZA

On Hold - The xx

May I Have This Dance (Remix) - Francis & The Lights ft. Chance the Rapper 

You are never gonna keep me down.

Getting there.

Two runs within fourteen hours? Why not. The weather is ideal and  I am not, as they say, getting any younger.

There was a party here last night, with pizza and large cookies and ice cream. I had a smallish ice cream cone, that was it. My wife made a pasta salad loaded with vegetables and beans, from which I ate a measured portion.

Yesterday was a good eating day. A treat is a special gift. It's all about portion control and chewing slower. For one day. Can I make it two?

Take it easy.

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 31:13
Pace: 9:36
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 70°
Climate: partly cloudy, so nice
Mood: so much better

Stretches: yes

Water: yes
Weight: 186 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 185 lbs.  

Glorious, and so was the weather. I feel like a new person. I think I need more sleep -- at night.

Intake

Breakfast: coffee (2x), bran cereal (1C), berries (1/2C), milk (1/2C)

Lunch: pasta salad (1C), apple

Snack: banana

Treat: cookie (1)

Dinner: pasta w/meatballs, salad, beer

Cocktail: G&T

With this diet I gained one pound.

1997 Playlist

The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) - Missy Elliott

Tuthumping - Chumbawamba

Gettin' Jiggy With It - Will Smith

Your Woman - White Town

MMMBop - Hanson

Walkin' On the Sun - Smash Mouth

Piku - The Chemical Brothers

Keep Hope Alive - The Crystal Method

O shit.

I remember how the darkness doubled.

I've never been afraid to take a run before. I stayed in bed today until well after 1:00 PM. I was awake, I just did not wish to leave.

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 31:37
Pace: 10:35
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 76°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: maintaining

Stretches: yes

Water: yes
Weight: 187 lbs. (-3.0)

Goal: 185 lbs. (because we all need goals)

Challenging. Started all right, but I did wear down. The wife "gave permission" for me to walk, and so I did a bit of that. Made it home running. That's what is important I suppose. 

Intake

Breakfast: coffee (3x)

Lunch: bran flakes (1C), blueberries (1/2C.), milk (1/2C)

Dinner: pasta salad (1.5C), half beer

Dessert: ice cream cone

Cocktail hour: Manhattan

Also; fizzy water (1x)

1977 Playlist

Trans-Europe Express - Kraftwerk

Birdland - Maynard Ferguson

The Passenger - Iggy Pop

Marquee Moon - Television

Cold As Ice - Foreigner

Jet Airliner - Steve Miller Band

Rockaway Beach - The Ramones

Everybody Dance - Chic

Morning: Still not great, you know? How to start a Saturday morning without having to say anytning. It's hard. I just want to figure it all out before I'm expected to weigh in on anything. Because commenting has its consequences.

It is morning now, as I type this, long before the run I know will take place. And I wonder how this will all fall out. I think I am just going to pick up things, right now that is my idea of a good time.

But will my run be good? Will there be strength? Will I feel easy, or will I feel awkward? I wonder these things.

Noon: So. I did chores. Washed dishes. Cut the grass. It is a bright, beautiful day, and I am drowsy. Time to go for that run.  

Afternoon: I tried, I failed. I got some way down the street but all I could think of was stopping. My legs were heavy. I felt so tired. I tried to keep going, but I did not want to. I just stopped. I walked back to the house. I sat on the couch and watched TV.

A beautiful day, perfect weather. And I did not wnt to run, or even to walk. I just wanted to stop.

This is not normal. This never happens.

Don't stop now.

This week is not good. I am listless and aimless. There are moments of happiness, but even so my diet has been sobatoaged (I did that to myself) and I feel uninspired and weak.

I need to write. I need to be writing. Writing needs to happen It's not just exercise, it's a good diet, exercise and writing. I need motivation. I need to be motivated. I need 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 32:01
Pace: 10:19
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 63°
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Water: yes
Weight: 190 lbs. (+1.5)

Slow run, beautiful morning. Winded. Got to keep going. Fewer naps, man. Those things destroy me.

Intake

Breakfast: Tastykake Cherry Pie, coffee

Lunch: pizza, juice

Dinner: TBA

Got to close to the goslings, goose came at me in the air. I ducked and ran away like a goon.

2013 Playlist

When a Fire Starts to Burn - Disclosure

Ain't It Fun - Paramore

The Wire - HAIM

Brave - Sara Bareilles

Work B*tch - Britney Spears

I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons

Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z

I Love It - Icona Pop ft. Charlie XCX

Chocolate - The 1975