Forest Hill Park Run/Walk

The clouds were oppressive. I had a headache for days. Also, running in the mist the other day was not good. My knees were aching as I ran, rather than after or later. I need to remember that, it's not just that I don't like to run in the rain, or in colder weather, it affects my joints now.

Distance: 2.15 miles

Duration: 23:45
Pace: 11:02

Took a lovely run/walk with the elder child this morning. We drove to the park so we could do all our running in the park itself. They had spent some time there yesterday, communing with geese and their goslings and some very weird ducks.

Route: Forest Hill Park
Temperature: 58°
Climate: beautiful
Mood: surprisingly good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

God knows where I'm going to.

It was a different time.

Logy morning, headachy. The kitten (is she a kitten? she's huge) reliably wakes us up at 4:00 AM. Not sure how long this is going to last. It's like having a toddler. A toddler with claws.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:57
Pace: 9:20

We got so irritated to learn that when Millennials thought of "the 80s" they were thinking of late 1980s, because of course they were. To them, "the 1980s" meant Bon Jovi, or Guns & Roses. To us, it was the early 1980s, which meant The Police, or Van Halen.

Actually, when we thought of the 1980s, we were really thinking of the late 1970s, like The Cars, Blondie and, well, The Police.

Now, when folks talk about the 90s, they really mean the late 90s. But that music was shit. The early 1990s, that was a golden era.

Guerrilla Theater Run (1991-1994)  
Strongman - Lucious Jackson
None of the Above - Duran Duran
Buried at Sea - MC 900 Ft. Jesus
Passin' Me By - Pharcyde
The Earth Died Screaming - Tom Waits
Ripcord - Radiohead
Strangers - Portishead

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 54°
Climate: misty
Mood: headachy, that's a mood
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Thought of not doing three, was surprised by the mist. Also, had a phone meeting right after, if I did do three. But three I did. Proud of myself. 

Through teenage years.

Me & Arden
Muralla Romana de Lugo (1984)

How do we celebrate a holiday like Memorial Day? Regression. I can recall my uncles who served (and my grandfathers who did not) those near and far who have been are presently are in the armed forces. Mostly, however, I think how it used to signify the closing of the school year. And in my job, it still does.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:26
Pace: 9:10

High School Run (1982-1985)  

The Perfect Kiss (Video Version) - New Order

To Look At You - INXS

Rip It Up - Orange Juice

Just Got Lucky - Jo Boxers

This Charming Man - The Smiths

Owner of a Lonely Heart (Extended Remix) - “Yes”

Trouble & Strife - EBTG

Our recent trip abroad put me in mind of what I was like when I was there, during the summer of 1984. I came home with a tranche of memories, and while I should focus on those that were positive, I fixate on those that were not. I was bullied. I also had the opportunity to be the worst of myself. I mean, I was a teenager. The music, however, was incredible.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 56°
Climate: lovely
Mood: also lovely
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

I would also like to report that the midges are insane this week.

I hate to feel so confined.

The rain subsides ... for the moment. Three-day weekend. So much time! So many opportunities! There's a new piece I want to write, I'll bang out ten pages to bring to Dark Room next month.

The kitten can be a problem, Masha wakes me up, a lot. And waking up a lot is not good for me. The wife and I take turns coming downstairs at four or five to open the side door so she (Masha) can birdwatch, then we fall asleep on the couch.

Last night it was her (my wife's) turn, so I got to sleep in. A rare treat. 

Distance: 6 miles

Duration: 52:52
Pace: 8:48
  

Perfect weather for a longer run.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 54°
Climate: partly cloudy & cool
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 159 lbs.

Created playlists for each set of romantic couples in The Right Room.

Aubrey + Steven Mixtape (1994)

Tempted - Squeeze

I Burn For You - The Police

Possession - Sarah MacLachlan

Sour Times - Portishead

Get Me - Everything But the Girl

Shoop - Salt-N-Pepa

Cuts You Up - Peter Murphy

In the Flesh - Blondie

I Melt With You - Modern English

Constant Craving - k.d. lang

Come to Me - Björk

The Paris Match - Style Council ft. Tracey Thorn

Closer - Nine Inch Nails

Slow down!

When that I was and a little tiny boy,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,

A foolish thing was but a toy,

For the rain it raineth every day.

- Twelfth Night V.i

It has been raining a lot. I could have taken a park run, but I just don't want to run wet right now.

Distance: 3 miles

Duration: 23:51

It’s amazing how one quarter pounder with cheese can make you feel sleepy, sick, and bloated. But it tastes so good, you know?

Route: rec center
Temperature: 51°
Climate: cloudy & dreary
Mood: good!
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 159 lbs.

Damn. We sold out THE RIGHT ROOM in two days.

160 - 169 BPM Playlist

Who Laughs Last - Lord Huron ft. Kristen Stewart

Fall Out - The Police

I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked - Ida Maria

Slow Down - The Beatles

In the Winelight - Kurt Elling

Say No to This from “Hamilton”

Thank You - Dido

Surprise, b*tch.

Hit my target weight first in late January, and remained there, consistently, since early February. No fluctuation, not up, not down. I indulge, I do not overindulge. Never hungry, just mindful. Aware. Woke, you might say. Weight woke.

So, when do I quit the weight loss app? It's not cheap.

Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 34:21
Pace: 8:35

For our post-annual playlist stretch we will take on the pre-show music from Kimberly Belflower's Tony-nominated play, John Proctor is The Villain.

It was amazing attending that show with the family to begin our adventure. I've never seen so many young people, young women, at the public performance of a play before. Not a musical, a play. I hoped it would be a successful production, and it certainly is. The entire company is amazing.

Route: Cain Park Loop
Temperature: 59°
Climate: overcast & perfect
Mood: good, actually
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

john proctor is the villain official pre-show playlist

Soy Yo - Bomba Estéreo

Blank Space (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift

Teenage Dream - Katy Perry

Make Me Feel - Janelle Monáe

Run the World (Girls) - Beyoncé

Dancing On My Own - Robyn

I Really Like You - Carly Rae Jepsen

Let 'Em Say - Lizzo & Your Smith

Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine

Bad Liar - Selena Gomez

My laws, yes. The weather makes a big, big difference.

Thanks to this pre-show music I had Katy Perry in my head the entire time I was in Spain. Thanks, Kimberly!

We've been running in the human race.

Friends and neighbors ... 59 Playlists for 59 Years.

2025 Playlist

Anxiety - Doechii

Who Laughs Last (160 BPM) - Lord Huron ft. Kristen Stewart

Basic Being Basic - Djo

catch these fists - Wet Leg

What Was That - Lorde

Swoon (164 BPM) - Peter Murphy

The Human Race - The Vapors

Love In Real Life - Lizzo

Got home from Europe, yanked out a crown. Oh well, better here than on the road, right?

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:45
Pace: 8:57

Stayed up too late last night, trashed the morning. I would like to declare this vacation finally over, please. Restorative run, though. Just what I needed to pull myself together. Banger playlist, too. There is still good music being made.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 58°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: eh.
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

Got my head in the sky and a heart like a hurricane.

And we're back. Following a thirty-hour day (literally) we arrived home, managed to put a few things together before passing out. We saw so many beautiful things together, and as a family. It was just what I wanted.

And I only gained one pound. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:53
Pace: 8:59

Also, came home to find a new pair of shoes. We'd bought these the day before departure, but I didn't want to break them in on the trip. Why? Because they are eleven and a half. Yes, a half size larger than my last pair -- which were a half size larger than the pair before that.

Either my feet have gotten two sizes bigger in the twenty years since I began running in earnest, or I have always been cramming my feet into shoes that are too small. I think it's a bit of both.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 69
Climate: clammy & humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 161 libs.

2015 Playlist

Magnets - Disclosure ft. Lorde

Bury Our Friends - Sleater-Kinney

Know Now - Public Image Ltd.

Pedestrian at Best - Courtney Barnett

Disappointing - John Grant ft. Tracey Thorn

Head Over Heels - JD McPherson

The Shade - Metric

Don't Wanna Fight - Alabama Shakes

She makes a man want to speak Spanish.

Stressful day on Monday, but not a lot of walking. Not unless you count pacing all over the train station in Zaragoza to locate a lost cell phone.

Distance: 5.75 miles

Duration: 55:47
Pace: 9:41

We have a fine duplex in Barcelona, with floor to ceiling glass doors in our rooms and living space, overlooking the street.
Route: To the Med and back.
Temperature: 60°
Climate: bright & beautiful 
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Final run in Spain. But was it worth it? Hell yeah, it was. It’s a two mile down run Carrer de la Marina to, well, the Marina. To the Mediterranean Sea. And right past the Basilica de la Sagrada Família, an iconic structure designed by Gaudi, and mobbed by sightseers. Other than that, the sidewalks were clear and wide, and I encountered many other runners.

2005 Playlist

Tropical Ice-Land - The Fiery Furnaces

Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex - CSS

I Don’t Want to Fall in Love - She Wants Revenge

O Green World - Gorillaz

Sugar, We’re Going Down - Fall Out Boy

Hips Don’t Lie - Shakira ft . Wyclef Jean

On Repeat - LCD Soundsystem

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall

Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge

Ladykillers - The Similou

Bound Too Long - Crystal Method

Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

Weak - Skunk Anasie

Looking at the World from the Bottom of a Well - Mike Doughty

Marvo Ging - Chemical Brothers

Our entire journey to date has been marked by showers — not an inconvenience, not unpleasant, just a fact. Today it is bright and sunny and warm in Barcelona.

It was so special to see the sea. Heading back was all uphill, and I got turned around at the basilica, which took me a couple blocks out of my way, but I figured it out.

One run in each city. I’m proud of myself.

Can’t keep running away.

My knees are going through it. Running is fine, but walking — walking and standing. It’s a lot. In the morning, well-rested. They feel all right. Zelda thinks that when my knees finally give out I should get a cane, and they are correct. I’m not looking forward to it. But when the time comes, I will embrace my cane life.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Duration: 31:35
Pace: 9:01

Decided against a morning run in the rain. I took a walk around Saturday night, to see where might be good, the river walk among the Nerbioi Ibaia, then to the Parque Etxebarria — which is a mountain, really. I would have liked to explore that, t the entrance I found was very steep. I decided this morning I neither wanted to risk losing my feet on the way up, not getting entirely drenched.

Route: Nervion River Walkway
Temperature: 59°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: good
Stretches: been walking all day
Water: yes

Spent the day at the Guggenheim Bilbao, and between then and dinner took a run y the river just before the evening rains. 

1995 Playlist

Runnin' - The Pharcyde

Friends of P - The Rentals

Shook Ones, Pt. II - Mobb Deep

Drop - The Pharcyde

We Prick You * - David Bowie

Gangta’s Paradise * - Coolio

Take Another - Filter

Kelly’s Heroes - Black Grape

I know that running culture is everywhere, but until I have seen others running, I am insecure. It was a joy to see the others, where they went, how they avoided the pedestrians, that they do use what I thought were bike lanes (not actually marked for bikes alone).

What a lovely, cool evening.

It’s not very far, I’ve been there before.

Weather this spring has been disappointing. Maybe I have just wanted what it should actually not be yet — warm. Not even so, when it was cool for so out just day in Madrid, I expected Spain to be warm this time of year. Why? Because it’s a Spanish-speaking country? Should I even admit I thought that?

Is probably due to the fact that the last time I was in Spain, it was July. More fool me.

First Run

Distance: 3 laps (plus those stairs)

Duration: 16:27
Route: Parque Del Oreste
Temperature: 49°
Climate: nice, light clouds

Two runs. The just, the Parque de Oreste which features a magnificent view of the city (sunset is a daily attraction, we were there last night with a hundred others) and the Temple of Debo’s, a sister to Dendur, in size and scale and shape, but out of doors, of course. 

Second Run

Duration: 13:59

Route: ???

Temperature: 50°

Then the boy and I ran. We planned to do El Campo

Del Molo, but it wasn’t open at eight. Instead, we took a meandering course around Plaza de Espana and ended up in Parque del Oreste! The historic structures and our winding course reminded me of Wii Fit.

Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

1985 Playlist

Good Good Things - Descendents

Makes No Sense At All * - Husker Du

Are You Trying to Be Funny? - EBTG

I’m Your Man - Wham!

Walk Of Life * - Dire Straits

Singapore - Tim Waits

Physically you’re on the run.

Every couple weeks, Noom offers a “treat day” for which you will not expected to log anything — and receive no prompts to do so. I have backed these “treat days” — I used one for the sci-fi marathon in January, for example. But I have saved more than enough to block out our entire journey.

I will attempt moderation. But that’s the thing, I doing need to think about it.

Distance: 4.1 miles

Duration: 37:19
Pace: 9:20

I run Central Park every couple of years, last in 2023. It’s taken twenty years of occasional park running before finally executing a perfect loop, without any wrong turns or doubling back, even entering and exiting the park at the same place.

Route: Central Park Loop
Temperature: 56°
Climate: perfect
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

My knees ache already, no surprise. We walked two miles yesterday, just returning to the hotel from Times Square. Worth it, though. The Thayer-Hansens, going New York.

Dinner at Carmine’s, of all places. We told them the story of the night before I proposed. Not sure how they took that. Anyway, I managed to enjoy without being stuffed.

1975 Playlist

Boogie Shoes - KC & the Sunshine Band

Sweet Transvestite - Rocky Horror Picture Show OSC

Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen 

December 1963 (Oh, What a Night) - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Crossword Puzzle - Sly Stone

Stand By Me - John Lennon

Death On Two Legs (Dedicated to …) - Queen

Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show OSC

Fly By Night - Rush

Tush - ZZ Top

How Long (Betcha Got a Chick On the Side) - Pointer Sisters

The run was epic. I used to think of love to live here, now I’m not so sure. I do love cities, but I’m very attached to my home.

How wonderful life is while you're in the world.

Good times at Larry's Dawg House

Twenty-two every-other-day runs. Consistency. I won't have the opportunity to run again until Wednesday, but if everything goes smoothly, it will be so worth it.

Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 35:36
Pace: 8:54

Visiting Athens, the elder commenced this weekend. So many emotions. They have always been a work of art unto themself, this weekend they received recognition for all this great work. Now it is time to move into the larger world.

What will happen?

Route: Hocking River Bike Path
Temperature: 56°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: good
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

1970 Playlist

We Can Work It Out - Stevie Wonder

I Think I Love You/Come On Get Happy - Th Partridge Family

Who Loves the Sun - Velvet Underground

Your Song - Elton John

Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond

Domino/Everyone - Van Morrison

ABC - Jackson 5

Instant Karma (We All Shine On) - John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Thank you (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) - Sly & the Family Stone

Super Bad Pts. 1 & 2 - James Brown & the JBs

Won't have no troubles 'cause the whole world is my home.

The last forty-eight hours have been a lot. We discovered on Wednesday morning that my passport will be invalid (long story) and that I needed to get a new one immediately. My love booked an appointment in Buffalo for early yesterday morning.

I drove to Buffalo Wednesday night, arrived first thing yesterday morning, applied for my passport, and then had to wait around for a few hours. So I visited Niagara Falls.

Not the Canadian side, of course. I didn't have a passport. But now I do. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:55
Pace: 9:00

So much to do, and absolutely no time. Last Wednesday my run was anxious, for a number of reasons. I have to be careful, running anxious is not good. It's bad for my back. All this driving has been hard on my knees, too.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 61°
Climate: overcast & balmy
Mood: good!
Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Weight: 160 lbs.

1980 Playlist

Goodnight Tonight - Paul McCartney

And Your Bird Can Sing - The Jam

After Dark - Andy Gibb

The Wanderer - Donna Summer

Hot Lunch Jam - Irene Cara

Turning Japanese - The Vapors 

Rapper's Delight (7" edit) - The Sugarhill Gang

The Tide Is High - Blondie

Love it when the media player serves up tunes I have never run to before!

Next up: Athens!