I've got a long road to travel.

Nice day. We're just going to run and see what happens.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 30:33
Pace: 9:51

1997 Playlist  

Ocean Man - Ween

Starburst Over Orion - Modaji

Coming Up - Cornershop

Summertime - The Sundays

21st Century Gypsy Singing Lovin Man - Taj Mahal
History Repeating (Knee Length Mix) - Propellerheads ft. Shirley Bassey
Men In Black - Will Smith
Everybody (Backstreet's Back) - Backstreet Boys

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 58°
Climate: sunny  beautiful
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

When I get a little run run run.

On April 17, 1983, Joe Strummer ran the London Marathon in 04:13 without training. That was my time in 2006 with training.

I hate Joe Strummer.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:08
Pace: 9:23

2007 Playlist

Merrymaking at My Place - Calvin Harris

Driving This Road Until Death Sets You Free

Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna

Back In Your Head - Tegan and Sara

I Will Possess Your Heart - Death Cab for Cutie

The News - Carbon Silicon

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 60°
Climate: sunny & cooler
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Upper body: 6 reps of 10

40 sit-ups

60 sec. plank

20 bicycles

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 180 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 175 lbs.

Wednesday

Breakfast: smoothie bowl w/fresh fruit, PB granola & nutella

Lunch: salad & sushi
Dinner: popcorn, Bumble Berry IPA

Thursday

Breakfast: Nurtigrain Bar

Lunch: hamburger, fries, shake

Happy Hour: fizzy water, iced coffee w/sugar & cream

Dinner: ramen w/grilled chicken, fried egg  vegetables

Nightcap: White Russian 

I'm feeling like a champ now.

Let the summer begin ... for now.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 38:38
Pace: 9:39

Couple of days on my own, the wife is having a grand independent bookstore adventure. I have plenty to do, and that includes exercise.

Beautiful day in the park. It's gosling season!

2017 Playlist
Controversy - Low Cut Connie

Waving Through a Window - Ben Platt

River - Bishop Briggs

Perfect Sunday Sun - Nick Heyward

High Ticket Attraction - New Pornographers

We Could Run - Beth Ditto

Power - Rapsody ft. Kendrink Lamar, Lance Skiiiwalker

Motion Sickness - Phoebe Bridgers

No Roots- Alice Merton

Where's the Revolution - Depeche Mode

Every Day's the Weekend - Alex Lahey

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 70°
Climate: sunny  warm
Mood: good

Monday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, granola, yogurt, coffee w/cream

Coffee Break: coffee w/cream  

Lunch: lentil soup, cheese bread, clementines

Treat: peanut M&Ms

Dinner: ravioli, ice cream w/whipped cream

Nightcap: beer, two cookies

Tuesday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, granola, yogurt, coffee w/cream

Coffee Break: coffee w/cream, banana bread

Lunch: buffalo chicken salad wrap, chips, diet soda

Dinner: buffalo chicken salad wrap, chips, diet soda

Dessert: ice cream w/whipped cream

Stretches: yes
Water: yes (not enough)

Upper body: 

Core Strength:

Hold it up a minute, because I've got to catch my breath.

Last night was the annual gala. It was a hit. I paced myself quite well, but still didn't get t bed until one am. I do not have a headache today. Water, prophylactic pain reliever. Pizza.  

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 40:22
Pace: 10:05

The weather was downright disagreeable for a few days. We were fortunate it was so beautiful on eclipse day. Things are working out.

1968 Playlist

Picture Book - The Kinks

White Light/White Heat - The Velvet Underground  
Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) - The Isley Brothers
The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In) - Company
I Second That Emotion - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Journey to the Center of Your Mind - The Amboy Dukes
I Thank You - Sam & Dave
I Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin
Savoy Truffle - The Beatles

Love Child - Diana Ross & The Supremes
Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
Stop - Howard Tate
Fire - The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
The Memphis Train - Rufus Thomas

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: sunny, warm & breezy
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

It's a beautiful world!

Cody York Photography

Oh, shit! Started out all trembly, unhappy in my guts and in my allergy-ridden head. But that playlist, damn. I stuck it out. Feels good!

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:55
Pace: 9:58

1978 Playlist

It Gets Me - The Rezillos  
Glass - Joy Division
Beautiful World - Devo
Good Times Roll - The Cars
Down in the Tube Station at Midnight - The Jams
I Must Be in Love - The Rutles
Safe European Home - The Clash
Chase - Georgio Moroder

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 56°
Climate: overcast & lovely
Mood: getting there

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Upper body: 

Core Strength: 

Tuesday

Breakfast: fried potatoes w/bacon & cheese

Coffee Break: coffee w/cream, banana bread

Lunch: vegetable soup, apple

Dinner: Ramen w/egg, cookies (2x)

My digestion has not been good the past several days and I just realized I haven't had yogurt since Friday. I think that makes a difference. I hope it makes a difference.

Wednesday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, dried fruit, yogurt & granola

Lunch: chicken & string beans w/rice, cookies (2x)

Dinner: ramen, potato chips

Two riders were approaching and the wind began to howl.

Okay, lovies. We are back. That was a beautiful run. Not sure how to day will cooperate with all those wishing to see a once in a century-plus event, but at least I got a good run in.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:09
Pace: 9:43

1988 Playlist

We Will Not Be Lovers - The Waterboys

Baladi We Hetta - Hossam Ramzy

The Shapes Between Us Turn Into Animals - Robyn Hitchcock & the Egyptians 

Fuck Tha Police - N.W.A.

All Along the Watchtower (Live) - U2

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 51°
Climate: overcast & breezy
Mood: trembly

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 180 lbs.
New Goal: 175 lbs.

Pre-eclipse Partner Run

Got the shirt.

Ok, look. When I do not record my diet, I am not accountable. On Monday I had two breakfasts (been obsessed with sunbutter & jelly sandwiches lately) as well as a pop tart, ice cream and a cookie, and one beer.

Tuesday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, dried fruit & nuts, coffee w/cream
Coffee Break: coffee w/cream

Lunch: minestrone w/greens & parm

Dinner: pea pesto over pasta, roasted artichoke

Nightcap: Manhattan

Wednesday
Breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, dried fruit & nuts, coffee w/cream

Coffee Break: coffee w/cream, banana bread

Lunch: carnitas tacos, beans, rice, chips & salsa, and Coca-Cola (oof)

Nibble: apple & cheese

Dinner: ziti w/pepper vodka sauce

Thursday

Breakfast: Gatorade Protein Bar, coffee w/cream

Lunch: mall Chinese: two kinds of chicken & fried rice

Happy Hour: Old fashioned

Dinner: carnitas taco, fish taco, chips

Friday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, dried fruit & nuts, coffee w/cream

Lunch: ziti w/pepper vodka sauce

Snack: apple slices w/sunbutter  dried fruit

Dinner: pea pesto pasta

Cocktail: Old fashioned

Saturday

Breakfast: macaroni & cheese

Lunch: ziti w/pepper vodka sauce, ginger ale

Snack: sunbutter & banana sandwich, chocolate chip cookies (I made cookies) 4x

Dinner: cheeseburger (half), fries, Old fashioned

Bedtime: cookies (2x)

Does writing it down make a difference? Yes, it fucking well does. Because if I think to eat something stupid I know I have to write it down. And I don't want to have to do that. So you see, no snack breaks.

Distance: 2.72 miles
Duration: 25:56
Pace: 9:31

Fornadel got me out this morning. We ran, faster than I was prepared to do, so after a jaunt around the park we walked another 1.75 miles. The temperature rose to 50°, it's turned into a beautiful day!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 46°
Climate: sunny!
Mood: I have a headache.

Headaches have been plaguing me the past two days. I avoided one yesterday, but developed one through the afternoon. Allergies? Paint fumes? No idea.

Big day tomorrow. Total eclipse of the sun! Cleveland is going crazy.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Felt a wave, a rush of blood.

Here's the thing. 

I wanted to run every day, like I did last year. However, my knees can no longer support this. Running every day used to be all right, but these days, running without a day off means my knees hurt. And that's not good.

Also, it's been cold. And I just hate the cold now. And the wind. It's a drag, it's no fun. I'll do sit up, I'll do upper body work. But running in the cold is just out.

So, anyway. The March Mildness thing didn't go as smoothly as last year. It's been a difficult winter. But today has been a good day, how about that? Writing, cleaning, relaxing. And time for a run in the slightly less than cold weather.

I want to be good to myself.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 33:06
Pace: 10:40

Tiny steps, feels good. And then the sun came out. Lovely.

1998 Playlist

Push It - Garbage  

Let Me See - Morcheeba
St. Louise is Listening - Soul Coughing
Roygbiv - Boards of Canada
Right Here, Right Now - Fatboy Slim
Ghost of Stephen Foster - Squirrel Nut Zippers
Hesitating Beauty - Wilco
Baby Britain - Elliot Smith 
Cascades of Colour (Wamdue Black Mix) - Anada Project ft. Gaelle Adisson

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 47
Climate: partly cloudy & pleasant 
Mood: all right 

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Floating through the void.

You will know us by our head.

So, the March Mildness thing isn't as much of a "kick" as it was last year, but I'm still glad I'm in it. Probably because of the pain in my knees, which comes and goes. I have to remember to take pain reliever before bed or it can be uncomfortable.

I always scorned St. Patrick's Day when I was a teenager, the mixed messages irritated me. The Irish don't want to be categorized by drinking? Then what is up with this supposedly religious holiday where my classmates rip school to go downtown and drink cheap beer dyed green?

Freshman year at college, a number of us stayed behind once Spring Break had started for an industrial film (my first paying acting gig!) and I was lured into O'Hooley's Pub for the celebration, which included a delicious meal of corned beef and cabbage, traditional Irish music (live) and my first Guinness. It was a sincere celebration of Irish heritage and an education for me.

This weekend started with a birthday gathering at the Tav Co. and they had NA Guinness, which was not bad. It made me hanker for the real stuff, but even so, my first sip brought me right back to O'Hooley's, thirty-seven years ago. The senses are a remarkable thing.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 9:25

Ugh, It's gonna be cool for the next week. I mean, that's proper for late winter/early spring. But it doesn't serve my knees, uh, needs.

2008 Playlist

Black & Gold (Marcussen Album Version) - Sam Sparro 

Echoes Round the Sun  - Paul Weller

Nine in the Afternoon - Panic! at the Disco

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 41°
Climate: big wet snow flakes
Pavement: damp
Mood: determined

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: fettuccine frittata
Lunch: SB&J sandwich

Treat: fried plantains
Dinner: vegan Reuben, potato salad, bok choy, fizzy water

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 182 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Upper body: 

Core Strength: 

I'm a new superhero.

OATMEAL!!!!

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:47
Pace: 9:36

2018 Playlist  

Anpanman - BTS
The Spot - Your Smith
5 Out of 6 - Dessa
You Wouldn't Like Me - The Beths
Everybody's Coming to My House - David Byrne
I Like It - Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin
How Did This Happen? - Bodega
New Rules - Dua Lipa
Make Me Feel - Janelle Monáe
Every 1's a Winner - Ty Segall

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 57°
Climate: clear skies  breezy
Pavement: dry
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Friday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, granola, seeds, almonds, Greek yogurt, dried fruit

Coffee Break: nonfat latte, cream pie (a gift!)
Lunch: sushi & salad

Snack: fries (sm)
Dinner: buffalo wings (celery, carrots), NA Guinness

Saturday

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, oatmeal w/brown sugar, butter, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, species & cream 

Lunch: ramen

Dinner: fettucine w/mushroom pepper marinara, lettuce salad w/carrot, mineral water

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 183 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

I'm going to fly from side to side.

Two weeks dry. First bad night's sleep all month, but it was entirely circumstantial, work-related worrying. Nice night last night, hanging out with our son who is home for spring break.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 9:34

1969 Playlist

I Want To Take You Higher - Sly & the Family Stone

What Goes On - The Velvet Underground

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 62°
Climate: overcast  breezy
Mood: all right

Not really feeling it today, so I chose a short run. I need to rest these pins a little more.  

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

I need to do knee bends, that may help. It's not enough to just stretch.

Breakfast: fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, granola, almonds, dried cranberries, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Reuben (half)
Happy Hour: Diet Pepsi

Dinner: brisket burger (half), fries w/aioli, buffalo cauliflower, strawberry lemonade

Show Bev: sparkling mineral water

Upper Body: 6 reps.

Core Strength: 20 sit-ups

Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs.

Four years ago, the world shut down. For a time. I think today would be a fine one for a morning run.

Nine days in a row. Keep pushing.

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 19:34
Pace: 9:46

Not sure what to do about my knees, except for to stop running. But that's silly. A day off would be helpful, but the weather is so nice. Maybe another day soon.

1979 Playlist

Day Tripper (154 BPM) - Yellow Magic Orchestra ft. Norio Yoshizawa  

Keep On Marching - The Meters

They Don't Know - Kirsty MacColl

I Can't Help It - Michael Jackson

10:15 Saturday Night (174 BPM) - The Cure

Dangerous Type - The Cars

Ugh. Up since 5:30 AM, not my plan. Ah, well. There's a lot to be doing.

Route: Burlington Loop (clockwise)
Temperature: 54°
Climate: perfect
Mood: angsty

There are side streets with two-way stops that I was previously unaware of.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: gingerbread blondie, coffee w/cream
Lunch: chicken with lemon orzo

Treat: ginger ale, almonds & dried fruit
Dinner: Reuben (half), chips & tempura broccoli

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 183 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Sit-Ups: 40

Planks: 60 sec.

Things are going to get easier.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 39:43
Pace: 9:56

"New" music from De La. Our reliance on streaming services means that we do not have ready access to all of our twelve inches, extended remixes and B-sides. I am grateful that De La Soul has continued to roll out non-LP tracks from the past

1989 Playlist

Freedom of Speak (We Got Three Minutes) (164 BPM) - De La Soul

Eye Know - De La Soul

Sin - Nine Inch Nails

Never Enough - Jesus Jones

This & That -Michael Penn

Ladies First - Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love

Veronica - Elvis Costello

The Feelings Begin - Peter Gabriel

Doin’ Our Own Dang - Jungle Brothers

Buddy (Native Tongue Decision) - De La Soul ft. Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, Monie Love

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 59°
Climate: sunny & beautiful
Mood: good

I do have to say my knees really hurt right now.

Stretches: yes
Water: ope

Breakfast: vitamins

Lunch: lasagna, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, granola

Happy Hour: Cherry Coke Zero
Dinner: French onion soup, salad

Dark Room: ginger ale

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 183 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Upper body: TBA

Sit-Ups: 20

Muscular, but thin like springs, but not steel.

And it's spring again. We're all going to die.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:13
Pace: 9:44

1999 Playlist  

Deceptacon (161 BPM) - Le Tigre

Bruce Lee - Underworld

A Tab for the Holiday - Lilys

Your Redneck Past - Ben Folds Five

Let Forever Be - The Chemical Brothers

Lullaby of Clubland - Everything But the Girl

Walk Like a Panther - The All Seeing I

Livin' La Vida Loca (178 BPM) - Ricky Martin

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 50°
Climate: cloudless & bright
Pavement: dry
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, gingerbread blondie
Lunch: buffalo chicken wrap, potato chips, Diet Coke

Treat: more gingerbread blondie, fizzy water
Dinner: popcorn, Sierra Mist

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 184 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Upper body: 

Sit-ups: 20

Bicycle: 20

Plank: 30 sec.

I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it.

Saturday had a twist, I invited a friend over for lunch. Made lunch for them and we sat around and talked, like friends. That was new.

Nine days without toxicants. Both weekend mornings I woke with a minor head pain, the result of sleeping late (I am accustomed to caffeine nolater than six) and also being overwarm. However, unlike most weekends, pain reliever works a charm, and fast.

I woke once each weekend night to go to the bathroom, which is not the norm. I have been drinking a lot of water before bed, to keep myself from the desire to snack, which has also been good for my system, though I do not like getting up in the dark.   

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 10:05

4:00 PM "This is a fine day not to take a run."

5:00 PM "I'm taking a run."

2009 Playlist

S&M - Rihanna  

I'm Not Your Toy - La Roux

Sugar - Flo Rida ft. Wynter Gordon

Six days in a row. That's what we said.

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 33°
Climate: flurries & wind
Pavement: damp
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: leftover chicken in a pot with lemon orzo, coffee w/cream
Lunch:  fresh fruit w/granola, Greek yogurt & honey
Tea Time: Tea w/cream & honey, almonds & dried cranberries

Dinner: popcorn, fizzy water, gingerbread blondie

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 185 lbs. (+1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

So, I'm not actually losing weight, but that's okay?

Upper body: 10 (5x)

Too long a breath between.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 30:23
Pace: 9:48

All through with the 2020s. But then, aren't we all?

2019 Playlist

No One's Easy to Love (167 bpm) - Sharon Van Etten

Blackout (acoustic) - Frank Turner

thank u, next - Ariana Grande

Feel For You - Bat For Lashes

Funny Business - Alice Merton

you should see me in a crown (150 bpm) - Billie Eilish

Cruel Summer (170 bpm) - Taylor Swift

Summon the Fire (165 bpm) - The Comet Is Coming

That's Who's Really Pointing At Me (178 bpm) - Naked Giants

Some damn fine beats per minute.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 42°
Climate: overcast & cold
Pavement: damp
Mood: all right

Thought I'd run a mile, it's cloudy and cold. But I dressed right, stepped outside and I was like, hey. This is all right. And I'm geared for it.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Lunch: cream of tomato soup, grilled cheese & ham sandwich, lettuce & tomato salad w/creamy Caesar dressing, Diet Pepsi  

Cooking Time Beverages: ginger ale, fizzy water
Dinner: chicken in a pot with lemon orzo

Upper body: 10 (1x) 

Core Strength: 20 sit-ups

My feet are so heavy.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:28
Pace: 9:50

1970 Playlist  
Green-Eyed Lady - Sugarloaf

Mama Told Me Not To Come - Randy Newman

Cold Turkey - John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band

Instant Karma (We All Shine On) - John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band

Moondance - Van Morrison

The Knife - Genesis

Let Go *Canta De Ossanha) - Astrud Gilberto

Gimme Shelter - Merry Clayton

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 62°
Climate: overcast  pleasant
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: fresh fruit, nuts, granola, dried fruit, Greek yogurt, coffee

Coffee Break: nonfat latte
Lunch: office pizza, Cherry Coke Zero
Dinner: fried sunbutter & jelly sandwich, fresh green pepper w/spicy ranch dip, mineral water

Movie time: popcorn

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 184 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Upper body: TBA

Core Strength: 60 sec. 

Sit-Ups: 40

I'll never be the same.

Another very good night of sleep. The weather fluctuates, cool then warm, trying to ride the warm moments. 

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 9:16

Woof. Almost talked myself out of a run. Gray and cold. But not too cold? Anyway, wearing long pants, fuck the thermometer. Evening one-mile.

1980 Playlist  

Tell That Girl To Shut Up - Holly & The Italians

You Make My Dreams (Come True) - Daryl Hall  John Oates

Ah! Leah! - Donnie Iris

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 46°
Climate: deep grey skies
Pavement: dry
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: ope

Breakfast: fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, granola, honey

Coffee Break: nonfat latte
Lunch: mac & cheese, carrots & celery, Cherry Coke Zero
Dinner: Baked potato, butter, cottage cheese, pepper jack, roasted string beans & carrots

Packing lunch is a very good thing to do.

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 185 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Upper body: 10 rep. (3x)

Core Strength: 40 sit-ups

Take a breath and go for yours.

Weather! Am I right? So, it was beautiful yesterday morning, then the clouds rolled in just after lunch. Rain, rainy, rainy March day. The way it should be! And yet. Love a beautiful spring day.

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 18:53
Pace: 9:27

No toxicants for five days. Resting better than usual. No melatonin no Benadryl. Just lying down and crashing to sleep.

1990 Playlist

Candy - Iggy Pop ft. Kate Pierson  

Don't Fence Me In - David Byrne

It's All Right With Me - Tom Waits

Luck of Lucien - A Tribe Called Quest

Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) - C+C Music Factory

Route: Burlington Loop (counterclockwise)
Temperature: 41°
Climate: foggy & misty
Pavement: damp
Mood: good

BREAKTHROUGH! Only planning to go one mile, cold and rainy. But I hit the pavement and notice I could breathe. Like, really breathe, not winded at all. I am succeeding.

My problem is, I haven't gotten a gym membership. I should have (there's that word again) continued my regimen through the winter. But it's about time, isn't it? Ah, well. Glad I am getting back to the condition I prefer.

Stretches: yes

Water: yes

Breakfast: fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, nuts, dried fruit, granola

Coffee Brea: latte w/nonfat milk
Lunch: sunbutter & jelly sandwich, carrots & celery, Cherry Coke Zero, chocolate cake
Dinner: fish & chips w/tartar sauce and ketchup, slaw

Cocktail Hour: beach plum fizzy water

Passed on candy in the office. But accepted the birthday cake. Let us say yes to celebratory dessert.

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 185 lbs. (+1.0) 

Goal: 180 lbs.

Yeah, that baked potato serving was fucking mammoth.

Core Strength: 20 sit-ups

I looked up at the tallest building, felt it falling down.

Paul Atreidies is a bitch.

First bad sleep in days, but that was due to it being a Monday. they usually call off on Mondays (or Tuesdays). It's a fact. So I drowse but not doze. 

Anyway, March Mildness is an opportunity to take stock of how much alcohol occupies my imagination. Like social media, it is a thing I rely on as a distraction. "Alcohol will relax/inspire/entertain me."

The beer fridge is empty, I emptied it over the month of February. There is no beer to drink in the house. I have not made a "mocktail" for myself, yet. Part of not drinking is avoiding added sugar. The wife has a new interest, sparkling mineral water. I would like to indulge in that, myself.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:57
Pace: 9:39

Weather in the Heights was lovely once we got home, but Monday evening I chose to see Dune 2 instead of running. Besides, my knees are very sore. Not sure what I can do about that. Just stretch and compress and take pain reliever and maintain.

2000 Playlist

The Staunton Lick - Lemon Jelly  
Ms. Jackson - Outkast
Downside Up - Peter Gabriel ft. Elizabeth Fraiser
It's Gonna Be Me * - *NSYNC
Barely Legal * - The Strokes
Saginou * - Zulya
Frog - Nits

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 58°
Climate: sunny & breezy
Mood: working on it

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Monday

Breakfast: Reuben Bagel

Refreshment: bottled lemon iced tea
Lunch: sunbutter & jelly sandwich
Dinner: popcorn

Tuesday

Breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt, granola nuts & dried fruit

Lunch: ramen w/egg, mineral water

Dinner: baked potato w/broccoli, cheddar, butter, cottage cheese

Baseline: 185 lbs.
Weight: 184 lbs. (-1.0-)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Five days! Lost nearly nothing! That's okay, though, because I feel good.

Upper body: 1 rep.

Core Strength: 20 sit-ups

Take it up a notch.

Day three. The thing about drinking, I can come in from outside and think, what will I drink? And then I remind myself -- oh, nothing! Then I don't have to think about it.

I also think of snacks, until I remind myself that I'm not having snacks, and I think of something else.

I'm not saying any of this is easy. What I'm saying is I think these things. It's amazing how much I think about snacking or drinking. I am probably bored. Not drinking or snacking probably makes me look at my phone more. I need to look at more books.

Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 48:01
Pace: 9:36

Christ, yesterday's run made me knees hurt. I finally got a second knee compression bandage. They match. It's better that way. More support for me knees helps.  

Last night we were invited to a dance part at Casa -- our child invited us to a dance party. They are so cool. We danced. But I didn't dance too much, I didn't want to tax my legs any further, and anyway, they did a poll a couple years ago that says that men should stop dancing publicly when they turn thirty and I support that. The wife thinks that poll is nonsense, but come on, no one wants to see that shit.

2010 Playlist

Dancing On My Own - Robyn

Lights - Ellie Goulding

Bang Bang - Mark Ronson ft. The Business Intl & MNDR)

Pow Pow - LCD Soundsystem

TiK ToK - Ke$ha

Change of Time - Josh Ritter

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera

Burn It Down - Sims

Infinity Guitars - Sleigh Bells

Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan

Shake It Up - Selena Gomez

Hello (Club Edit) - Martin Solveig ft. Dragonette

Route: Hocking River Bike Path
Temperature: 58°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: better

Good day. Hearty brunch, visited an artist show upstairs at the Union and got a trio of candles (among others things). Relaxation has been hard for me, it's not been a great couple of weeks, mental health speaking. But today I am feeling much better.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Brunch: coffee, OJ, chicken & waffles

Happy Hour: Coke over ice
Dinner: popcorn

Gorgeous day by the river, lots of runners, walkers, cyclists. How could I not run five miles?

Feels good to make your body move.

Friday was a bigger day than I realized. This morning I woke and my keister was sore, on the left side. It was from all of the dagger fights and death scenes.

Slept eight hours, no melatonin, no Benadryl. No alcohol, no weed. Just Zoloft and caffeine this morning. I have a dry cough, which I contribute to dehydration and a lot of talking yesterday. I have to get on that.

Distance: 3.5 miles
Duration: 34:24
Pace: 9:50

Beautiful afternoon by the river, keep that head up, it's good for you to straighten your spine.

But, ooh. My butt hurts.

2020 Playlist

Murphy's Law - Róisín Murphy

Blinding Lights - The Weeknd 

Music Makes Me High - Avalanches

Model Villages - Idles

Interstellar Love - Avalanches ft. Leon Bridges

Open Relations - Heart Bones

Feels Good - Longshot ft. Tgik, Taylor Ray  DJ Serpico

Levitating - Dua Lipa

Your Love (Déjà Vu) - Glass Animals

Route: Hocking River Bike Path
Temperature: 52°
Climate: Overcast and breezy
Pavement: damp
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, scrambled eggs w/spinach, sour cream w/salsa, buttered toast, bacon w/syrup, clementine
Lunch: café au lait, coffe cake
Dinner: white chili w/chicken, corn, avocado, onion, cheese, corn chips & crème fresh 

Dance Party: Athletic Lite NA

March Mildness II

Okay, we're doing this. March Mildness Part Two.

For the next thirty-one days I will not receive alcohol. I will refrain from snacking, paying special attention to what I eat for each meal, portion control. No dessert, little added sugar.

"No, thank you," shall be the whole of the law.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 9:36

Hopefully, I will also run once a day six days out of seven.

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 50°
Climate: overcast & cool
Pavement: dry
Mood: tired

1971 Playlist

Queen Bee - David Bowie

Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers

Get It On (Bang a Gong) - T. Rex

Big, long day, teaching the final day of the Romeo & Juliet residency. Fifty-five year old Romeo. No one wants to see that shit. I also took a nap after but we need to pack up and head out soon, trip to see the eldest. And I wanted to get this first run in.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Breakfast: fresh fruit, almonds, dried cranberries, granola, Greek yogurt

Treat (a gift!): Cafe latte
Lunch: pulled pork, sausage, mac and cheese, green beans

Snack: banana
Dinner: Quarter Pounder, fries, Coke Zero

Baseline Weight: 185 lbs.

Yes, first we have to get back to the weight we were at the start of the year. Good luck, everyone.

Pull up to the bumper, baby.

"... on the other hand, jars."

Once upon a time, it would snow in February.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:45
Pace: 9:55

1981 Playlist  

Predictable - The Kinks
Secret Journey - The Police
The Voice (152 bpm) - Moody Blues
Guilty (154 bpm) - Classix Nouveaux
Through Being Cool (156 bpm) - Devo
Just Too Easy (158 bpm) - Romeo Void
Pull Up to The Bumper - Grace Jones
Who Can It Be Now? - Men at Work
One World (Not Three) (168 bpm) - The Police

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 66°
Climate: overcast & warm
Mood: determined

So I'm moving, but not fast. Winded. Check the beats per minute. It's okay. we can do better.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

It's ninety-one son, so something's got to change.

Epic Cleveland night last night. Standing around the atrium of the CMA (iykyk) sipping drinks, waiting for entrance to the 680-seat Gartner Auditorium for a unique performance from Jon Batiste.

Just before the performance began, I had to enquire of my spouse about the handsome young man seated next to her.

"Are you sitting next to the Mayor of Cleveland?" I whispered. She quietly assured me that she was. He'd already complimented her boots.

It was just that kind of night.

Distance: 3.75 miles
Duration: 36:50
Pace: 9:49

1991 Playlist

Rockin' Back Inside My Heart (Tibetan 12" Mix) - Julee Cruise
I Wanna Se You Up - Color Me Badd
International Bright Young Thing - Jesus Jones
Loaded - Primal Scream
Cream - Prince ft. The New Power Generation
Until the End of the World - U2
Pop Goes the Weasel - 3rd Bass
Finally - CeCe Peniston

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 57
Climate: sunny & cool
Pavement: dry
Mood: determined

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

That moment Jon Batiste shook hands with Mayor Justin Bibb right in front of me. What can you do but smile?

You're such a delicate boy.

Fuck, yes.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 30:40
Pace: 9:53

2001 Playlist

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) - Garbage
Freaks - Stephen Trask ft. Girls Against Boys
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
August Day Song - Bebel Gilberto
Smoke - Cornelius
Hella Good - No Doubt
Sparkling Diamonds from "Moulin Rouge" (OST)
In the Waiting Line - Zero 7 ft. Sophie Barker

Route: Forest Hill Park Loop
Temperature: 46°
Climate: breezy & cool
Pavement: dry
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: ope

¿Dices que soy imperfecta?

Lying awake Thursday night, legs, knees, aching. I’m not sure how to be more careful or prepared. Pain reliever after each three mile run, I guess.

I have not run more than seven times in the month of February since 2018. So that's good. But it's below freezing today, so that sucks. I was intimidated by a playwright on Threads who said he ran in the the cold today so I'm like, oh fuck you.

Sigh.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 10:07

2011 Playlist
Price Tag - Jessie J

Houdini  - Foster the People

Dices - Selena Gomez  the Scene

Damn. Thought I was overdressed, then the wind hit me. Unpleasant. But I feel better, I do. 

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 27°
Climate: bright & sunny & cold
Pavement: dry
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

All I can feel is vertigo.

No, no. It's the weather. I can run when it's like this, I hate running when it's cold. 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:17
Pace: 9:26

2021 Playlist  
Chaise Lounge - Wet Leg

The Gathering - Frank Turner

brutal - Olivia Rodrigo

I Need Some of That - Weezer

Ho Not To Drown - CHVRCHES ft. Robert Smith

Strong Feelings - Dry Cleaning

Vertigo - Alice Merton

Mutante (Gui Boratto Remix) - Rita Lee ft. Roberto De Carvalho

Jesus. That was a good year for music!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 55°
Climate: dusk, cool
Pavement: dry
Mood: good, after all

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

It's bleak in the 1970's sun.

Happy Presidents Day. Got another stye. Another one. I am sick of this. It's in the corner of my eye, makes me feel like I have a headache. Sick of it. Happy Presidents Day. Fuck.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 10:25

God. That was a delirious prelude, and a delirious run. Beautiful weather, I overdressed.

My belly is too big for this. I can breathe well at this weight.

1972 Playlist

Hocus Pocus - Focus

Old World - The Modern Lovers

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 38°
Climate: sunny!
Pavement: mostly dry
Mood: delirious

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

I can't stop myself.

What a mess am I. Saturday headache, not at the start but building over the afternoon. Pain reliever, getting out, taking a nap, more pain reliever, late afternoon coffee. And God, my diet. Really, it's a bad habit -- that I am just eating it all before March. That's not how it is supposed to work.

Got to run, we're seeing Brecht tonight. Last chance to clear my head. Snow on the ground, short run. 

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 11:13

1982 Playlist

Shock Den Affen - Peter Gabriel

New Religion (Carnival Version) - Duran Duran

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 24°
Climate: overcast & cold
Pavement: layer of snow
Mood: achy, unfocused

My mother would have turned 89 this weekend. And my cousins uncovered some home movies in my aunts basement, they include many brief, fleeting moments of mom. A young woman, in motion. That's something I had never seen before. She was so lovely.

Stretches: yes, but I can do better

Water: yes

Drop to your knees.

Three days in a row -- in February! How odd. I may have taken a break, but tomorrow is pretty booked so I that will be my break. The goal is to get back up to speed, with my lungs and legs at capacity by March.

Still need to get that additional knee brace. Got to put that on the list. If it's not on the list, I forget. And the list is so important on a Saturday. My Saturdays are for ..? Housekeeping. Groceries. Also, writing and cooking.

We have had this pumpkin sitting here since fall. So? I made a pie. No idea I was going to do that today. That kind of spontaneity I can get behind.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:36
Pace: 10:11

Oh, shit. That was arduous. Perfect day, bright skies, a little cool, low breeze, but shit. I was out of breath. I am unprepared and weigh too much. Worth it? Sure, but fuck.

1992 Playlist

We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful - Morrissey  
They Reminisce Over You - Pete Rock ft. C.L. Smooth
Hit - Sugarcubes
Not Sleeping Around - Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Get Ready - 2 Unlimited
Kiss That Frog (Mindblender Mix) - Peter Gabriel
Candy Everybody Wants - 10,000 Maniacs
Free Your Mind - En Vogue

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 43°
Climate: cloudless  cool
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Writing your tragedy.

A four-mile run may be followed by a much shorter run. That is entirely acceptable, if it means moving on. There is nothing particularly notable about the year 2002 that warrants a longer playlist, just this banger which I didn't even know existed until a certain movie was released late last year.

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 19:30
Pace: 9:45

2002 Playlist

Murder on the Dancefloor - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Let Go - Frou Frou

Music Plus 1 - Cornershop

Funky So-and-So - The Sugarman 3 

Let's Go Again - Télépopmusik

Where Do They Make Balloons? - They Might Be Giants

I stand corrected. 2002 was an awesome year for music! However, my knees ache considerably, I need to make sure I take pain reliever, get another knee brace,

Route: Burlington Loop (clockwise)
Temperature: 52°
Climate: cloudy  breezy
Mood: surprisingly good -- now

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Stripping down to dirty socks.

Earbuds!
(with visible acne scarring)

Had to sub today, left me exhausted. Thought I might nap after I got home, but it's fifty-seven fucking degrees out.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 39:38
Pace: 9:54

2012 Playlist

Let's Have a Kiki - Scissor Sisters
22 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
Good Time - Owl City ft. Carly Rae Jepsen
Paddling Out - Miike Snow
Five Seconds - Twin Shadow
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
I'm Shakin' (160 bpm) - Jack White
Clarity - Zedd ft. Foes
Youth Without Youth - Metric
Die Young - Ke$ha
Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars

Route: Forest Hills Loop
Temperature: 57°
Climate: clear skies  lovely
Mood: good

I think I have gained at least five pounds since the beginning of the year. I will begin again on March 1.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Groove in all slow motion.

Name this band.
(I call them "The Offspring")

Time in Athens, celebrating the twenty-first birthday of our eldest. The MIL is moving out of the homestead (it's staying the family, though) so this is perhaps our first weekend staying here. The years progress, things change. And that's all right.

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 29:52
Pace: 9:57

Perfect spring weather. Unfortunately, it’s February. In spite of my kit, the warm air, the funky playlist, I was chugging. Just chugging along. Again, it makes a difference when you’re carrying a 20 pound weight.

2022 Playlist

Drown Me! - Junie & TheHutFriendseat

Gasoline - The Weeknd

Life Goes On - Ezra Collective for. Samoa the Great

Life is Good - Justin Caruso

Jackie Down the Line - Fontaine’s DC

Die Hard - Kendrick Lamar ft. Blxst, Amanda Reiner

Tonight - Phoenix ft.  Ezra Koenig

The Smoke - The Smile

The Only Heartbreaker - Mitski

Route: Hocking River Bike Path
Temperature: 55°
Climate: gorgeous
Mood: good

Just sit at home and masturbate.

FUCK! SINUSES! Weaving around like mental patient. Vertigo revisits after a welcome absence. Alas. Let us get one in through the snow to finish the month strongly.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 10:30

Feel much better having run. Clear that head.

1973 Playlist

20th Century Boy - T. Rex

Captain Jack - Billy Joel

Six runs, six decades, one month.

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 33°
Climate: light, fat snowflakes
Pavement: damp, puddles
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

I love you on the run and you love me.

Aches. My knees were hurting yesterday, but why? Not particularly cold, I have not been running. That may be it, of course, my muscles going slack with disuse. Not sure.

Going to run in the cold and damp. Feeling stressed out this week, we live in challenging times and I really wish standing up for what you believe felt better than this, but then maybe that's the point. 

Distance:  miles
Duration: 40:55
Pace: 10:13

That was marvelous. So good to get out into the open air without being uncomfortable. And I made four miles, no problem. Haven't made it to the park since New Year's Day. It's still there.

1983 Playlist  

Beep (153 BPM) - Pylon

Why Me? [Extended Version] - Planet P Project
Don't Let Go - Wang Chung
The World and His Wife - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I Melt With You (155 bpm) - Modern English
What Is Love? - Howard Jones
The Politics of Dancing - Re-Flex
Puttin' on the Ritz - Taco
Der Kommissar - After the Fire
These Things Take Time (165 BPM) - The Smiths

Route: Forest Hill Run
Temperature: 40°
Climate: overcast & damp
Pavement: wet
Mood: driven

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

"I love you whether or not you love me."

I tried to be an acrobat before I could run.

We will run at least once a week, in January and February. At least one mile. It was frigid all this past week, and there was snow. It is in the balmy twenties today, but it has been a week, and I must go.

The gym membership awaits. I am reminded that it as our son who encouraged to rec center attendance -- before the shutdown. Goodness.

Distance: 1 mile
Duration: 11:58

Woof, picking up those feet through drifts of snow and twisting ankles over the lumpy clods. My knees are going to hurt, they already do, but so worth it.

1993 Playlist

Kite - Nick Heyward

Dreams - The Cranberries

Ordinary World - Duran Duran

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 24°
Climate: puffy clouds & cold
Pavement: shoveled, lumpy with snow, un-shoveled drifts
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Water's running in the wrong direction.

A bright, frigid Sunday. One run a week? Better than none. Still intend to update my membership to the rec center. For now, we take a short run in the freezing temps, wearing new long johns as well as a long sleeved undershirt, with all the rest.

Distance: 1 miles
Duration: 9:52

2003 Playlist  

Sound of the Underground - Girls Aloud
Peace & Love - Fountains of Wayne
Sunrise - Simply Red

Route: Neighborhood Loop
Temperature: 12°
Climate: sunshine & cold
Pavement: patchy with light snow and occasional ice, dry pavement
Mood: good, yeah?

Wow, it's not the cold, it's the wind. That's when I think I should have worn a tube scarf, I could have gone three miles but I didn't want to damage my skin.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

For Christmas, I got the boy his own copy of The Postal Service on CD. I realize now that album is to him as Revolver is to me, a record released two years before we were born that we were always aware of but took on special significance during our teenage years.

Baseline: 180 lbs.
Weight: 180 lbs. (-0-)

Goal: 175 lbs.

뛰는 놈.

Car-Free Saturday run with Annie
August 2013

Illness overwhelmed me after the holiday. All the coughing and exhaustion. Then I get one night in complete quiet and darkness and solitude, and I am just awake. Drowsing a bit but awake. Why? No idea. Finally slept a bit in the early morning and immediately popped into my kit. Let's do this now, if even for only a mile or two. 

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 20:38
Pace: 10:19

Up at 4:30, writing in my journal, "Water tastes SO GOOD."  

Route: Burlington Loop (clockwise)
Temperature: 33°
Climate: overcast w/light snow

Pavement: damp
Mood: all right

2013 Playlist

The City - The 1975  

Right Action - Franz Ferdinand

Animals - Martin Garrix

Gangham Style (강남스타일) - Psy

Harlem - New Politics

When a Fire Starts to Burn - Disclosure

Man. That playlist was fire, as the kids say.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Baseline: 180 lbs.
Weight: 180 lbs. (-0-) 

Goal: 175 lbs.

"The guy who runs."

I want to run against the world that's turning.

Good day. We begin the new year with a cold. It's leveled off, but ugh. What a cough. I would prefer to begin in good health, but I am grateful for the health that I have.

I want to take a run, then take a hot shower. Good fortune be damned. I want to clear my lungs.

And here we go ... 58 Playlists for 58 Years.

2023 Playlist

Rush - Troye Sivan

bad idea right? - Olivia Rodrigo

Impressively Average - Brigitte Calls Me Baby (171 bpm)

De Selby (Part 2) - Hozier

This Is Why - Paramore

Mess It Up - The Rolling Stones

The Trench Coat Museum - Yard Act

Back On 74 - Jungle

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 31:01
Pace: 10:00

Much stronger than I anticipated. That felt good. I took that photo, by the way, just a block from my house. Stay safe out there!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 33°
Climate: overcast & light snow
Mood: good

Stretches: no
Water: yes

Baseline: 180 lbs.
Goal: 175 lbs.

Not bad place to start, actually. Now can we do this.