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

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.

It seems my weaknesses just keep going strong.

Hey! Me, too!

We settle in. We relax. Long mornings on the deck. No rush. A day can last a long time, if you use it well. Or don't use it at all. The cousins visit, we stay right where we are. We drink, a lot. It's cool.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Duration: 32:29
Pace: 9:17

Monday we planned a brief excursion to Damariscotta, it took the day. That's how we roll, out by ten, or ten-thirty, back around three-thirty, then a nap. We did discover a new favorite spot, King Eider's Pub, so that's news. Our old favorite place there, the one with the Bigfoot iconography, that's under new management. Alas.

The evening spent drinking and reading. Oh, and we visited the library. All good.

Except our other child had their flight bumped two days because of air quality. That's life in the 21st century. Not happy about that. 

Route: Martin Point Run
Temperature: 65°
Climate: overcast & cool
Mood: good?

Summer Hits of the 80s*

Working for the Weekend - Loverboy

Head Over Heels - The Go-Go's

The Boys of Summer - Don Henley

Don't You Want Me - Human League

Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & the Waves

Toy Soldiers - Martika

Faith - George Michael

Addicted to Love  - Robert Palmer ft. Eric "E.T." Thorngren

I didn't make this playlist. Most of these are not summer hits. No, they are not. I will do better next time.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: TBA

Don't forget me when I'm gone.

Last day of camp for the week. Isn't that great? The week ends Thursday. I'll be in the office tomorrow, it will feel like a day off. The kids have been super, so far. The high school team is working on splash scenes from The Importance of Being Earnest. 

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:49
Pace: 9:18
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 73°
Climate: overcast & hot
Mood: all right!

Yes, morning run. Well done. I got eight hours last night, the first in some time (honestly, two nights in a row is too long) but I woke at 1 AM to jack up the a/c. I had a headache. I no longer do.

Forget About Me (The Breakfast Club Play) Playlist

Oh Yeah - Yello

Jerk - Olive Tree

Dream Montage - Gary Chang

Are You Ready for the Sex Girls - Gleaming Spires

Left of Center - Suzanne Vega ft. Joe Jackson

Garden Song - Phoebe Bridgers

If You Were Here - Thompson Twins

Sunflower - Post Malone ft. Swae Lee

Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) - Glass Tiger

We have been properly abstemious. I had a beer last night. One drink. Because I was writing and relaxing. I have told myself never to drink when I am making dinner, I'll just want another one.

Clear head. A little weary. Ready to face the day. 

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 165 lbs. (-0-)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: yes

He running the game.

Twenty years ago, on June 11, 2006, I received confirmation that I had been accepted into that year's New York City Marathon.

"How the hell does one train for a marathon? I have books, and have consulted websites, and yet I am still trying to figure out how to work it into the schedule. Not the race, the training."

This language, or something very close to it, was used in And Then You Die. I was very aware that I would be directing, which is to say directing a production of HAMLET, directing a production of Hamlet ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN at the same time I would be deep into training.

"I am going to have to spend the month of September going to bed at midnight and waking up at 4."

And indeed, I was.

June 11, 2006 Playlist

All That She Wants - Ace of Base

Push It - Salt N Pepa

Steppin' Out - Joe Jackson

8 Mile - Eminem

The Way - Fastball

Crystal Wrists - Peter Murphy

Someday, Someway - Marshall Crenshaw

Let Go - Frou Frou

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:38
Pace: 8:54

These are the beautiful days. So often, we go straight from too cold and rainy directly to hot and torrid. These days are cool in the morning, but not too cool. Wrapped up on the deck, writing or reading, then parading about town in a light jacket. It's lovely.

And the runs are swell!

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 56°
Climate: perfect
Mood: very good

Two days dry. I think I woke for a moment in the night, and went right back to sleep. Slept until my alarm and woke refreshed, head clear, free of pain. It's a decision, the pleasant torpor of drink and drugs, or energy and awareness. I haven't wanted to be aware, for months. 

90s Pride Playlist

Finally - CeCe Peniston

Fireball - Pitbull ft. John Ryan

Red Alert - Basement Jaxx

Can't Get Blue Monday out of My Head - Kylie Minogue

It's My Life - Dr. Alban

Show Me Love - Robin S

Love Me Right (Oh Sheila) - Angel City ft. Lara McAllen

Okay, so? Not all from the 90s, I'm not mad.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 164 lbs. (-1.0)

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA

Sit-Ups: yes

Make you feel like a queen on a throne.

Got to choose the playlist the night before, just got to. And what better way to celebrate the first day of June?

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:38
Pace: 8:54

And speaking of new beginnings, I need a detox. This last week -- no, let's be honest, for weeks, months, even, I have been drinking consistently, every night. At least one drink, but usually two. And since the wife has been out of town, there has been a nightly use of additional toxicants.

It is June, The school year is complete. You can rest now. And you need to prepare for camp. 

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 60°
Climate: perfect 
Mood: strong!

Straight back, full chest, tight stomach, head high, feels good.

80s Gay Club Party

Relax (Come Fighting) - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys

Express Yourself - Madonna

Love With Tear Us Apart - Joy Division

Stop! - Erasure

Boy - Book of Love

Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite

Enola Gay - OMD

But seriously, I spent twenty minutes looking absolutely everywhere I went yesterday (inside the house -- I never left the house yesterday) from attic to basement and everywhere in-between, searching for my earbuds.

I gave up, resigned to eventually run without them, and returned to the book I had set on the deck ... and there were my earbuds, next to the book. No reason. Just took them outside this morning. Give them some air.

I really need to lay off the brownies. 

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 165 lbs. (-0-)

What if no alcohol?

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: yes

The echo machine ran wild.

US Cover

I have older brothers, and they have friends who became my friends and so I was into a lot of cool stuff many of my contemporaries were not, like indie movies from the 1970s, and some truly great albums.

One guy did a two-person, acoustic gig with his roommate /in their mod at O.U. which went over gangbusters for the twenty or so people who were in attendance, and I got a bootleg recording (yes, we can call it that) which I listened to a lot when I was a junior in high school.

Most of it was covers and they did a devastating take on the Hoodoo Gurus Dig It Up. It's not exemplary of their work, it's more of a novelty song, but it inspired me to pick up Stoneage Romeos, their first LP.

The Hoodoos had this funky retro garage band style, like Violent Femmes with more polish.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:24
Pace: 8:46
Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 46°
Climate: bright & cool
Mood: determined

AU Cover

Stoneage Romeos - Hoodoo Gurus (1984)

(Let's All) Turn On

I Want You Back

Arthur

Death Ship

Dig It Up

Leilani

Tojo *

In the Echo Chamber

Oh, dear. The same casual racism toward Asians as evidenced in contemporary tracks like Turning Japanese and China Girl.

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 167 lbs. (+1.0)

When do I just stop recording my weight?

Here’s the thing. I have been drinking a lot. Like, I feel like I have consumed more alcohol in the first four months of this year than I did in all of last year.

That’s how bad things are. Not at home, not with the world in general. Just to calm my nerves about my work. I still love everyone I work with. But it is so hard to manage all these thoughts. To rest. To sleep. To focus on one thing; a book, a movie, a conversation. It’s all too much.

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA 

Sit-Ups: TBA

Every morning I just hit the ground yawning.

There was this day, maybe the day after the day after new year's 1996, when I called in late to work and my boss said, "Remember, you're not on break anymore," which was a condescending thing to say and entirely appropriate for my relationship with her and sound advice for someone who was my age and at that time.

Joyce was a like a mother to me in many ways, and taught me many, many things. But that also means some of her admonishments stick in my mind the way those from my mother also still do. (Joyce is fine, by the way, this isn't about Joyce.)

Rolling out of the holidays, these days, I hit the ground running, as I have this year and better than most. However, I have been drinking a lot. Much of this has to do with what I have been doing with my evenings which has included a great deal of reading and writing. So, why not? I'm home and safe, the liquor is stocked and I am safely seated on the couch before the fire (ostensibly) writing.

Tea is a beverage, too, though. And water. We're short on seltzer, I need to get on that. The writing (and reading) gets worse as I drink, anyhow.

In 1990, I wrote an entire 300-page book manuscript fueled by Southern Comfort 100 and Camel Lights. It was garbage. 

Distance: 3 miles

Duration: 24:53
Route: rec center
Temperature: 22°
Climate: overcast & cold
Mood: full of scorpions

1994 Playlist

Rollercoaster (King Britt Scuba Remix) - Everything But the Girl

Stay (I Missed You) - Lisa Loeb

Intermittently - Barenaked Ladies

My Name is Jonas - Weezer

I Don’t Understand Anything - Everything But the Girl

Down to This - Soul Coughing

Shoop - Salt-N-Pepa

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

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: TBA

See you Saturday.

Your heart is racing.

Fall continues. This should be the breathing space, but it's not. There are responsibilities. There are also post-responsibility drinks, and that part is nice.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 27:19
Pace: 8:48

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 60°
Climate: bright & cool
Mood: better

Listen In 0120
Stretches: yes
Water: not really
Weight: 161 lbs.

Six episodes this season. The beginning appeared to lead somewhere but then they got a bit silly. We're back into some kind of ongoing narrative, but it doesn't matter. I like the voices. Breaks up the run.

Planks: TBA
Push-ups: TBA
Sit-Ups: TBA

This episode, however, was surprisingly relevant, dealing as it does with those people who believe they can do your job better than you do and talk behind your back to recent recruits about what you're doing wrong. We've all been though that, haven't we?

Fall '25 Workout

TGIF - GloRilla

I Know You'd Kill (The Blessed Madonna's Godsquad Mix) - Joy Crookes

Feeling Good (Austin Millz Remix) - Nina Simone 

Sex  - The Dare

The Beast - Lady Gaga

Different - Lady Can't Swim

I Can't Escape Myself - The Dare

Heaven Scent - Soulwax ft. Chloe Sevigny

This playlist keep giving.

Well, I'm dressed up so nice and I'm doing my best.

On the most recent installment of the Dear Hank and John podcast, John Green recounts an episode in which he was at a party and his friend said he'd like to leave in ten minutes or so and John announced, I will have one last beer, then.

His friend said to him, "No one has ever regretted not having that last beer." So John did not grab another beer, and he did not regret that decision. Sometimes, I am entirely in tune with that vibe. In fact, I had already though something like that last Monday at a company function. I had had one beer, I thought of having another but instead grabbed a seltzer. I do not regret that decision.

Now, if I can only make it through a long evening at home savoring one drink instead of having two, just because I can, I would really be onto something.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 29:39
Pace: 9:34

Big weekend. Lots of different places to be. Hope to make them all.

Route: Forest Hill Loop
Temperature: 83°
Climate: sunny & hot
Mood: very anxious

Hot, midday run. I will miss these days and they will be gone soon. Kink in my right knee, just walking hurts today. Feeling the age. Also, attending an induction ceremony for my high school, I felt at once very old and also that I hadn't gained any self-confience at all since 1984.

High School Run (1982-1985)

Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer

Cruel Summer - Bananarama

What a Day That Was (Live) - Talking Heads

I Ran (So Far Away) - Flock of Seagulls

Flashdance ... What a Feeling - Irene Cara

Conga! - Miami Sound Machine

Back of Love - Echo & the Bunnymen

Couldn't Stand the Weather - Stevie Ray Vaughn

Stretches: yes
Water: yes
Weight: 160 lbs.

Planks: yes
Push-ups: yes

Sit-Ups: TBA

Oh! Run away.

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

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 26:51
Pace: 8:39

Brisk!

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

Weight: 159 lbs.

Drank my dinner last night. The Tonys!

160-169 BPM Playlist

A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey

I Saw Him Standing There - Tiffany 

Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers

The Adults Are Talking - The Strokes

Runaways - XTC

The Night Before - The Beatles

Dilemma - Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

The written word is a lie.

Okay, here's a confession. And a qualification. I do not have a drinking problem. I have  problem with drinking. Alcohol has always given me a big headache. Always. I have often wondered if I have an allergy to the stuff, like an actual allergy. It makes me ill.

But I enjoy it. Thursday night I had two beers. One at eight, anther at ten. Two beers. We watched the show (Step Nine) got in late. Bed by one a.m.? I woke up at five in the morning, headachy and also shivering. I thought maybe I had Covid (I don't have Covid) and anyway it destroyed my morning. I was sick and in pain and couldn't pull it together until mid-afternoon.

Two beers. You think I'm lying. Two beers. This doesn't always happen but it happens often enough. I was talking to our eldest about it, and about my efforts at selective sobriety since early this year (see: March Mildness) and they said, maybe you need to accept that you can't have more than one drink.

They just said that, like that, to their father. It was so simple, and so straightforward and so helpful. And they're right. That is a decision I need to make. I am so proud we have raised such wise and thoughtful children.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 28:42
Pace: 9:15

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 74°
Climate: overcast & humid

Mood: good

 

Halfway through my run I got a call from James, and I took it. It was like running with a friend. Modern technology is cool sometimes.

 
Stretches: yes

Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, fresh strawberry, raspberry, cherry, banana w/yogurt & sunflower seeds

Lunch: Ethiopian leftovers

Snack: almonds

Dinner: vegan “chicken” sandwich

Alcohol? 1/2 pint Guinness 

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 172 lbs. (+1.0)

Goal: 165 lbs.

Okay, this is where I lose it. Bad habits, eating whatever. Let’s keep it together this time.

I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger.

What a great weekend, relaxing and spending money in downtown Cleveland. While I did not over eat, I sure did drink a lot, morning noon and night. I guess that's fun once in a while.

Time for a HOT RUN!

Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 38:36
Pace: 9:39

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 78°
Climate: sunny & HOT

Mood: very good

Early Alternative Playlist

Girls On Film - Duran Duran

Love Plus One - Haircut 100

Town Called Malice - The Jam

Cannonball - The Breeders

Train In Vain (Stand By Me) - The Clash

Tainted Love - The Soft Cell

Birthday - The Sugarcubes

Rise - The Public Image Ltd.

Ooh La La - The Faces

Roadrunner - The Modern Lovers

Goo Goo Muck - The Cramps

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.

Upper body: 10 reps. (2x)
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, (bland) gravy over (flat) biscuit, sausage patty, cut fruit & OJ 

Lunch: leftover pizza, slaw (1/2 C.), wafer cookies (2x)

Happy Hour: elderflower lemonade, fizzy water

Dinner: hot dog w/everything, slaw (1/2 C.)

So I get into these phases where I'll eat something with regularity like it's normal. Two dollar bag of Doritos, daily. Or a candy bar. Pop Tarts, maybe. Like, I'm fine I want this, I'll get it and eat it.

This has been the case with beer and whiskey, also, for some time. Or until just recently. Like, I want a drink, I'll have a beer.

Right now, at the end of a holiday day, I could have a beer, right? But that seems like a lot. I'm thirsty, but that seems heavy. Even a light beer. And that's a good way to feel. Yesterday we had a Bloody Mary at breakfast, which was good for my head. Yes, it was! And a beer at the game, because you do. There was "free" beer at the hotel before dinner, who wouldn't? Who wouldn't twice -- they weren't huge pours, after all. And a cocktail at dinner. That's how you have five drinks over the course of one day.

But, it's now the exception that proves the rule. No alcohol today, nor tomorrow. Probably over dinner on Wednesday, because we are going out to celebrate our son's graduation.

Intentional drinking. 

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 178 lbs. (+2.0)

Goal: 175 lbs.

Run for your children.

Today, our son turns eighteen. Can you imagine?

Distance: 2.5 miles

Duration: 24:06
Pace: 9:38

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 49°
Climate: sunny & cool

Mood: all right

Oof. Full stomach, woke at five, wearing a jacket. It was a slog. But it was nice. Maybe run the Heights 5K Saturday? I will rest tomorrow.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

I'm Always Chasing Rainbows - Alice Cooper

San Francisco - The Mowgli's

Poor Girl - X

This Is the Day - The The

No Sleep Till Brooklyn - Beastie Boys

Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine

I Will Dare - The Replacements

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.

Upper body: 10 rep. (3x)
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, crepes w/whipped cream, pork sausage, mango juice

Coffee Break: latte w/oatmilk

Lunch: smoothie bowl w/blueberry, raspberry, mango, vanilla granola & agave

Snack: banana, English muffin w/butter & marmalade

Happy Hour: Hazecraft IPA

Dinner: Alsatian gnocchi w/pickle, bean salad

Keeping track of the diet again. It's been a month and I haven't lost any more weight. End of the day I get compulsive. But you know what? I am never not compulsive. I am no weaker today than I am any other day. Just be mindful. Relax.

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 178.5 lbs. (-2.5)

Goal: 175 lbs.

Beer on Thursday? Yes. I just put up the NEW porch lights. I shall sip and enjoy.

Four-Mile Elder Run

This is weird.

Last Monday, when the eldest and I took that run in Athens and it was so fucking windy, they asked if I remembered that time on the beach and of course I knew exactly what they were talking about.

We had run about a mile down the beach, which was fine, and then turned around and I realized we had made a mistake, because the wind was very, very hard. It was 2015, they were twelve.

The goal, of course, was to run the Island Independence Day 5K together and they had already expressed concern that they wouldn't be able to manage it. This suddenly very difficult training run did not help.

On Sunday I reminded them how we had succeeded, we made the 5K, in our matching Captain America shirts, and finished it together in very good time.

Yes, they said. Even that day on the beach, they pushed hard and ran all the way to the house without stopping, peeling away from me and up the beach. At the time I thought they were trying to get away from me, that they were angry with me. What they were really trying to do was finish, by getting back to the house.

"I kept saying things like, you're doing great," I recalled. "And you kept telling me to shut up."

They laughed. They apologized. No need.

Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 41:34
Pace: 10:23

Route: Cain Park Loop

Temperature: 58°
Climate: sunny & warm

Mood: very good

Is it a coincidence that, after the first evening I have a cocktail at home, that my sleep is disrupted so completely? The fat before was fraught with anxiety, and I sought to unwind, but I slept a few hours and then lie awake, worrying.

Not just about issues, but about my health. I felt achy. I had resumed upper body exercises, was that it? Or did I have Covid? Were the next two weeks ruined?

I got up. I had a glass of water. I read. I tried to go back to sleep.

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: tbd

Upper body: tbd
Water: yes

Eldest requested a four mile and chose the city route. Went extremely well, it makes me so happy when they are home. And I feel so much better than I did in the middle of the night.

I'll try to be your forever man.

Phone strap already falling apart. Not even one year. Everything is crap.

The guy woke up too early this morning, not remembering it's a late start. So why not run? He only wanted to do one mile, which turned out great for me, because he got my heart racing with a fast lap around the block, and then I went to the park for an extended run. Five miles! Just as well, because 1985 is one of my very longest playlists.

Distance: 5 miles

Duration: 47:34
Pace: 9:30

Route: one time around the block + extended Forest Hill loop

Temperature: 60°
Climate: perfect

Mood: excellent

 

1985 Playlist

One Vision - Queen

When All's Well - Everything But the Girl

Silent Running - Mike + the Mechanics

Broken Wings - Mister Mister

Another Generation - Fishbone

Raspberry Beret - Prince

Forever Man - Eric Clapton

Tarzan Boy - Baltimora

Sinking - The Cure

How to Be a Millionaire - ABC

Fire in the Twilight*  - Wang Chung

Last year I didn't finish the year runs until Father's Day. I'm already seeing the conclusion. At that time, I had also dropped to 179 lbs., but then I almost lost sight in one eye, had a period of recuperation, and soon gained it all back.

I am trying to maintain the mildness of March. Did not drink a lot in Athens, not comparatively. Nothing last night, no drinking school nights. Keep going.

What was 1985? I thought I would be an actor. Damn Yankees. Directing Living Together. All Thespians, all the time. And marching band. And fooling around, a lot. And really, really depressed. And having the time of my life. It's pretty amazing, being seventeen.

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.

Upper body: 5 rep.
Water: yes

Really. It's okay not to run every single day. It's all right. Let yourself rest.

Tuesday

Breakfast: raisin bran w/fresh kiwi, strawberry & banana, oatmilk

Coffee Break: latte w/oatmilk, two Tagalongs

Lunch: mac & cheese & peas, banana

Snack: lil Pepsi, dried fruit & nuts

Dinner: ramen w/chicken  fried egg, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, scallions, sweet pepper

Sometimes I fantasize about breakfast.

Wednesday

Breakfast: coffee w/cream, fruit smoothie bowl w/fresh mango, raspberry & blueberry, granola & honey

Coffee Break: latte w/oatmilke, two Tagalongs

Lunch: baba & pita, spinach pie

Dinner: big ass burrito half (can't even articulate what's in it), tortilla chips, fizzy water

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 182 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

Could you please walk a little slower?

So far, March Mildness has been a success. It has been easy to say no, just yesterday I thought hey, I'm in a coffee show, getting tea. Why not a cookie? But why a cookie, would I enjoy it? Am I in the mood for a cookie, or is it just that cookies are readily available (and not even that, I'd have to pay for it) so I just got the tea. Easy.

And the alcohol. Really. Sitting in a bar with my brother drinking a Coke (it could have been water) I was worried about what the bartender might think -- for a moment. Then I just enjoyed my Coke.

There's a week left, we are going out of town. That makes me think, ooh, dining out, won't I want to drink? Well, no, actually. I'd rather keep a clear head, thanks. It feels good.

What about the future? Stop keeping the beer fridge fully stocked, for one thing. It encourages consumption. Doing dishes is not a cause for celebration. Save it for the weekend, or special moments. Sure, a show, a movie, a dinner out. Sitting in front of the fire on a Tuesday evening, a glass of water would also taste good. Yeah, I said it. Taste.

Distance: 2.25 miles

Duration: 22:57
Pace: 10:03

Route: Horizon Loop (clockwise)

Temperature: 53°
Climate: overcast & cold

Pavement: dry
Mood: determined

1968 Playlist

Open My Eyes - Nazz

Astral Weeks - Van Morrison

A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley

Love Child - Diana Ross & The Supremes

Girl Watcher - The O'Kaysions

Street Fighting Man - The Rolling Stones

Glass Onion - The Beatles 

 

Know what has truly improved? My lungs. No more gasping, I should make note of whether or not I am sighing anymore. Or as much. I will always sigh.

Standing up might make me huff with exertion, but that's because my muscles ache, my knees.

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/oatmilk, pizza slice, ranch

Lunch: cake, ice cream

Happy Hour: raspberry fizzy water

Dinner: crab cake, latke, tuna w/sweet potatoes & mushrooms, a few bites of assorted dessert

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 183.5 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 180 lbs.

First, we run.

This is a cartoon I drew in college.

A beautiful weekend. Yesterday was sunshiny and we went out and communed with animals and made a lovely dinner. I even had cake and ice cream last night, and that was nice. 

The non-alcoholic beer was to make me feel festive without breaking my resolve, but it's not like that stuff is low-calorie or anything. I've gotten into the habit of drinking water, in lieu of other things.

I have been through St. Pat's and Calvin's Day without feeling the need to imbibe. It's been three weeks into March Mildness now, and the wife asks how I feel. Good, I guess. Certainly no worse.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 31:15
Pace: 10:04

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 53°
Climate: partly cloudy & nice

Pavement: dry
Mood: good

 

1998 Playlist

As - George Michael ft. Mary J. Blige

Body Movin' (Fatboy Slim Remix)  - Beastie Boys

Rock Is Dead - Marilyn Manson

Misinformed - Soul Coughing

The Rockafeller Skank - Fatboy Slim

La femme d'argent - Air

You Get What You Give - New Radicals

 

So '98.

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec. (2x)
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/oatmilk

Lunch: latte w/oatmilk, smoothie bowl w/mango, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla granola & honey

Snack: apple, banana

Dinner: baked potato with cheese, vegetarian chili & sour cream, broccoli ww/lemon & butter

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 186 lbs. (-0.5)

Goal: 185 lbs.

Told you.

Watch me run away.

Not napping during the day, and not drinking any alcohol, and exercise, these things have all contributed to healthy nights of sleep. I hope this continues.

We went out for dinner last night, an evening of dietary indulgence. So strange, to leave a restaurant entirely sober.

Distance: 2.55 miles

Duration: 26:18
Pace: 10:19

Route: Forest Hill Loop (pond only)

Temperature: 30°
Climate: overcast & cold

Pavement: mostly dry
Mood: good, you know?

Pushing through a quick morning run. Not sure I will have time for it later.

 

2019 Playlist

Black Out (Acoustic) - Frank Turner

Running Up That Hill - Meg Myers

This Time It's Different - Heart Bones

Hold On - Ames

See You at Your Funeral - Pup

Comeback Kid - Sharon Van Etten

Moderation - Florence + The Machine

No Roots- Alice Merton

 

What was 2019? My worst marathon. The boy started high school that fall, the wife her final year at that school. Mom began her decline. There were good times, About a Ghoul was a highpoint. 

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/oatmilk cream, strawberry yogurt w/pineberries banana & granola

Lunch: corned beef on rye, potato chips

Dinner: popcorn

Cocktail Hour: Fresca

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 187 lbs. (-1.0)

Goal: 185 lbs.

There's nowhere to run.

Don't think about the pandemic.

Seriously, though! No alcohol on the weekends! That's weird! Saturday night it was like, 5 PM and I am thinking, beer? I'm passing the beer fridge -- which I was emptying over the course of the month of February -- and I'm like, there's beer in there! That would be good right now.

Anyway, no. Tea is good, too. But it sure makes the evening last longer. We went to bed at 9:30 like a couple of old people.

Distance: 3.1 miles

Duration: 31:59
Pace: 10:19

Route: Forest Hill Loop

Temperature: 41°
Climate: sunny & cool

Pavement: dry
Mood: all right

Remember to wear gloves when it is below 40°. You can always take them off. But glory be! What a beautiful day.

2020 Playlist

Blue Monday - Sebastian Böhm

Heart of Glass (Live) - Miley Cyrus

We Go On - The Avalanches ft. Cola Boyy, Mick Jones & Karen Carpenter

Levitating - Dupa Lipa

Straight To the Morning - Hot Chip ft. Jarvis Cocker

TCR - Sleaford Mods (152 bpm)

Interstellar Love - The Avalanches ft. Leon Bridges

Dynamite - BTS

Crossbow - Tamar Aphek

 

Two covers and two samples from my youth. I am getting old.

What was 2020? Jesus. What wasn't 2020? My mother died, then we had a pandemic. The summer uprising, the near total descent into Fascism -- still could happen, no worries. Our eldest had their senior year canceled, and I started grad school.

 
Stretches: yes
Abdominals: 90 sec.
Water: yes

Breakfast: coffee w/almond cream, homemade bread w/butter & sunbutter

Lunch: parmesan pasta w/roasted root vegetables

Dinner: vegan ramen & salad ... and half a vegan fruit tart

Happy Hour: Cherry Kool-Aid

Baseline: 195 lbs.

Current: 189 lbs. (-2.5)

New Goal: 185 lbs.

Here's the thing. Recently I learned that Ewan McGregor, who was already decently fit in 1995 (and only 24 years old) achieved his heroin user weight for the movie Trainspotting by giving up beer. He claims the pounds melted away.

 I drink a beer every day, or most days. At least one. So, for five days I have not consumed beer nor any alcohol, and lost six pounds immediately. This will not continue, the rapid weight loss, I mean. But we are on our way.