KRAC Blog

The abundance of fresh basil and nice tomatoes means that it is time for pizza margarita. Jeffrey Steingarten's frustration led to his discovery that his Weber grill was the perfect pizza oven, and his recipe is the best I have found, but the dough is so wet that it is very difficult to work with. I have been experimenting a bit, and will continue to do so-- it is an almost perfect meal in the summertime, with a glass or two of red wine.

I am enjoying the Democrat Show, although I am not such a masochist to submit myself to the whole thing every night. (EGA caught a glimpse of Teddy and said, "Huh. I always associate Kennedys with youth and vigor.) When Clinton was onstage two nights ago they played "Don't Stop", and I realized that he'd effectively made the song his theme. I think that this is something that started, in politics at least, with dosages (not even a particularly good Neil Diamond Song, although "Cracklin' Rosie would have lacked context). Now, I'm enough of a traditionalist to prefer organ music at the ballpark, but even I have to admit that I like it when a guy comes to the plate and they play a few bars of an appropriate song. It could be done better-- what couldn't?-- but it got me thinking: what songs do we want played when we are introduced at the starting line? My theme, Pete Townsend's "Misunderstood", doesn't really work in this context (although it'd be fine if I won an Academy Award). Maybe "Slow Ride"?

Oh, and speaking of 13 miles, did you know that the USTAF number for a race can be used to find a map of the course? The Grand Island Half Marathon's course number is NY97008AM. If you go here and enter that number, you get a (crudely drawn) map! This one looks like the treasure maps my brother and I drew when we were kids. I just discovered this trick, and see all kinds of potential-- here is a list of all the certified courses in Buffalo, for example. Here is the Amherst list. Isn't that handy?

I have been disappointed that I am not finishing the long runs stronger, but a lesson from the Ridge is that the way I run during the week determines how well I run on Saturday. Another way to think about it is that it is a mistake to make the Saturday workout the only quality run of the week. One of the things I am liking about the Higdon plan is that he reinforces the idea that it can be done: "run ten? If you say so." The mid week middle distances are turning into fun, because I feel like I can run them strong, and that's how I took my six miler today.

EGA and I will be in Brooklyn to see They Might Be Giants Friday into Saturday. Let me know if anyone is interested in doing 13 on Sunday.

Despite my interest in all things guitar and my relatively large collection of jazz records, I haven't invested heavily in jazz guitar records. I've got a couple Tal Farlows, a couple Wes Montgomeries, a couple Joe Passes, and one or two others. I like some of them more than others, but when I'm in a jazz mood I usually reach for the horn players and pianists. However, I just read a Guitar Player article about Barney Kessel, and a News (Jeff Simon) article about a new Mosaic box set of Tal Farlow. The web-buzz on the Farlow set is that it's nothing special, so I won't be spending the $100-plus to get it. But I will be picking up some fifties-era Barney Kessel, who I've heard only on one or two of Charlie Parker's Dial sides. See, e.g., "Relaxin' at Camarillo."

I just closed my building loan. Construction of the east wing starts next week. I expect that the Nuzzos will have us over for dinner regularly while the kitchen is torn up.

This morning Bill and I did our twelve-miler along the Niagara River bike path. We started at the parking lot in front of Mississippi Mudd's in Tonawanda and ran toward the Peace Bridge, figuring we'd be running between nine and ten minute miles. After an hour we were just short of the Riverside Apartment buildings, at least six miles, so we turned around and went back.  It was a beautiful morning -- sunny, cool and breezy -- and the run wasn't bad at all. But the best part of the morning was seeing a father and son fishing on the shore in Isle View Park while sharing (one spoon) a cold can of Chef Boyardee ravioli for breakfast at about 9:30am. Yummy.

Got me a spiffy new pair of Brooks Adrenaline last night. I walk into that store and they just smile. Third time I've been there in three weeks, in fact. I went to Niketown Wednesday when I was in the City, but nothing there seemed to satisfy any immediate need. 

 
Romeo Void

Speaking of movies you watch like listening to an album, JetBlue is experimenting with movies as well as tv, and yesterday morning, instead of dozing, I got caught up in "The Princess Bride". "Rodents of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist."

I remembered a few more concerts:

Sonic Youth
Mercury Rev
Iggy Pop
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Band of Susans (3)(because my friend's sister was the bass player)
Psychedelic Furs
Joe "King" Carasco and the Crowns
Rachel Sweet
Duke Robillard
Tito Puente
John Denver (I was a paid usher at this Aud show)
Starlight Vocal Band ("Afternoon Delight"; same as above)
Junior Brown
Son Seals

We're all set for Chicago. After Bill's travel agent said that the only rooms left in Chicago were at the HARD ROCK HOTEL for between $400 and $500 per night, I went on Travelocity and Expedia to see what they had. I found three rooms at a Radisson downtown for $289(Sat) and $179(Sun). When I couldn't reach Bill via phone or email, I stopped by his office during lunch. He was at a deposition, but Kate gave me the firm credit card and I booked the rooms on Bill's computer (NICE MOUSE!). We have an Expedia itinerary number, but I expect Bill will receive email confirmation. The Radisson ain't fancy but it will have to do. I must admit that as a KRAC member I was drawn in by the allure of staying at the HARD ROCK HOTEL, but I couldn't bear to be the guy who had to tell Dave we booked him a room for $490 a night.

ESPN lists the Greatest American Runners Ever. It seems biased towards the sprinters to me, and perhaps the list should be split between sprinters and distance runners, the way practice was in high school. I mean, don't you have to have Frank Shorter on the list?

Jim and I had a look at a map Saturday and propose this for our 12 miler on Saturday: let's start at Mississippi Mudd's, run along the river to the Peace Bridge, turn around and come back. The bike path is not marked out that way, as it is in Amherst, but the distance looks to be about right. Anyone wishing to go a little shorter (EGA may join us, and Judy is probably too smart to go 12) can keep track of the time, and turn around earlier.

We should think about maybe starting a little earlier. The heat is going to be an issue in the next few weeks.

While running this morning I kept myself occupied by listing the concerts I've seen over the years. Then I decided to write down as many as I can remember. I've included as many opening acts as I can recall, and have not listed any jazz shows. They are not in any particular order and I'm sure I missed one or two.

Chuck Berry
Muddy Waters (3)
Rolling Stones
Bob Dylan and Rolling Thunder Review
Who (2), but without Keith Moon
Bruce Springsteen (7)
Cracker (6)
Devo
Pink Floyd
Neil Young/Crazy Horse
Nils Lofgren
Elvis Costello (2)
Talking Heads (3)
Frank Black (2)
Yes (2)
Billy Joel (2)
Clash (2), but once without Mick Jones
Jonathan Richman (3)
Blondie
U2 (2)
Pat Benatar (2)
B-52s (2)
Beach Boys (2)
Jeff Beck (3)
They Might Be Giants (2)
Billy Bragg (2)
J. Geils Band
Johnny Winter
Outlaws
Bobby Womack
Ace
Rockpile
Peter Gabriel
Teenage Head
Nelly Furtado
NRBQ
Thompson Twins
Pretenders
Supersuckers
Gang of Four
Lou Reed
Southside Johnny
Journey
Jackson Browne
Joe Jackson
Roger McGuinn
Santana
Grateful Dead
Dr. John
Simon and Garfunkel
John Hammond, Jr.
Dave Edmunds
ELO
Leo Kotke (2)
James Cotton
Li'l Ed and the Blues Imperials
English Beat
Willie Alexander and the Boom Boom Band
REM
Mink Deville
David Johansen
Brothers Johnson
ZZ Top
Blue Oyster Cult
Angel
John Mayall with Mick Taylor
Sebadoh
Little Feat
James Taylor
Blue Rodeo
BB King
Grass Roots
Tim Curry
Bangles
10,000 Maniacs
Mamou
Tubes

Rookie of the Year? It goes without saying. Runner of the Year? If we voted today, there'd be no contest. 

Tom looking strong. The sunglasses really do make you look faster. 

Jim and me overtaking the Blues Brothers. On to Chicago!

The train takes me by Aquaduct every time I go to New York, and there are plenty of times when I want to get off there. My grandfather used to take me there. Belmont is nicer, but I seldom get out there. "It’s disconcerting to hear people all day yelling “Take the whip to him!” until you hear yourself screaming the same thing."

"The cheaper the crook, the gaudier the patter."

Last night "The Maltese Falcon" was on TCM. I watch that thing like I listen to an album.

I'm waiting for a chance to use that quote as the heading in one of my legal briefs.

Running along the river through LaSalle Park this afternoon I saw a bolt of lightning that would have frightened Bella Lugosi out over the water, and coming my way. I'd been just poking along, taking it easy, but that got me moving. On the opposite side of the road guys in orange jumpsuits from the Holding Center were crowding into the picnic shelters. "Man, even criminals know better than to be out in this," I thought, but I made it back in before the squall hit.

I miss Alphonso Soriano.

I still don't like Roger Clemens.

From Scott Ostler's Answer Man column:

"Q: A golfer from New Hampshire is golfing his way across the treeless steppes of Mongolia, using only a three-iron. His course is 1,319 miles long and he has designated stretches of the journey as “holes.” Through the first 14 holes he has lost 441 balls. What does it all mean?

A: It means my 18-hole world record is safe.

The man is 11,880 over par, and if I was golfing like that, I’d be looking for the drink llama.

It’s weird, the guy has one club, he’s hitting balls across empty expanses, yet he’s using a caddy. That’s like a homeless guy having a butler."

I guess the bottom line will be how well he does in the split club drawing....

This post is probably outside this blog's standard fare but here goes.

There are two bills in the Senate concerning a constitutional amendment banning "gay marriage." The GOP will certainly push this to some kind of vote, and the press will be asking Kerry where he stands on the issue. Bush and friends will try to make this THE issue in the election, and may well succeed. The GOP has cynically, but accurately, figured out that they can make the Iraq mess, Haliburton and the influence of the Oil Mafia, and all other issues, go away, by making a vote for Kerry a vote for gay marriage.

I am not in favor of "gay marriage" per se, and instead support state-recognized civil unions for practical purposes, but wherever you come down on this issue, it is not a subject of constitutional magnitude. It is, to me, purely a matter of state law.

However, one would think that the 18th amendment - - banning alcoholic beverages - - should have been seen then, as it is now, as an infringement on the states' police power.

The irony is that it is the liberals who are making the states' rights argument here, the traditional weapon of conservatives when opposing, for example, abolition and federal civil rights legislation.

An exchange of emails with Michael Beebe culminated with this, which seemed worth sharing: "Get ready for some crowds at Chicago. I ran in 99, and while the overall
experience was positive, I was mightily ticked off at times near the start
when I got behind 5 hour pace groups blocking the road. (Why they were at
the front is beyond my understanding). I wasn't there to set any records and
didn't, but I trained pretty hard for that race and wasted way too much time
getting around pace groups. The Front Line Runners, a gay and lesbian
running club, had by far the best water stand. It was a hoot. There were
also some pretty good bands along the way. I think my favorite part of the
weekend was going to the Goose Island brew pub afterward to rehydrate." Goose Island. Remember that name.

For the first four years that I ran the Utica Boilermaker the conditions on race day were really not a concern. I was always hurt, or recovering from an injury, so just struggling to the finish was a sufficient accomplishment. Last year, for the first time, I was healthy, and as luck would have it the weather was nearly perfect: as cool as mid-July is likely to be, and cloudy. I had a great race, running it pain free for the first time.

This year I am in much better condition than I have been in years, but as soon as we got off the bus at the starting area I knew that it was going to be a rough morning. It was already warm, and the sky was clear and blue and beautiful. It was going to be a hot one, and there was going to be no protection from the sun on the course.

By now the route is familiar, and I feel like I can attack it tactically. The first 5k is rolling hills, with about a mile of flat along the a parkway. That stretch, which is the coolest part of the race, is also probably where there is the most shade, although there are also long stretches, by the Armory and by the public housing, that are completely exposed. When you make the left onto the road that leads to the golf course you start to deal with grade, and people start slowing down. The golf course itself is where our training pays off: it amounts to a mile long hill, and the only problem I had with it were the people in front of me. This year I ran on the grass, off the path, because maneuvering around people was spending more effort than the climb was. The other two great things about the golf course hill are the fact that the grass makes it cooler, and the view at the top, which is spectacular. The descent is also sweet, and the stretch that follows is, I guess, my favorite part. The lama from the Utica Zoo is always there, and the spectators hand out popsicles. I had lime this year, and I could feel the difference it made. This stretch is flat, and you come into it after coming down hill, knowing that this is a place where you want to run strong. Loop around the block, past the Utica Blue Sox stadium, and into the toughest part of the race. At this point there is no shelter: it is all asphalt and buildings, and you start the climb to Utica College. This hill is strategically placed to crush you. When you hit the 10k mark you still have nearly a mile to climb, and it is always hot enough to bake cookies. The roadway is concrete, reflecting the sun back up at you. About halfway up is Ice Station Zebra, and I filled my hat with a handful of ice, and took water twice.

As bad a hill as it is, the training at the Ridge still pays off: I passed people all the way up. Every year I think, "Now that I'm past that, I'm home free," and you'd think that would be true, but the last two and a half miles are as tough as any of the rest of it. Although it is mostly downhill, there is one more short climb, and as hot as it was yesterday, every spot of shade felt like it made a difference. Once I had crested the hill I started seeing people being attended to by paramedics: at first I thought that I was seeing a spectator holding a 8"x11" sign, and I thought, "That's a stupid size for a placard," and then I realized it was an IV bag. I guess I saw about a half a dozen runners down, more than I ever have before. The pipe band outside The Highlander gave me the lift I needed for the last mile.

For five years the Boilermaker has been the best thing I've done. This year we get to keep going. (Cross-posted from Outside Counsel.)

Some impressive performances out there Sunday. Jim was in the top twenty for runners from Buffalo, 1:18:35, a snappy 8:26 pace. Tom rolled in with 1:25:41, 9:12 pace. I managed a 1:28:26, 9:29 pace, a PR even if it was a struggle. The big story, however was Judith Power-Knab, 1:37:12, 10:26, who looked like she had just come from a garden party. Rookie of the year, sure. Runner of the year? You can't count her out.

It was hot out there, as hot as I can remember it being, but everyone came through tough. For six years this has been the best thing I've done. This year we get to keep going.

My friend Greg Poulos had a go at the New York City Triathlon last month. I haven't had a chance to hear about it from him, but this account makes it sound about like what I think it would be like. While I can see the appeal, sort of, this kind of combo platter sport doesn't really do it for me. Is the winner of the decathlon the "greatest athlete in the world"? ("Thanks, King.") Maybe, but not in the way that the record holder in the 100 meters is the world's fastest human. ABC used to have a show called "The Superstars" in which athletes (and at least one race car driver) competed in various events. I remember thinking it was hilarious watching them wobble around the track on their bicycles, but did it really prove anything?

Still, I'm impressed with Greg's triathlon. As mid-life crises go, we probably all should have gone with the red sports car, but that would be too easy.

50 Greatest Rock Intros. There are others that deserve to be mentioned here: "Roundabout", perhaps; "Layla", I think; hmmmm. Via Bifurcated Rivets, who still hates lists but agrees with a lot on this one.

Utica weather for Sunday: partly cloudy, high 85 degrees, humidity 61%.

As Bill says, the nine miler was tough in the heat Saturday morning, but not too tough. I think that we should do the long runs as early in the morning as possible to minimize the heat issues. We both used water bottle belts, and unfortunately, they will be necessary.

This week the Higdon schedule says 3/5/3 with a ten miler on Saturday. The Boilermaker will more than satisfy the long run requirement, but Higdon's mid-week runs are too much to qualify as tapering. My plan is to do a three mile tempo run this evening and then ease up with one more leisurely run, plus my standard pre-Boilermaker two-miler early Saturday morning.

Over the weekend I was in a used bookstore and found the novel upon which the movie "Drugstore Cowboy" was based. It's called "Drugstore Cowboy." Right now I'm reading the new Alexander Hamilton biography (can't wait for the movie) and "The Radetsky March" by Joseph Roth, which is a beautifully written 1932 novel set during the declining years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (I don't expect there will be a movie). I also just picked up the recent Neil Young biography, "Shakey." Speaking of books and movies, the DVD of Philip Roth's "The Human Stain" should be out by now and and I'm looking forward to seeing it, as I really enjoyed the book.

I have been as far as UB on the Amherst Bike Path, but I hadn't run it, and I hadn't realized that it is marked in tenths. It's really a nice run, although I could have used a little more shade. It was particularly good to see Dave out there, coming in as we were going out. One more week in the single digits, and then we'll be in completely uncharted territory. It was funny this morning: as I passed the marker telling me we had one mile to go, I thought, "Eh, a mile. Practically home," as though it was nothing, as though a mile or a hundred yards were more or less the same. We kept it at the pace where we could talk the whole way, about nine minute miles for the first 5k. I know I'm doing something right because the last mile and a half-- last two miles, really, were hard. Every week is harder, which is how you get better. The hardest thing, for me, at least, is keeping my mind in it. We ran for an hour and 24 minutes today, and you know, there just aren't that many things that I feel like I can do for an hour and 24 minutes straight. Drink beer, I suppose. Watch someone else exercise, while I drink beer.

You learn things along the way. After extensive testing, I can now state with assurance that at nine miles, I chafe. Don't chafe at 5k, 10k no problem. Haven't chafed over the full loop at the Ridge. But nine miles? Wow. Another thing I've learned? There is always more. I thought I was done in when I got home this morning, but there was enough left for me to do some errands on my bike. I could have gone ten today. I could have gone twelve. The mind is the only limitation.

Here's an interesting list of the top 100 albums from the '70's. Bifurcated Rivets, which is where I found it, says, "I really hate lists of albums like this. They are always wrong - you only have to look at the top few to see how wrong this one is," and he has a point, sort of. On the other hand, pretty much everything here that I'm familiar with (which is pretty much all of it) is worthwhile, quality stuff.

After a three-game sweep, the Yankees are 8-1/2 ahead of the Red Sox, up nine games in the loss column. I'm not saying it's over, because the Yanks have enough pitching issues to give us some doubt (anybody seen El Duque?), especially when you think about the playoffs. BUT, when Jeter puts himself in the hospital to catch a foul ball in the stands, to end the 12th inning, you see why the Yanks are so tough. Manny and Ortiz will continue to put up the big numbers, but are the Sox winners? Doesn't appear so.

I invited Bucky to run with us. He replied: "Thanks a ton. If I ever get rid of this tendinitis and increase my distance,
I'll be there. I FINALLY got some exercise for the first time in a week
today, getting on a bike for six miles. I know it's only six miles but it's
a major gain for me considering where I was last Friday, the day after I developed the tendinitis. I guess there's still hope." 

Judy is a little more wholesome than the badass image we think we project, but she is every bit as tough as it takes, and I love the idea of a woman in KRAC colors. In the back of my mind the idea of the Marianne Faithfull Athletic Club has lurked for a long time, with this image as its icon: I'm not so sure that any of the women we are married to actually fit this mold, or are interested in projecting it. 

For members only:

You should know that yesterday, Bill assigned the last KRAC team singlet to Judy based upon her tough recent efforts at the Ridge and Boilermaker entry. I told her that she must improve her beer drinking or we'll be forced to put her on waivers.

You can call me "Close'n'Play", because I only have one speed. 17:39 at St. Teresa's Comeback Run, 8:01 pace, 17th in my age group. 17:09 for the Captain, 15th in the age group, 7:48 pace. Funny sort of race: the field was full of familiar faces, and there were singlets from every local running club I can think of. Checkers, of course, Lancaster Striders, Belle Watling. It had the look of a regular stop on the tour, which I guess it is. South Buffalo is another country, and this took us over some corners of it that I'd never seen. Reasonable spectator support, which is not surprising: there is a serious running culture there, and it seems like everyone either runs or knows a runner. Funny sort of race: crowded at the start, then everyone seemed to find their pace, and that's how it went, down narrow residential streets, along the banks of Cazenovia Creek, into the park and out, with splits and water along the way, chip timed. Very professional, very well organized.

I wonder about the name, though. Is St. Teresa's comeback like Elvis's? Is she wearing a black jumpsuit?