kick-ass running mix

I found myself less motivated to run this winter, but not because of the cold. I like cold-weather running. I still don't quite know why I didn't often want to run, though I have theories, such as a reclusive mood.

NYC Marathon 2014

I still worked out every day (because I am crazy), got into high intensity interval training, kept up with my spinning bike, and I ran now and then. I soon forced myself back into the every-other-day schedule to make sure I was prepped for my first race in five months, the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler (which turned into a 9.39 miles due to a last-minute course issue). A perfect day: 45-50 degrees, a light breeze, sunshine. I chose to run a little slower than usual; amazing that running a race pace :30 to :45 seconds slower per mile makes a world of difference.

My next regular-old-run two days later, yesterday, was a mere hour, 6.5 miles. The old iPod Nano gave me a random but kick-ass mix, which is just what I needed on a very tough day (another story). This run in the 50-degree temperature and light rain was just perfect. 

On Tapely, I have shared the mix for posterity, however long that is.

kick ass running mix

• ¡Viva La Gloria! - Green Day
• It's Tricky - RUN-DMC
• Standing On My Own Again - Graham Coxon
• Just Like A Pill - P!nk
• Second Chance - Peter Bjorn and John
• The All for Swinging You Around - New Pornographers
• Invincible - OK Go
• Bury Our Friends - Sleater-Kinney
• Pumpin' Blood - NONONO
• Underdog - Butthole Surfers
• Dangerous - Big Data feat. Joywave
• Bad Reputation - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
• Joan of Arc - Arcade Fire
• Won't Back Down - Eminem feat. P!nk
• Godzilla - Blue Oyster Cult
• 
  

(Yes, I still run with a Nano. Why would I choose to run with a bulky smartphone?)

the smell of epoxy

I love the smell of epoxy glue. Nostalgia?

I remember my mother taking out the two tubes, folding up a piece of tinfoil to make a disposable plate of sorts, using a wooden chopstick, saved from Chinese takeout, and mixing equal parts of the gooey substances. I remember one clearer, one more yellow.

The chemical smell was strong but soothing, warm even. Some people like the smell of gasoline (I don't), so I cannot be completely alone here.

I have rediscovered a range of epoxys, say, one to fix a broken cement gargoyle. That one combined a light grey goo with a black one, but it smelled just the same.

I am looking for more things to repair now, with what seems like the ultimate in household glues, or at least which was such when I was a kid.

Good on you, epoxy.

I'll be sure not to sniff too much.

Joanne Harris and Radiohead, random

(A disclaimer: I have no in-depth knowledge of either Joanne Harris or Radiohead.)

I listened to the rebroadcast Diane Rehm's interview of Joanne Harris on January 4, 2009. I have not read Harris' Chocolat (though the movie is quite good), and I know little about the author. But I listened anyway -- on the little radio in the bathroom while a took a shower.

A pair of red shoes figure in Harris' new novel, The Girl with No Shadow, a sequel to Chocolat. Rehm asks why a love of shoes and chocolate is associated with women. Harris answers that both are associated with magic, transformation (which does not quite address the woman connection, but anyway...). I especially liked how she described an irrational shoe-associated belief: if she could find the perfect pair of shoes, she would be transformed. I cannot remember her exact words. But I definitely recognized the idea. I am always on a shoe search. I think the perfect pair of shoes would perfect me, or my look -- so I suppose I understand that irrational belief.

I listened to another rebroadcast of a Radiohead interview on Sound Opinions on December 26, 2008 (as a podcast -- the show is not, as far as I know, broadcast on a local public radio station). I have enjoyed some Radiohead tunes, but I am no expert on the band. But I listened to the entire interview while I did a spinning routine (on a stationary bike, you know...)

Discussing how they record songs in the studio, the band members explained that they record a song, playing together, once (they may even videotape the performance). They don't listen to it until much later -- maybe months later -- and then they can rework it. This is instead of playing it piece by piece, working on one song for days or weeks in the studio, until it is perfected (there's that "perfected" theme again). They said the latter method makes them lose all perspective. The former gives perspective and helps them work together and see the big picture. Again, while I can't remember their exact words, I recognized this way of working -- similar to how I write. I put a bunch of stuff (ah, "bunch of stuff" -- eloquent) down -- often messy -- then polish later when I have had some time away.

These are my random thoughts for the day. Have a good night.