Life's what you make it. Celebrate it.

The halls, downtown, are decked. That they decorations came out the day after election day was truly shocking. And symbolic, I suppose.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:07
Pace: 9:03

And like that, it's winter. Winterish. Damp and cold. Fire and thick socks and comforters and maybe time t take in the side porch. Still unpacking from last weekend's show, putting away things.

A couple days ago, the wife called me regimented. That kind of bothered me. Not like, it hurt my feelings, just that she looks at it that way. Like my neuroses affect her, my need to have things just so.

But I don't want things to be just so. What I want is for things to no longer be as fucking disorganized and sloppy. I don't like tripping on things, I don't like playing "dodgem" with all the stacks of books and boxes and rags as I walk through the narrow halls of our little home. I never did.

Regimented. That would be me telling her what to do, and I never do that. 

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 54°
Climate: light clouds & cool, lovely
Mood: okay

Headachy. That's what this season is about. Weely headaches.

Sophisti-pop 80s Workout Playlist

Life's What You Make It (Extended Mix) - Talk Talk

It Doesn't Have To Be This Way - Blow Monkeys

Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You (Medley)- Robert Palmer

Mirror Man - Human League

These Early Days - Everything But the Girl

Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) - Simple Minds

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 166.6 lbs. (+3.0)

Yeah, twenty years ago this weekend we ran a marathon.

... But at least I know now that I will be a runner for life.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Bright and early for their daily races.

Breaking Point 89

Here's the thing about Sugar Season (yes, we're still talking about Sugar Season) the SUGAR will BE THERE. There is NO NEED to seek the SUGAR, the SUGAR will FIND YOU.

The other day, it was the middle of the morning. And I got a cookie from the coffee house. Because, why not, I'm underweight, I can afford this (THAT IS NOT HOW FOOD WORKS) and what happened? At lunchtime it was decided the entire office needed a celebratory trip to the BEN & JERRY'S ACROSS THE STREET.

The sugar will come to you. And that's it. 

Distance: 3.1 miles 

Duration: 28:50
Pace: 9:18

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 49°
Climate: light, cold rain

Gear: shorts, long sleeves, cotton hoodie
Mood: good

Sophisti-pop 80s Workout Playlist
The Soul Awakening - China Crisis
Breaking Us in Two - Joe Jackson
It's Different For Girls - Joe Jackson
Suddenly Last Summer - The Motels
Mermaids - Andy Pawlak
Shout to the Top (Us Remix) - Style Council
Mad World - Tears For Fears

Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) 12" Mix - Kate Bush

Fall brings not only melancholy, but memory of past autumnal seasons, when we were in love and walking through urban forests of gold.

Stretches: yes

Water: yes
Weight: 163.6 lbs. (-0-)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Get the hell out.

Brief trip to Cincinnati and back, to hear the boy play the jazz. A time to relax and talk, or to just say nothing. November now, and the weather holds.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 25:53
Pace: 8:20

Sudden obsession with the Substack but it's a hobby. Conflicted as to whether I should let anyone know I even have it. Every new thing it's like, "Hey! This is the new thing!" It's not a new thing, it's an old thing.

What's next?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 63°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: awesome & nervous

Acton refused Ramaswamy's concession call, because fuck that guy.

160-169 BPM Playlist
A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey
Get Outta My Room - The Donnas
Everywhere I Go - The Call
I'm Your Baby Tonight - Whitney Houston
Too Dramatic -Ra Ra Riot
The Last Time - Rolling Stones
Hard to Explain - The Strokes
Roll Over Beethoven - The Beatles
Another Bridge - Everything But the Girl

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 163.6 lbs. (+0.4)

Twenty years ago today, it was one day before the big race. I reflected upon my entire running journey. Later, I wrote a play about it.

What if my father and I had had one conversation about running? Anything about it, anything at all. Some pointers, some encouragement. Maybe I might have learned something.

Sounds like he was already dead. But he wasn't.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

I hope I never stop running. I want to be one of those wiry old men who jog slowly up the street, past your house. And I want to run one marathon. I'll do that tomorrow. Wish me luck. - 11/4/2006

The Devil will find work for idle hands to do.

We turn the clocks back and all hell breaks loose. Couldn't sleep last night, woke around three am to work on some new project. A new project? You haven't even finished the old ones! Anyway, I am trying out a Substack. We'll see how long that holds my interest.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 26:35
Pace: 8:34

Twenty years ago today, we were preparing to fly to New York City for the big race.

A pace team is headed by an experienced marathoner who will get you there in plus or minus two minutes from the time you choose. That means I'll be locked in to a finish time, but after all of this training, I believe it is reasonable to assume it will take 4.15. Remember; the goal is to finish.

I would be disappointed not to break four hours. And yet, I said it right there, I would take 4:15. And I wasn't too far off.. 

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 61° 
Climate: over cast & cool
Mood: great!

160-169 BPM Playlist

Magic MOuntain - War ft. Eric Burdon

You! Me! Dancing! - Los Campesinos

I've Done Everything For You (Working Class Hero) - Rick Springfield

What Difference Does It Make - The Smiths

Mansard Roof - Vampire Weekend

Mysterons - Portishead

Digital - Joy Division

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 163.2 lbs. (-1.8)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Get on that.

You keep me running round and round.

We voted!

I will be in a state on anxiety until strike tonight is complete.

Then, who knows. Relaxation? We shall see. But it has been a great weekend.

Distance: 3.75 miles

Duration: 32:18
Pace: 8:36

SIXTEEN runs in October! FUCK yeah!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 59°
Climate: light clouds & cool: ideal
Mood: good, actually

Monster Bash!

Living On the Ceiling - Rosetta Stone

Too Many Creeps -  Bush Tetras

Watching -Thompson Twins

Bloodletting (The Vampire Song) - Concrete Blonde

Red Right Hand - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Unmarked Helicopters - Soul Coughing

You Want It Darker - Leonard Cohen

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

Enjoy myself the past few days, eating out, eating a lot of good stuff, fish fry and burgers. Time to relax into vegetables again. It has been a celebration! 

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

I have had chapped lips for a week. The greasy food is NOT helping.

I'm a lyrical poet.

Twenty years ago today, I ran five miles and the only thing I posted was the header "That sucked." I believe the reason for this was an argument my wife and I had right before heading out that made me miserable.

An anonymous commentator, one who had been following my my progress, wrote:

Well, what did you expect? You didn't stretch or drink. You listened to no music, it took no time and you weighed nothing.

He also added:

Seriously, keep going, guy. You've trained, you've done the work. You will survive this.

I really appreciated that. I think that was my brother.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:08
Pace: 8:44

We made it to Thursday, and then I collapsed. Work at 3 AM with a headache. Slept too warm, got up, took pain reliever, didn't make any difference. Called off work. I feel bad about that, of course, but it/s noon and I still feel like shit.

This is becoming a regular thing now and I do not care for it. Then again, what I particularly do not care for is conducting a five day residency. It's very taxing for me now, on my feet for five hours, engaging somewhat disinterested students, using my voice a lot.

And Death of a Salesman. I mean, come on.

Anyway, I'm hoping a run will drive this out of me.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 72°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: good! but my head hurts!

Fall 1990 Mixtape
Praying For Time - George Michael

I'm Your Baby Tonight - Groove Is In the Heart - Deee-Lite

Dance of the Dream Man - Angelo Badalamenti

Feels Good - Tony! Toni! Toné!

Policy of Truth - Depeche Mode

We have begun shedding weight. For the moment I have become accustomed to eating less and getting anxious about any additional intake. I need to find the right balance. I can feel it in my hips, my end, my legs.

Of course, as I said, I have also been standing this week, a lot more than usual.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 163 lbs. (+0.2)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Went the distance.

It's a big week. I'm teaching the Death of a Salesman residency, the same residency I was teaching twenty-five years ago. It's changed a little, not much. The kids haven't changed much, either. It's a bit surprising to hear high school juniors in Chagrin Falls remarking about how bad the economy is, but I guess I'm glad they know. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:03
Pace: 9:02

Anyway, five classes a day is a lot for me now. I mean, it's fine. It's a drag. Four classes back to back ... then a ninety minute break followed by a fifth class. It's a long day on my feet.

Then I need to jet downtown to take care of time-sensitive business (see: writing contest) and help how I can with the show.

The show! My show, that is going up this weekend! Another show! Goodness, what a month. Monday we're going to Cincinnati to see the boy play. I am looking forward to that, a little vacation after all this business.

We're still not drinking. How long have I ever gone without drinking, smoking, taking antianxiety medication, or all the rest? Ts. Remarkable.

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

So, what was I listening to at that time when I began high school. It went a little something like this.

Fall 1982 Mixtape

Pressure - Billy Joel

Shock the Monkey - Peter Gabriel

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

Don't You Want Me- Human League

Tainted Love - Soft Cell

You Dropped a Bomb On Me - The Gap Band

Hot in the City - Billy Idol (Cleveland!)

Yes. We were young and anxious.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 162.8 lbs. (-2.4)

It's been a beautiful week, I'll give you that. We have to leave for classes before the sun comes up, so an afternoon run it is.

And I have been most responsible, not only preparing lunches for the entire week, preparing breakfast for the entire week! Fresh fruit, cut and frozen! What a good boy am I.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

I'd die without you.

Someone must explain to me these Saturday/Sunday headaches. I used to think o no, I had two drinks last night and now my head hurts. I am a bad person. But there is no drinking, no drugs. Just sleep. Must I wake up at five or six to have coffee on weekend mornings? I mean, I can do that. 

Then there is the old man, who disrupts me regularly. I just want to have a weekend free from discomfort and pain, alas.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:18
Pace: 8:48

Twenty years ago, I was in malaise, tapering, waiting for the big race. It was eleven days until the New York City Marathon.

Ever since the weather turned I have felt in limbo. Also, since the numbers started going down instead of up. Just treading water. Staying limber.

This week I will be attending evening rehearsals and teaching five classes a day. That's in addition to just taking care of house and spouse. I should be grateful I am not training for a marathon.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 47°
Climate: nice & cool
Mood: good

Moving in.

Fall 1992 Mixtape

Jeremy - Pearl Jam

Crucify * - Tori Amos

Rhythm Is a Dancer - SNAP!

Erotica - Madonna

I'd Die Without You * - P.M. Dawn

Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac

This is when the 90s truly began.

Stretches: yes
Water: no. oops.
Weight: 165.2 lbs. (+0.2)

Ate whatever I wanted yesterday. Burrito, sushi, pizza. It was pretty cool.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: yes

I am not going out like any punk bitch.

2275 Professor Street
Then (1992) & Then (2018)
(coffee shop formerly known as Beviamo)

Cat kept me up all night. He can go months without sleeping with me, then he remembers how nice it is. And I am glad he still gets out of bed to pee. But then he wants back in.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:28
Pace: 8:51 

The next week will be a bear. I teach five classes a day, every day next week. It's going to be a drag.

Had a dream last night, I was leading a lesson but some kids who weren't paying attention were comparing tunes on transistor radios. I lost my temper, which is not my style, but they were so rude.

I said, "Give me the fucking radio."

And that was kind of it for the class.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 47°
Climate: cloudy & perfect 
Mood: all right

Fall 1992 Mixtape

Good Stuff - The B-52's

Too Funky (Extended) - George Michael

Jump Around - House of Pain

Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot

Happiness in Slavery - Nine Inch Nails

Pretend We're Dead - L7

As summer leaned into fall that fateful year, we were preparing a space for performance. Crazy, right? I was 24 years old and starting a theater company. What a fantasy!

Yesterday, I was in that space. I was giving a rep from our sister company the nickel tour of CLE and came through Tremont to show off some thing. I bought him a coffee at Roasted, which is located in the former Professor Street Theater.

I also skipped lunch. Didn't mean to do that.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 165 lbs. (-0.4)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Twenty years ago, I ran fifteen miles by taking the five mile circuit around my house three times. I was tapering, I had already run the trek from my house to my parents' on Sept 30, and should have done another twenty but never did.

The blog post for this fifteen miler is the most visited post on my blog, three times as many visits as the post that comes in second. I attribute this to the fact that I listed every single track I listened to on my run, which is a lot and must show up on countless searches.

"I rose and dressed for cold. Welcome back butter beanie, welcome back bullethead. Yesterday I got new soles, new gloves (awesome gloves) and a new running hat."

I'm wearing those same awesome gloves today.

Again ... I said I was a time bomb.

Exhausted, distracted. A bit overwhelmed.

And that was before we watched the documentary.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:51
Pace: 8:59

The big, full days continue. And that's what you wanted, right?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 42°
Climate: clear & cool
Mood: angsty

Since the show closed, I have had a pull in the left side of my neck. This may be because ... well, it may be because of a number of things. Stress has manifested itself in my neck many, many times -- but not for a long, long time.

Fall 1988 Mixtape

Don't Believe the Hype - Public Enemy
Wild, Wild West - Escape Club

What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy) - Information Society

Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer

Chains of Love - Erasure

Talkin' Bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman

What I Am - Edie Brickell & New Bohemians

Stretches: yes 
Water: yes
Weight: 165.4 lbs. (+0.6)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Your feet are going to be on the ground.

Late 1991

This past week has been an historic emotional epic. I was depressed and anxious in the lead up to these I Hate This house performances, which is entirely normal and to be expected, and then every single one of these performance was wonderful, and better than wonderful.

Diana came into town to see it. I can't begin to put into words how grateful I am.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:07
Pace: 8:45

And still. My wife and I are not out of the woods yet in this house, and I believe we never will be. I took a turn down a dark path to help someone very close to me. I told my shameful secrets. And I heard terrible truths. When, if ever, will we emerge?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 42°
Climate: brisk, lovely!
Mood: troubled

We continue to run out of doors. I am not ready to commit to the rec center yet.

Yesterday

Fall 1988 Mixtape

What's the Matter Here - 10,000 Maniacs

Peek-A-Boo - Siouxsie & the Banshees

I Don't Want Your Love - Duran Duran

Stand - R.E.M.

Never Tear Us Apart - INXS

Desire - U2ny

It Takes Two - Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock

Fall 1988 was my first great mental breakdown. So much anger, so lost. So much shit I had brought down onto myself. The music will always be my friend.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 164.8 lbs. (+0.2)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Whatever words I say I will always love you.

A Facebook post from East Cleveland Mayor Sandra Morgan:

The restoration work has started in historic Forest Hill Park! I’m thankful for our partnership with the Metroparks and look forward to our work together: taking down dead and vulnerable trees, repairing the boathouse, clearing away bramble and more. There’s so much more to come: stay tuned!🌳

Can't tell you how excited I am about this. The former administration had the opportunity to engage the Metroparks in managing the park, but those negotiations fell apart.

I am glad to say I have met Morgan, and was thrilled when she was elected. East Cleveland is a city with a deep history and many great obstacles to overcome but she engenders a great deal of trust and I am looking forward to good things from her.

Distance: 3.1 mles

Duration: 26:22
Pace: 8:30

Performances of I Hate This continue. The last three dates are sold and oversold. A few days ago I was questioning the entire endeavor, and now I so content. I have made people laugh at the worst time in our lives (they cry, too) raised a couple hundred bucks for the Preeclampsia Foundation (make yours today) and gotten to work closely with new people.

What is not to absolutely love?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 47°
Climate: overcast, getting chilly 
Mood: good

Fall 1989 Mixtape

Shadrach - Beastie Boys

Blame It On the Rain - Milli Vanilli

Lovesong - The Cure

Love In an Elevator - Aerosmith

Fools Gold - The Stone Roses

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 164.6 lbs. (-0-)

Been the exact same weight for three days running so I think my new scale is broken.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

One week ago I was full of anxiety about this endeavor. Then it opened and I felt great. Now I am full of anxiety because my ex-wife is coming to see it tonight.

Just kidding, that's amazing. I am full of apprehension but also joy. I'm full of all kinds of good things.

I'm not the kind of girl who likes to be alone.

We begin. A five-night run of I Hate This hosted in our own home. I've been wanting to bring this back to honor the 25th anniversary of the birth of our first child, and some time over the summer (probably when I was running) I got this idea.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:08
Pace: 8:45

FOREST HILL PARK UPDATE: Things are happening! Negotiations with Metroparks have reopened, and this week there has been a LOT of activity, pulling down rotten trees -- LOTS of rotten trees.

I will keep you updated.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 54°
Climate: cool, baby. idealk.
Mood: good!

Fall 1989 Mixtape
Sowing the Seeds of Love - Tears For Fears

Love Shack - The B-52's

Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Bust a Move - Young MC

One - Bee Gees

Miss You Much - Janet Jackson

Yeah, let's keep jamming with the seasonal playlists. Fall 1989, I was emerging into final form. Confident as an actor, as a theater artist, evolving as a cartoonist. A bit more responsible, living in a solo apartment, less anxious in my personal relationships. I was twenty-one, something resembling a man.

Then I turned a corner, in a moment of inspired self-confidence asked out a young woman, and the rest of my life began.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 164.6 lbs. (-1.6)

The Old Man (cat) kept me up a lot last night, which is okay. He's a sweet old cat. He sleeps with me under the covers but needs to go to the bathroom a couple times. Better to get out of bed than go in the bed, I guess.

But also, we have a neighbor up the street, I'd heard about him, but never heard hi, he revs his engine, constantly, at two in the morning. Crazy. 

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Never was a story of more woe, than this of Romeo ...

Keep going.

Fuck. I'll come in again.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:14
Pace: 9:06

Oh! What a week. What a month! And here we go. I have a week of house performances starting tonight. Then there's the series against Tampa. Oh! Writing workshops, supervision, got to organize props for that other play.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 67°
Climate: muggy!
Mood: good

Eric Lee & Tracey Gilbert
"Romeo & Juliet"
Guerrilla Theater Company (1994)

Fall 1994 Playlist

Undone (The Sweater Song) (160 BPM) - Weezer

When I Come Around (Live at Woodstock 94) - Green Day
Cadillac - Combustible Edison

Come To My Window - Melissa Etheridge

Picture This - Blondie

Fade Into You - Mazzy Star

Prayer For the Dying - Seal

So many endings, so many new beginnings. The 90s were in full swing, the Late 90s were only just beginning.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 165.6 lbs. (-0.6)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Twenty-six years, on my way to hell.

Fall 1994 is about a lot of things. It's about both of them. Falling in an out of love again. Romeo & Juliet and walks though Harlem. Concerts and concerts and movies and parties and bad, bad acts. It was about being in my twenties.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:32
Pace: 8:52

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 59°
Climate: after the rain, just lovely 
Mood: good

This is what we listened to.

Fall 1994 Mixtape

Headstart For Happiness (162 BPM) - The Style Council

I Don't Understand Anything - Everything But the Girl

Gentleman Who Fell - Milla Jovovich

I Melt With You (156 BPM) - Modern English

Wish - Nine Inch Nails

Burn - Nine Inch Nails

Intermittently - Barenaked Ladies

As I cycle through songs from that auspicious season, you will notice they were not all released that season, but they were ours, at that time, as we shared them with one another (or angrily screamed the lyrics together in the car.)

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 166.2 lbs. (+2.6)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

And now the rains. Last night's game was very exciting. I am also very glad I was not there in person, I don't fare well sopping wet and shivering.

Still. Guardians!

Then he ran.

"Lapdog"
Peter de Sève
The New Yorker
Oct. 12, 2026

Twenty years ago, I took a 48 hour trip to London to share I Hate This with members of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS UK). It was a conference where the director wanted to pitch a tour of the show around Great Britain.

Yes, in the midst of marathon training, I took a very brief transatlantic journey. 

"A small man, on the another side of the planet, going for a run. Different air, different land, same pair of shoes."

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:40
Pace: 8:55

I tried some of that British Lucozade, a "performance energy drink" much like Gatorade. The name was originally Glucozade, get it? 

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 47°
Climate: cool & crisp
Mood: 

We are getting close to recreation center time. Not looking forward to it.

Fall 1983 Mixtape

Big Log - Robert Plant

Undercover (Of the Night)- Rolling Stones

Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes

Stand Back - Stevie Nicks

Puttin' On the Ritz - Taco

Jacqueline Kennedy
Onassis Reservoir
October, 2023

Suddenly Last Summer - The Motels

I need to make a Fall 1994 Mixtape, full of all the things we were listening to in October 1994.

A lot of them would be from the mid 1980s.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 163.8 lbs. (-3.4)

It's weird we were in Arizona in early October, and then New York City in late October. Good times, for a few years there. Covid made us adventurous. I wonder if we will be like that again.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Went to see a show last night. So strange not to obsess about having a cocktail. Because I just wasn't going to have one. I also didn't clean my plate, nor that plate of appetizers. But I ate well, all day. And now I weight fewer than 165 pounds, which was my goal.

How do I maintain this? Maybe it helps to be entirely anxious an distracted by things entirely out of my control. I hate this.

I'll burn me through Ohio.

Josh Ritter at The Rialto (2023)

Fall continues. Summer fades. The other night I listened to the playlist I made from the setlist of Josh Ritter at the Rialto in Tucson, Arizona. We saw him in October 2023, when we took the train to the Southwest.

Distance: 3.15 mile

Duration: 28:06
Pace: 8:55

The wife was surprised that was already three years ago, but I'm not. The past three years we did all the things we had been waiting to do ... the boy left for college so we went south. To celebrate twenty-five years of marriage we took the QM2 and spent time in London, last year we finally took the children to Europe.

A train, a boat, and a plane.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 50°
Climate: cool, baby
Mood: getting there

But Josh Ritter. It was cool and dry when we arrived in Arizona, but it was still fall, you know? After the sun set the night we checked in we stepped out onto the street to look around. We had no plans for that evening, nor the next. The Rialto was right across the street, and I saw his name and said, we could do that.

And we did. It was a magical evening.

Pearce, AZ (2023)

Josh Ritter at the Rialto 10 04 2023

Bandits

Feels Like Lightning

Wolves

For Your Soul

Me & Jiggs

Folk Bloodbath

Young Moses

Truth Is a Dimension (Both Invisible and Blinding)

Never seen anyone smile while singing in quite that way. He really loves this.

Our Southwestern journey, though. I have been many different places with my love but this was something truly unique. Like somewhere I had never been before. I had been to New Mexico, that's not what I mean, the atmosphere, but that's part of it. We found such strange and interesting places.

And it was so relaxed and peaceful. The skies were so wide and open, and so was the clock. It was intimate, expansive and amazing. 

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 167.2 lbs. (-0.2)

I passed on cheesecake twice yesterday. Just got to say no most days. Not all days. Just most.

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

What are we running for?

Still true.

Attended my 40 year high school reunion Saturday night. Good time. My clique was largely absent, got to chat with two at a pre-event on Friday, but without a home base I had to get over myself and mingle and catch up with, well, everyone else.

And I did. Some of them I knew but had never really had a conversation with, ever, not once, for the four, seven, maybe twelve years we had attended school together. Know what? We're all good people. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:32
Pace: 8:52

I did cut loose for a moment and began truth telling. It didn't go well. Party foul.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 55°
Climate: clear skies
Mood: good

Old friends.

Fall 1985 Mixtape

You Belong to the City - Glenn Frey

Don't Lose My Number (162 BPM) - Phil Collins

St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion) - John Parr

Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) - Kate Bush

Invincible - Pat Benatar

The Whole of the Moon - The Waterboys

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 167.4 lbs. (-1.0) 

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

I think I am over the zombies.

I thought that we'd always be friends.

Homecoming 1985

Attended the first evening of the big reunion weekend last night, and I am as insecure as I was as a teenager. I understand now that it comes off as arrogance. And I was arrogant, too, believe me. I think it's important that we have these rituals to remind us of how terrible we were and of how far we've come.

Or maybe, no. No. We don't actually need that.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:01
Pace: 8:42

Anyway, I left it to a couple hours before departing that I would actually go. I have become accustomed to ordering NA beers at bars now. No one cares. I am SO GLAD I didn't drink last night. I might still be there. I stayed about an hour an left, talking mostly to my closest though I worked very hard to reach out to those others.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 57°
Climate: light clouds & perfect
Mood: f*cking driven

Fall 1985 Mixtape

Take on Me - a-ha

Fortress Around Your Heart - Sting

Pop Life - Prince & the Revolution

Kayleigh - Marillion

Head Over Heels  - Tears For Fears

The Sweetest Taboo - Sade

Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer

I mean. The 80s are fucking classic.

Today

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 168.4 lbs.

Switching to a digital scale has messed with my sense of self, and of what weight I should be, exactly. I thought 155 lbs. was the goal, but the other day I got into a pair of 32" jeans that was part of my costume for The Velocity of Autumn. That is as thin as I need to be.

I was 165 pounds. If I was ever 155 pounds I would be emaciated. No, 165 is the goal. And I am nearly there.

Huh. Everyone talks about losing weight in time for their high school reunion, and look at me.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Life is good, wild and sweet.

Long days, reaching (straining) for the conclusion of rehearsal season. Knees are sore, ankles kinking. 

But we made fifteen runs in September. Well done.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:07
Pace: 8:44

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 78°
Climate: dusk, humid
Mood: stressed

Fall 1983 Mixtape

Mama (166 BPM) - Genesis

True - Spandau Ballet

All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie

Ain't Nobody - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan

Heat and Soul - Huey Lewis and the News

What can we say about fall 1983. Sophomore year of high school begins, and so does my association with cannabis. And alcohol. So many opportunities to look like a jackass in public. Speaking of which, it's the weekend of my 40 year high school reunion. Ope.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 168.8 lbs. (+1.8)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Hit the beat now.

As long as the weather provides, I will be doing evenings. Soon enough it will be too dark for that and we will return to the recreation center. I'd love to resume cold weather runs, but my joints are just too achy for that.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:59
Pace: 9:02

Survived the first day in schools, rising before my five o'clock alarm at 4:30 AM, we arrived at the school at 6:40 AM and departed at four. Then downtown for a surprise part for a co-worker, after which I prepared the rehearsal room for the first read-through of The Right Room. That began at 8:00 PM.

I was in bed by eleven ... only to wake up before my five o'clock alarm at 4:30. Bit of a raggedy morning.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 67°
Climate: lovely & warm
Mood: driven

We have been dry for over two weeks. It truly is a secret society, but not so secret anymore. I was at the party and wondering what to get from the bar when a colleague went by with an Athletic. They have them by the can at Parnell's.

Drinking NA beer has another than the obvious advantage -- they all have about the half the calories of the other stuff.

Fall 1987 Mixtape

Instant Club Hit (You'll Dance to Anything) - Dead Milkmen

The One I Love - R.E.M.

Can't Hardly Wait - The Replacements

Girlfriend In a Coma - The Smiths

It's a Sin - Pet Shop Boys

Mony Mony - Billy Idol

Lost In Emotion - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam

Hit the North - The Fall

Crazy, I keep getting ideas for new, little projects. This playlist is responsible for a new one.

Stretches: I mean.
Water: yes
Weight: 167 lbs. (-1.0)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

I'll run away with you.

We've had a great running September. Tomorrow, I will be at a school at 6:50 AM, attending an event after, and then a read through of The Right Room. It will be a hyper-long day, so I am getting that run in now.

I also need to get new knee braces. The cool weather is doing me no favors.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 26:07
Pace: 8:25

Gee whiz, David! That was fast!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 67°
Climate: sunny & bright
Mood: good!

Fall 1987 Mixtape

Faith - George Michael

True Faith - New Order

Just Like Heaven - The Cure

Need You Tonight - INXS

Never Let Me Down Again - Depeche Mode

Lips Like Sugar - Echo & the Bunnymen

Seattle - Public Image Limited

Sophomore year you come back and feel like you own the place. You know where everything is, you're running into all your old friends who you haven't seen all summer. You are confident, or in my case, a little too confident.

THEY SAY that 1986 was the worst year in the history of popular music, and that may be. Too much of it sounded the same, and the synthesizers had gotten entirely out of control. But 1987 was when so many artists popped for me, and they all seemed to have a new release that season.

This playlist is historic.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 168 lbs. (+0.6)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: TBA

Wherever you go ... there you are.

DM for more information.

These fall days. I can't sleep all the way to the alarm. I wake, my knees ache, my side. But so? I get up. I have a morning. I can write, eat a good breakfast. And I run. And I love the run. 

Not looking forward to the rec center. The park is a beautiful place to be at dawn. The geese, the deer. The turning of the leaves.

Distance: 3.1 

Duration: 27:03
Pace: 8:42

My brain is still adjusting to the absence of sertraline. It has been several weeks, and I still get dizzy and my brain buzzes.

I am adjusting very well to sobriety. I have entered into situations where I could drink, and I may yet, but I choose not to.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 57°
Climate: ideal
Mood: all right

Fall 1986 Playlist

25 or 6 to 4 (Alternative Version) - Chicago

When Problems Arise - Fishbone

Girl From Ipanema Goes to Greenland - The B-52's

Word Up - Cameo

Walk This Way - Run DMC ft. Aerosmith

Don't Stand So Close to Me '86 - The Police

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 167.4 lbs. (-2.4)

Got my annual fall vaccinations. Suck on that.

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

These zombies in the park.

HelenArt

Ultra-Violet 5K

Race Mission 1

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:12
Pace: 8:45

Yesterday began dark and miserable, cloudy and rainy and cold. By afternoon it was still cool, but sunny, bright and beautiful.

Fall is lovely.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 51°
Climate: light clouds & cool

Gear: long sleeves 
Mood: all right!

Also, though, the pain. With the cool weather has come complaints in my knees and hips, and in the muscles down my legs. I suppose this is just normal daddy stuff.

Autumn Mix
Babylon - David Gray

Crystal - Stevie Nicks

So Real * - Jeff Buckley

Cough Syrup - Young the Giant

White Horses - Wolf Alice

She’s Not There - THE ZOMBIES

If Yao Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 169.8 lbs. (+1.0)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

You feel you want to run away.

That's the face he makes.

Saw Tony again last night, this time with Toni. I liked it better the second time. First, because I wasn't taking it too seriously. Second, because the theater was full and there was a lot of laughter. Third, she was sitting with me.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:54
Pace: 9:01

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 55°
Climate: crisp & ideal
Mood: down in it

Songs from "Tony" (2026)

Magic Mountain * - War ft. Eric Burdon

Girlfriend - Modern Lovers

The Calvary Cross - Richard & Linda Thompson

Mighty Sly - Funk Society

Everything Merges With the Night - Brian Eno

Something On Your Mind - Karen Dalton

Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson

The more we make movies that take place in the 1970s, the deeper the needle drops have to get.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 168.8 lbs. (-0.4)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Things are going great ... and they're only getting better.

I cannot see anything.

Forty years ago I was just beginning my college experience, and it was a lot. I think of what was on the television in he communal spaces. In my dorm, that was in the basement, and it was mostly music videos. In Hog's dorm it was Transformers. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:18
Pace: 9:07

The music videos all seemed to be communicating the same thing -- neon and pastel was dead, the playful first half of the 1980s was shifting into something more dour and serious (See: Miami Vice Season 3) in grays and blacks.

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 70°
Climate: damp
Mood: all right

And my girlfriend's dorm room, like all the dorm rooms, painted cinderblock and tile floors. It was a cold dynamic, and as the days also cooled, so did our attention for each other.

Not our affection, mind. Our attention.

Fall 1986 Playlist

Notorious - Duran Duran

Big Time - Peter Gabriel

The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades - Timbuk3

Higher Love - Steve Winwood

In Too Deep - Genesis

You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 169.2 lbs. (-0.2)

"Lombardo"

Last night was Pandemonium. When I performed at Pan ten years ago, I was enticed to extend the evening by going to a local establishment. It was so late I think I thought I was sober but of course I wasn't.  The next day I had a terrible hangover and actually got sick in front of the kids; we were driving across town for a photo shoot for Talespinner. I should have stayed home. Anyway, I was humiliated.

Last night, CPT was serving three premium NA beverages at the bar, a beer, a wine and a mule. When I arrived at the stage where we were performing with an Athletic Gold Lager, it began a conversation (starting with, "Oh! Where did you get that?") about the choice not to drink. It was really cool.

I was in bed by eleven last night. I was also up at three AM, uncomfortable and with my thoughts running, so I got up for a bit and did housework. That was also cool.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

More exercises, please. I feel good, by the way. My knees feel all right, minor pain during rehearsals last week (I was on my feet a lot) the rest of me is copacetic. That's where I am today.

Who's going to plug their ears when you scream?

As if the collective reputation
of runners wasn't bad enough.

The ADS has been hitting me very, very hard. Woke up on Thursday after a full night's sleep with something like a hangover. Only I haven't had alcohol since last Friday afternoon. Which just goes to show.

But seriously, I have been hit with rounds of brain farts and it is not pleasant. I hope these subside soon.

This is a new era. No antidepressants, also no depressants. I wonder what will emerge. It may be confidently angry.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:29
Pace: 9:10

Bero Noon Wheat is a banger, add a slice of orange, *chef's kiss* or whatever it is the kids say.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 65°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: not great, but determined

Fall 1984 Mixtape

Strut - Sheena Easton

The Warrior - Scandal ft. Patty Smyth

Cover Me - Bruce Springsteen
On the Dark Side - John Caffrey & The Beaver Brown Band

Flesh For Fantasy - Billy Idol

Rock Me Tonite - Billy Squier

Drive * - The Cars

Stretches: no 
Water: yes
Weight: 169.4 lbs. (-0.8)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

There’s life after high school.

“Lombardo” at Pandemonium this weekend!

Beautiful days. Very busy. Talented, engaged actors. More performances in the mix. Evenings on the side porch with my partner, watching the game.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:19
Pace: 9:08

We are mindful, which is is nice. It doesn't last, which is acceptable. Already psyching myself up to attend Pandemonium and not drink. And that's okay.

I haven't gone so long without chemical abuse in such a long time. It means these feelings can't be explained away by depressants.

Speaking of which, I'm leaving Sertraline. And I think this is good timing. I ride the brain zaps mindfully (natch) by just feeling them, working not to be annoyed by them. Just breathe. There they are. Being still helps. They will not last. Nothing ever does, am I right?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 71
Climate: moist

Mood: good

Fall 1984 Mixtape

Adult Education - Hall & Oates

Hot For Teacher - Van Halen

Two Tribes - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Take Me With U - Prince & the Revolution

The Glamorous Life - Sheila E.

I Feel For You - Chaka Khan

Uff. What a cuck I was. But, oh! What a season.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 170.2 lbs. (-3.0)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: TBA

When the seasons change will you stand by me?

Lovely cool morning. We are having a dry season. Not a bad time for it, considering all the NA craft beer concerns which are popping up.

And we're home.

Aftermath 0123

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:01
Pace: 9:04

It's taken four years, but I have finally completed the first season of Zombies Run ... which debuted what? Fourteen years ago? We've been through so much, and yet it is as relevant as ever. Isn't that charming?

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 58°
Climate: light fluffy clouds
Mood: better

American Sign Museum

fall running playlist!!

Sweater Weather - The Neighborhood

Hide * - Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Mind Over Matter * - Young the Giant

Matchbox - Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Seven - Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Cough Syrup - Young the Giant

Almost (Sweet Music) - Hozier

Jackie & Wilson - Hozier

Whoever created this playlist really likes Rainbow Kitten Surprise. But it’s a playlist. Skipped the Backseat Lovers song, which begins as a ripoff of Across the Universe and swiftly degenerates into childish wailing.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 173.2 lbs. (-0-)

Planks: yes
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: yes

Hug you to death.

Things are changing, question mark? She is coming home this weekend. And I feel as uncertain about that as I have been about her being away.

It will be a dry fall, and I am looking forward to that. It's been a long and lonely summer. Yeah. Lonely. And I have been unhappy about that. I have done my best to take care of myself. Now I know I can take care of myself, Big deal, who cares. Didn't think I wanted that.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:41
Pace: 9:15
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 64°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: maintaining

Summer 1987 Playlist

I Want Your Sex - George Michael

Why Can't I Be You (Extended Mix) - The Cure

La Bamba - Los Lobos

She's On It - Beastie Boys

Heart and Soul - T'Pau

U Got the Look - Prince ft. Sheena Easton 

One more summer playlist before we go. Maybe next Zombies?

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 173.2 lbs. (+1.5)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

T-minus zero. Time to go.

Somewhere deep inside something's got a hold on you ...

Shortly after Crowded House released their second album, Temple of Low Men, I encountered my former roommate who said he had been listening to it. I asked him how it was and he said, entirely deadpan, "It's terrible."

I said, "Oh. I heard that. That's a shame."

He responded with some irritation, "What? Where did you hear that? It's amazing."

I sputtered something like, "Oh, I mean. Maybe I didn't? I don't know. Cool."

This says all you need to know about both of us.

Anyway, it's the best album of the 1980s. Top five, at least. Maybe? I don't know. I love it.

Distance: 4.05 miles

Duration: 37:17
Pace: 9:12

Rehearsals are in full swing. Things are going well. I would say they are going very well, but I can't tell anymore.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 72°
Climate: overcast & humid
Mood: all right

Temple of Low Men - Crowded House (1988)
I Feel Possessed

Kill Eye

Into Temptation

Mansion in the Slums

When You Come

Never Be the Same

Love This Life

Sister Madly

In the Lowlands

Better Be Home Soon

"No skips" is a thing people say, but it's rarely true. There's always some weak track. 

There isn't a single song on this album I could skip, for anything. So, four miles.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 171.8 lbs. (-2.8)

Obsession, anger, romance, nostalgia, madness, betrayal. So much betrayal. You could soundtrack my entire life with this one album. 

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

Drag-ass morning. The perfect day to have an afternoon run, instead. And maybe this should be the plan from this out?

T-minus two.