Where boys run free!

"Pride of Cleveland Suburb Soars for U.S. Hockey"
New York Times, 2/19/2026

The wife reminds me that I am often depressed (maudlin, low energy, etc.) this time of year. Yes, it is the anniversary of father's passing, but it's also just winter. The long, slow slog out of the cold, with no festival of lights, no time off or time with family to bring the cheer.

The Olympics have been fun to watch, Toni gave me that. I do not recall paying any attention to the Games prior to my life with her. The past two weeks I have just turned on the screen to watch whatever, skiing, curling, snowboarding, skating, and, of course, the hockey.

We had a hometown hero on our team this year, and they took the gold. Remarkable.

Distance: 3 miles

Duration: 24:34

I need to resume the good habits. Too many puzzles, first thing in the morning. Today I wrote, which, I have to remind myself, is a form of exercise. Add a glass of water to the cup of coffee, first thing, as you write for 30 minutes. Good habits.

Route: rec center
Temperature: 16°
Climate: cold
Mood: I think I might be better!

1981 Playlist

Music For Boys - The Suburbs

9 to 5 - Dolly Parton

I’m Your Money - Heaven 17

Of Lillies & Remains - Bauhaus

Johnny, Are You Queer? - Josie Cotton

Regiment - Brian Eno & David Byrne

The Freeze - Spandau Ballet 

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

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

At the back of my mind I think I'm winning.

Thank you, Prince Be.

Exercise is happening. Every other morning I get up and do ten minutes, sometimes fifteen. Also, drinking an entire glass of water first thing, wakes you up and clears your system.

Every other other morning, I run.

1992 Playlist
Television, the Drug of the Nation - The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy
Model - Balanescu Quartet
Higher Power - Jonathan Richman
Suck - Nine Inch Nails
Disappointed - Electronic
I'd Die Without You - P.M. Dawn
Steam (Oh, Oh, Let Off Steam Mix) - Peter Gabriel
I Love You Goodbye - Thomas Dolby

When the first mix tape you create for yourself after getting married is in memory of past girlfriends, you need to take a hard look in the mirror.

Distance: 3.65 miles
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 29°
Climate: cold
Pavement: crusty with snow
Mood: all right

Stretches: yes

Baseline: 178 lbs.
Today: 175 lbs. (-1.0)
Goal: 175 lbs. Achievement Unlocked.

Last night I had popcorn for dinner. That's it. Popcorn and beer.

Use your muscle.

 No.

What is my relationship to food? This morning, following a performance at a medical conference, I looked over what was available from the continental breakfast in the lobby to make up for my scant meal prior to my arrival (which had been one apple and one banana.)

Coffee, yes. And juice -- which we do not normally have at home but makes for a nice, sweet, cold, shot of insulin when feeling down. Pastries, or danishes? No, thanks. I am hungry, but all that processed flour and sugar will just make me feel frayed and leave a bad taste in my mouth. Plain bagel with cream cheese please, that will be good. I will be running in an hour.

Good for you! Congratulations on making the right choice! Now, how do you explain your entirely pointless "need" last night to purchase a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie® and scarf that down with little regard or memory? I mean, you thought about it, it was a thought, as carefully made as the one you made this morning that you are so proud of, who was that person and who is this?

Temperature: 41°  
Climate: crisp, cold
Distance: 3.25 miles

Inspired by my Medina colleague, I decided to run backwards today! Not literally, of course, just taking my traditional route, and running it in the opposite direction. I have done that once or twice in the past. There's one obvious reason I don't do this very often ... my daily 3 mile route goes pleasantly straight downhill for almost one half-mile. Taking that up, while not arduous, is taxing, and not what I want to do every single run.

It is refreshing, and interesting, to see the route from the other direction. It was more interesting, it felt longer -- which I did not expect -- taking longer to make the distance from point to point in more time than I would have thought it might. A good exercise, and one which served to confirm how comfortable and happy I am with my traditional route. It is right, it works, it satisfies.

At this point I am tempted to make a joke about having had a one-night stand last night to confirm many of the same things, but as the wife really is out of town this weekend, she might not think that's funny.

2008 Playlist
Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
Black & Gold - Sam Sparro
Just Dance - Lady Gaga ft. Colby O'Donis
Jai Ho - A.R. Rahman
Disturbia - Rihanna
Let Me See You - Girl Talk
Halo (159 bpm) - Beyoncé

"Running will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no running." - The Ruinous Ruminating Running Brothers.