Hard core pt 1

Had a solid workout this morn -- abs, bis and a 20:48 5k. I think that's a personal best. There's pro and a con to running at the gym. The pro is that it's all math and it cannot be contested. There's a 5k loop setting, which I chose, and I cannot refute the fact that the clock is ticking. It's possible that the flooring isn't moving at exactly 9 mph as I had put it on, but I believe it is. The con is that there's no scenery. But to counterbalance that, I'm not breathing in car exhaust. It was an intense morning but a solid one and I'm quite proud of it. I was tired at its end but knew I had enough for the 2 bike rides today. Obviously I won't run later today.

Finished W. last nite. Perec completely abandoned the Gaspard Winckler plot (it may show up in another book, but still...). The reason the passages/chapters about W. were daunting is b/c by changing the "plot," there was also the absence of dialogue. I see what he was going for. Seems to me that he's commenting on fascist societies and their ideal of perfection. It's odd that I chose this book at this time (not fully knowing what this alternate plot was about) because toward the end it was as if he was speaking to me. There was a piece where he asks what the point of all the training is..."all for a moment of glory." I mostly disagree. It's not just about glory -- for me it's about putting my mind to something and seeing it through, keeping from becoming another disgusting statistic, and preparing myself physically and, subsequently, mentally, for something better or worse; the unknown. I can also see how he was commenting on a male-dominated society in general. There's certainly some validity there and it's in its absurdity in detail -- and not the numbers, which feels like homework -- that it registered most.

I couldn't read anything on the train. I was too thirsty and spent. I put on Paul Chambers and just relaxed. The 3-album collection I bought is really fantastic, specifically Go! and Whims of Chambers.

I willed myself to the road today and put on the Chickenfoot album. Kept the volume low so I could take in the scenery. I took 9th to 24th to the Highway. That was more just to stay with the traffic light scheme.

I got a little skeptical in the Meatpacking District a la yesterday but I did alright. Nothing terribly interesting to report other than that this type of weather is as perfect as can be.

I can be hard core again at least one more morning this week.

Thank you for reading.