When I was and a tiny little boy

Distance: 5.7 miles
Weight: 167 lbs. (last night I was defeated by a carrot cake)
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: PowerBar Triple Threat
Time: 6.20 am
Temperature: 65º
Weather: the rain it raineth every day

Had I suggested to L. that we skip running and that she simply invite me in to have tea for half-hour, I am sure she would have agreed. As it was to be our last morning together for a while, I didn't. Hate to be inconvenient, but I am a runner, and what's a little rain?

Besides, in the ten minutes it ook me to get here I was already soaked, why shouldn't she join in the fun? And maybe, if she keeps this up in New York, she won't be daunted by a little rain.

Not that it was a little, it was a lot. It was a lot of rain.

The past few weeks have been very difficult at work, and I am intensely grateful that L. was in town to run with. I might have ditched on several occasions in the past two weeks, but for the anticipation of having her to run with. She leaves tomorrow. There's a 5K in Mayfield on Sunday. We'll see about that. In any event, camp is over in seven days, and with it, most of the summer.

Sigh.

Poncho

Distance: 5.7 miles
Weight: 165 lbs.
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: Slim Fast Meal Bar
Time: 6.20 am
Temperature: 63º
Weather: cool & rainy

A rainy day run! L. received some proper running gear for her birthday, shirts and shorts, but she didn't get to show them off as she was sporting a huge yellow poncho. She was like a kid on a rainy Halloween night, a day-glo bag obscuring her costume.

We were both terribly winded. Wearing extra gear didn't help either of us very much, she was up late at a party and everyone here is ill, except me, I think. In any case, I could use a good night's sleep and I just never get one. I'm hoping I will have the chance to sleep in a bit tomorrow, when I turn 39.

Thirty-nine. Jesus.

Discussion ranged from Zapatistas to HUAC to the Rosenbergs to the Little Lenin Library. All Commies, all the time.

Distance: 3.5 miles
Weight: 165.5 lbs.
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: Balance Bar
Time: 6.20 am
Temperature: 61º
Weather: cool

He Who Lived

Distance: 5.7 miles
Weight: 165.5 lbs.
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: Balance Bar
Time: 6.20 am
Temperature: 55º
Weather: quite cool and pleasant

Yes! I have signed up for the Road Runner Akron Half Marathon on Saturday, September 29. Maybe I am deluding myself, but I feel 13 miles is a walk in the park. I need to check out recommended training for such a race, but definitely feel I have time for it. And it gives me a goal.

L. says she's leaving town a week from today. That's a bit of a let-down, I didn't know it was going to be so soon. I've gotten used to going without music, listening to the street on my way to and from her house, and having someone to talk to. Running back today I marveled at how pain-free I have become. My legs, my head, everything feels good.

I was up until midnight last night, waiting in line for that book. I did not sleep very well. And yet, on the homestretch, I did not feel weary nor winded.

Is it ever gonna end?

Distance: 5.7 miles
Weight: 163.5 lbs.
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: Balance Bar
Time: 6.20 am
Temperature: 69º
Weather: cool and overcast

The wife is actually trying to compell me to run the Akron Half-Marathon on Sept. 29. Doesn't that just totally rock?

Another 2 point something miles with L. Hope to get her up to 3 in the next run or so. I need to map a different route, this one ends with an incline.

I contacted her after our last run to remind her to drink fluids before a morning run (especially if there has been any caffeine intake) and to be sure to eat something before heading out. And to go to the bathroom. The first time out is fun, the second time can be hard.

Look at me. I'm a coach.

Quite often I work out writing ideas while I jog. (Maybe that's why they call it that.) It is quite a different experience when you are actually talking out ideas - while running - with a writer you respect who validates or critiques certain points of your narrative, now that's really helpful.

On a different note ... In 1980 I started running so I could listen to Cindy talk about boys. It's twenty-seven years later and nothing has changed.

All I see anymore is history

Distance: 5.7 miles
Weight: 164 lbs.
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: PowerBar Triple Threat
Time: 6.20 am
Temperature: 70º
Weather: cool and overcast

Sunday I was sketching L. and she mentioned she was trying to get fit and I said, "Ooh! Would you run with me?" Just blurted it out, like an excited kid. She's been doing treadmill but it wasn't hard to talk her into it. Well, not the running. I think the 6.30 in the morning thing was a little more difficult to swallow.

No headphones, just talking. I haven't run with a partner since since running once with K. - when the hell was that, dude? Two years ago? Anyway, she was concerned about my having to slow down to accomodate, which of course I did, but that was a good thing. I think most of my injuries (shin splints, hamstrings, pulled toe muscles) are a result of just going too fast.

I mapped a three mile route from her place, through Cain Park and around again. Cain Park is gaining the reputation Central Park had in the 70s, but I thought it would be safe at 7 in the morning.

She asked how I started running ... and I told her. About 1980, 1988, 1991, 1994 ... next time I will be sure to let her say something.

Daddy's Got a Bubble Butt

Distance: 5.15 miles
Weight: 166 lbs.
Stretches: yes
Drink: Gatorade
Snack: PowerBar Triple Threat
Time: 6.45 am
Temperature: 64º
Weather: cool and a little humid

Chunk Style
Get Ready for This - 2 Unlimited
All This Time - Sting
Freaky - Soho
Jingling Baby (Remixed But Still Jingling)- LL Cool J
Real Real Real (The Real Pop Mix) - Jesus Jones
Good Stuff - The B-52s
International Bright Young Thing - Jesus Jones
Doin Da Butt - Gap Band
New Power Generation - Prince
Closer to God - Nine Inch Nails
Cooldown: Disappointed - Electronic