Got to keep my foot right down.

Eight consistent every-other-day runs. More runs than in 2022, when eye surgery took me off the road. Today, as many runs as I got in last month.

Distance: 3.25 miles
Duration: 30:30
Pace: 9:22

Leaves turn. The weather cools. I must make myself mentally prepared to return to the recreation center, if the weather is disagreeable. Strange, if you had asked me when I last renewed my membership I would have thought last October or something, but it was December.

Going to the gym is easy. It is important I remember that.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 58°
Climate: partly cloudy & cool
Mood: a bit sickly

Reggatta De Blanc - The Police (1979)

Message In a Bottle (151 bpm)

Regatta De Blanc (159 bpm - varies)

It's Alright For You

Bring On the Night

Deathwish

On Any Other Day (157 bpm)

The Bed's Too Big Without You

Contact

No Time This Time

This was always my favorite Police album, "Bring On the Night" was my favorite song during my Senior year in high school (which is a problem) and I will still say it is my favorite if only for the almost complete lack of bullshit. Every song is a banger ... except "Does Everyone Stare" which is goofy.

Goofy, but on point. "I'm gonna write you a sonnet but I don't know where to start." That was me. My wife says I just don't like Andy Summers and I said, maybe it's just that I don't like Andy Summers, and also that that song was written by Copeland. 

I also left "Walking On the Moon" off this play list because it's not good to run to. But, still. A classic.

My copy was a special release, two 10" vinyl records. Pretty cool. Wikipedia tells me Reggatta de Blanc (French for "Yacht Rock") is also Copeland's favorite of The Police records, so I feel validated. I don't really care which one Sting likes the best.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes 
Weight: 161 lbs. (+1.0) 

Now, allergies. Woke an hour earlier than my alarm, a tickle in my throat and in my eyes. Going to the doctor this afternoon, we'll she what she has to say about all this (gestures vaguely at his own form).

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Man. Now, see, those guys knew how to close an album.

People! Keep on running!

This is a poster I had in college.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are trash and I do not understand why they have been inducted into the Rock Hall but what can you do. We dug them at the beginning, because they played stupid white funk and we were stupid, white, funky guys. 

Mother's Milk was their last good album (they've never produced a great album) which was followed by Blood Sugar Sex Magik for which Anthony Kiedis got the absurd notion that he could actually hold a note ("Under the Bridge") and was rewarded with a number one single. The rest is unlistenable history.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 36:58
Pace: 9:14

Mother's Milk - Red Hot Chili Peppers (1989)

Good Time Boys

Higher Ground

Subway to Venus

Magic Johnson

Nobody Weird Like Me

Knock Me Down (Long Version)

Taste the Pain

Stone Cold Bush

Fire

Johnny, Kick a Hole in the Sky

These things always fall apart at the end of the record, the two best songs are covers. Then Rick Rubin tells them, hey — you can fit 70 minutes of sound on one of these new compact discs. They can't even put together half that.

Good run, though.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 69°
Climate: clear & cooler
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 160 lbs.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Slow up and stop all my running around.

I have to force myself not to leave the house too early when catching the bus. I am always there with plenty of time to spare. But it is a ten minute walk to the stop, and when I am prepared in advance, I will go and regret it, just standing for an additional five minutes.

That is what I am doing right now. Not preparing to run, but creating busy work, sitting down, so I do not leave.

Okay. Now.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 28:09
Pace: 9:05

Am I living my best life? By that I mean, am I doing this right? Am I getting all I can and also giving all I can?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 66°
Climate: sunny & cool(er)
Mood: all right

So, I did a lot of stretches. Different stretches. Sitting, doing circles with my ankle, others. And it made a difference, it really did. I didn't start out feeling as though I was running on a broken heel. I need to take more time before each run. I can do this.

Stretches: yes!
Water: yes 
Weight: 160 lbs. (-2.0)

Maintain. Relax. Breathe. Think. It took two weeks to bring it back down to 160, and now I must maintain. Just stay here. My consumption yesterday was good. Good food, portioned, thought out. I could drink less. I did, actually, drink less. It was still a lot. Maintain. Focus on what is right in front of you, work, play, relaxation, dining.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

This Is Gabriel & Dresden

Sydney

Sequoia

Twelve (Darude Remix)

I'm Not Like Everybody Else (ft. Sub Teal)

Tomorrow Comes (ft. Neil Ormandy)

White Walls  (ft. Sub Teal)

I had a mood.

When it rains it rains all the colors in my paintbox.

shadow combover

We rest. We read. We write. We breathe. We drink water. We plot. We scheme. We live. We love. We view. We cook. We dine. We try. We try so hard. We try so very hard. We tell our stories. We create.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 28:44
Pace: 9:16

We take the bus. If there is no reason to have a car available during the day, we take the bus. It has been the summer of bus. Takes twice as long as driving, but in that time I can read, or think. It’s better for the environment. It’s going that way, anyhow, why not get on board?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 73°
Climate: misty & light rain
Mood: all right?

We work. We make dinner. We pack lunch. We dine together. We talk. We watch TV together. We sleep well. It gets cooler, now the rains. The leaves begin to turn. The last official month of summer begins today. One more month, but it's already gone.

But that's okay. We like the the fall. Fall is for endings, but it's for beginnings, too.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 162 lbs.(-0-)

My right heel. Still. Tight, I do stretches, the first quarter mile is still so difficult, then it eases off. I need some PT, this just isn't going away on its own.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

155-164 BPM Playlist

Ballet For a Rainy Day - XTC

Black Star - Radiohead

Lost Track - Haim

A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey

Giving Up On You - Wild Belle

Classical Gas - Mason Williams

She's Tight - Cheap Trick

Sleepless - Soul Coughing

Boo'ed Up (Remix) - Ella Mai ft. Nicki Minaj & Quavo

That's good bpm.

Struggling, stretching for the beat.

Doldrums, am I right? There is a lot of work to do, but little pressure. Last week was ridiculous, I was busy every single night, finally getting to chill on Saturday and Sunday evenings. And yet. there are a host of microanxieties which nibble around the edges.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 27:09
Pace: 8:44

For example, discovering I'd loaned a book my wife needed, seeing how much I had let the outdoor plants wilt in the heat, having to complete an application, having completed the application and doubting how good the application actually is, that I have gained weight, that I am hungry, decorating, cleaning, thinking about rehearsal and everything that goes with it and on and on and on until we die

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 78°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: all right

Fast run. Evening runs now. Waking early is increasingly difficult, the days are wearying. They will not always be, but they will be at least through September.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 162 lbs. (-3.0)

160bpm 80's Running Playlist

Maniac - Michael Sembello

Take On Me - a-ha

What I Like About You - The Romantics

Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra

Misirlou - Dirk Dale & His Del-Tones

Invisible Touch - Genesis

You Make My Dreams (Come True) - Hall & Oates

What a Feeling - Irene Cara

A Millennial made this playlist. One song from the 70s, another from the 60s that was made popular again in the 90s. Also, Invisible Touch has a beats per minute of 131, and What a Feeling, 122. Anyway, maybe I'll try another one by someone else.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Is anyone else hot?

Maintaining weight is easier than losing it. I need to return to basic steps (having fresh food in the house, making dinners instead of purchasing them, always packing lunch) but also, training my body not to need.

Thursday, I did a fine job of only eating at mealtime. The meals were bigger than they needed to be, but there was no snacking, no grazing. However, by dinner my system was, I don't know. Empty? I have gotten used to always having something to digest. I developed an uncomfortable case of gas, not in my bowels, in my stomach. It was distressing, uncomfortable, painful. This is a thing that happens sometimes when I eat less.

And then there's the kind of hunger that is disorienting, making me confused, irritable, difficult to concentrate. There is a way through this, but like I said, it takes work. And since the middle of the summer, I have either been on vacation, where the rules are different, or very busy and away from home.

Home makes for good eating habits. I never thought of it like that before.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 37:09
Pace: 9:17

Great run. Hot, yes -- it's noon! But I felt good, warmed up, no tightness, no pain (okay, slight pain) good posture, nice pace. Felt great!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 84° 
Climate: hot!
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 165 lbs. (+2.0)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-ups: TBA

It's Hot! Playlist

HOT TO GO! - Chappell Roan

Hot For Teacher - Van Halen

Hot N Cold - Katy Perry

Hot In Herre - Nelly

Hot Stuff - Donna Summer

Warm - Haim ft. Charlie XCX

Hot Blooded - Foreigner

Gonna Make You Sweat - C + C Music Factory ft. Martha Wash

Warm Leatherette - The Normal

Send My Love (To Your New Lover) - Adele

Own heart beating.

Exhausting myself this week. Long days, long nights, and the heat. I don't like to complain about heat, I much prefer it to the cold. It truly has had an effect upon me. 

I really should never go out after Dark Room. Socializing is fun, but going to bed at midnight is no longer a practical option for me, not ever. Bed by ten is ideal. But not on Tuesday. Nor on Wednesday. Nor on Thursday, or Friday. Not this week. 

And yet, I run.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:15
Pace: 9:25

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 72°
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: bit angsty

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 163 lbs. (+1.0)

Man bytes dog.

Much of the current weight fluctuation relates to circumstance. Went to a ball game last night. We are also going to be eating out tonight -- and another ball game tomorrow night. It's a lot.

Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

155-164 BPM Playlist

Make Your Move - Kenny Loggins

Beat On the Brat - The Ramones

The Long Hair of Death - Stereolab

No Love Lost - LCD Soundsystem

Don't Fence Me In (The Bachelor Remix) - David Byrne

Leaving Las Vegas - Sheryl Crow

Thank You For Hearing Me - Sinéad O'Connor

I can handle my shit.

My goal this year has been consistency. That, whatever else is happening, that I run every other day. Also, that I not run two days in a row. Take that break, even when I am desirous to move. Run, rest, repeat.

So far this year I have run as many times as I did in the entirety of 2017, which was a year that involved a lot of travel, and a lot of distraction. A wedding, a graduation, a fatal illness. Ninety-nine runs in 2025, as of today.

Many year I run between, let's say, one hundred and one hundred and ten times. Two years ago, in 2023, I ran almost two hundred times, which isn't normal at all. No idea why I did that.

At this rate, I hope to have run between 160 and 170 times by New Year's. That's a lot. But I think I can do that.

Distance: 2.34 miles
Duration: 27:09
Pace: 11:35

So, anyway. Had to take an extra day. These days are hot, and I am listening to my body. That's good, too. Take that break.

Also, we spent a day (and two nights) this past weekend at Cedar Point. Okay, so now summer is over. Just kidding, it's not. We have two baseball games to attend just this week. It's crazy.

My spouse encouraged me to ride more ride than I would have desired to, but I am all right. I have a real discomfort with heights, but there were some special moments. Daddy wanted to see all the young college students doing their dancing and their singing before they all return to college. Is that creepy? Of course it is. Totes creep.

Route: Forest Hill Run
Temperature: 75°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: all right

Eesh. Shooting pains in my left calf. Right heel still still. I'm a mess. A hot mess.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 162 lbs. (+2.0)

Portion control, yo.

Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

Running Summer Playlist

Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & the Waves ft. Carstn & Agent Zed

Ways to Go - Grouplove 

Coming Back to Me - Kasabian

Happy Customers - Two Door Cinema Club

American Pie (L'Tric Remix) - Don McLean

I Can Do It With a Broken Heart - Taylor Swift

Saving Up - Dom Dolla

Espresso (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Later Remix) - Sabrina Carpenter

Nobody Else - The S.L.P.

I don't know. I think these playlists kinda suck.

Moving at one million miles an hour.

Increasingly now, numbness in my hands. Mostly the right, but also the left. Is this poor circulation? Nerve damage? At the moment it is merely unpleasant. It wakes me earlier than I'd like and makes it impossible to go back to sleep. 

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 35:54
Pace: 8:58

Welcome to the Pleasuredome - Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1984)

Welcome to the Pleasuredome (Escape Act Video Mix)

Relax (Come Fighting)

War

Two Tribes

Born To Run

Wish (The Lads Were Here)

Krisco Kisses

The Only Star In Heaven

The Power of Love

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 80°
Climate: sunny & HOT!

Mood: good!

We were Frankie Fans. Relax had been released in late 1983, and was rattling around on MTV — but only a little — in early 1984. It was part of the mix, the general wash of British disco that was worming its way into my consciousness.

In summer I participated in the Experiment in International Living (EIL) and after a fraught couple of weeks engaged in culture and language training, we flew to Spain. The first night was spent in Madrid, before taking buses to our month long homestay in Lugo.

The bunch of us, twelve nervous American teenagers, were at a disco talking and drinking. I wasn't much of a dancer then, I had only ever been on a dancefloor a couple times over the past couple years. but Footloose was a thing and I tried to get over myself. I love music. But I didn't know how to dance.

The synthesized bass line for an extended mix of Relax (the New York Mix, I believe) it had a prolonged, melody-free intro, and I was distracted. "What is this song? I know this song. What is this song?" It built and built and I needed to know what it was. When the beat dropped, I think I actually shouted, and I got up from the table to take the floor. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I needed to be out there.

I've been chasing that high for a very long time.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 160 lbs. (-1.0)

The original double-album for Pleasuredome included several interstitial gags and songs that are not part of what is currently the official release (on CD and also streaming services) but they are slow songs, anyway, like Bacharach's San Jose and the Liverpudlian classic Ferry Cross the Mersey, so I didn't want to run to them, anyway.

Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

Yesterday I had a big cookie, a scoop of ice cream team, and popcorn. I didn’t even enjoy the popcorn, it was too salty. A snack between/after every meal. That’s not necessary.

Run into you sometimes.

Oof. Some days I can feel my age. And then I ask myself, have I ever actually felt better than this? I have a hernia, that was thirty years ago. Thought I would need to wear compression pants the rest of my life, wore them about five years. What I learned was that if I gained weight (or wore boxers instead of briefs) I would hurt down there. So I try not to gain weight, and for the most part I haven't hurt down there in thirty years. 

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 28:10
Pace: 9:05

Now there's this thing in my wrist. I worry its a symptom of something great, like something to do wit my circulation. But then, maybe it's just muscular. I work out. I do upper body exercises. I have also made a doctors appointment, it's good to see how balanced my humours may be.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 65°
Climate: clear & beautiful
Mood: good

We run. It is still summer. And yet, it is summer still.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 161 lbs. (-4.0)

Maintenance. Be smart, kid.

Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

Running Summer Mix

Murder On the Dancefloor (PNAU Remix) - Sophie Ellis-Bextor

123456- Fitz & the Tantrums

Dance Wiv Me  - Dizzee Rascal ft. Calvin Harris

Carried Away - Passion Pit

Big Energy - Latto

Levitating - Dua Lipa

Fortnight - Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone

Love Tonight - Shouse 

Well. Spotify is just culling from my own playlists now, that's hardly what you would call working.

This is not a charade.

Forty years ago was a good summer. A very good summer, a special summer. My brother was home from college, he'd just graduated from college and was churning out resumes on a dot matrix printer from his Apple Macintosh. We bonded over Heineken, chips with good French onion dip and weed.

We watched Miami Vice reruns, Night Flight, and Dave Letterman. I learned about new artists, or new to me, anyway. The Cure. The Smiths. New Order. Fishbone. We watched strange videos, and laughed our asses off.

Live Aid, Back to the Future, Thunderdome, we made one DDT-V episode for July, and a second one for August, a clip show based entirely on the advertisements (that one was my idea). We had gone to Maine early in the season for my grandfather's 90th birthday, so the rest of the summer stretched out madly.

I was cited on my seventeenth birthday for trespassing in the Metroparks after dark (we had been playing assassin) and broke up with my girlfriend. I was ready to be a senior. And I was free.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:23
Pace: 9:28

Summer 1985 Mixtape Playlist

Time Bomb Town - Lindsay Buckingham

Cry - Godley & Creme

The Power of Love - Huey Lewis & the News

Party at Ground Zero - Fishbone
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free - Sting

Money for Nothing (Live at Wembley Stadium) - Dire Straits ft. Sting 

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 64°
Climate: sunrise & humid
Mood: good

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 165 lbs. (+2.0)

We must mind our intake. Yesterday was like a day on vacation. Be careful. Moderation in all things.

Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

I don't want the world, I just want your half.

Welcome home. Numbness in my fingers, pain in my wrist. Is this diabetes?

Distance: 3.1 miles
Duration: 29:23
Pace: 9:28

So, yes. Good on ya, we got a run in right after getting home, unpacking, putting in a load of laundry, and on, and on. Back on my head.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 73°
Climate: sunset & humid
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 163 lbs. (+3.0)
Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

WRUW | Erie Effusion (Live)

Ana Ng - They Might Be Giants

Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - They Might Be Giants

Balalaika Gap (158 BPM) - Camper Van Beethoven

Turquoise Jewelry - Camper Van Beethoven

Barbarism Begins at Home - The Smiths

Heart Shaped World - Billy Bragg

Soul Awakening - China Crisis

Open up the door.

We reach the end of another stay in the Barnstable. And what have we learned? Why, nothing. Nothing at all.

Six runs in Maine! Every other day. Do you imagine I will run on Sunday evening?

Distance: 3.5 miles
Duration: 32:18
Pace: 9:14

Yesterday we went on a puffin sighting cruise. Cool day, overcast, occasional, very light rain. Ideal.

I have been enjoying the fried things, yesterday I even had a lobster Reuben, which is just what it sounds like. Breakfast of fruit, granola, and yogurt keeps me honest.

Route: Martin Point Run
Temperature: 69°
Climate: sunny & beautiful
Mood: very good

We drive home tomorrow, a two-day journey for which I plan to do a lot of mental prep work for our teacher workshops on Monday and Tuesday. This happens far too often, I have to hit the ground running (as they say) the morning after I return from a vacation or expedition.

Stretches: 
Water: yes
Planks: yes
Pushups: yes

We have taken many vacations and expeditions over the past two years; the Southwestern train and desert trip, a transatlantic cruise, our journey across Spain, with jaunts to NYC and of course, right here in the cove.

And I'll tell you why. Because my mother died. Because there was a pandemic. Because our children are grown and we are celebrating them and also ourselves. And because we couldn't, and now we can.

It won't continue like this, it can't is is unsustainable, and we aren't getting any younger. But I am trying to remain young and alive, and treasuring the world while I am on it is going to be a big part of that.

BorderLight | Fringe Unleashed Playlist

World, Hold On - Bob Sinclar ft. Steve Edwards

You're the One - Kaytranada ft. Syd

Intimidated  - Kaytranada ft. H.E.R.

Back on 74- Jungle

Chihro - Billie Eilish

Another Night - Claptone

... and scene. "See you in the Heights."

Work your body.

Considering I missed six days, thirteen runs in a month is pretty good. Also, my ankle no longer feels sprained. My heel is no longer in pain. I got up the past two morning, and I didn't even think about my feet. Healing happens, still. Healing happens.

Since members of my family have gone, the time has gone much slower. I think this has more to do with second-week syndrome than anything about them. I was anxious, now I am not. I had been anxious for days -- weeks, actually -- prior to the festival. Then the festival, then ... here. Just here.

Day after day. Time after time. We will be home soon enough, today is for here. 

First (Boy) Run/Walk

Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 20:47
Pace: 10:20

Today the boy taught me about the 1904 St. Louis Olympic marathon, the first Olympic marathon to take place on American soil, so naturally it was dangerous, ignorant, and racist.

Second (Solo) Run

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 28:22
Pace: 9:27

Route: Martin Point Run
Temperature: 75°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Planks: yes

Pushups: yes

BorderLight | Fringe Unleashed Playlist

The Story Continues - Marco Lys

Street Life - Purple Disco Machine

Tití Me Preguntó - Bad Bunny

Treat You Better (Purple Disco Machine Extended Remix) - Rüfüs Du Sol

Work Your Body - LA Riots

I have gotten so used to playing only music I am already familiar with. Listening to this list is fun, my mind is free. I have had many ideas on these runs, I like the repetition, the dearth of lyrics.

Out of time on the highway to never.

I think I said something.

The second week. Different guests. different vibe. The weather remains ideal. Things are different this year, and by that I mean I am different. I seem to remember being a bit irritated by little things last time; that chairs that weren't pushed in, the glasses and cans that were left about.

Sometimes people take care of these things themselves if you leave them alone for a little. Sometimes you just take care of them yourself and that's okay, too.  

Seriously, these recent memories of times ten years ago have had a profound effect on me, on my appreciating the way things are for us now.

Distance: 3.5 miles
Duration: 32:19
Pace: 9:14

How is my diet? Good, I think. I am trying not to think too hard about what I am eating, nor how much. Certainly there are more desserts (dessert is not a usual thing most days) but even these are taken in moderation. There are an abundance of Doritos, because it is vacation, and also a lot of alcohol. Is it a lot of alcohol? Moxie & rum is a favorite. 

Route: Martin Point Run
Temperature: 75°
Climate: sunny & humid
Mood: very good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Planks: yes

Pushups: yes

BorderLight | Fringe Unleashed Playlist

Love Come Down (DJ Nipper Remix) - Evelyn "Champagne" King

Love Tonight - Shouse

My House - Purple Disco Machine

Ocean Drive (Purple Disco Machine Extended Mix) - Duke Dumont

On My Mind (Purple Disco Machine Remix) - Diplo ft. Sidepiece

I'm enjoying this playlist a lot.

I'll be good to you. You'll be good to me.

“That corner of the world smiles at me
beyond all others.” - Horace

Sorely (heh) tempted to run every day, fighting the temptation to do so. The running feels great. Walking about the rest of the time, not so much.

Lovely times, lazing about the cove. Reading, talking, drinking snacking, washing dishes. Avoiding work emails. I have received more than the usual number of communications, other years I would fret about responding to them. I just can't. Family is more important. 

Distance: 3.5 miles
Duration: 32:50
Pace: 9:22

Why does my ankle hurt after rest? Why does it not hurt when I am running? I need to remember to ice and take pain reliever -- I think of doing this, but then fail to do it.

Route: Martin Point Run
Temperature: 74°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: very good
Stretches: yes
Water: no

Planks: yes

Pushups: yes

The elder, their partner, have gone, also, too, my brother and his family. But we're not going anywhere! We have another week in paradise.

BorderLight | Fringe Unleashed Playlist 

The Giver - Duke Dumont

Good to You - Claptone

Kackvogel - Solomun

Kuar (Henrik Schwarz Remix) - Emmanuel Jal

Liquid Spirit (Claptone Remix) - Gregory Porter 

Happy birthday ... to me!

You better keep moving (or you'll be left behind).

My ankle feels sprained, now, every morning, every day. I passed on a hike up Mount Megundicook with my brother and his family yesterday. I just didn't think it would go well. And yet, I run.

This is such a joyful time, with both the kids and their partners on site. We have been just relaxing in the cove and even doing a little shopping. I was never big on going to places like L. L. Bean but the boy likes to stock up on fishing supplies so I took that as an opportunity to get a new pair of slippers. They are nice. 

First (Boy) Walk/Run

Distance: 1.67 miles 
Duration: 17:23
Pace: 10:25

It is a cool week on the cove -- but not too cool. First forecasts suggested rain all week, that has not been the case, not at all, in fact. But sixty and seventy degree temps have been the order, and we are loving it.

Today, a treasure hunt. It's our niece's seventeenth birthday! They are all almost adults now. On the flight here, I found a number of email drafts from years ago. Like, many many years ago, 2009, 2011, 2012, and they reminded me of how tense I was, how unhappy, back then. Like, how stressed I would become, and a lot of that was over parenting. Sometimes even over crafting treasure hunts. I didn't remember feeling that way, but now I do.

This is why I burn my notebooks. There is no practical reason for going over all that stuff again.

Second (Solo) Run

Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 28:03
Pace: 9:21

Ran with the boy, headed out on my own

Route: Martin Point 
Temperature: 72°
Climate: clear & breezy
Mood: very good, you know?
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

BorderLight | Fringe Unleashed Playlist

Canoa - DJ Gregory ft. Gregor Salto

Come Back - Ninetoes

Cream - Claptone

Finder - Ninetoes

Get a Move On! - Mr. Scruff ft. Sneaky

Where you go, I'll go.

The BorderLight Festival has closed. I woke at 3:00 AM Sunday to make a 6:00 AM flight only to discover that due to reasons I had been bumped to a 6:00 PM flight. Okay, so, a little more sleep, and a day on my own to take care of end-of-production business.

Distance: 3.5 miles
Duration: 31:41
Pace: 9:03

I have not taken so many days between runs since February. Okay, since before February. And my right ankle still feels sprained, my heel tight. Doesn't matter, the running must happen.

The family is gathered in the cove. This is the vacation. Spain was an experience, this is pure relaxation.

I have not taken so many days between runs since December. 

Route: Martin Point Run
Temperature: 66°
Climate: cloudless & cool
Mood: very good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Ideal weather for running. On my journey I realized what I intend to submit to BorderLight next year. It's obvious.

BorderLight | Fringe Unleashed Playlist

Another Night - Claptone

Better Together (OFFAIAH Remix) - Hayden James ft. Running Touch

Blue Monday - New Order

Body Language - M.A.N.D.Y. ft. Booka Shade

Bonita - Ninetoes

I missed out on most of the debauchery due to obligations, and flights that did not happen, but this playlist also makes for a great workout mix. Thanks, Alicia!

Maybe that's the real punk rock.

What was on Clark Kent's iPod?

Yes, I respect James Gunn for geeking out and making playlists for each of his major characters in the new Superman movie. I do the same thing. Of course, by posting them on Spotify, he's also promoting the product. I do the same thing.

That this new movie includes a conversation about pop music made me very happy. Even better, they don't name check real bands, but the names of fiction bands which evoke the name of other real bands, and the fact that you know just what kind of bands they are talking about is very, very fun.

Because according to this film, Clark Kent was born in 1995. He was an adolescent in the late aughts. And like many of us, his taste hasn't changed since we were thirteen.  An Clark Kent is a dork. And we love him. 

Superman Playlist

Punkrocker - Teddybears ft. Iggy Pop

The Mighty Crabjoys Theme - The Mighty Crabjoys

The Middle (162 BPM) - Jimmy Eat World

Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low

Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine

For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is) - Pete Yorn

I'm Not Down - The Clash

You Get What You Give - New Radicals

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:53
Pace: 9:38

Headachy morning. Still, nice run. Going to take a few days off now, for several reasons. One, the festival impends, and I would just as soon reserve my strength. Two, I'd like to rest my shins. Even my left shin had pain earlier this morning. Three, I am packing my gear to go with everyone by car to Maine. I'm flying out Sunday early.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: overcast
Mood: okay (head pain)
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

"See you in the cove."

Run right back to

Live Aid
July 13, 1985
Were you there?
(I was not.)

Partner run to the park and back. Their playlist.

Distance: 3.53

Duration: 38:37
Pace: 10:56

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 72°
Climate: light rain
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

What's That Lyric?

B2b - Charlie XCX

Just what I needed!

Why The Cars? Why not The Cars?

My anxiety rises and ebbs. How much is related to medication? Cannabis intake? Rest? Alcohol? What is happening to the world, to my world, to my work?

Showtime is in six days. A week from tomorrow I head to the cove. No wonder I don't know which way to think.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:26
Pace: 9:10

The Cars first album was released in summer 1978, just before my tenth birthday. To provide context, at that time I was much more interested in the soon-to-be-released film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Here's the thing about The Cars; in a time when you were defined by what music you liked (something which I am thankful is no longer true) be it rock, punk, new wave, prog, disco, everyone liked The Cars.

The Cars - The Cars (1978)

Good Times Roll

My Best Friend's Girl

Just What I Needed

Don't Cha Stop *

You're All I've Got Tonight

Bye Bye Love

Moving In Stereo

Moving in stereo, indeed. "Hi, Brad."

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 79°
Climate: sunny & warm
Mood: quite good, actually
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

I could be your kryptonite.

Because I have not, will not run two consecutive days, I could not have hoped to run more than 182 times this year, and will run fewer, as there are times when I have not been able to run even that much. So I cannot run more than I did in 2023, or 2015.

But I have already surpassed my worst year, which was 2011. And it's only July.

Last night, Gabby asked me about "runner's high" and I wasn't sure what to tell her. Wikipedia calls it "a transient state of euphoria coupled with lessened feelings of anxiety and a higher pain threshold." I'm not sure about that. Euphoria is a pretty high bar, and I don't believe running in any way creates in me a higher pain threshold, not even a transient one.

But it makes me happy. It has been a long time since it has felt like a chore. I look forward to it. And it is that, more than the running itself, that I would suggest is the cause of any lessened anxiety.

Distance: 2.69 miles

Duration: 30:26
Pace: 11:17

Bedtime was unpleasant, I was suffering what I can only describe as "brain zaps" which is odd because I have been taking my medication consistently ... at least, I think I have been. It was highly disorienting and there was nothing to do but lie down and get the day over with. I mean, it was after ten, anyway. But. Still. You get it.

Upbeat Playlist

Brimful of Asha (Norman Cook Remix) - Cornershop

Ready or Not - Bridget Mendler

Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal ft. Calvin Harris

Lampshades on Fire - Modest Mouse

Cake By the Ocean - DNCE

Show Me Love - Robin S

Tik Tok - Kesha

SexyBack - Justin Timberlake ft. Timbaland 

Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band  

Sometimes Ze and I share the earbuds for music. We have been discussing the possibility of a race together, possibly some time in 2026.

And I am planning to apply for the TCS NYC Marathon. What if?

Route: Forest Hill Park
Temperature: 73°
Climate: sunny

Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Forest Hill Park Run/Walk

Good morning The pain in my heel has eased off, somewhat. My right wrist/forearm is still not 100 percent. I had a dream last night that I tried to draw a picture of myself as my cartoon character from college, but age-appropriate. I look old now.

My show at BorderLight opens (and, as it happens, closes) in ten days. What will happen? 

Distance: 1.92 miles

Duration: 21:37
Pace: 11:14

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 69°
Climate: nice but humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Soon it's a race, it's a rush and a high.

It is such a joy to discover that a theatre somewhere in the United States is producing one of my plays. Of course, we are producing one much closer to home, and there is much to celebrate in that.

The weather is not unbearable, though we do have air conditioning. What will happen when we do not?

The sleeps have been good, I have been trying not to use assistance in falling asleep these past several nights, and it is mostly successful. On occasion we knock ourselves out, it seemed kind of bleary for a while.

The real issue this weekend is allergies. I use drops, but my eyes were all red yesterday, all day. I have resumed taking OTC allergy meds today, I hope that shows results. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:21
Pace: 9:28

Roaring Twenties Playlist

Levitating - Dua Lipa

Caution - The Killers

Some Dreams (Extended Version) - Flock of Seagulls

Too Late Now (156 BPM) - Wet Leg

Exhausting Lover - Ben Folds

Sexy Villain - Remi Wolf

Lost Track (162 BPM) - Haim

Just the Once - Metric

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 79°
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes!

Weight: 160 lbs.

When there's no destination that's too far.

I don't know who Elaine S. is, but they created the perfect playlist for the Fourth of July this year. Not just great songs for the current moment, but also amazing covers of those songs. Fire this up for your cookout, if you are even having one this year.

Independence Day 2025 

Cruel Country - Wilco

Living in America - James Brown

The Handing Down - Magnolia Electric Co.

All the Time - Zach Jones

No One - Solomon Burke ft. De Dijk

Drinking at the Dam - Smog

Pretty Roses in Your Hair - The Jayhawks

Philanthropist - Jesse Welles ft. Billy Strings

Pocahontas (Live) - Gillian Welch

Sweet Child of Mine - Luna

American Dreaming - Dead Can Dance

Distance: 4.25 miles

Duration: 40:37
Pace: 9:33

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 77°
Climate: bright & sunny
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

The spouse remarked on the effects of ageing upon the capacity to heal. Scabs that do not close over, for example. For me, it is the soreness. I pulled something in my wrist or forearm a couple weeks back, and though I have wrapped it and avoided stress, it continues to hurt. Also, my heel.

And yet, we live.

Just keep breathing (if you can).

Matt Smith as Patrick Bateman

For some weird reason, I have become aware of American Psycho: The Musical by Duncan Sheik. I mean, I knew it existed. I just had no interest. Love the film directed by Mary Harron, never read the book. Saw a clip on Colbert, I think. It was a long time ago.

The Broadway production did not record an album. The original, London cast did. featuring Matt Smith (Doctor Who, The Crown) as Patrick Bateman. You can watch a poorly recorded phone video of the entire Broadway production online. I may have enjoyed it in the theater, I don't know. But some of the tracks have only just recently gotten under my skin.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:12
Pace: 9:25

Just watched the Colbert clip. It is devoid of the humor which is evident in the performance video, and features a bland number ("Selling Out") that was added to the Broadway run. The Broadway audiences were enjoying themselves, but millions of people saw the TV promotion. What a missed opportunity. 

American Psycho (Original London Cast Recording, 2016)

Opening (Morning Routine)

Cards

You Are What You Wear

True Faith

Killing Time

Hardbody/Hardbody Luis - Medley

Not a Common Man

Clean

Killing Spree

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 70°
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

I have been having heel pain, a brief self-diagnoses suggests it is Achilles tendinitis. In the old days (last week) you would look something up and be provided possible websites to consult, now Google's AI just gives you a regurgitation from a number of sources with no indication of what those sources are or if they are accurate.

Achilles tendinitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon often caused by overuse. The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that joins the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.

That does accurately describe my symptoms -- what they are, and where they are. It goes on:

Achilles tendinitis is common in runners and middle-aged people who play sports only on the weekend.

What the actual fuck, AI?

All I can see is the end of the week.

Been reading Andrew Ridgeley's memoir.

George Michael Playlist

Too Funky (Extended Mix)

Everything She Wants (Extended Remix)

Fastlove Pt. 1

Fantasy

As ft. Mary J. Blige

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:25
Pace: 9:10

Last night went on forever, and I went to bed too late. It was supposed to be relaxing. but unfortunately it also meant consuming too much. Just couldn't stop snacking.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: clear & humid
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 161 lbs.

Bit headachy this am, slept in a little, but not well. Thought I might put off the run, but why? Better to hit it.

Fifteen runs in thirty days. Well done.

Everywhere I run, I'm always running to you.

My right calf has been a bit stiff, and that ankle. Also, I either pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve in my right arm last week, and the irritation has not abated. I have been wearing a wrist brace, not sure if it helps or does nothing. I really do not want to see a physical therapist about this. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 34:29
Pace: 11:02

The elder child suggested we run to Lorde's latest album, and I suggested we run to the park, not drive to it and they agreed. Muggy, overcast, a couple of walks, entirely successful.  

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: ope

Weight: 160 lbs.

Virgin - Lorde (2025)

Hammer

What Was That

Shapeshifter

Man of the Year

Favourite Daughter

Current Affairs

Clearblue

GRWM

Broken Glass

If She Could See Me Now

David

There are some running keepers here.

There's no finish at the finish line.

That bed in the place we stayed in this past weekend in Cincinnati did something to my back. The bed was comfortable, I felt great lying in it, but Jesus it did something not good to me. Still running, though, and trying to do all the good things to alleviate the pain.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:41
Pace: 9:34

Evening at the ballpark, and today is our wedding anniversary. The world is terrible. Home is good.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 75
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Liked Songs

Every Morning - Sugar Ray

How You Like Me Now - The Heavy

Drifter - Hippie Sabotage

Stop - B.W.H.

Killing Time (from "American Psycho") - Matt Smith & Jonathan Bailey

tv off - Kendrick Lamar ft. lefty gunplay

Only Wanna Be With You - Hootie & the Blowfish

Under My Thumb - Phoenix City All-Stars

Hear my heart beats in the hallway.

It was not until I started training for my first marathon that I began having one pair of shoes that I used only for running. In the past, I would run in whatever sneakers I currently owned. Run in whatever.

In short time, it became anathema to do so, to use my running shoes for walking around. They were for running, full stop. When they were retired, and I got a new pair of running shoes, then they became my walking shoes.

When we visited Cincinnati, I brought a pair of shorts, which is unusual for me. I know a lot of folks wear shorts. But when I travel, I prefer not to. I want to be seen as an adult. But when it's hot, in America, men wear shorts. And I knew it was going to be very hot. 

So I brought the shorts. But not the sneaks. I had my knock-off chukka boots. And I wasn't going to wear them with shorts, I'd look like a grampa.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:50
Pace: 9:18

Forty years ago this summer, I discovered The Cure. Their 1985 release, Head On the Door is possibly their most accessible record, we caught the video for "In Between Days" on Night Flight.

Their first album was released as Boys Don't Cry in the United States and included the title track and also [The Canceled Song] but today I run to the original LP, Three Imaginary Boys. It includes the very first Cure song I was aware of, "Grinding Halt" which was on the Times Square soundtrack.

Three Imaginary Boys - The Cure (1979)
10:15 Saturday Night

Accuracy

Grinding Halt

Object (154 BPM)

Foxy Lady (164 BPM)

Meathook

So What

Fire in Cairo

It's Not You (167 BPM)

Three Imaginary Boys (169 BPM)

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 77°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Yesterday I was grazing, but in moderation. Over the weekend dining was at odd hours, anyway. Today I begin public transit summer, taking the bus to work. I may make this a regular thing. When all I am doing is going downtown, parking, then coming home, what is the point of driving myself?

Also, I can read.

UPDATE: In my original draft of this post, I said that 1985 was thirty years ago. It was, in fact, forty years ago. My wife was the first to correct me, and I will never forgive her.

Do you really want to live forever?

War is peace, am I right?

We are in Cincinnati, not to see a young man but to celebrate an old man. Staying in that AirBnB we used to use when our kid first started attending Uni, the one I called a "bougie hipster flop" but it's lost some of it's shine. First of all, there's no snacks.

My dreams were vivid and I even remember some though they did not have to do with nuclear annihilation. More to do with high-achieving colleagues and a very unwell pet fish. 

Anyway, I have to run. We need to keep in shape for what's coming.

Distance: 3 miles

Duration: 27:49
Pace: 9:16

Route: Over the Rhine
Temperature: 73°
Climate: sunrise & muggy
Mood: all right
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Post Cold War Politics Playlist

Dissidents - Thomas Dolby

Party at Ground Zero - Fishbone

I Melt With You - Modern English

Forever Young - Alphaville

Wind of Change - Scorpions

Planet Earth (Night Version) - Duran Duran

I'm better than ever.

Missed a day, could not be helped. Between camp and the almost constant rain, running was not possible yesterday. Today, however, is optimal. Because now, it is about to scorch.

You complained about the rain? Welcome to a week's worth of ninety degree temperatures. Hot runs, all the way down.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:53
Pace: 9:37

Fuck these earbuds. The right one often fails to charge, I ran with one in. It was fine, but not preferable.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 64°
Climate: sunny & damp
Mood: all right 
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Sore knees. All day on my feet yesterday. Or rather, the last two weeks. Party tonight, a travel weekend, all I want is to stay home.

Feel Good Workout Mix

Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal ft. Calvin Harris

Better Than Ever - Flight Facilities ft. Aloe Blacc

Feel It - Jazzy

Pumper - Mai Lan

Up 2 U - Walk the Moon

Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim

Praise You - Rita Ora ft. Fatboy Slim

She Wants You to Move - N.E.R.D.

All Fired Up - Pat Benetar

Do Your Thing - Basement Jaxx

Forest Hill Park Run/Walk

Consistency. We maintain. Dedication. Repetition.

Distance: 2.4 miles

Duration: 25:56
Pace: 10:46

In spite of everything, we run.

Route: Forest Hill Park
Temperature: 66°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: bit headachy
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Thank you for blessing me with a mind to rhyme and two hype feet.

Yesterday was the No Kings march, which was pretty well attended. Last night I hooked up with old college friends which was also a good time. Big days. Also, damp.

Happy Papa Day, to all who celebrate.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:52
Pace: 3:58

Early 90s Workout Mix

Move This (Shake That Body) - Technotronic  

Jump - Kris Kross

Horny - Hot 'N' Juicy ft. Mousse T.

Please Don't Go  - K.W.S.

This Is Your Night - Amber

U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer

Finally - CeCe Peniston

Tonight Is the Night- Le Click ft. Kayo

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 71°
Climate: sunny & hot & beautiful
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: no (shit)

Weigh: 160 lbs.

Perfect day in the park. Lots of families. Lots of dads. Lots of white dads I've never seen before.

Here we are now, going to the East Side.

Last night the elder child and I attended a production of Twelfth Night at our neighborhood library, after we got sushi on Coventry. That was a good time.

Distance: 6.25 miles

Duration: 56:01
Pace: 8:57

Route: Forest Hill to Cain Park Loop
Temperature: 75°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Dance/Electronic Mix

Over and Over - Hot Chip

I Love You - Yello

South Side - Moby ft. Moby

Born Slippy (Nuxx) - Underworld

Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal ft. Calvin Harris

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk

Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim

Trans-Europe Express - Kraftwerk

Daft Punk Is Playing at My House - LCD Soundsystem

You Don't Get Me High Anymore - Phantogram

Buttons - Pussycat Dolls

The Glamourous Life - Sheila E.

All my favorite songs! It's like the Matrix knows me.

Rats that run round and round in the maze.

Originally a transphobic meme
promoting corporal punishment,
but I fixed it.
If you feel unsafe in your home, please call 911.
You are not alone.

When it's a camp week, and you have things going on that keep you up late, and you have to wake early to get to Brook Park, why wake up even earlier to take a run?

Because it feels good to do the running, that's why. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 26:30
Pace: 8:32

160-169 BPM Playlist

Someday - Bridgit Mendler

Surf Wax America - Weezer

All Wrong - Kaada

Lies - Rolling Stones

I Love You, Suzanne - Lou Reed

Take on Me - Weezer

Straight to My Heart - Sting

Skyway - The Replacements

Goodbye to You - Scandal

Route:
Temperature:
Climate:
Mood:
Stretches:
Water:

Weight: 160 lbs.

Still.

Oh! Run away.

Waiting for the sun to rise to take my run. It's the first day of camp. We had the first read-through of the script yesterday, and that went very well.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 26:51
Pace: 8:39

Brisk!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 64°
Climate: after the rain
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 159 lbs.

Drank my dinner last night. The Tonys!

160-169 BPM Playlist

A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey

I Saw Him Standing There - Tiffany 

Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers

The Adults Are Talking - The Strokes

Runaways - XTC

The Night Before - The Beatles

Dilemma - Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland