We're wild and weary but we won't give in.

Yes. I do believe the cranberry clown shoes were not good for my feet, or that I had overused them. I was getting flashes of pain in my arches, which is never good. I have been with the UA slippers for a few weeks now, and the pain has entirely vanished.

Knees do not hurt, hips feel great, nothing wrong with my ankles. Annual playlist series completed, time for the rest of the year.

Temperature: 57°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.42
Climate: cool and humid

Great news! Double Heart (The Courtship of Beatrice and Benedick) has been published by YouthPLAYS. I have had high hopes that someone might pick that up, that many high schools or colleges would take advantage of a clever, romantic verse play, and YouthPLAYS is a great company.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 162.5 lbs.

Ladies and gentlemen ... 49 Playlists for 49 Years.

2015 Playlist
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
Huarache Lights - Hot Chip
Can't Break Me Down - Billy Idol
Sugah Daddy - D'Angelo
Bury Our Friends - Sleater-Kinney

Barely ran in January and February, but I ended up beating last year's finish by thirteen days. And I have lost fifteen pounds in two months.

So what's next?

Evening Run
Temperature: 64°
Distance: 0.8 miles

The girl has had an ache to resume running. But her soccer games and practice have been exercise enough. Tonight before dinner she announced she just wanted to run around the block. I joined her, running one lap but then she wanted to do a second on her own, so she did.

The whole family is getting into a running mood. But they will all require shoes.

Moving in time and space.

Here and now.

Late night Tuesday night. Hot bed, long pajamas. Sinus headache. Not fair. Tried to catch a few more minutes of sleep, just ended up with a more troubling headache and no time to run. Oh dear, missed a day. Hum.

Recently I began measuring my breakfast cereal according the "serving size" on the side of the box. One cup of Raisin Bran to 1/2 cup milk. It is less than I am accustomed to eating, but it perfectly satisfies.

Temperature: 57°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7:52
Climate: cool, breezy

Loving the new shoes. Haven't stretched in two days. Stretching or writing, you must choose. So far I have been managing well ... however, one pleasant side effect of performing the stretches is that it has toned my linea semilunaris in a most pleasing way, and in a fashion sit-ups or crunches do not.

Upon your imaginary forces work.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 165 lbs.

Oh, and my doctor? The one who recommended diet soda? She was appalled to learn we drink whole milk, and urged me to switch to skim. These tedious old fools.

2014 Playlist
Easy Money - Johnny Marr
Busy Earnin' - Jungle
Me and My Broken Heart - Rixton
Do You - Spoon
Two Bodies - Flight Facilities ft. Emma Louise
Studio - Schoolboy Q ft. BJ The Chicago Kid
Happy Idiot - TV on the Radio

Studio. Huh. It's like a modern-day Beth.

Run like me.

Little lion man.

Did it. I registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, October 4, 2015. I have a question about how a long distance run will effect my back ... or rather, the other way around.

Great morning, cool and clear, dry pavement. Picked up the pace a little. Two more playlists, and then I am going to synch my new phone to the iTunes. This will require an update to iTunes and rumor has it that in some cases the upgrade deletes all your self-made playlists.

If this is the case, well, big deal. But it means all my annual playlists - which took some time to make - will be gone.

I am thinking I am not going to be posting complete playlists after this. Not sure. I like to record them. Believe it or not, I go back and look them over from time to time, on this blog.

This blog is over nine years old. That is so totally weird.

Temperature: 51°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 7.53 (brisk)
Climate: that's-a cool

One dollar for any size drink @McDonalds #imlovinit #diabetes
— David Hansen (@dhansenx) April 13, 2015

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 165 lbs.

2013 Playlist
Sigh No More - Joss Whedon feat. Maurissa Tancharoen & Jed Whedon
Harlem - New Politics
Heart Attack - Demi Lovato
Ain't It Fun - Paramore
Come & Get It * - Selena Gomez
Grace For Saints & Sinners * - Iron & Wine
Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z

Your time is running out.

My nemesis.

What a full week I have ahead of me. Little time to dawdle, time to hit the road early or not at all.

Attended a few social gatherings this weekend, mostly centering around food.  It is challenging to control your intake in situations like that, but not impossible. I was more successful when I put myself in a room away from the food.

But that's where they keep the booze.

Temperature: 60°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.07
Climate: cool and humid

Outstanding run. Wish every morning could be like this. No traffic, cool and breezy. Funny how soon the humidity kicks in. Actually, that's not funny at all, that's just Cleveland.

Not enough time. Want to get to work on the backyard. It will be ninety degrees at dawn before we know it. The wife says she thought this winter would never end. Not metaphorically, during the coldest days she just could not imagine the spring.

Here you go, sweetheart. Welcome home.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 163.5 lbs. (-2.0)
Goal: 165 lbs.

Uhm ... okay. That's weird. I had mac and cheese with bacon for lunch, and an enormous Caesar salad with grilled chicken for dinner. The wife thinks it might be all the running.

2012 Playlist
Take a Walk - Passion Pit
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Madness - Muse
Let's Go - Calvin Harris ft. Ne-Yo
Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch
Starships - Nicki Minaj
It's Time - Imagine Dragons

Tripping on your feet.

Feeling good. Knee stiffness gone, pain in my ankle gone. A little muzzy-headed, slept a little warm last night. Woke early though, to run. Big day, last full day on my own with the kids. The wife returns home tomorrow night. I miss our little talks.

My diet was almost normal yesterday, I even indulged in fish fry for lunch.

This is where it gets dangerous, I have noticed my eating has become faster and I realize I am not tasting. I wait for these moments but then I do not indulge in them with patience.

Temperature: 37°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.08
Climate: cool & dry

Day of events downtown at the Rock Hall. We are thinking of plunging in. Should be a good day for it.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America^®) is Sunday, October 4, 2015. I am thinking that is a thing that might happen.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 (+0.5)
Revised Goal: 165 lbs.

2011 Playlist
Rise Above - Reeve Carney ft. Bono & The Edge
Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
Breakthrough from "Lemonade Mouth"
The Afterlife * - Paul Simon
Monkey Maker - The Black Keys
Makelloser Mann - Mike Doughty
Into the Un - Mike Doughty

I believe in waiting out the weather.

To run or not to. It is seventy degrees before dawn. It is also blowing crazily, and every now and then it rains. A lot. However, the birds are singing. I will take that as a sign. I would take anything as a sign.

Temperature: 67°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.06
Climate: muggy

Win. No rain, the humidity of Cleveland is upon us. Directing some free, outdoor Shakespeare this summer, I wonder what surprising weather we will get hit with.

Auditions are tonight, come join us.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Very tired this morning, hard to get to bed before eleven when there's no one to remind you what time it is. At least it was time well spent, editing, writing, folding laundry.

Once I started running, however, in the cool pre-dawn breeze, I felt good, I felt strong and light. I wonder if I have another long race in me. I don't see why not. One more before fifty? Making plans.

2010 Playlist
Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
Blow - Ke$ha
Derezzed - Daft Punk
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira ft. Freshlyground
Rocketeer - Far East Movement
Cynthia - Millionyoung
Home - Glasser
Drunk Girls - LCD Soundsystem

Two Thousand Ten, the year the girl discovered pop music. Last night we had our final bedtime phone call before Con drives her home this afternoon.

When she said "Hi, Daddy," she sounded like that little girl. By the time we said good-bye her voice had relaxed, it sounded deeper, more confident. When she said "Good-night, Daddy," she was a teenager.

You're gonna run late.

And Then You Die (2009)

I have recounted in this blog, many times, about my compulsive eating habits. Especially when it comes to sugar. There is currently a bowl of jelly beans sitting on the front desk at work, a particularly tasty brand. I have passed by them numerous times, and my instinct is to take a few - a handful, in fact. Bring a handful back to my desk and just pop them into my mouth, one after the other.

But the thought of the sensation of grinding what is largely pure sugar and corn syrup into my teeth and swallowing that ... it entirely puts me off. I think of how I would feel doing that, and so I don't. And yet it's still not easy, I still think, when I first glance at these brightly colored beans, "Oh!"

Sugar for its own sake.

One month ago today, my doctor told me I was close to developing "borderline" type 2 diabetes. Since that time I have altered a great deal of my eating habits. I am grateful my family has been patient, in fact downright encouraging. The girl has even observed, several times, that the whole wheat pasta tastes good.

How long will this mania continue? I have been writing about diet almost every day since. And of course, running. Last night I had a very sensible, solitary dinner. Mock chicken alfredo with broccoli and roasted green beans.

Before bed I had a small serving of ice cream.

Temperature: 39°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.08
Climate: light to heavy rain

Brisk, hazy morning. The rain began just as I headed out, but came downright as I made the final turn. My pace picked up considerably then.

I moan about having extra baggage to carry as I run, when I have it, but rarely think of it when I don't. The baggage is gone. But what was in it? We process what we consume and it becomes part of our chemistry. To wit; what you eat is what you are. How much of what remains of me is Pringles?

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

2009 Playlist
Mute (Jokers of the Scene Mix) - The Brash
Ghosts N' Stuff - Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire
In For The Kill - La Roux
I Get Around - Dragonette
Fireflies - Owl City
Rollerskate - Matias Aguayo

Got it going on.

Stop sign of Sauron.

Monday was great, but yesterday I felt the full impact of running eight miles the day before. Fatigue in my legs, and my right knee has been flaring up a little since before the weekend - only now it is more pronounced and constant.

Also, the pad of my left foot. So, is this repetition without rest soreness, or is it the shoes? Almost ten years ago I sustained an injury in my feet and was trying to figure out what was happening and it took me a surprisingly amount of time to realize it was the shoes. Ditched the shoes, all was well.

Is it the shoes?

Temperature: 43°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.25
Climate: damp

The wife departed before dawn for the AWP Conference, she will be gone until Sunday. The kids do not return until Friday evening.

Now I am alone.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165 lbs. (-0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

No one in the house, I totally forgot to eat.

2008 Playlist
Alice - Moby
Mercy - Duffy
Paris Is Burning (Paris s'enflamme) - Ladyhawke
Go All The Way (Into the Twilight) - Perry Farrell
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
Halo - Beyoncé
Breakeven - The Script

You know what ... the aughts playlists? Not my favorite playlists.

Your ankles are swollen.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (2007)

The children are staying with their grandparents in Athens for Spring Break. We are home attending to work. For the past two nights we have been binge watching Mad Men. All that remains is Sunday night's episode, and we will, for the first time, know as much as anyone else. We have finally caught up.

I watched the first episode of Breaking Bad last week. I understand that was very popular.

Temperature: 52°
Distance: 3.38 miles
Avg Pace: 8.06
Climate: Rainy

In college and through my very young adulthood I took coffee black. My wife introduced me to the joys of sugar and cream, and I have been drinking it that way for twenty years. She stopped taking sugar in her years ago, but now I have. I thought it would be rude adjustment, but it's not. I enjoy coffee without any sweetener.

However, not as much, apparently. Without noticing it, I realize I am drinking one cup in the morning. That's it. Not two, as were usual, nor a third once I get to work. I drink water at work. One cup of caffeine, no additional pick-me-up at 3 PM, no soda pop at all.

Not sure if I ever will drink soda pop again. That stuff will kill you.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Did I mention that my doctor, believing perhaps that I would find it difficult to just stop drinking soda (I just stopped smoking one day, almost 14 years ago and never looked back) actually suggested, in fact encouraged me to drink diet soda? I mean, seriously, she said that's fine.

Not sure what to do with that information. It's ridiculous. 

2007 Playlist
The Moneymaker - Rilo Kiley
Army of Me - Grisbi
Nan You're a Window Shopper - Lily Allen
Certified - Calvin Harris
Cupid Shuffle - Cupid
Stronger - Kanye West
Acceptable In The 80s (Tom Nevis Remix) - Calvin Harris

Mad Men debuted in 2007. Huh.

Until this breath is over.

Hiya, Harvey.

First long run in a long time. Glorious sunrise trek down through Lakeview Cemetery and up through Little Italy. Dust In The Wind played as I passed Garfield Monument. Good morning, sir.

Temperature: 42° → 52°
Distance: 8.16 miles
Avg Pace: 8.21*

*Remember - that includes running up Mayfield Road through Little Italy. I am a machine.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 165.5 lbs. (-2.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Eight more runs before the 2015 Playlist. Now fielding suggestions. Songs must be released in 2015 or they may have been released earlier if they only entered heavy rotation after January 1st.

Yes, there will be the Uptown Funk.

2006 Playlist - or -
Gabriel & Dresden (Continuous Mix) - Gabriel & Dresden

1. Let Go
2. Eleven
3. Enemy
4. Dust In The Wind
5. Mass Repeat
6. Closer
7. Not Enough/Amsterdam Interlude
8. New Path
9. Sydney
10. Dangerous Power
11. Tracking Treasure Down 

Following my first marathon, I found it challenging to resume running. This album was a major motivating factor. I had picked up Tracking Treasure Down during the 2006 training period, and was encouraged to "complete my album".

While the download features 11 individual tracks, it also includes a twelfth, the entire album as one complete mix. With the exception of the bogged-down, Pink Floyd-inspired,, slow, trippy and dull-as-shit Not Enough/Amsterdam Interlude, the entire album kicks ass from start to finish. The last three tracks are particularly awe-inducing.

Don't stop.

New kicks.

As we generally appear at holidays, it is extremely challenging to be in residence here and not overdo it. I have given myself a pass, but not complete carte blanche, having the chips with guacamole, yes, having dessert, yes (couldn't say no to dessert, my wife and the girl together made an apple pie from scratch) and taking in 3 alcohol units in one day as opposed to, you know, none.

When I say "alcohol units" I do mean real alcohol units. I assume the Bloody Mary we had at brunch yesterday had one shot in it, and not two. One before dinner Heineken and a small glass of wine - not one large drink of wine in one large glass. I believe I will go without for the rest of the week.

Fortunately for me, they do not have a scale for weighing myself here, and if they do, I would prefer not to know about it.

Temperature: 55°
Distance: 4.35 miles
Avg Pace: 7.51

Perfect day, down by the river. No complaints, not in my feet, my hips, my back or knees. Yes, I will keep these fine shoes. Thanks, Under Armour!

2005 Playlist
Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz ft. De La Soul
Bound Too Long (HyperMix) - The Crystal Method
We Both Go Down Together - The Decemberists
Dirty Harry - Gorillaz
Marvo Ging - The Chemical Brothers
Surface to Air - The Chemical Brothers
Natural Born Lover - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

That run was damn inspiring ... except for the one about rape and suicide. Thanks, Colin Meloy, you fucking weirdo.

For a long while, it felt like the annual playlists would never end. Suddenly there are only ten to go.

A big, strong Tower.

What is that smell?

On Thursday, I consumed more calories in two hours than I had in the previous two days. The outreach tour had just closed, one final morning show at a high school in Akron, and the company and I hit a local tavern for lunch. I had a cheeseburger with everything, with a beer, but judiciously avoided sampling any of the fried appetizers the rest of the guys got.

When I arrived back at the office, I discovered (to mine and everyone's delight) that one of our colleagues had created homemade crème brûlée with berries in celebration of another's birthday. Only a complete ass would have declined. It was amazing.

Not every day is a special occasion, but that day certainly was.

Temperature: 52°
Distance: 4.35 miles
Avg Pace: 7:51

And Charlie Bucket repeated, "A chocolate river!"

This is my idea of a vacation. This morning I read, wrote, edited and submitted scripts. That was all before 10 AM. We visited the farmer's market, then had lunch at Casa. I decided to visit the university library to look over copies of The Post from the year 1970 and then walked back to the house - a forty-five minute walk on a cool but not uncomfortable day which warmed up as I went.

Then I put on my new shoes, a pair of UA Charge RC. Not exactly zero drop, but very close to it. It felt refreshing to have just a bit more sole after these past three years. I will let you know how they work out. Today they felt great.

Oh, and one other really great thing. On my way down Court Street, heading for the library I stopped in at the UA store (yes, O.U. has one of those now) looking for that shirt, the one I saw first at Homecoming, but decided was too expensive. At the holidays I shared a link for it with my wife ... but Santa did not get the hint.

It was there in the shop when we got the girl a Bobcats shirt for Christmas that she had asked for and just loves. It made me want the one I wanted even more.

So, dammit, I was going to buy it today. I looked around, and sure enough, it wasn't there. A retired design. I looked through the clearance rack in the back, but to no avail. Just another missed opportunity.

Heading out I just caught this small pile of shirts - right by the front door! It was a messy pile, too, it looked sad in this small shop where everything was either neatly hung or folded and stacked. Sure enough, a half dozen of the design I was looking for, and every one of them in my size.

Half-price. Good things.

2004 Playlist
Cobrastyle - Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra
L-L-Love - Astaire
Suddenly I See - KY Tunstall
In The Waiting Line - Zero 7
Beware - Punjabi MC ft. Jay-z
Golden Touch - Razorlight
An Open Letter to NYC - Beastie Boys 
Hunting Season - Felix da Housecat
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

We are accidents waiting to happen.

"Rosalynde." Because this.

We return to writing. Rose earlier this morning, as it should be. The great hibernation is through. It is the old new year (April 1!) and though I feel unsure, there should be new beginnings. Yesterday, decisions were made to mark the next year, which gives focus and urgency to this year.

Yes, it's all very vague. Sorry. More later. For now I am fighting a certain dull ennui which comes with the highs and lows of closing one show and opening another. I will miss The Globe (two more private shows at two public high schools, today and tomorrow) and I am very excited about all the good press Rosalynde is getting.

Temperature: 37°
Distance: 3.35 miles

Ah-ha. This morning, not just my left ankle, but my left hip was a little sore. Trying not to run myself down, but also wish to choose the dates I do not run, like tomorrow when I need to leave the house at seven.

Wait. It's supposed to be like summer tomorrow. I'll make it happen.

Baseline:178.5 lbs.
Today: 167.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

What will happen when I have a heart attack on a run? Will I fall on the sidewalk, or in the street? Will anyone pull over to assist? Will I die there, or make my way to someone's front door? Will it be an abandoned house?

One thing that has changed since my childhood, I will not be found by an adolescent paperboy.

2003 Playlist
Ignition (Remix) - R. Kelly
New Killer Star - David Bowie
Such Great Heights (173 bpm) - The Postal Service
Mosquito - The Mosquitos
All Wrong (167 bpm) - Kaada
House Party Time - Dan Zanes and his Friends
There There (The Boney King of Nowhere) - Radiohead
Peace and Love - Fountains of Wayne

Who has R. Kelly and Dan Zanes on the same playlist? I am so sorry.

What you've been running away from your whole life.

The effects of daily running are becoming evident. The past two days, my left ankle has felt hinkey when first walking down the stairs in the morning. It goes away, but it suggests I need more rest.

Speaking of which, I have been sleeping extremely well for a few weeks now. Just, head hits the pillow and I am out until she brings me coffee in the morning. I am thankful for that. Not sure if it is the running, the diet ... or the absence of stress. Getting the tour on its feet took quite a bit out of me.

April begins tomorrow, and I have a new resolution (because I have done such a terrible job with my original New Year's resolutions). I was working on one thing in time for an April 27 reading, but now I have a different plan, one which involves writing every day ... something I am sad to say I have not been doing, pretty much since I hurt my back. Time that used to be used letting my mind wander first thing in the morning have been devoted to twenty minutes of ritualistic stretching.

This has been the "new normal". I would like to create a newer one.

Temperature: 41°
Distance: 3.35 miles

For two days solid I have successfully gotten the boy out of bed, exhorted him to drink a glass of water, and exercise for ten minutes. This is not the totality of my plan, but it is a promising start.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 167 lbs. (-1.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Twenty-two runs in the month of March. That is a personal best.

2002 Playlist
Work It - Missy Elliott
Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (Rae & Christian Remix) - Dinah Washington
I'm The Man Who Loves You - Wilco
The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash
Let's Go Again - Télépopmusik
Six Feet Under (Photek Remix) - Thomas Newman
Shelf Wobbler - Mr. Scruff

I need a glass of water.

We all lose our charms in the end.

"Whip-smart!"

- Christine Howey, Rave & Pan

Good stride, cool day, due to get warmer all week.

Time for new shoes.

Temperature: 43°
Distance: 3.35 miles

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 168 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

2001 Playlist
Hella Good - No Doubt
19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) - Gorillaz
Start the Commotion - Wiseguys
Hindi Sad Diamonds - Nicole Kidman, John Legizamo, Alka Yagnik & Jim Broadbent
Too Long - Daft Punk
Smoke - Cornelius

It's like riding on the wind and it never goes away.

Post-show greetings.

Beautiful day yesterday, enjoying the premiere of a production of my new play Rosalynde & The Falcon at Talespinner Children's Theatre, taking the kids on an excursion to the new Heinen's downtown, and at last picking the wife up from the airport. We are home and safe and happy.

Ugh. Big decisions. Sunny, late morning, with the mercury edging above freezing. Do I wear the fleece jacket or the windbreaker. Going to take a risk on Spring.

Temperature: 32° → 34°
Distance: 5 miles

Further revision ... my 5.15 mile neighborhood run is actually 5.05. I will call that five miles.

Thanks, Map My Run. (sad trombone)

Beautiful, bright Palm Sunday. Yes, glad I wore the windbreaker, I might have gone in shorts. The forecast looks bright. The Globe closes this week, as Rosalynde opens. The end will be the beginning. No offense.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 168 lbs. (-2.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

Life is too short to drink "light" beer.

Twenty runs in the month of March, that's tied with 2012 when I was training for a marathon.

2000 Playlist
Music - Madonna
Dead Already - Thomas Newman 
The Way I Am * - Eminem
Do It Now - Dubtribe Sound System
Household Names - Stereolab
August Day Song - Bebel Gilberto
Soma - The Strokes
Sem Contenção - Bebel Gilberto
Useless - Thomas Newman
It's My Turn To Fly - The Urge

The year 2000 playlist always irritates me. It isn't difficult to figure out why. At the age of thirty-two, my life ended, and I became this entirely different person. It is very hard not to feel that way.

I want to get away.

Brisk and fast. Cold with yes, a little snow. It's Northeast Ohio. We do that. In spite of gusts of unpleasant wind in my face, it was a strong run. Spine lengthening, abdomen stretching, some speed trials, excellent playlist except for the stupid closer.

Speaking of which, thank you, Sixpence None the Richer for bringing to a close a decade marked for its incredibly terrible band names.

Temperature: 28°
Distance: 4 miles

Map My Run says the Cain Park run is actually 4.08 miles. I will call it 4 miles.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 170 lbs. (-0-)
Goal: 170 lbs.
Ideal: 165 lbs.

When the annual playlists I am going to try some bpm mixes. If you don't know what I mean, you will.

1999 Playlist
Fly Away (160 bpm) - Lenny Kravitz
The Future of The Future (Stay Gold) - Everything But the Girl ft. Deep Dish
Push Upstairs - Underworld
Compression (175 bpm) - Everything But the Girl
Stars All Seems To Weep (Ben Watt Mix) - Beth Orton
Stop Breaking Down - The White Stripes
Steal My Sunshine - Len

For the record, Fly Away was released on December 29, 1998.

Walk away from what gets you down.

33" waist. New pants.

 One warm, freshly baked cookie, by itself, is a treat and not to be denied.

This is the thing. Since 2008-09 I was able to keep my weight within a reasonable range. Mid-160s, not exactly svelte but healthy for someone with my frame. During 2010, I was fighting depression and began a series of anti-depressants. I became less depressed, though not exactly "happy."

I didn't write, I didn't run (in 2011 I ran almost half my annual average) and I gained about fifteen pounds. Going off medication I found other ways to work though my emotions, and in 2012 I ran another marathon. Training took that fifteen pounds off ... but by the end of the year I had put them back on and just kept them.

The issue at hand is how best to attain and maintain my healthy weight. The kids are being very patient with the introduction of whole grains into our diet (sometimes I make the white stuff just for them - bread, rice) and the girl has even helpfully expressed a taste for whole wheat pasta, though the boy is not having it.

Everything in moderation. We had dinner at my folks house last night, my dad offered me a beer. A gift? I will accept that gift. I hadn't had any alcohol since last Thursday. That's moderate, isn't it?

It is downright abstemious.

Temperature: 37°
Distance: 3.35 miles
Climate: Rain!

Just used Map My Run for the first time, and found out my baseline run is actually longer than I always thought. Sorry, Stephani. It's still not even.

Actually, it's 3.36. So give me a little credit.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 170 lbs.
Goal: 170 lbs.

1998 Playlist
Closing Time - Semisonic
Starwayze - back 2 earth
Better? - Propellerheads
Strength - Sister Soleil
The Rockafeller Skank - Fatboy Slim
Kelly Watch The Stars - AIR


Sometimes your starting tune just shows up on The Current, and you have to use it to start your run. And there's this:

Two foots racing.

Ghosts of 1997

How is life without a wife? The girl and I were discussing that yesterday, the days are longer. Much, much longer. I am shocked it is only Wednesday. The kids are more vocal about how much they miss her, but they understand why she had to take this journey. She's getting a lot work done, good work, and I am so proud of her.

Temperature: 41°
Distance: 3.25 miles

Now, dammit. Twenty degrees warmer should feel warmer. But I bless the rains that fall in Cleveland Heights. I am lighter and I can feel it. Breathing is easier, striding is easier. If only this string in my right thigh would not sing all day long. Doesn't bother me when I run, only when I walk.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 171 lbs. (-1.0)
Goal: 170 lbs.

I did not eat three meals yesterday. I had four. Breakfast, lunch, a modest dinner before we headed out for the tour performance, and another after we returned. I am of the belief that what I am not eating is what is making the difference. What I am eating includes whole grains, not too much, more good protein and far more fruits and vegetables.

Look, the day I went in for my physical, a little over two weeks ago, on the drive there I knocked off almost an entire can of Pringles. This is what I am talking about.

1997 Playlist
How Bizarre - OMC
Water From a Vine Leaf - William Orbit
Absurd (Landslide Mix) - Fluke
Miss Modular - Stereolab
Busy Child - The Crystal Method
Good Shit - Cornershop

I have a dearth of good running music released in the years 1999 and 2000. Why is that? Sure, the year 1999 gave us Moby's Play album, and Everything But the Girl's Temperamental, the following year Radiohead's Kid A ... but then what? Suggestions welcome.

You run like a fool.

Running every day for two weeks makes you feel like running is all you do. Taking one day off, you feel like you have never had a run in your life. Or maybe it's just my mind.

Eating nothing between meals I have been tasting my mouth a lot. It tastes like soap.

Temperature: 25°
Distance:3.25 miles

Brisk run, fast run, strong run - cold run. Made my face hurt, my jaw aches. I have this fantasy about running in shorts, I just keep thinking about it. I want to take long runs down to Lakeview, to the Cultural Gardens. I need more time, time and good weather.

Baseline: 178.5 lbs.
Today: 172 lbs. (-1.5)
Goal: 170 lbs.

What? We even had ice cream last night. Okay, I need to eat something.

1996 Playlist
Sleep To Dream - Fiona Apple
I Hate You Mr. Einstein - Queue Up
The Checkered Flag - Combustible Edison
Soundtrack To Mary - Soul Coughing
The Old Apartment (160 bpm) - Barenaked Ladies
Super Bon Bon - Soul Coughing
Unmarked Helicopters - Soul Coughing
Short Double Latte (176 bpm) - Combustible Edison
... And Then You Die (167 bpm) - The Receiver