I need that sunshine.

I have a novel to write. In the style of Nicholas Sparks, with southwestern flavor. Later: Just wrote an alternate ending outline.

Oh, today is for Murph training. In spite of the weather. 20 pounds in the pack. Well, 25 pounds. Because that’s the only weight plate I’ve got. Let’s see how I do. [What is The Murph?]

Initial report: I just ground out 100 pushups in sets of 25, 150 squats in sets of 25, inside of twenty minutes, with 25 pounds of weight on my back. I’ll put on proper pants in a few minutes, go down to the playground and see what I can do with pullups. Can’t really run with the pack on - bounces too much. But initial indications are, I may be able to knock out a Murph on Memorial Day if I take a no-holds-barred approach. This is going to be an intense month for video shoots and editing (like five or six events). May have to train early morning/after dark.

Later report: I expected not to do so well on pullups/run. Tried to run with the pack on, did a mile of very ugly puffing and grimacing. Barely made it. Traps are killing me. 35 pullups with weight, in 10 and 5 rep combos. So I need improvement there. But I habitually turn into pain and make it work for me (as long as I don’t push to injury). I can do this. I think I need a coach to watch me do pullups. My brain likes to cheat the bottom set point.

Much later report: Finished off with bodyweight pullups/run. Much happier. Still have stamina. My body’s responding in ways not that far off from earlier decades. Of course, morning-after, all bets are off (LOL).

Need new running shoes. Looking at Hokas. What says everyone? Concerned the soles may be too mushy. I like control as well as proper padding. Some folks I see wearing them scuff around like they have no coordination, so that concerns me.

Vinyl: I lost the enjoyment of music for a while earlier this year. Recently found DJ V on TikTok (if still not banned) posts some great vinyl records from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s. If you’re on TT, try these: How Long, How Much I Feel, (oh no) Hotel California, and one of my all time faves, Wildflower … properly heavy and meaningful, apparently written about a homeless girl, love that guitar line … Sign Your Name, another great one … and the main channel itself. There’s just something about the sound of records. Even over internet video. Enjoy.

Setting up event scheduling for the next month. If you ever wondered the difference between “Stage Left” and “House Right”, look no further. [There is no difference.] Even professionals screw this up sometimes.