day 643

one born every minute


been doing this fucking Bronx Zoo run for 3 years. EVERY year a problem. First year, they ran outta shirts. Second year, too many walkers in front. This year, hit the trifecta. They fucked up parking-one led you to one area, the other back to where you started, THEN, no shirts! $30 reg fee, if you wanted a shirt, another $30. WTF??? This one's off the radar. Really feel like a sucker. Did REALLY well, but hey, it's ONLY a 5k. Sara caught me in the last 800m-as well she should'a.

Hit Alley Pond on the way back to piss and reconnect with peeps who matter. Bumped into Ken, broke his balls about not being @ the Zoo 5k, he said he didn't get in. Now, let that sink in: no shirts, walkers in front, AND they had a CUTOFF??? Never again.

She has amazing abs.

day 642

Done it!!!

Made it through the entire week WITHOUT wussing out. Proud of myself.

Started with the annual "first mow of the season" earlier this week, wasn't all THAT bad (good part of distance running, anythging that takes less than 5 hours isn't so bad). Only problem there, blossoms from the tree in the front yard. Oh well.

Rain held off long enough every morning for me to get my run on. Actually FEEL ready for the weekend. Use manana's 5k as a warmup for Sunday. Nice.

...still riffin' off the Neil concerts. Wow.

day 641

Soooooo close!

Weekend's almost here! A big one!!!

5k on Saturday, the yearly Bronx Zoo Run for the Wild. Really fun. Harkens back to the cyo daycamp days. God those were fun.

Then, Sunday, the annual Long Island pain in the ass. Yes, the half. Will feel odd being without a peep from our Staten Island facility. He sorta paced me (of course he IS 10+ years younger AND a Recreation Therapist, he should kick my ass). Last year we ran together, then he outkicked me for the last 400m. My pace? I don't "kick," I run consistently. REALLY glad I quit doing the full. It truly sucks.

This am, the roll continues. The Line and lil' ol' me! Was great.

***And, just as I was in despair, @ 8pm Stoney went to the gym. YAYYY!!!

day 640

Another great one

Did really well in the am. Shit from yesterday didn't pierce the thick hide.

Actually a bit of GOOD news: when I entered Toxichouse, Stoney was just outta the shower, heading to the gym (he has things a bit backward-showers BEFORE the gym). And I was afraid he'd quit since his almighty X-Box was back.Yay!!!!!

Then, this am, the rain never materialized, brief spritz on the way in, then poof! Niiiiiice. Got my St.Francis in!

Ahhh.....all's well with the world (though I AM going through Neil withdrawl).

day 639

Whew!!!

Neil concert last night, AMAZING. Another reason he has reached Deity status: he-too-won't go gently into that good night. Hadda pay scalp prices, worth every penny (funny, in Philly, prices are double NY prices. You'd think it'd be the other way around).

Back to Toxichouse, Stoney hits me for Taco Bell. Had THAT coming, this was-coincidentally-preceded by his going out to clean (most) of the dog shit.

Then...what did I see? He's playing X-Box. So...let that sink in...I'm away for a couple of days-during which time the gas is slated to be cut off-Shebitch buys him a new X-Box. Upon further questioning, he hadn't been to the gym since I left. And why should he? He has the X-Box??? Amazing. But, no $$$ for bills.

It comes in, yelling, heels on, speaking @ the top of Its voice-bear in mind the hour-1:30 (AM!!!). @ that point I come down and utter "SHUT THE FUCK UP." It states "Oh, you're home," after entering the bedrooom repeatedly and plainly seeing me lying there. @ that point I lit into it "you leave the house, leave Keith with nothing, never say where you're going or when you're returning, yet you have the balls to ask where I'd been???" Bitch is amazing. Left me, again, with a grand total of 3 hours sleep. Interrupted at that.

This am, The Line. Rain had been predicted for the week, but we've got a couple of days window of opportunity. YAY!!! Felt GREAT (despite lack of rest).

***This am, Stoney races out to get me-he has a project due manana. Being related to Shebitch, does he do it a week ago when vaca started??? Of course not. He puts it on a flash drive for me to print. It buys him an X Box, spends repeated evenings @ some jive computer class, yet I get to print his work???? Sure wish I had someone like me to do shit for me. Had Woodley come pick me up, we went to Kinko's. Of course, HE uttered "they can't do this???" My point exactly. Hadda have a witness. You CAN'T write shit this good. They're up all night, sleep all day. Doing absolutely nothing.

day 638

good to be back

(@ work that is)

Actually dreading the moment I set foot in Toxichouse. I'm SURE Shebitch did zip to attend to Stoney's needs, thus, he'll hit on First Bank of Dad to replenish the $$ his friends were kind enough to put up for him. Now, why does THAT happen? Some time ago I asked if he wanted an allowance, or, when he asks, he receives. Also, pushed him to put some $$$ in the bank. What happened to THAT idea? Shebitch, of course, interfered "he should do whatever he wants with..." thus, if I'm not there, he has zip. Another reason I have lost weekends. They need to know whose bread gets buttered.

Last night was magic! Seats were in the middle, just left of center. PERFECT. Initially, I saw row "Z," but that's row 26 or 60. AND, the sound there is PERFECT. It's designed for classical music, which of course ISN'T mic'ed. Even the lack of leg room (really tight) didn't matter, he was THAT good. AND, electric!!! T shirts said "I said solo, THEY said acoustic." He rocked the joint!!! A slice from each era. @ one point, he's wandering from pipe organ to harmonium to grand piano, to a selection of guitars-deciding what to do next. REALLY amazing. I'm sure that venue never experienced that volume. Wow. Held me in rapt attention (and you KNOW before it started I was already planning my escape-fucking opening acts grrrrr!!!). Left with a huge smile on my face, just like back in The Days. Closest I can compare it to was the Rust Never Sleeps tour. Not in terms of staging, but the sensation that I'd witnessed something special/leaving the venue with a shit eating grin.

Again this am, a run. On a roll here. Didn't think I'd get it in, was misting, but I made it. Back to The Line. So far, in 2 weeks, unbroken string. This is noteworthy as last night, fell asleep @ midnight, awoke @ 3:30. Ouch. Nice to get some rest.

Downside? Toxichouse awaits (insert theme from Jaws). I'm SURE a mess, dogshit ignored for days, grass knee high. Such is life.

day 637

best of times/worst of times

Ending my lost weekend. One hour until The Concert.

VERY peaceful night, slept like a baby. Up @ 6am, waaaaaay late for me, but then again, went to sleep @ 10:30pm. Off to Central park, did a loop. Was wonderful running with all the other am runners. No race, no pressure. Went for coffee and the papers. Then, off to the movies. Niiiice. We went to see Water for Elephants. Got me teary. Really a good flick. Went for lunch (I drank diet coke, they ate), then off to Queen of Play (it was movie weekend obviously). An amazing indie flick. Again, why I hate living on the island. Then off to Food Emporium-dinner, then nap.

REALLY wish we had what I had when growing up. Mom broke her balls to expose us to tons of shit, Shebitch? Leaves us, Stoney never knows where It is or when It's coming home. This is why I have no qualms about "Lost Weekends." My only concern: the havoc I usually counteract when I'm there. Now I got 4-5 days of shit to fix when I get back.

Now, you KNOW It's shitting a pill not knowing my whereabouts. This from the person who-in front of my son, wished me dead.

...wonder if the gas got turned off?

day 636

Grrrrrrr!

Did the Central Park 4m. GRRRRRRR!!! HATE rain, but, another Marathon Qualifier. AND, got to hang in nyc!!! Best of all, the concierge allowed me to check in early, normally @ 2:30, I was there @ c.o.d. (crack of dawn) naturally, but he recognized me from earlier lost weekends. How'd I do? Who cares, it was wet, crowded, and I didn't care. All I thought was: get it done!!! You MUST love the irony of giving away water bottles during the pouring rain. Too funny!!!

Now, on to play!!!

day 635

Weird, but good.

Feels odd being in avoidance mode. Normal families? With the kiddies off from school, they have family activities. Shebitch? Always m.i.a., whenever I get home n' ask Stoney where It is, the inevitable answer is "I dunno." Hence, I disappear for a couple of days. Guaranteed no dog shit gets picked up, and I return to a shitload of "to do" stuff.

Was soooooo peaceful last night, no slamming doors, no yelling, no high heels on a hard wood floor. Only thing I miss is Stoney. He called, but remember, when Shebitch went loco, I changed my number. So, I return his call, his voicemail is full. Shebitch will have to step up. THAT'S the idea.

Didn't really intend to (race manana, and rain at that), but my before picture peep asked if I was gonna be on The Line in the am, of course I said "only rain prevents me from being here." Of course, that said, I was there, he wasn't. Hey, got my miles in :) .

this just in

you KNOW you're fucked when: you celebrate your long weekend by doing a spin class in a dif gym. Woo hoo!!! WTF is wrong with me? Oh yes, Toxichouse, got it.

WAS nice to attend @ the Flushing Y. I practically grew up there. Remember endless days attending swim class-loved every friggin' second. Remember fighting with Priest, losing our ride, Pedrito driving around PISSED until he found us. Wow. The place seemd so much bigger then. Seeing The Omen @ Keith's RKO, Pedrito taking us to see Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, The Laurel, Bowne House, Korvettes, Peck's.....wow. Now, ALL Korean. Jeeeez.

The class? VERY good. You can tell the group was cohesive. Every member knew the other, the instructor texted an m.i.a. member, who later showed up. Really nice.

day 634

Yin/Yang

The good news: Stoney hangin' with his peeps. The bad news: took long enough.

The dif? He has a phone. Like I said earlier, it took Shebitch 3 weeks to replace his old phone. Of course, w/o a phone, kids these days is crippled. So, I come home yesterday, his peep is collecting his bike to meet the other suspects @ Taco Bell. Good. Stoney and his partners in crime had been hangin' @ Toxichouse, then ventured out for munchies. Good. This is what teenagers SHOULD do.

The "yang?" Of course, First Bank of Dad gets hit on this am. He and a peep (who'd spent the night) were going for eats this am. Now, let that sink in. Shebitch? Cook them breakfast? Of course not. First Bank of Dad paying for our son to purchase that which the home should provide????? Amazing, Utterly amazing. I do so with pleasure, having told him repeatedly "don't EVER fear asking for ANYTHING." Of course, Sunday night/Monday morning should be interesting. Stoney going back to school, First Bank of Dad NOT there. Wonder if Shebitch will do her usual, cry poverty and NOT give Its son lunch money. (yet is ALWAYS in possession of Snapple-must be given away).

Stopped by GNC to reload on Powerbars for him. Felt terrific, buying 'em for gym boy.

And, yet again, God does amazing shit when you let him. The guy who resembles my before pic, the guy I see regularly on The Line? Has more in common with me than I thought. Turns out he's in recovery. Wow. We actually struck up a real conversation, to the extent that I didn't hit the gym to shower (didn't break a sweat, cool temps this am). If I'd taken the day off, or worked out tonight, I'd have missed the connection. Way to go God.

day 633

dodged a bullet!!!

sleeping (can't call it "living") where I do has more than its share of hazards: no heat in winter, never know how Shebitch will behave, etc...Latest: gas is slated to be shut off. So, no hot water, no ability to "cook." This should get interesting.

Stoney, feel for him, but Shebitch proves useless repeatedly. Yesterday he hits on me for $5. This morphs to $20. I don't blame him. A while ago he was given the option of an allowance, or having his requests considered. Being smart, he opted for the latter. Unfortunately, this leaves him with empty pockets (good for a parent, bad for a teenager). Fortunately, First Bank of Dad is there. Unfortunately, not after today. I'll be spending the rest of the week, til Monday, away. Good luck. He HAD asked Shebitch for $, It claimed poverty. Yet, when I awoke this am, the detritus from Chinese food was-literally-all over the counter. Hmmm.

This am? St.Francis. Fully expected to gym it, but the rain held off. When it DID kick in, it was misting. Nice. Very nice.

day 632

took the plunge!!!

Spending the weekend in manhattan. With the concert @ Avery Fisher on Sunday and the race on Saturday, really doesn't pay to venture back and forth.

St.Francis this am, saw the usual suspects. One of 'em was talking about no parking on Sunday. Of course my chest swelled with pride. We killed that race!!!!! Great feeling when you have the sense that it IS yours. Wish all the club members felt the same, their loss if not.

day 631

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

NOT a fun night @ Toxichouse, but, after yesterday, frankly, fuck 'em. Stoney's pissed his replacement phone hasn't arrived-sucks for him, Shebitch only waited 2 weeks, and It's on a major tear. Lovely.

This am? Shorts n' t-shirt. Niiiiice. Could'a done with a sweatshirt, but the shirt felt ok-though cold. Back to St.Francis. After 5m yesterday, gotta get them miles.

Really happy with my time. After last year, anything'd be an improvement. But, successfully broke 9 minutes-again!!! And, on our course, no small thing.

REEEEEALLY happy @ the reviews. When peeps say "never again," it's a tough course that too many of us take for granted.

Nice. Thanks peeps.

day 630

We did it!!!

Over 300 participants in our race today. NICE.

Ran out of shirts and God knows what else, but the bottom line: we cracked the magic number.

Leo (College Point) actually ran the race-the only one I know of that he runs. Bless him.

I AM pissed Sal didn't show, but hey, we're all free. Especially runners.

Hurt not to have Rick or Paul there, but the McDougals, Polansky, Anita, and Perry repped LI well. VERY proud of the peeps!

day 629

Vindication!!!

Was the peeps' Refreshment Run esta manana. Decided to show. Glad I did (always am). Did St.Francis, ran with Pret. She's going to Vegas tomorrow, funny how something always comes up the day of our race.

So, why vindicated? The QuantumBrickFeetWell race is a memory. Good.

Our race? Over 240 preregged. Dare I pray for 300+. We'll see!

this just in!!!

Spoke with the boss this am, he's retiring June 24. Wow.

Yesterday it's announced All My Children is getting the ax, today the boss announces he's out. Wow.

This is the last remaining barrier to my growing up.

I've been the COO for the longest time, with him @ CK Post 3/5 of the week, acting CEO. But, his leaving leaves me as H.N.I.C. No more "take it to the boss."

Now, the job of the assistant director has always been "all the blame, none of the credit," this we know. But, it'll be official-if I decide to take it.

Downside: an appointed position, you could get canned anytime.

Upside: Stoney's college tuition will be paid for.

Downside: If I DON'T apply/get the gig, I'll have done all this work for years, for nothing.

Upside: historically, the A.D. gets the gig.

We'll see.

Again, I'll really be on my own on this one. But then again, when have I not been? Who's been there to help me when I needed it? Right, me.

day 628

YUMMMMM!!!!!

Really God, thanks! Knowing I gotta be stuck @ a desk all day, G delivered big time. 52 degs when I left the house, alllllmost t shirt weather-not quite yet though. Saw my usual suspects. Nice.

2 days until our race. Again, pissed @ the peeps who swear their love, promise loyalty, then year after year something comes up. BUT, the buzz is I "boycott..." what crap.

Sybil asks if I'm doing Easter @ my brothers. Not this year (Neil @ Avery Fisher). It didn't like that, to which I responded "then why did you ask???"

It's Friday kiddies!!! :)

day 627

the end's in sight!!!

Thursday, alllllmost there, Fri only a shift away!

Made it to The Line this am. Blame the weather. It was TOO nice!!! Hadda do 8. After elliping yesterday, needed the miles, AND temps were purrrrfect. LOVE this time of year! Sweatshirt, shorts, no gloves. Yummmmm.

Home yesterday, more correctly, Toxichouse, gas bill on the fridge. Of course, my response, I'm putting the mortgage, the cable bill, the electric bill, everything else I pay, there as well. WTF??? It chose to stop paying anything re: household bills-last year paid oil and gas, this year not even that. To the point that-as you know-we had no heat at all this winter, with the exception of electric radiators-which of course I pay. If I'm not there, Stoney gets no food. Yes kiddies, note it.

day 626

so flexible, call me "Gumby"

Rain had been predicted through this pm, dayum. Soooooo...to the gym! Was ready to gym it yesterday, but the conditions were TOO nice out. Frankly, if I could run after work, this pm should be okay as well, but no. Running after work succccccccks. Can't do it. So, ellip. One hour, high resistance, Ipod blaring. Felt good, worked a sweat, akin to a good run.

Not exactly decided re: Saturday. Sunday is the all important AP 5m Challenge, so possibly run The Line Sat. There ARE 5k's but does is really make sense to run a shorter race the day prior to a longer? Dunno. Gonna come down to a coin flip.

Stoney on another tear. Came home yesterday, toilet backed up. Nothing new there. What got me is his blaming me. When I made it clear to him that when I left, all was well, he reacted. Started acting like a sullen teen. REALLY pisses me off when he gets fresh. Pull that shit with It, not me. He really needs to be reigned in periodically. Can't blame him for being a teenager, that's par for the course. But when he starts reacting against the hand that feeds him.....gotta draw the line. He tried making up for it, but no. It sucked, it hurt, but hadda let him know in no uncertain terms, he fucked up. Now, for the hurt: I'm the only motherfucker that does ANYTHING there, to be treated with suck a level of disrespect hurt beyond description.

day 625

fixing a hole

Amazing what either warmer temps or progress can make. The hole in my soul put there by Shebitch breathing yet another day, is filled on a daily basis by the knowledge that I CAN do one thing for myself-run. This am, 65 degs! WOW! Came really close to running sans shirt, but hey, let's don't get carried away...yet.

Knees held up, feeling really good. What I find odd is: my running shoes are badly in need of replacement, yet, don't wanna tamper with success. It works, do I REALLY wanna fix it?

Today, taxes, GRRRRR. HATE having to pay for Bitch's $$$. AND, It has the nerve to have zero dollars taken out, thus effectively, purposefully, screwing me. Payback kiddies...payback. Think: It obviously lives in Its private hell. Good.

day 624

back in the saddle again!

Felt good to be back on The Line. Warm-ish. Translation: shorts, sweatshirt, no gloves. I'll take it. Felt good, though I prolly could'a made do with a t-shirt, but better warm than cold.

Can't help but reflect positively on the weekend. Everything happened exactly as it should've. From seeing the usual Long Island suspects Saturday, @ a race I hadn't done in YEARS, to contact with my former students via Facebook. You know you've had an effect when peeps still call you "Mr.Ruiz," and use words like "feigning" in a sentence. When her balls got broken for using such language, she reminded me I was her Engliosh teacher. Did something right apparently.

KILLS me the Bitch leaves Keith alone all weekend. Gave him $5 for a footlong, not even enough to cover tax, let alone a beverage. Useless, absolutely useless. And if you believed Its friends, I'm satan. Amazing. Guess they never ask if It did anything at all for Its domicile.

But wait, it gets better! Opened the mail (@ The Job), what's sent to "Dana Schaefer?" (Its maiden name) An attempt to collect on a debt. The W.O.L., waste of life, tried bailing on Its AT&T bill, which was up to $349, THEN had the stones to give MY work address for followup. Not to worry, I called and gave the correct addy, AND Its phone #.

Bad enough I gotta do everything re: care for my boy, add to that I gotta clean up Its finances. I don't think so. Stoney? He can have whatever he asks for, but he IS smart enough not to be stupid in his requests. i.e. the other day he indicated his disappointment that I was home. Had nothing to do with me, but he was waiting for Shebitch so he could hit on It for $$. Of course, I took care of him.

How the HELL It can leave the house, and in so doing, shirk any and all responsibilities, is beyond me. Again, don't ANY of Its peeps ask wassup/who's caring for Keith??? Every penny I spend on him I regard as a sign of love as well as an investment. He's well worth every penny.

***and yes, it irks the PISS outta me that peeps swear their love/allegiance etc...(if it's true, why feel the need to say it???) yet too often ditch you for the flavor of the minute. Our race is this week, too many made other plans. REALLY pisses me off. What could/should be an excuse for togetherness turns out to be a true reflection of the level of bullshit within. Not a negative at all, but in reality, truth. You have a YEAR to plan around 3 stinkin' hours. WTF??? Funny how, out of the blue, plans must be hatched for THAT (of 364 others to choose from) day.

day 623

I DON'T SUCK!!!

Wow!!! Sucked yesterday, though for a 5k trail ruin, finishing is good, so time is really irrelevant, but still, 10+ per mile?????

Today, broke 9 IN CENTRAL PARK!!! AND, of my peeps, my time was actually better. This happens but once in a lifetime, so I'm glad.

Proves my point: when I wanna, I can smoke. Thing is: don't usually wanna.

Now, breaking 9 is always nice, but especially for a 10k.

The sticking point/perspectivizer: my NYRR corral "time" is STILL 8:44. Until I can improve on that, I have no right to be proud.

Still, positive reinforcement is good!!!

Came home, Stoney is, again, alone. Bitch ditched him all day yesterday, all day today. Gave him $5 for food. Yes, you read it right. Cunt.

So, what'd I do, went out and got the lil' bastard a double bacon footlong. Hey, gotta celebrate, if only through "eating by proxy."

Awfully reassuring to know all the training pays off. When you're your own cheering section, it helps.

(though something's HORRIBLY wrong with brotherfromanothermother). He came in a full 30+ second per mile slower. WTF??? Homey's either sick or hurting.

day 622

Best of times/WORST of times

Did the Doug Wood 5k. If that looks weird, it should-and you're dating yourself. Last time I did it was years ago, when it was an 8k. THAT was tough. Today was just slooooow. Ran 10:15, ouch! BUT, with killer hills, ran every step-though at times-at a crawl. Peeps in front couldn't get the hang of accelerating downhill. Duh. Still, glad I did it.

Manana, the big one. 10k in CP. Looking forward to it. Not so much for the course, though it IS good training, but because lots of my peeps will be there.

day 621

completely by surprise


Hooked up with brotherfromanothermother last night. Always good to hang wit' him. What sucks is having to kill time between the job and the Bored Meeting, but, hadda get an AP hat. Caught up, then, BOOM! Outta there. STILL can't stomach meetings.

Didn't plan on running this am. With 2 races this weekend, was gonna either ellip or take the day off. Also, rain had been predicted. However: a)got up an hour later than I usually do and b)it didn't rain/temps were perfect! Sooooo. laced 'em up! Glad I did. Manana's race is a 5k, the next day is tough(er), a 10k in Central Park. But manana's really just a diversion-though it IS cross country. It WAS an 8k, but alas, too many like shorter runs. If I was smart, I probably would as well. Gotta take distance though! Rise to the challenge.

day 620

I'll sleep when I'm dead!

PLANNED to gym it. Rain had been predicted, so, had my mind wrapped around hitting the ellip. Woke up, temps were ok-when Sybil has the electric heater NOT plugged in, you know it's ok temps. Put the garbage out, reeeeeeeally light mist. Hmmmmm. Headed out, not even windshield wipers.

Hit The Line. REALLY glad I did (when you staythefuck outta God's way, good shit happens). Ran into my before picture, the guy who looks like I used to, even drives the same vehicle. He was as glad to see me as I was to see him. He had a few questions, the SAME I had when I started ("what lies beyond the 2 mile mark-where the tunnel to the softball fields is?"). Was being too hard on himself that he ran outta steam after 2 miles. Of course I reminded him of my 1/8 mile, feeling like hot shit because I actually ran 200m.

Thanks God, felt good! Now...manana? Day off before the 5k Saturday and 10k Sunday, hmmmm?

day 619

JWTDO

BEAUTIFUL morning!!! Sweatshirt/gloves and shorts. Cool, not exactly crisp, but not "sweat your ass off." Really nice. Knees holding up, back intact. Gotta love this time of year. 8+, was feeling so good, only thing stopping me-besides the risk of permanent injury-was the thought of the office calling. Not a good example to be off your game when change is in the air.

Last night, Sybil puts a (white) chocolate bunny + some Werthers on the nightstand by the crackberry. No, living with mental illness isn't ever boring. For Christmas I get dollar store cookies, for my anniversary, a late gift. Whatthefuck this stuff is for, who knows? Odd. Yet, appropriate. 48 hours ago I get a distress call "have you seen my black boots?" They were under the dog...who was sleeping. Nope, it ain't easy.

and furthermore

(sometimes God gives you what you need, when you stay outta His way)

Former students facebooked me: "If you hadda recommend ONE book...?" GREAT question. My answer: Breakfast of Champions. Did Vonnegut get it or what? Kilgore Trout is the MAN!

...so it goes...

day 618

just pulled it off!

Sometimes, SOMEtimes, you get lucky.

Was 50/50 today. Motivated, after hitting the gym yesterday, HADDA at least consider a run. BUT, rain predicted. When I got up, dry. Ok, so far so good. Hit work, dry. Headed out, 60 degs, dampish, but ok. So, laced 'em up and out I went. Glad I did. The KRRC guys were out, and a usual suspect.

On the way back, VERY light spritz, enough to tickle the leaves.

Def made the right choice. This evening through manana, rain predicted.

Still weirded out re: having to grow up @ 51. Boss retiring, school closing...oh well.

Back @ Toxichouse yesterday, a green book on the couch. When I asked Stoney, it was a book Sybil had picked up @ the thrift store, to give to him, to give to me for my anniversary...which was the day before. Fucking twat. Dunno what's worse, forgetting completely about it, or getting the date wrong. THIS from Ms.AA (nevermind 3 years of sleeping pills).

this just in

1)the splits are posted for yesterday's race. Surprised, in a good way. Ran negative splits, odd, especially after running a 1/2 the day previous. More is apparently gooder.

First 5k was @ 9:02 pace. Last 5k @ 9:00 pace. Wow. Not to mention, those times in the second 5k counted 20 second breaks. Also, not factoring in: started dead last (20 seconds to get to the start line. Imagine what I could'a done if I'd tried, OR, taken the day before off? BUT, it was never about speed. THAT we know.

2)Boss informed me of his intent to retire. Dunno exactly how I feel. With my elementary school closing, I DO feel as though another rung of my ladder is missing. Wow. No matter how old you are, your inner child STILL has a voice.

day 617

tomato/tomaaaahto

Day off/ellip.

Rain first thing, then spritz, then stopped. Had planned according to the rain. Also, after 13.1 saturday and 6.2 yesterday, should'a taken today off. Sooooooo, to the gym! 60 mins on the ellip and I'm good to go!!!

Today will be a good day, earth is safe.

VERY happy with my times this weekend. Faster 13.1, faster 10k. Improved over last year. Good to see the work paid off.

...of course, on the other hand, hurt that no one where I sleep remembered what yesterday was. Fuck it. I know and you know.

day 616

missed it by thiiiis much!!!

Did the Aspire 10k. SHOULD'A taken a day off after yesterday's half, BUT, with rain predicted from tonight through tuesday, needed the miles. Glad I did it. Did very well, considering. (GREAT race shirts too!).

Took 2 thirty second breaks, and started dead last. Came in @ 9:01. Can you believe it? If I'd pushed a little harder, could'a broken 9 minutes. But, it was a 10k, on a day after which normal people would've relaxed. Glad I did the run. Also, the Long Island peeps spoke of our race. Since there's only one other race that day, might actually get to see the faces I always wanted to be there.

Great way to celebrate 26 years clean. Did anyone @ Toxichouse remember, of course not. Fuck it, I know.

day 615

better

Not great, but better.

Did the 13.1 in Flushing Meadows this am. Weird time for a start 9:13 am. This last it was crisp to start-45 degs, last year it was HOTTT! Remember running/walking the final 2-3 miles with Laughin and his son in law. This year, took 4 thirty second breaks, but did well. Could've broken 2 hours, but manana is a 10k, hadda leave a little in the tank.

Polansky was there, he and a few Queens usual suspects. No Striders. Odd. Guess they got it outta their systems last year.

Tomorrow evening into Monday, rain predicted. Good, Get my miles in then chillax.

day 614

yummmm

nice quiet evening. Usually Thursdays are weird: my fave show is now @ 10pm, which makes it a 'roid. Real struggle to stay up that late to watch (your 10pm is my 3 am, I get up so early). Last night, all reruns. Yay!!! Chillaxed, took it easy, early bed.

Today, squat. Nothing. Wanted to go for a run, but between spritzing (really could'a if I wanted, but...) and the weekend's races, hadda take the day off. With a 1/2 tomorrow and 10k Sunday, no worries re: getting my miles in.

***Brotherfromanothermother got me good. Called, left a voicemail re: he was at the meeting, where was I? Wiseass. He got me too. I called to apologize. Turns out the meeting is, obviously, next week. (early) April fools!!!