Rode the bike on to the train again. Weather is nice today. Benched 185 again last night in sets of 10, 8, 6, 6.
Today, however, in a good mood this morning because of the news about the Screaming Trees!
I had read somewhere, a time ago, that they had shelved an entire album's worth of material but never thought it was true, nor that I'd ever hear it if it were. So, with a renewed enthusiasm for the band (whom I primarily save for Fall and Winter months -- there's something about listening to Sweet Oblivion and Dust while traveling to a pumpkin or apple farm that makes all the sense in the world), I decided to listen to some more obscure Trees tunes I've amassed over the years. I have been a fan since the 90s. I had acquired Sweet Oblivion in roughly 1995 and then, after seeing the band open for Oasis at Jones Beach in 1996 (and blowing them away, and then sitting right next to Gary Conner afterward) bought Dust and life has been fuller since then.
Here some autobiographical notes, thoughts and anecdotes will accompany the tracks I listened to today.
"Tomorrow's Dream" -- This was a song off the "Dollar Bill" single (the other is "Peace In the Valley"). "Dream" is a Black Sabbath tune and Lanegan has to match Ozzy's pitch. The music itself, while solid, isn't a whole lot different than Sab's other than the tempo may be upped a bit. Mark doesn't often sing so high and I think he had the ability to do back then (1992 -4?) because I reckon he hasn't yet smoked an Empire State Building's worth of cigarettes. He's got more than 15 years of smooth nicotine and tar in his throat now, and he still does great work, but I don't know if he could hit the notes in that key. Still, it's a great "garage band"-sounding cover. The entire 3-song single's concept is quite smart because the title track is truly a middle ground between both the metal and the folk/country covers. It exhibits the range this band possessed -- they truly were peaking at Dust (had another album followed it, I'm confident it would've been just as good, if not better) and this was a taste of things to come.
I think I bought that single in the little CD shop that had a short run in the Flea Market and that was roughly around 1996 or 7. Bought two Jon Spencer Blues Explosion albums there, too, and sold those.
"ESK," "Paperback Bible," "Watchpocket Blues" -- Sometime in '07 or '08 I hit the library and saw Ocean of Confusion. I didn't need it save for these three tracks, which were B-sides/unreleased. Elated, I burned them immediately.
There's certainly a difference in the tone b/w SO and Dust -- I think of SO as an 'earthy' album and the latter a more 'ethereal' -- and these tend to veer toward the former. They rock with a little more rawness and would've been the standouts of Sweet Oblivion, but then I can see how tunes like "Butterfly" would have been lost in the mix. I could even argue that they sound like the period b/w Uncle Anesthesia and SO, and I'd still veer toward SO. I tend to listen to these three in one felt swoop as they rock without being showy or overly heavy. The distortion is a little muted, as I can imagine you don't want to overpower your singer too much.
"Bed of Roses" -- Uncle Anesthesia had eluded me for years after becoming a Trees fan. I'm not entirely sure I had even seen what the album cover had looked like. In all the trips to music stores and used CD places I hadn't seen it in the flesh until I landed in the Haight-Ashbury section of San Francisco in May 2007. It was toward the end of Liz and my California road trip and I was still suffering from allergies, but we would wind up at the greatest music store I'd ever been -- Amoeba Music Outlet.
I had bought music from them via ebay and they weren't originally on the agenda but we were on foot and walking through the district and there was a magnetic pull. I got this album, used, for 5 bucks. There were two copies. The only reason I wish I'd purchased the other is because the liner notes were stuck together. (I picked up the goods that day -- some of it really cheap -- got the Eric Clapton "Johnson" CD+DVD combo for 10 bucks, also.) This was a search mission, however, I'd been on for 10 years without really even knowing it.
The album, overall, is good. It demonstrates the maturity in sound from the prev. lo-fi efforts but there's some quality issues I have with it. Should it ever be remastered, I would probably pick it up b/c it sounds like the band is playing in a hollow apartment building floor. It's not the echo that irks me so much as the limitations of technology (and funding?). I don't "love" the album b/c I don't find the guitar riffs as challenging or interesting as the two later efforts. It's solid for what it is, but it's mostly glorified 4-chord stuff. Had I heard the Trees' catalogue chronologically I might feel different but it's pretty much the same way I feel about the Afghan Whigs regressing from Gentlemen, and I think that all stems from maturity (on their part and now mine) and production quality.
This song, however, might be the catchiest. This has Mark's voice confidently hovers above it all with slow, passionate lyrics. But he's not overpowering the band -- it's truly a complementary, gelling effort here. It's even got its pop influence here but in a Steve Miller sort of way.
I still buy almost everything Lanegan is associated with nowadays. He's got to be one of the most versatile musicians I've ever heard. It's not hard to find a song he's written that can mirror any mood you are in. I've seen him live as a Tree, a Gutter Twin, and with Isobel Campbell. Many have seen him as a Queen of the Stone Age.
As I approach Albany Street (the only light at which I need to stop, thankfully), I realize that Barrett Martin himself is on the Trees' facebook page and I had written a thank-you on the page as a comment. I wonder if he'd be willing to answer some q's for this blog.
This whole month has been on the bike. The days where I wasn't at work are like questions omitted from the SATs as they do not count against you. So this month I was 20-for-20. I'll cap it off with a lunch run.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Rt day #440
Nothing terribly interesting during today's ride.
After yesterday's return ride debacle (chain came off again) I realize that this never happens on the southbound trip because the road is paved and because I'm not in a rush. The northbound trip and even the trip to station in the morning can have those characteristics, so I'll just have to be more efficient. I'm always on the lookout for potholes and such on the return ride but I guess I'll have to be more strategic as to where I exert the most energy -- and it seems like once I get to 4th Street is the ideal spot b/c the ground will be flatter.
Have passed the 2/3 mark of TACN. Covered a lot of pages in the DMV (twice) but it's still a good read. He uses some really wild words. PASSACAGLIA. Part of a chapter title. Use that in a sentence and someone's nose might start bleeding profusely. The prev. chapter was mostly just a good short story and contradicts what he has said about the uselessness of American parks and playgrounds since he has a blast with two kids for a day at a park. I wonder what Miller would've thought about the internet -- he'd probably get really addicted to x-rated material.
I made the 818 and am still on my way very swiftly and I realize it's because I didn't have to wait on one light the entire ride -- not even at Vestry.
Saw "X-Men: First Class" yesterday. It was good -- I think they should've made this before "Wolverine" b/c there are some obvious inconsistencies but it's all entertainment. Hopefully will see GL next week.
Ran 21:14 yesterday -- 2nd best time since it all began (by 2 seconds).
Listened to a nice medley of RHCP and Jane's today. Nothing I haven't tagged before.
Finished this trip in 25 minutes exactly.
Thank you for reading.
After yesterday's return ride debacle (chain came off again) I realize that this never happens on the southbound trip because the road is paved and because I'm not in a rush. The northbound trip and even the trip to station in the morning can have those characteristics, so I'll just have to be more efficient. I'm always on the lookout for potholes and such on the return ride but I guess I'll have to be more strategic as to where I exert the most energy -- and it seems like once I get to 4th Street is the ideal spot b/c the ground will be flatter.
Have passed the 2/3 mark of TACN. Covered a lot of pages in the DMV (twice) but it's still a good read. He uses some really wild words. PASSACAGLIA. Part of a chapter title. Use that in a sentence and someone's nose might start bleeding profusely. The prev. chapter was mostly just a good short story and contradicts what he has said about the uselessness of American parks and playgrounds since he has a blast with two kids for a day at a park. I wonder what Miller would've thought about the internet -- he'd probably get really addicted to x-rated material.
I made the 818 and am still on my way very swiftly and I realize it's because I didn't have to wait on one light the entire ride -- not even at Vestry.
Saw "X-Men: First Class" yesterday. It was good -- I think they should've made this before "Wolverine" b/c there are some obvious inconsistencies but it's all entertainment. Hopefully will see GL next week.
Ran 21:14 yesterday -- 2nd best time since it all began (by 2 seconds).
Listened to a nice medley of RHCP and Jane's today. Nothing I haven't tagged before.
Finished this trip in 25 minutes exactly.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Oh come, sweet DMV, one MORE last caress
Note to self: Do not go to the DMV at Herald Square ever again. Having gotten there less than 15 minutes after it had opened, the line for the tickets was out the door.
You look @ that and just feel your eyes involuntarily retreating to the back of your skull. Whilst listening to a familiar list (which started after crossing the Highway) after exiting the Piers' bathroom, I just breezed southbound.
I read a lot of the Miller book yesterday (2 DMV sessions and a 30-minute train delay affords one some time to catch up on literature) and today's section focuses on music, which I enjoy. Must also research and listen to the work of Edgar Varese. One particular line really speaks to me -- shakes me to my core. "Death is one thing and deadness is another." Deadness is something I can feel but do my best to shake off by way of reading and exercising and eating well and being married. I do feel deadness (in small doses, oftentimes) during the course of the mandatory 40-hour week. It comes with the territory in feeling unfulfilled (in this case, with regard to my current desk jockeying.) The best forms of education, literature, entertainment and communication, I realize, exploit this topic. Recently, Daytripper really delved in to it and that's why that book stays with me.
Others: Thin Red Line (book and film), Life: A User's Manual, Farewell to Arms, Death Magnetic, Henry Rollins, RHCP.
I'm not complaining, really, I just want more out of life.
I have made good time getting to the downtown DMV and will try to get everything done there now.
Post Script: I'm finally done! There are forms I can mail in for other things and I will gladly do that. Leaving that place of deadness -- where they intentionally try to keep you subconsciously happy by playing disco tunes, I see through that one -- the truckers looked at me funny as I felt like I just made a huge bowel movement and to my delight, I only needed to wipe once. There's imagery for ya!
Thank you for reading.
You look @ that and just feel your eyes involuntarily retreating to the back of your skull. Whilst listening to a familiar list (which started after crossing the Highway) after exiting the Piers' bathroom, I just breezed southbound.
I read a lot of the Miller book yesterday (2 DMV sessions and a 30-minute train delay affords one some time to catch up on literature) and today's section focuses on music, which I enjoy. Must also research and listen to the work of Edgar Varese. One particular line really speaks to me -- shakes me to my core. "Death is one thing and deadness is another." Deadness is something I can feel but do my best to shake off by way of reading and exercising and eating well and being married. I do feel deadness (in small doses, oftentimes) during the course of the mandatory 40-hour week. It comes with the territory in feeling unfulfilled (in this case, with regard to my current desk jockeying.) The best forms of education, literature, entertainment and communication, I realize, exploit this topic. Recently, Daytripper really delved in to it and that's why that book stays with me.
Others: Thin Red Line (book and film), Life: A User's Manual, Farewell to Arms, Death Magnetic, Henry Rollins, RHCP.
I'm not complaining, really, I just want more out of life.
I have made good time getting to the downtown DMV and will try to get everything done there now.
Post Script: I'm finally done! There are forms I can mail in for other things and I will gladly do that. Leaving that place of deadness -- where they intentionally try to keep you subconsciously happy by playing disco tunes, I see through that one -- the truckers looked at me funny as I felt like I just made a huge bowel movement and to my delight, I only needed to wipe once. There's imagery for ya!
Thank you for reading.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Oh come, sweet DMV, one last caress
A recap of what transpired on Friday afternoon:
Didn't run on Friday at all. Was riding as hard as possible, which was difficult weaving through the traffic at the Canal St. light. As I approached the numbered streets, I must've hit some air (a whole 2 inches, perhaps?) and the chain came off. I kept myself calm and fixed it, having the experience of a morning some weeks before fresh in mind. I was now just gunning for the 523. I made it in to Penn, and an underrated sensation is the riotous one I feel having stayed alive after a quick ride and then having to wait on a downward escalator. Dashing to Track 20, I made the 520 as the doors closed on the bike. Afterward nothing mattered.
I realize who the "you" is a lot of the time when I curse in to the wind, and the "you" is sometimes my former self, but mostly just Time. Time is an enemy -- though Time is indiscriminate -- Time is not on my side. I'll never beat Time (I'll beat the Time of my former self) but at best I can only break even in the moment.
On to today:
With our license plates in tow, I made the 749 with plenty of time to ensure that I can get to the Xpress DMV on 34th. Oh wait, the powerlines went on the LB tracks. So I dashed to RVC to make whatever train I could. I don't know what train it is b/c we're a half hour earlier than normal. The answer is that I was about 60 seconds too late for an express Penn train. I pushed pretty hard, too but Time won that one, probably to even the score from Friday. Still, just waited for the next one and it was fine.
What a colossal waste of time the Xpress DMV was -- although it cert. read online that we'd qualify for the services they'd solely provide, I was told to go to a full-service one.
So I dashed down. Hearing THIS internally. Thinking about the special torture awaiting me during my lunch break at the Battery Park DMV.
I found myself starting to have the same old feelings from a year ago as a confrontation with Smithers was pending, but I was able to silence it. Let's just focus the attention elsewhere.
Thank you for reading.
Didn't run on Friday at all. Was riding as hard as possible, which was difficult weaving through the traffic at the Canal St. light. As I approached the numbered streets, I must've hit some air (a whole 2 inches, perhaps?) and the chain came off. I kept myself calm and fixed it, having the experience of a morning some weeks before fresh in mind. I was now just gunning for the 523. I made it in to Penn, and an underrated sensation is the riotous one I feel having stayed alive after a quick ride and then having to wait on a downward escalator. Dashing to Track 20, I made the 520 as the doors closed on the bike. Afterward nothing mattered.
I realize who the "you" is a lot of the time when I curse in to the wind, and the "you" is sometimes my former self, but mostly just Time. Time is an enemy -- though Time is indiscriminate -- Time is not on my side. I'll never beat Time (I'll beat the Time of my former self) but at best I can only break even in the moment.
On to today:
With our license plates in tow, I made the 749 with plenty of time to ensure that I can get to the Xpress DMV on 34th. Oh wait, the powerlines went on the LB tracks. So I dashed to RVC to make whatever train I could. I don't know what train it is b/c we're a half hour earlier than normal. The answer is that I was about 60 seconds too late for an express Penn train. I pushed pretty hard, too but Time won that one, probably to even the score from Friday. Still, just waited for the next one and it was fine.
What a colossal waste of time the Xpress DMV was -- although it cert. read online that we'd qualify for the services they'd solely provide, I was told to go to a full-service one.
So I dashed down. Hearing THIS internally. Thinking about the special torture awaiting me during my lunch break at the Battery Park DMV.
I found myself starting to have the same old feelings from a year ago as a confrontation with Smithers was pending, but I was able to silence it. Let's just focus the attention elsewhere.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, June 24, 2011
In the Mist.
Made my new early train for my appended Friday schedule.
Just a little tired and I have four turkey tacos sitting in my large intestine so that's what's going on inside me today.
Finished another chapter of TACN -- Miller loves France. The end of that chapter.
I'd like to run today, truly I would. Some of it depends on the weather and the rest depends on me. The trains to LB are at 520 and 523. If I ride the bike at a moderate pace I can do it in under 23 minutes but if I really focus and push I have been known to accomplish the ride in closer to 18. I know from recent experience that the former train leaves departs from track 20, which is tougher to reach in time. If I run today, I will be a little tired but confident in making the 523. Plus, the fact that it's misty gives me a 50/50 outlook on the run b/c if it's just a drizzle then it'll be a nice run but if it's raining then it's unnecessary. I'll play it wisely.
Some of the conductors and ticket takers have these massive guts as they plow through the seating lanes. When I see them coming at me I cringe. I will never look that way, ever. I know I will age, but I will not ingest 10,000 calories a day and do nothing in the process of aging. This is really the one thing I have complete control over and I will exercise that control until I die. Case in point: The one beer I had last night put me under. It takes me almost a month to finish a 12-pack and the circumstances need to be right: Earlier in the day I cannot have hit the gym, nor run, and the beer comes mid- or post-dinner.
It stunk as I approached the Highway crossing at 29th. Raw sewage to the max. (RFTC: "I'm Not Invisible" "Get Down") I knew I'd have to wait so I crossed to the median and hung out there. Though I am against the clock, I don't want to go to 24th today to cross over.
As I pulled up to the crossing at Albany Street, I realized I was a few "furloughs" behind a higher-up at work of whom I'm not very fond. Normally I'd pull right up to the front of the median but I remained as inconspicuously toward the back as I could. Though I have worked for him for 6 years, he's never once even said hello. The one or two times he has spoken to me it's been in a large-scale meeting where I've been asked to accept lousy terms, reneged promises and less money. I don't want to acknowledge nor make small talk with someone of this caliber.
Have to bring the bike inside today, as just after I crossed over it began to rain more zealously. The person from work can get stuck in it -- I'll be covered in the next 20 seconds.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Rolling Stones: "Time Is On My Side"
Pearl Jam: "Once" "Even Flow" "Why Go" "Jeremy"
Just a little tired and I have four turkey tacos sitting in my large intestine so that's what's going on inside me today.
Finished another chapter of TACN -- Miller loves France. The end of that chapter.
I'd like to run today, truly I would. Some of it depends on the weather and the rest depends on me. The trains to LB are at 520 and 523. If I ride the bike at a moderate pace I can do it in under 23 minutes but if I really focus and push I have been known to accomplish the ride in closer to 18. I know from recent experience that the former train leaves departs from track 20, which is tougher to reach in time. If I run today, I will be a little tired but confident in making the 523. Plus, the fact that it's misty gives me a 50/50 outlook on the run b/c if it's just a drizzle then it'll be a nice run but if it's raining then it's unnecessary. I'll play it wisely.
Some of the conductors and ticket takers have these massive guts as they plow through the seating lanes. When I see them coming at me I cringe. I will never look that way, ever. I know I will age, but I will not ingest 10,000 calories a day and do nothing in the process of aging. This is really the one thing I have complete control over and I will exercise that control until I die. Case in point: The one beer I had last night put me under. It takes me almost a month to finish a 12-pack and the circumstances need to be right: Earlier in the day I cannot have hit the gym, nor run, and the beer comes mid- or post-dinner.
It stunk as I approached the Highway crossing at 29th. Raw sewage to the max. (RFTC: "I'm Not Invisible" "Get Down") I knew I'd have to wait so I crossed to the median and hung out there. Though I am against the clock, I don't want to go to 24th today to cross over.
As I pulled up to the crossing at Albany Street, I realized I was a few "furloughs" behind a higher-up at work of whom I'm not very fond. Normally I'd pull right up to the front of the median but I remained as inconspicuously toward the back as I could. Though I have worked for him for 6 years, he's never once even said hello. The one or two times he has spoken to me it's been in a large-scale meeting where I've been asked to accept lousy terms, reneged promises and less money. I don't want to acknowledge nor make small talk with someone of this caliber.
Have to bring the bike inside today, as just after I crossed over it began to rain more zealously. The person from work can get stuck in it -- I'll be covered in the next 20 seconds.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Rolling Stones: "Time Is On My Side"
Pearl Jam: "Once" "Even Flow" "Why Go" "Jeremy"
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Plow through
An average day, I suppose. Ran yesterday and did 21:30. Solid #s. Hit the gym last night and was able to do my 30 reps of 185 lbs and the sets are getting closer to what I want them to be. Also hit the bag for a while and there's a major difference between doing it in the open space and in the morbidly humid room.
Finished the 2nd half of chapter 2 of TACN. Wow, when Miller wants to be negative and sarcastic he pulls no punches. The book is written in the late 1930s/early 40s, and he is demonizing Henry Ford and Walt Disney. Not a whole hell of a lot has changed, though we realize now we need Ford's company, not the man himself.
Am listening to Monster Magnet's Mastermind, and not the normal tracks. It's a good one but they peaked at PowerTrip.
There's a lot of traffic on my lane -- cyclists, joggers, skaters.
I'm not going to run today. And the fog is thick. I liked yesterday's mini-shower.
Thank you for reading.
Finished the 2nd half of chapter 2 of TACN. Wow, when Miller wants to be negative and sarcastic he pulls no punches. The book is written in the late 1930s/early 40s, and he is demonizing Henry Ford and Walt Disney. Not a whole hell of a lot has changed, though we realize now we need Ford's company, not the man himself.
Am listening to Monster Magnet's Mastermind, and not the normal tracks. It's a good one but they peaked at PowerTrip.
There's a lot of traffic on my lane -- cyclists, joggers, skaters.
I'm not going to run today. And the fog is thick. I liked yesterday's mini-shower.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
how the title of a Mr. Bungle song made its way in to my reading list
Had my full, uninterrupted sleep and feel quite good today.
Maybe a little tired but that's fine. Had breakfast (bowl of Total, half banana, blueberries, cinnamon) and coffee and it makes a difference.
I started reading Henry Miller's Air Conditioned Nightmare today and I'm almost immediately hooked. Just in his speaking about what bogs us, as Americans, down has me sold. That it was published near the end of WWII is kind of cool, mostly because the message is timeless, so far.
Interesting autobiographical note -- I knew a song called "The Air Conditioned Nightmare" well before I knew it was a (famous) book. It was performed by Mr. Bungle and it was one of the 5 songs that made California a half-way decent album. I say half-way because I look back and really only 5 songs stood out as winners (there's a reason it's not on the IPOD). So imagine my surprise 7 years later when I came across Miller's library in Big Sur and put two and two together. The book is 300 pgs long -- I suspect I'll have it finished quickly b/c I'm in to it. The deal with Miller is that the writing is so dense that it often takes a while to get through it. (Big Sur and the Oranges... was not a quick nor simple read) But since reading Sextet only a couple of months ago (I didn't finish it b/c one long chapter was an in-depth book review for a novel which I haven't read) I feel the style is fresh in my memory.
I'm wearing the famous Al Bundy jersey and am moving pretty quickly. Made the light at the Highway.
It started raining once I hit Pier 40 but I gotta say it felt really good. I just had to rotate the Ipod on my arm underneath it so it'd get less wet and that was all. I am sched'd to run today (which is cool b/c I have End Of Silence in my bag) and I hope it rains then, too. Nothing too hard but just enough so that it feels good.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Megadeth: "Poison Was The Cure" "Lucretia"
Chickenfoot: "Avenida Revolucion" "Soap On a Rope" "Sexy Little Thing"
Maybe a little tired but that's fine. Had breakfast (bowl of Total, half banana, blueberries, cinnamon) and coffee and it makes a difference.
I started reading Henry Miller's Air Conditioned Nightmare today and I'm almost immediately hooked. Just in his speaking about what bogs us, as Americans, down has me sold. That it was published near the end of WWII is kind of cool, mostly because the message is timeless, so far.
Interesting autobiographical note -- I knew a song called "The Air Conditioned Nightmare" well before I knew it was a (famous) book. It was performed by Mr. Bungle and it was one of the 5 songs that made California a half-way decent album. I say half-way because I look back and really only 5 songs stood out as winners (there's a reason it's not on the IPOD). So imagine my surprise 7 years later when I came across Miller's library in Big Sur and put two and two together. The book is 300 pgs long -- I suspect I'll have it finished quickly b/c I'm in to it. The deal with Miller is that the writing is so dense that it often takes a while to get through it. (Big Sur and the Oranges... was not a quick nor simple read) But since reading Sextet only a couple of months ago (I didn't finish it b/c one long chapter was an in-depth book review for a novel which I haven't read) I feel the style is fresh in my memory.
I'm wearing the famous Al Bundy jersey and am moving pretty quickly. Made the light at the Highway.
It started raining once I hit Pier 40 but I gotta say it felt really good. I just had to rotate the Ipod on my arm underneath it so it'd get less wet and that was all. I am sched'd to run today (which is cool b/c I have End Of Silence in my bag) and I hope it rains then, too. Nothing too hard but just enough so that it feels good.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Megadeth: "Poison Was The Cure" "Lucretia"
Chickenfoot: "Avenida Revolucion" "Soap On a Rope" "Sexy Little Thing"
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
key lime fuel
Off to a rough start. Woke up @ 8. Rode the bike on to the train, which will still get me in with plenty o time. Two nights of disrupted sleep. I am putting an end to it tonite. I will sleep the night through and wake up at a normal time tomorrow.
Thankfully I still had Larabars in my bag so I had the one key lime bar and some water on the train so I'm not running on empty but I'm sure the caffeine withdrawal will kick in if I don't act fast.
Yesterday I ran a 21:12 lunch run but am feeling a little sore on my left side so I'll take it easy today. Unfortunately I'm not moving quite so fast this morning.
There's not a whole lot to report today -- pretty much the same outlook as yesterday. With each day that passes without some confirmation I get more realistic. Just got to put my head down and plow ahead.
It's going to be a coffee house day today -- going to need many refills.
Couple of anecdotes and disclaimers about my playlist --
1. Datsuns -- bought this almost 10 years ago. It's their first album. Got it from Record & Tape Traders in Towson. Rockin album that I revisit on nice mornings. They may as well be Wolfmother save for the singer.
2. Sugar Ray -- we covered this song in Elissa's Window before their second album ever came out and I have had it since 1995. I liked them when they were essentially a heavy metal Beastie Boys.
3. Pearl Jam is just too good on Ten and Vs.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Lo-Fidelity Allstars - "Hold On"
Pearl Jam - "Rearview Mirror"
Datsuns - "At Your Touch" "What Would I Know" "Harmonic Generator"
Sugar Ray - "Mean Machine"
Thankfully I still had Larabars in my bag so I had the one key lime bar and some water on the train so I'm not running on empty but I'm sure the caffeine withdrawal will kick in if I don't act fast.
Yesterday I ran a 21:12 lunch run but am feeling a little sore on my left side so I'll take it easy today. Unfortunately I'm not moving quite so fast this morning.
There's not a whole lot to report today -- pretty much the same outlook as yesterday. With each day that passes without some confirmation I get more realistic. Just got to put my head down and plow ahead.
It's going to be a coffee house day today -- going to need many refills.
Couple of anecdotes and disclaimers about my playlist --
1. Datsuns -- bought this almost 10 years ago. It's their first album. Got it from Record & Tape Traders in Towson. Rockin album that I revisit on nice mornings. They may as well be Wolfmother save for the singer.
2. Sugar Ray -- we covered this song in Elissa's Window before their second album ever came out and I have had it since 1995. I liked them when they were essentially a heavy metal Beastie Boys.
3. Pearl Jam is just too good on Ten and Vs.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Lo-Fidelity Allstars - "Hold On"
Pearl Jam - "Rearview Mirror"
Datsuns - "At Your Touch" "What Would I Know" "Harmonic Generator"
Sugar Ray - "Mean Machine"
Monday, June 20, 2011
waking up wearing yellow
First Monday in a couple of weeks.
Had a nightmare and awoke at six -- I now regret not just staying awake but I couldn't do it. So I moderately overslept, at a very light breakfast and made my way. Still made the 813 but only to be sure I'd be in before Smithers on his first day back. I hope he went skydiving or alligator hunting.
Turns out I ran another under-22-minute 5K on Friday. So I've hit a new level and since today will not be boiling I might be able to maintain this new stasis.
Ate a lot yesterday after a pretty intense workout so I'll see how that plays out. Am reading book four of Moon Knight, which is getting better because the Thunderbolts are after him. I missed the "Civil War" storyline so some things are not painfully obvious but it's an entertaining read. I am finding this book more appealing, partially b/c I've invested some time in reading the last 2 installments and partially b/c he's not a total schizophrenic, his belief is just manifesting itself and that's an interesting idea -- not a major difference from "the force" in many respects.
I decided to listen to a bunch of more upbeat Scott Weiland tracks today. I exerted a lot of energy yesterday and it's not cold out so there's no need to shock me into a state of awareness.
I bought Weiland's second solo album uber-cheap on one of Union Square Virgin Megastore's last days. I think it was maybe a few bucks and I was pleasantly surprised since it was not as murky as 12 Bar Blues. In a nutshell, "Tangle" is probably my favorite song in the whole list, as it just has a lot of cool harmonies and for some reason the banjo is a nice touch. The vocal arrangements are really well done, too. He always incorporates something interesting on his solo stuff, which is admirable. It's not always good but this time it certainly is.
I must confess I am not paying a whole lot of attention to my surroundings and ambiance whilst in the bike lane. I'm focusing a lot of my attention and energy on some meetings I've had and phone calls I'd like to receive. It's time to just move forward, as the ball is in their court for now.
Looking forward to waking up for real and hopefully putting up some solid #s for my run today.
Thank you for reading.
Weiland Playlist:
Missing Cleveland
Tangle With Your Mind
Blind Confusion
Mockingbird Girl
Opposite Octave Reaction
Had a nightmare and awoke at six -- I now regret not just staying awake but I couldn't do it. So I moderately overslept, at a very light breakfast and made my way. Still made the 813 but only to be sure I'd be in before Smithers on his first day back. I hope he went skydiving or alligator hunting.
Turns out I ran another under-22-minute 5K on Friday. So I've hit a new level and since today will not be boiling I might be able to maintain this new stasis.
Ate a lot yesterday after a pretty intense workout so I'll see how that plays out. Am reading book four of Moon Knight, which is getting better because the Thunderbolts are after him. I missed the "Civil War" storyline so some things are not painfully obvious but it's an entertaining read. I am finding this book more appealing, partially b/c I've invested some time in reading the last 2 installments and partially b/c he's not a total schizophrenic, his belief is just manifesting itself and that's an interesting idea -- not a major difference from "the force" in many respects.
I decided to listen to a bunch of more upbeat Scott Weiland tracks today. I exerted a lot of energy yesterday and it's not cold out so there's no need to shock me into a state of awareness.
I bought Weiland's second solo album uber-cheap on one of Union Square Virgin Megastore's last days. I think it was maybe a few bucks and I was pleasantly surprised since it was not as murky as 12 Bar Blues. In a nutshell, "Tangle" is probably my favorite song in the whole list, as it just has a lot of cool harmonies and for some reason the banjo is a nice touch. The vocal arrangements are really well done, too. He always incorporates something interesting on his solo stuff, which is admirable. It's not always good but this time it certainly is.
I must confess I am not paying a whole lot of attention to my surroundings and ambiance whilst in the bike lane. I'm focusing a lot of my attention and energy on some meetings I've had and phone calls I'd like to receive. It's time to just move forward, as the ball is in their court for now.
Looking forward to waking up for real and hopefully putting up some solid #s for my run today.
Thank you for reading.
Weiland Playlist:
Missing Cleveland
Tangle With Your Mind
Blind Confusion
Mockingbird Girl
Opposite Octave Reaction
Friday, June 17, 2011
the feeling of GNR's "scraped" without hearing it
It dawns on me today that I am living up to expectations I set for myself.
I'm walking the walk. I cannot turn off this compulsion to keep moving. I will not have a sagging gut and lack of drive. I will be ready at a moment's notice to do anything and everything. Riding the bike, training for the triathlon, all the reading is propelling me toward a more fulfilling mindset and a more fulfilling life. Some of this is Rollins-ism; other parts are just out of wanting to explode most of the time.
It's not that I'm obsessed with any of this I just don't want to turn it off. I don't see how it would benefit me if I did. Smokers always know they have to quit but often do not. That's an addiction. I don't know that I have to quit and because of that I am quicker and leaner than ever.
I am not comparing myself to anyone other than previous incarnations of myself. I think I'm determined with the leanness factor, now, to be physically equal to my teen-age self but to put him in his place and harness the potential. The struggle is internal and external-with-nature.
Yesterday my lunch 5K was complete in roughly 21:40, which is the best time in recent memory. The bad news was that a headache behind my right eye (and that side of my face) consumed me by the time I'd made it back to Penn. That won't stop me from repeating it today.
Last week at this time I was lightning in a bottle, because I felt I was on to greener pastures. While that may still be true, it hasn't yet materialized. I'm not as quick on the bike this morning but that's fine, I'm cutting myself the slack b/c the thunder and the Lizard's perfume woke me up at 6:47.
I finished the Lone Surfer. It was decent -- most were similar in tone -- lot of stories about being on the road. It's a writer's writer doing it; makes me want to take another stab.
Now writing is an esteem thing sometimes. I'd be a hypocrite to think otherwise.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Ozzy: Life Won't Wait, Scream
Foo: Burning Bridges
Metallica: Damage Case, Overkill
I'm walking the walk. I cannot turn off this compulsion to keep moving. I will not have a sagging gut and lack of drive. I will be ready at a moment's notice to do anything and everything. Riding the bike, training for the triathlon, all the reading is propelling me toward a more fulfilling mindset and a more fulfilling life. Some of this is Rollins-ism; other parts are just out of wanting to explode most of the time.
It's not that I'm obsessed with any of this I just don't want to turn it off. I don't see how it would benefit me if I did. Smokers always know they have to quit but often do not. That's an addiction. I don't know that I have to quit and because of that I am quicker and leaner than ever.
I am not comparing myself to anyone other than previous incarnations of myself. I think I'm determined with the leanness factor, now, to be physically equal to my teen-age self but to put him in his place and harness the potential. The struggle is internal and external-with-nature.
Yesterday my lunch 5K was complete in roughly 21:40, which is the best time in recent memory. The bad news was that a headache behind my right eye (and that side of my face) consumed me by the time I'd made it back to Penn. That won't stop me from repeating it today.
Last week at this time I was lightning in a bottle, because I felt I was on to greener pastures. While that may still be true, it hasn't yet materialized. I'm not as quick on the bike this morning but that's fine, I'm cutting myself the slack b/c the thunder and the Lizard's perfume woke me up at 6:47.
I finished the Lone Surfer. It was decent -- most were similar in tone -- lot of stories about being on the road. It's a writer's writer doing it; makes me want to take another stab.
Now writing is an esteem thing sometimes. I'd be a hypocrite to think otherwise.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Ozzy: Life Won't Wait, Scream
Foo: Burning Bridges
Metallica: Damage Case, Overkill
Thursday, June 16, 2011
One for Doug
Today was a day fit for a photographer, and I realize I ought to be riding with a camera in tow. But I also don't have a ton of time and I fancy myself as a writer, so my memory and keyboard will guide me.
I worked out my abs thoroughly this morning and re-fueled with some coconut water (with chunks), which I figured was better than the protein shake I'd had as I would save the protein for the post-ride. I need to keep tightening the abs when I ride to keep them on edge.
It's a day worthy of falling in love with life, and when the weather is as such, of course I'm going to revert to my favorite band. I put on some tracks off By The Way, which, though I love it, is not even in my top 5 fav albums (of theirs). So I started with "Can't Stop" and made my way under the post office with "Throw Away Your Television." I had written draft 1 of an essay about the RHCP and Friendship a few months ago, which I'd planned to revisit and I think I will now, as I figured out another, more interesting characteristic to delve in to.
I had a counselor at camp named Doug who was a really funny and cool guy. I often think of him when I think of Flea -- I think it's because physically they are somewhat short and all over the place and full of good humor. From what I've read about Flea, he can be a big baby, which Doug had the tendency to be in a "little shit" sort of way. If Doug liked you, you were spared. If not, he just picked on you relentlessly. Thankfully we had a really good relationship and we, during Work Group summer really got along well because he saw me as I was -- a hard worker who had a longer walk from the kitchen to my tables (the entire perimeter) and I was dependable. I saw him once or twice a few years back in front of the NJ Transit level and it was not the same guy. Someone extinguished the fire -- he seemed exhausted and his lust for life had been diminished. So I leave the past in the past and remember it for my own future. A life behind a desk can do that to you, if you let it.
A truck driver trying to pull out and maneuver didn't see me but eventually did and let me go. Re-emerging into the sunlight, at the corner, I see a graying, mustachioed man and his passenger (his wife?) taking pictures of their white sedan in the right lane which had been hit by the mail truck in the middle lane making a right. This might have transpired 10 seconds earlier, and they figured they'd get out and get their visual proof that the mail carrier did not/would not see them and turned from the middle lane. The drivers were still in the truck.
At the Highway crossing I realized I had at least a minute before I could cross, and made my way. There's something on my side most of the time, because there are some garages that exit on a decline and one guy would've killed me had I been 5 seconds earlier. But I'm on the sidewalk and I am not in a rush if I'm on the sidewalk.
I cross at 27th and one guy (who worked for the PO?) crossed on motorized not-quite-forklift. He tried to make it look cool, but it was more confusing than anything else.
I have the Hudson on my right, looking at the Erie Lackawanna port and it's a nice sight. I wonder if I could swim to there. Probably but not doing the crawl -- back and breast stroke for sure. There are some oldies-but-goodies like "Cabron" which I don't make it a point to put on so it's nice to hear it and it complements the ride nicely while also reminding me of the day I bought the album and brought it to the beach. I was temping at a legal service firm that summer (02) and that was not stimulating work. Still, I ended up picking up an extra week there the following January due to lack of anything else to do.
As I made my way beyond midtown south, I saw a little person in a hoodie holding a dog's leash and talking to a full-size woman. Instantly I recognized that the man was Peter Dinklage, an actor who I have met and interviewed, as he played the lead defense counsel in "Find Me Guilty." I met him on the set and we spoke briefly about how I wrote a college thesis about his first film, "Living In Oblivion." That was Nov. 04. In March 06, the film came out and I got him on the phone for my first NYLJ article, which was a feature about the film.
And so it continued. Still waiting on a couple of calls and things of that nature. I'm sure I will be tired (groggy, not sore) but I will run today and make sure I will not eat a Balance Bar prior. "Minor Thing" and "Warm Tape" rounded out the list today.
The ricochet of the WFC's powerwasher's work is a wonderful way to mark the end of the ride here and I'm a pretty happy guy.
Hopefully the folks in the car accident get it all worked out with a minimal fuss.
Thank you for reading.
I worked out my abs thoroughly this morning and re-fueled with some coconut water (with chunks), which I figured was better than the protein shake I'd had as I would save the protein for the post-ride. I need to keep tightening the abs when I ride to keep them on edge.
It's a day worthy of falling in love with life, and when the weather is as such, of course I'm going to revert to my favorite band. I put on some tracks off By The Way, which, though I love it, is not even in my top 5 fav albums (of theirs). So I started with "Can't Stop" and made my way under the post office with "Throw Away Your Television." I had written draft 1 of an essay about the RHCP and Friendship a few months ago, which I'd planned to revisit and I think I will now, as I figured out another, more interesting characteristic to delve in to.
I had a counselor at camp named Doug who was a really funny and cool guy. I often think of him when I think of Flea -- I think it's because physically they are somewhat short and all over the place and full of good humor. From what I've read about Flea, he can be a big baby, which Doug had the tendency to be in a "little shit" sort of way. If Doug liked you, you were spared. If not, he just picked on you relentlessly. Thankfully we had a really good relationship and we, during Work Group summer really got along well because he saw me as I was -- a hard worker who had a longer walk from the kitchen to my tables (the entire perimeter) and I was dependable. I saw him once or twice a few years back in front of the NJ Transit level and it was not the same guy. Someone extinguished the fire -- he seemed exhausted and his lust for life had been diminished. So I leave the past in the past and remember it for my own future. A life behind a desk can do that to you, if you let it.
A truck driver trying to pull out and maneuver didn't see me but eventually did and let me go. Re-emerging into the sunlight, at the corner, I see a graying, mustachioed man and his passenger (his wife?) taking pictures of their white sedan in the right lane which had been hit by the mail truck in the middle lane making a right. This might have transpired 10 seconds earlier, and they figured they'd get out and get their visual proof that the mail carrier did not/would not see them and turned from the middle lane. The drivers were still in the truck.
At the Highway crossing I realized I had at least a minute before I could cross, and made my way. There's something on my side most of the time, because there are some garages that exit on a decline and one guy would've killed me had I been 5 seconds earlier. But I'm on the sidewalk and I am not in a rush if I'm on the sidewalk.
I cross at 27th and one guy (who worked for the PO?) crossed on motorized not-quite-forklift. He tried to make it look cool, but it was more confusing than anything else.
I have the Hudson on my right, looking at the Erie Lackawanna port and it's a nice sight. I wonder if I could swim to there. Probably but not doing the crawl -- back and breast stroke for sure. There are some oldies-but-goodies like "Cabron" which I don't make it a point to put on so it's nice to hear it and it complements the ride nicely while also reminding me of the day I bought the album and brought it to the beach. I was temping at a legal service firm that summer (02) and that was not stimulating work. Still, I ended up picking up an extra week there the following January due to lack of anything else to do.
As I made my way beyond midtown south, I saw a little person in a hoodie holding a dog's leash and talking to a full-size woman. Instantly I recognized that the man was Peter Dinklage, an actor who I have met and interviewed, as he played the lead defense counsel in "Find Me Guilty." I met him on the set and we spoke briefly about how I wrote a college thesis about his first film, "Living In Oblivion." That was Nov. 04. In March 06, the film came out and I got him on the phone for my first NYLJ article, which was a feature about the film.
And so it continued. Still waiting on a couple of calls and things of that nature. I'm sure I will be tired (groggy, not sore) but I will run today and make sure I will not eat a Balance Bar prior. "Minor Thing" and "Warm Tape" rounded out the list today.
The ricochet of the WFC's powerwasher's work is a wonderful way to mark the end of the ride here and I'm a pretty happy guy.
Hopefully the folks in the car accident get it all worked out with a minimal fuss.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
End of RT day #430
Not as many buses today, thankfully.
Had a large Cuban lunch + creme cake today that needs to get burned off ASAP.
Am plotting the next two mornings carefully as I would like to hit the gym at least once.
Was hoping for at least one call from the outside world today but that didn't happen. In one case I cannot call and in the other I didn't want to be pushy as I was communicating via email.
I'm easing on the coffee today and I think that's good. It helps that the normal "grind"-style pressures are off this week.
Will likely run tomorrow.
I saw the Red Bull truck in the same spot off to the side after Houston Street today but the girls walked out before I could reach them and ask for a can.
Next time.
Thank you for reading.
Had a large Cuban lunch + creme cake today that needs to get burned off ASAP.
Am plotting the next two mornings carefully as I would like to hit the gym at least once.
Was hoping for at least one call from the outside world today but that didn't happen. In one case I cannot call and in the other I didn't want to be pushy as I was communicating via email.
I'm easing on the coffee today and I think that's good. It helps that the normal "grind"-style pressures are off this week.
Will likely run tomorrow.
I saw the Red Bull truck in the same spot off to the side after Houston Street today but the girls walked out before I could reach them and ask for a can.
Next time.
Thank you for reading.
Jaime Pressly's Twin is a Custodian at the WFC
Symbiotic ride to yesterday morn only not as windy. Weather is pretty much perfect.
Will not run during lunch today but will tomorrow and/or Friday.
I must've heard "One Way Out" in a commercial or show b/c I had to hear it on the start of my ride. That took me to the Highway where helicopters were disembarking.
On the way south, at Bethune Street a girl crept out of the bushes wearing gray Vibram shoes just getting ready for a run. Not a brilliant move but it was Urbanathalon-style and I can at least respect it, though the thought of wearing just those on any city street worries me.
Finished the Hemingway novel on Friday and then watched the film adaptation, which was a departure from the book. Book was better, as it was grittier.
So I started reading The Lone Surfer of Montana, Kansas, by the founder of Found magazine. Was a recommended reading from a friend and I was able to score it for a buck. Some short fiction to get me through the week. I'll knock this out by the week's end, I'm sure. I also read a little bit in the magazine put out by the NRDC which was up for grabs at work. Going to learn about what, in the environment, is killing us and how to get it to kill us slower.
At the WFC, this is the 2nd time I have seen (presumably) a custodian who looks just like Jamie Pressly's mug shot ( ), in the blue cleaning-lady garb smoking a cigarette.
I'm hustling a little bit today, because I feel good and am not at all sore from the run.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
The Answer: "Demon Eyes" "Never Too Late"
Faith No More: "Out of Nowhere"
Led Zeppelin: "Misty Mountain Hop"
Rocket from the Crypt: "Too Many Balls"
Will not run during lunch today but will tomorrow and/or Friday.
I must've heard "One Way Out" in a commercial or show b/c I had to hear it on the start of my ride. That took me to the Highway where helicopters were disembarking.
On the way south, at Bethune Street a girl crept out of the bushes wearing gray Vibram shoes just getting ready for a run. Not a brilliant move but it was Urbanathalon-style and I can at least respect it, though the thought of wearing just those on any city street worries me.
Finished the Hemingway novel on Friday and then watched the film adaptation, which was a departure from the book. Book was better, as it was grittier.
So I started reading The Lone Surfer of Montana, Kansas, by the founder of Found magazine. Was a recommended reading from a friend and I was able to score it for a buck. Some short fiction to get me through the week. I'll knock this out by the week's end, I'm sure. I also read a little bit in the magazine put out by the NRDC which was up for grabs at work. Going to learn about what, in the environment, is killing us and how to get it to kill us slower.
At the WFC, this is the 2nd time I have seen (presumably) a custodian who looks just like Jamie Pressly's mug shot ( ), in the blue cleaning-lady garb smoking a cigarette.
I'm hustling a little bit today, because I feel good and am not at all sore from the run.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
The Answer: "Demon Eyes" "Never Too Late"
Faith No More: "Out of Nowhere"
Led Zeppelin: "Misty Mountain Hop"
Rocket from the Crypt: "Too Many Balls"
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Too many buses.
Another fast return ride.
I should say, it was fast only after I got past Liberty St. stop where the chain guys come out to keep the pedestrians safe. It was a sea of buses there. I haven't seen anything like that. All coach and MTA buses. I re-learned a valuable lesson, though and that's to stay to the left until I pass the chain guards. Of course I was stuck behind the one bus that actually makes its stop at the chains.
Once that was over I was on a quick and solid course. It was more-than-drizzling/not-quite-raining as I made my way north. I couldn't tell if I was riding it to it or if it was just passing by. But somewhere near midtown south it was all over.
There are still too many other cyclists, joggers and pedestrians using the bike lane in the opposite direction and it's just another accident waiting to happen. I wasn't in a mad rush to get to the train, as I had plenty of time so I had enough time to break for things like this.
One woman kept creeping up on me on her bike and saying nothing. I made it a point to dash out in front because I don't want any tailgaters.
Ran my lunchtime 5K in a hair over 22 minutes -- of course there was a truck and its wide-load counterpart embarking from the piers as I was making my way from under the bridge. Of course. I had a similar cramp situation again, not as potent and it may be because I'm eating a balance bar too soon before the run. We'll see if that changes if I have my sports drink instead.
Thank you for reading.
I should say, it was fast only after I got past Liberty St. stop where the chain guys come out to keep the pedestrians safe. It was a sea of buses there. I haven't seen anything like that. All coach and MTA buses. I re-learned a valuable lesson, though and that's to stay to the left until I pass the chain guards. Of course I was stuck behind the one bus that actually makes its stop at the chains.
Once that was over I was on a quick and solid course. It was more-than-drizzling/not-quite-raining as I made my way north. I couldn't tell if I was riding it to it or if it was just passing by. But somewhere near midtown south it was all over.
There are still too many other cyclists, joggers and pedestrians using the bike lane in the opposite direction and it's just another accident waiting to happen. I wasn't in a mad rush to get to the train, as I had plenty of time so I had enough time to break for things like this.
One woman kept creeping up on me on her bike and saying nothing. I made it a point to dash out in front because I don't want any tailgaters.
Ran my lunchtime 5K in a hair over 22 minutes -- of course there was a truck and its wide-load counterpart embarking from the piers as I was making my way from under the bridge. Of course. I had a similar cramp situation again, not as potent and it may be because I'm eating a balance bar too soon before the run. We'll see if that changes if I have my sports drink instead.
Thank you for reading.
Going with the Crowes
Here we are on the road again.
I have the Black Crowes by my side and I'm on my way.
Listening to a couple of the latter tracks off Lions, which was given to me (to burn) by a nice guy named Gary who passed away a few years ago. He was in his 50s and had leukemia and was one of the senior sales execs at work. We had some musical tastes in common and as I recall he played guitar. So the Crowes, Clapton, and even RHCP were some things we could discuss in passing.
I can listen to "Cosmic Friend" and "Cypress Tree" just fine but if I hear "Lay It All On Me," I'd get weepy thinking of my grandfather (because I'm pretty sure I listened to it several times the morning of his funeral), so I skip it. I then put on some of those B-Sides from the Band/Tall album.
It's windier today and cooler -- it's in the 70s and it'll be a fine day for a run. I'm sure I'll get hot and sweaty but not as bad as the past two weeks. More and more folks on the highway today but I had no problems with traffic or anything like that.
Yesterday I was out but was able to squeeze in an upper body session at night. All my 30 bench press reps are at 185 lbs but I can't do them in sets of 10 yet. My weight is also down to 156 so the running is paying off. Strengthens my resolve. If I can keep up these routines and keep from gorging perhaps I can get down to last year's weight by Triathlon time. On Friday last week when I ran I was either cramping up or tightening up. It added 30 seconds on to the run (I didn't stop but I slowed down a bit) -- we'll see if that reoccurs.
Made the Albany Street light in a felt swoop and I'm tired but I'm good to go.
Thank you for reading.
I have the Black Crowes by my side and I'm on my way.
Listening to a couple of the latter tracks off Lions, which was given to me (to burn) by a nice guy named Gary who passed away a few years ago. He was in his 50s and had leukemia and was one of the senior sales execs at work. We had some musical tastes in common and as I recall he played guitar. So the Crowes, Clapton, and even RHCP were some things we could discuss in passing.
I can listen to "Cosmic Friend" and "Cypress Tree" just fine but if I hear "Lay It All On Me," I'd get weepy thinking of my grandfather (because I'm pretty sure I listened to it several times the morning of his funeral), so I skip it. I then put on some of those B-Sides from the Band/Tall album.
It's windier today and cooler -- it's in the 70s and it'll be a fine day for a run. I'm sure I'll get hot and sweaty but not as bad as the past two weeks. More and more folks on the highway today but I had no problems with traffic or anything like that.
Yesterday I was out but was able to squeeze in an upper body session at night. All my 30 bench press reps are at 185 lbs but I can't do them in sets of 10 yet. My weight is also down to 156 so the running is paying off. Strengthens my resolve. If I can keep up these routines and keep from gorging perhaps I can get down to last year's weight by Triathlon time. On Friday last week when I ran I was either cramping up or tightening up. It added 30 seconds on to the run (I didn't stop but I slowed down a bit) -- we'll see if that reoccurs.
Made the Albany Street light in a felt swoop and I'm tired but I'm good to go.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Getting the week over with
A little groggy as my coffee this morning was bad b/c the paper filter collapsed on itself, so I have nothing potent in me. I was pretty wiped last night, having hit the gym for an hour yesterday morning and the two bike rides. There was plenty of caffeine in me yesterday and it didn't help much, but had you sent me to the gym or for another run last nite I could've pulled it off.
Got about 50 pgs left in To Have. It's not that I'm such a good or fast reader but it's more that the book is under 300 pgs and the type is nice and big in the old paperback fashion.
Am still in a pretty good mood and am listening to something slightly different. I've got to get in gear for a good run today. There's a space between my molars where I'm a little sore and for a while I thought I had old food stuck in there but I've flossed the hell out of it and that's why I think I've been too thorough.
It's too nice out to be cooped up indoors.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Rocket From the Crypt: "I'm Not Invisible" "Can You Hear It?"
Wolfmother: "Cosmic Egg" "In the Castle" "Violence of the Sun"
Got about 50 pgs left in To Have. It's not that I'm such a good or fast reader but it's more that the book is under 300 pgs and the type is nice and big in the old paperback fashion.
Am still in a pretty good mood and am listening to something slightly different. I've got to get in gear for a good run today. There's a space between my molars where I'm a little sore and for a while I thought I had old food stuck in there but I've flossed the hell out of it and that's why I think I've been too thorough.
It's too nice out to be cooped up indoors.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Rocket From the Crypt: "I'm Not Invisible" "Can You Hear It?"
Wolfmother: "Cosmic Egg" "In the Castle" "Violence of the Sun"
Thursday, June 9, 2011
93 degrees & counting.
Today's the dreaded 93-degree day. I knew I'd be able to get to work unscathed if I came in late so I hit the gym early this morning and put in a solid hour on my abs, bis and moderately on my shoulders and hips.
I'm so groggy from it now. I'm not sore but just really tired. Had a peanut butter cup RTD 50 after the workout and I've got a banana waiting for the post-ride so I'm not hungry, thankfully. The key today is to stay hydrated and caffeinated.
I'm now half-way through the Hemingway novel. Half-way through and there's only now a woman in the story -- makes me wonder how faithful the adaptation with Bogart & Bacall will be b/c I cannot imagine they keep her character waiting for 45 minutes into a film. Since it's set in Cuba and the Keys, for background music I've put on Kenny Dorham's Afro-Cuban. Though this album came out in 1955, I think it helps for all the scenes set in bars and I need something to keep the squeaking train axles from driving me mad.
The sun is out and I'm still in a good mood, all things considered. Put on Cosmos Rocks because it's upbeat and is of little depth.
Approaching the Chelsea Piers, my right shoelace got tangled in the pedal. I pulled over and wondered if the 10 seconds will hinder me later. I then passed the Chris Cornell doppelganger hanging out beside my route and realize he's probably hoping to get noticed by an "SVU" casting director. Joke's on him, as there are no trailers or trucks in the dock today, so they're probably not filming.
Had I gotten to Albany Street 10 seconds earlier, I would've made the light. There's my answer.
Thank you for reading.
I'm so groggy from it now. I'm not sore but just really tired. Had a peanut butter cup RTD 50 after the workout and I've got a banana waiting for the post-ride so I'm not hungry, thankfully. The key today is to stay hydrated and caffeinated.
I'm now half-way through the Hemingway novel. Half-way through and there's only now a woman in the story -- makes me wonder how faithful the adaptation with Bogart & Bacall will be b/c I cannot imagine they keep her character waiting for 45 minutes into a film. Since it's set in Cuba and the Keys, for background music I've put on Kenny Dorham's Afro-Cuban. Though this album came out in 1955, I think it helps for all the scenes set in bars and I need something to keep the squeaking train axles from driving me mad.
The sun is out and I'm still in a good mood, all things considered. Put on Cosmos Rocks because it's upbeat and is of little depth.
Approaching the Chelsea Piers, my right shoelace got tangled in the pedal. I pulled over and wondered if the 10 seconds will hinder me later. I then passed the Chris Cornell doppelganger hanging out beside my route and realize he's probably hoping to get noticed by an "SVU" casting director. Joke's on him, as there are no trailers or trucks in the dock today, so they're probably not filming.
Had I gotten to Albany Street 10 seconds earlier, I would've made the light. There's my answer.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Will it hit 90?
Today's supposed to hit the 90s.
Glad I ran and hit the gym to work the pecs and tris last nite and ran my lunch 5k (in 21:55, just as Ozzy finished the last word of "Let Me Hear You Scream.") Comparatively, today's a rest day.
I've begun To Have and Have Not -- I think it will be a winner. Drops the N-bomb a lot, though. I'm only 25 pgs deep and he's probably used it a dozen times.
Finished Spoken on the return train ride yesterday and that book opened my eyes a bit wider to the Afghanistan conflict. One line that sticks out most was how, when discussing how they were training the ANA and working with civilians, one soldier said he was still cynical, and that "the only ones I trust are the Taliban, because I know they want to kill me." The worst part of the book was learning that soldiers died due to malfunctioning equipment or non-combat actions -- civilians, too. Each time I catch myself getting too whiny I will think of anyone over in that part of the world (a soldier or civilian), b/c they've got it much tougher than any of us over here. No one's blowing up my house.
Listening to a RHCP mix as my mood it's reflective of my positive mood. It's tough to be a downer in weather like this. I also found out yesterday that the new album, which will be titled I'm With You, is supposedly going to be released the day after the triathlon, which is great b/c I'm still on vacation that day (I would've called out sick otherwise). I'm skeptical b/c CDs don't usually come out on Mondays.
Looking forward to lunch with my friends today and to skipping out as often as possible.
Was able to make the WSH light in one felt swoop and I'm moving at a decent pace.
Had pancakes for breakfast.
Thank you for reading.
Glad I ran and hit the gym to work the pecs and tris last nite and ran my lunch 5k (in 21:55, just as Ozzy finished the last word of "Let Me Hear You Scream.") Comparatively, today's a rest day.
I've begun To Have and Have Not -- I think it will be a winner. Drops the N-bomb a lot, though. I'm only 25 pgs deep and he's probably used it a dozen times.
Finished Spoken on the return train ride yesterday and that book opened my eyes a bit wider to the Afghanistan conflict. One line that sticks out most was how, when discussing how they were training the ANA and working with civilians, one soldier said he was still cynical, and that "the only ones I trust are the Taliban, because I know they want to kill me." The worst part of the book was learning that soldiers died due to malfunctioning equipment or non-combat actions -- civilians, too. Each time I catch myself getting too whiny I will think of anyone over in that part of the world (a soldier or civilian), b/c they've got it much tougher than any of us over here. No one's blowing up my house.
Listening to a RHCP mix as my mood it's reflective of my positive mood. It's tough to be a downer in weather like this. I also found out yesterday that the new album, which will be titled I'm With You, is supposedly going to be released the day after the triathlon, which is great b/c I'm still on vacation that day (I would've called out sick otherwise). I'm skeptical b/c CDs don't usually come out on Mondays.
Looking forward to lunch with my friends today and to skipping out as often as possible.
Was able to make the WSH light in one felt swoop and I'm moving at a decent pace.
Had pancakes for breakfast.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
RT #425
It wasn't too long ago when I needed the same stain-ingrained gray sweatpants in order to stay warm but it's warm and pleasant this morning and all I need is a tee & shorts. That's all.
Will likely finish Spoken from the Front today. Wild read. I ought to start reading more true war stories about Afghanistan and Iraq. I picked it up the day before Memorial Day. Next on the list will be Hemingway's To Have and Have Not. I will say that I am so happy that I bought, read, and retained the info in Cynthia Shapiro's book last month and if things turn around professionally, I will be sure to drop her a grateful email.
Ran the Boardwalk yesterday morn on my first wedding anniversary with the woman I married so it was a great way to start the day. I am not sore from it, though, but I plan to be after today's run. I didn't run on Friday as I'd hoped -- got a phone call that needed me to break a mental sweat. I worked out and/or ran Sat - Mon so it's all good. I'm putting on some weight which was freaking me out a little but I'm able to bench more and run for longer distances, so it comes with the territory, I suppose. The past couple of weeks have had their share of glutton fests (courtesy of family gatherings) and I have a tough time putting down the fork. I can tame it all at work, but once I'm out it gets harder.
Seeing some acoustic guitar-playing beatniks standing in the grassy knoll to my right. There are still some (I'm guessing) homeless dudes using a coat for a pillow nearby. The Parks cops sometimes wake them up and hassle them a bit but not today.
There's really nothing interesting going on in my mind, thankfully it's pretty clear today. No bad mood and I'm feeling quite healthy. Moving at a solid pace.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Ozzy - Life Won't Wait
Foo - Matter of Time, Rope
Crue - Kickstart My Heart, Shout At The Devil
Will likely finish Spoken from the Front today. Wild read. I ought to start reading more true war stories about Afghanistan and Iraq. I picked it up the day before Memorial Day. Next on the list will be Hemingway's To Have and Have Not. I will say that I am so happy that I bought, read, and retained the info in Cynthia Shapiro's book last month and if things turn around professionally, I will be sure to drop her a grateful email.
Ran the Boardwalk yesterday morn on my first wedding anniversary with the woman I married so it was a great way to start the day. I am not sore from it, though, but I plan to be after today's run. I didn't run on Friday as I'd hoped -- got a phone call that needed me to break a mental sweat. I worked out and/or ran Sat - Mon so it's all good. I'm putting on some weight which was freaking me out a little but I'm able to bench more and run for longer distances, so it comes with the territory, I suppose. The past couple of weeks have had their share of glutton fests (courtesy of family gatherings) and I have a tough time putting down the fork. I can tame it all at work, but once I'm out it gets harder.
Seeing some acoustic guitar-playing beatniks standing in the grassy knoll to my right. There are still some (I'm guessing) homeless dudes using a coat for a pillow nearby. The Parks cops sometimes wake them up and hassle them a bit but not today.
There's really nothing interesting going on in my mind, thankfully it's pretty clear today. No bad mood and I'm feeling quite healthy. Moving at a solid pace.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Ozzy - Life Won't Wait
Foo - Matter of Time, Rope
Crue - Kickstart My Heart, Shout At The Devil
Friday, June 3, 2011
Tire in the bathroom
Last morning of the work week.
Took some store-brand dayquil to combat the tree allergies from which I think I may be suffering. Yesterday I was sneezing like mad and was drowsy to boot and I know that annoys people around me as it would certainly annoy me.
Listening to Jane's Addiction this morning -- needed something upbeat and positive-sounding. The interesting thing about Jane's is that it has those two characteristics but the subject matter can be sometimes dark and off-putting. It's a good balance.
I saw I wasn't making the WSH light and made my way south on the sidewalks. I'm careful there because there are a couple of post office garages and those guys are not looking out for me.
Had to stop at the bathroom in the piers and noticed some guy was in the handicapped stall with his bike in tow. I could tell because rather than seeing a foot with half a pair of shorts around it, I saw a friggin tire!
It's windy today and I'm not pushing too hard so I'm not as sweaty as Wednesday.
There are people on those reclining, low-to-the-ground "bicycles" crossing at Chambers today and it is weird and borderline-sad. Those things are too corny even for me.
I hit the gym last night and did bis, tris and abs and today will hit the FDR drive for lunch.
Playlist:
"Hypersonic"
"To Match the Sun"
"Ocean Size"
"Stop"
"Had a Dad"
"Ain't No Right"
Thank you for reading.
Took some store-brand dayquil to combat the tree allergies from which I think I may be suffering. Yesterday I was sneezing like mad and was drowsy to boot and I know that annoys people around me as it would certainly annoy me.
Listening to Jane's Addiction this morning -- needed something upbeat and positive-sounding. The interesting thing about Jane's is that it has those two characteristics but the subject matter can be sometimes dark and off-putting. It's a good balance.
I saw I wasn't making the WSH light and made my way south on the sidewalks. I'm careful there because there are a couple of post office garages and those guys are not looking out for me.
Had to stop at the bathroom in the piers and noticed some guy was in the handicapped stall with his bike in tow. I could tell because rather than seeing a foot with half a pair of shorts around it, I saw a friggin tire!
It's windy today and I'm not pushing too hard so I'm not as sweaty as Wednesday.
There are people on those reclining, low-to-the-ground "bicycles" crossing at Chambers today and it is weird and borderline-sad. Those things are too corny even for me.
I hit the gym last night and did bis, tris and abs and today will hit the FDR drive for lunch.
Playlist:
"Hypersonic"
"To Match the Sun"
"Ocean Size"
"Stop"
"Had a Dad"
"Ain't No Right"
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Don't blame the truck.
Enough of a breeze today to blow off a young woman's "pollster"-style hat just a couple of blocks before Canal Street. It's a nice change from yesterday's saunatastic return ride.
Had to circumvent a slow-moving beeline at Waverly.
I passed the GNC which has a BSN powder strategically placed in the front window -- so I know it's on clearance and it's just a matter of getting to that spot on 15th Street 120 seconds earlier for me to assess the situation, it being 10% off week and all that.
As I approached 31st Street for my left turn an 18 wheeler was pulling out and visibility was low. I stopped riding when I detected 2 young kids on skateboards going south when they should only be going north in this lane. Upon halting, the first kid sort of slid in to me. It wasn't a big deal and I didn't feel a thing. He even signaled to his follower that he needed to stop. Kid #1, laughing (somewhat embarrassed) said it was the truck's fault.
"I blame the truck."
"I blame your bad judgment and sense of direction."
"I blame the truck."
Do not ride in to oncoming traffic. You are asking for a premature death if you do.
Thank you for reading.
Had to circumvent a slow-moving beeline at Waverly.
I passed the GNC which has a BSN powder strategically placed in the front window -- so I know it's on clearance and it's just a matter of getting to that spot on 15th Street 120 seconds earlier for me to assess the situation, it being 10% off week and all that.
As I approached 31st Street for my left turn an 18 wheeler was pulling out and visibility was low. I stopped riding when I detected 2 young kids on skateboards going south when they should only be going north in this lane. Upon halting, the first kid sort of slid in to me. It wasn't a big deal and I didn't feel a thing. He even signaled to his follower that he needed to stop. Kid #1, laughing (somewhat embarrassed) said it was the truck's fault.
"I blame the truck."
"I blame your bad judgment and sense of direction."
"I blame the truck."
Do not ride in to oncoming traffic. You are asking for a premature death if you do.
Thank you for reading.
An "Unclassified" Morning
Beautiful breezy morning today.
Lots of people on the path today both jogging and riding. I realize also that the sectioned off part of West Street just before Vesey is now formerly-sectioned off. That's good -- one less blind curve.
Didn't have the same problems yesterday getting to the train but it's obvious that people on and near my block are not looking out for cyclists nor pedestrians. If I'm going to die on the bike it will not be on my way to work, I can promise you that.
Still reading the McNab book and it is quite an engaging read. I'm realizing there's even some lyrical quality in the layout of the narrative -- weaving in and out from different (sometimes simultaneous) perspectives. It's a similar but effective structure that I recognize most notably from James Jones' Thin Red Line and its film adaptation which is really underrated. I've hit a part though, about how they saved a fallen soldier from having his body captured by the Taliban. The squad leader who led the raid to recover the body and some of the other soldiers who were involved up to the press officer. This is the first time in the book that it's happened and I'm sure it will again. There was also an entry about an Afghan man who came to a camp and traded information for the opportunity to have a doctor remove 20-year-old shrapnel from his head. To prepare, the man prays hard enough to be in a trance-like state as the doctor removes it without anaesthetic. Think about that next time you have a headache.
Speaking of headaches, it's worth mentioning that I ran another lunch 5K in roughly 22 minutes yesterday. During the run I could feel my stomach tightening up (not cramping) and I realized I was getting "it" back after too much gorging. We'll see how well I fare tomorrow. Consequently, I battled a crescendo-ing headache during the return ride home, which was steamy and during the "tornado watch." Yes, "Tornado of Souls" once again -- but not as fun when there's a pain behind your right eye.
Today I'm in a good mood as the work week is almost at a close. I decided to put on some more upbeat tunes this morning and listened to some of Taylor Hawkins' Red Light Fever and Robert Randolph's Unclassified. The latter was really where it was at today. I am in a good headspace and it's probably due largely to the weather.
Didn't win Powerball.
The Lizard's numbers are no good.
Thank you for reading.
Lots of people on the path today both jogging and riding. I realize also that the sectioned off part of West Street just before Vesey is now formerly-sectioned off. That's good -- one less blind curve.
Didn't have the same problems yesterday getting to the train but it's obvious that people on and near my block are not looking out for cyclists nor pedestrians. If I'm going to die on the bike it will not be on my way to work, I can promise you that.
Still reading the McNab book and it is quite an engaging read. I'm realizing there's even some lyrical quality in the layout of the narrative -- weaving in and out from different (sometimes simultaneous) perspectives. It's a similar but effective structure that I recognize most notably from James Jones' Thin Red Line and its film adaptation which is really underrated. I've hit a part though, about how they saved a fallen soldier from having his body captured by the Taliban. The squad leader who led the raid to recover the body and some of the other soldiers who were involved up to the press officer. This is the first time in the book that it's happened and I'm sure it will again. There was also an entry about an Afghan man who came to a camp and traded information for the opportunity to have a doctor remove 20-year-old shrapnel from his head. To prepare, the man prays hard enough to be in a trance-like state as the doctor removes it without anaesthetic. Think about that next time you have a headache.
Speaking of headaches, it's worth mentioning that I ran another lunch 5K in roughly 22 minutes yesterday. During the run I could feel my stomach tightening up (not cramping) and I realized I was getting "it" back after too much gorging. We'll see how well I fare tomorrow. Consequently, I battled a crescendo-ing headache during the return ride home, which was steamy and during the "tornado watch." Yes, "Tornado of Souls" once again -- but not as fun when there's a pain behind your right eye.
Today I'm in a good mood as the work week is almost at a close. I decided to put on some more upbeat tunes this morning and listened to some of Taylor Hawkins' Red Light Fever and Robert Randolph's Unclassified. The latter was really where it was at today. I am in a good headspace and it's probably due largely to the weather.
Didn't win Powerball.
The Lizard's numbers are no good.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Not minding Wednesday
Morning has not begun as planned. In fact, something occurred on the bike on my now-shortened path to the station that has never happened in the 4 years since buying it -- the chain came off the gears. Not 3 blocks from the house -- I suppose I hit too many patched potholes. Took me a few minutes to get it to re-align. This of course prevented me from boarding the train at Oceanside but not the one at East Rockaway. That's right, I was able to bolt over there (carefully, though) and unintentionally frighten an old lady (with an "excuse me!") as I ascended the ramp there. This wasn't the first time that's happened.
My hands were filthy (ring was unscathed, thankfully) but I was able to utilize the functional bathroom sink on the train and get a lot of the gunk off but there's still plenty caked in to the grooves of my fingerprints.
USA is sponsoring what seems to be a small concert hall along the water -- will have to look in to that so I can try to score some tix. Last night I saw "Catch Me If You Can" on Broadway and it was fun show. In the past 7 days I saw "Spider-Man" "House of Blue Leaves" and the aforementioned. I'm very fortunate and extremely grateful since I paid for none of those tickets and were able to bring people who genuinely wanted to see the shows.
I'm reading Spoken From the Front edited by Andy McNab which is about actual British soldiers who served in Afghanistan from 2006-2008. I began reading it on Memorial Day but it's quite engaging since it's interviews with the same 20 vets. These people are tougher than I will ever be and I will always try to live up to some sort of expectation because of it. I know a couple of guys who served in Iraq and they were already great guys before that and now I look at them with a hell of a lot more admiration because they aren't just touting that accomplishment.
One guy told me once at Croxley's that he admired me because I was able to do stand up (he had seen me perform when I had terrible allergies at the NY Comedy Club 5 yrs ago).
I responded:
"Thanks, but are you telling me that you can run in to a foreign land with a gun, knowing full well some of them want you gone one way or the other and sleep at night but you can't do 7 minutes of dick jokes in front of 15 strangers for no money?"
The answer was: "Yes, that's what I'm telling you."
Today I realize I don't have headphones so there's no music to accompany the trip but it's beautiful outside and I don't mind the commute this morning. Plus, though I love the metal, I'm sort of wearing it out lately.
I'm wearing a self-made tank top from an old company volleyball shirt -- I will quickly throw on a shirt before getting in to the building as to avoid smarmy comments.
I saw the same ginger guy from a few weeks ago this morning and he is one cut dude. I was able to regain control of my eating habits yesterday, which is good because Sunday and Monday saw me at my worst and thankfully I ran Sunday morn with the Lizard and worked out hard Monday morn and yesterday morn before work. The TOBAY is in 12 weeks and I'm doing all right -- not great since I haven't swam but I am performing sets of a dumbbell pushup maneuver that is simulating swimming motions. My running is good since I've got new shoes and the biking will be fine. I'm still a bit sore from Monday but it's nothing I can't handle -- later today will be another run.
I hit every green light today and feel pretty damn good. I'm ready for anything you throw at me today.
Thank you for reading.
My hands were filthy (ring was unscathed, thankfully) but I was able to utilize the functional bathroom sink on the train and get a lot of the gunk off but there's still plenty caked in to the grooves of my fingerprints.
USA is sponsoring what seems to be a small concert hall along the water -- will have to look in to that so I can try to score some tix. Last night I saw "Catch Me If You Can" on Broadway and it was fun show. In the past 7 days I saw "Spider-Man" "House of Blue Leaves" and the aforementioned. I'm very fortunate and extremely grateful since I paid for none of those tickets and were able to bring people who genuinely wanted to see the shows.
I'm reading Spoken From the Front edited by Andy McNab which is about actual British soldiers who served in Afghanistan from 2006-2008. I began reading it on Memorial Day but it's quite engaging since it's interviews with the same 20 vets. These people are tougher than I will ever be and I will always try to live up to some sort of expectation because of it. I know a couple of guys who served in Iraq and they were already great guys before that and now I look at them with a hell of a lot more admiration because they aren't just touting that accomplishment.
One guy told me once at Croxley's that he admired me because I was able to do stand up (he had seen me perform when I had terrible allergies at the NY Comedy Club 5 yrs ago).
I responded:
"Thanks, but are you telling me that you can run in to a foreign land with a gun, knowing full well some of them want you gone one way or the other and sleep at night but you can't do 7 minutes of dick jokes in front of 15 strangers for no money?"
The answer was: "Yes, that's what I'm telling you."
Today I realize I don't have headphones so there's no music to accompany the trip but it's beautiful outside and I don't mind the commute this morning. Plus, though I love the metal, I'm sort of wearing it out lately.
I'm wearing a self-made tank top from an old company volleyball shirt -- I will quickly throw on a shirt before getting in to the building as to avoid smarmy comments.
I saw the same ginger guy from a few weeks ago this morning and he is one cut dude. I was able to regain control of my eating habits yesterday, which is good because Sunday and Monday saw me at my worst and thankfully I ran Sunday morn with the Lizard and worked out hard Monday morn and yesterday morn before work. The TOBAY is in 12 weeks and I'm doing all right -- not great since I haven't swam but I am performing sets of a dumbbell pushup maneuver that is simulating swimming motions. My running is good since I've got new shoes and the biking will be fine. I'm still a bit sore from Monday but it's nothing I can't handle -- later today will be another run.
I hit every green light today and feel pretty damn good. I'm ready for anything you throw at me today.
Thank you for reading.
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