I was looking in the mirror, and realized I have been growing grayer since I got here. That's something that's been going on a while now, but it has really taken off since I've been working this job.
This job is less stressful than my last combat tour - but it is still stressful as hell. I will come back noticeably grayer than when I left.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
6.0mi, 53:27, 31 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 190 of the campaign.
iThink:
The Cure, "Primary" (in Orange)
The Cure, "A Forest" (from concert and curiosity)
WX at 6 AM (10) May 31 69 (21) 44 (7) 29.97 (1015) ENE 12 light rain showers; thunder in the vicinity RH 40
Odometer 13B: 353.7mi
Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 155/164
It may be time to retire these shoes soon...
My legs were okay at first, and ran about steady state pace, but the last mile was considerably slower. This was a return from being sick for the last three days and having a bout with food poisoning in addition to a small head cold that I might've chalked up to exhaustion.
I felt pretty good, although tomorrow I need to exercise some discretion, which might mean a little LSD. I want to regain momentum that I lost while I was ill.
Splits
iThink:
The Cure, "Primary" (in Orange)
The Cure, "A Forest" (from concert and curiosity)
WX at 6 AM (10) May 31 69 (21) 44 (7) 29.97 (1015) ENE 12 light rain showers; thunder in the vicinity RH 40
Odometer 13B: 353.7mi
Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 155/164
It may be time to retire these shoes soon...
My legs were okay at first, and ran about steady state pace, but the last mile was considerably slower. This was a return from being sick for the last three days and having a bout with food poisoning in addition to a small head cold that I might've chalked up to exhaustion.
I felt pretty good, although tomorrow I need to exercise some discretion, which might mean a little LSD. I want to regain momentum that I lost while I was ill.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:44 08:44 08:44 08:44 1.00
1.00 17:30 08:46 08:46 08:45 2.00
1.00 26:19 08:49 08:49 08:46 3.00
1.00 35:07 08:48 08:48 08:47 4.00
1.00 44:03 08:56 08:56 08:49 5.00
1.00 53:28 09:25 09:25 08:55 6.00
1.00 08:44 08:44 08:44 08:44 1.00
1.00 17:30 08:46 08:46 08:45 2.00
1.00 26:19 08:49 08:49 08:46 3.00
1.00 35:07 08:48 08:48 08:47 4.00
1.00 44:03 08:56 08:56 08:49 5.00
1.00 53:28 09:25 09:25 08:55 6.00
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
6.21mi, 66:04, 28 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 187 of the campaign.
iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi and original remixes)
WX at 3 PM (19) May 27 68 (20) 37 (3) 30.09 (1019) ESE 5 RH 32
Odometer 13B: 347.7mi
Z2-3. Average/max heart rate = 141/149
Today was a very late start, and I didn't feel so great, but I was determined to run six laps, especially when the route I mapped out on the Gmap Pedometer (www.gmap-pedometer.com) marked out exactly 1.11 miles. That, of course, mandates that I run six laps so I hit the magical 6.66mi distance. That does not match the GPS, but I'm more inclined to believe the computer rather than the GPS, with as much cover as I run through around here. While the GPS thinks my overall pace was about 10:38/mi, if the distance was truly 6.66mi, then I was running closer to 9:55 at that level of intensity, which I can live with fine.
Today had to be a recovery run as I felt beat the hell up even after yesterday's day of massive barbeque intake and doing pretty much nothing but running. I think I am catching a cold and thus need to be much more disciplined about how much sleep I get. Starting now.
Splits
iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi and original remixes)
WX at 3 PM (19) May 27 68 (20) 37 (3) 30.09 (1019) ESE 5 RH 32
Odometer 13B: 347.7mi
Z2-3. Average/max heart rate = 141/149
Today was a very late start, and I didn't feel so great, but I was determined to run six laps, especially when the route I mapped out on the Gmap Pedometer (www.gmap-pedometer.com) marked out exactly 1.11 miles. That, of course, mandates that I run six laps so I hit the magical 6.66mi distance. That does not match the GPS, but I'm more inclined to believe the computer rather than the GPS, with as much cover as I run through around here. While the GPS thinks my overall pace was about 10:38/mi, if the distance was truly 6.66mi, then I was running closer to 9:55 at that level of intensity, which I can live with fine.
Today had to be a recovery run as I felt beat the hell up even after yesterday's day of massive barbeque intake and doing pretty much nothing but running. I think I am catching a cold and thus need to be much more disciplined about how much sleep I get. Starting now.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 10:48 10:48 10:48 10:48 1.00
1.00 21:19 10:31 10:31 10:40 2.00
1.00 32:00 10:41 10:41 10:40 3.00
1.00 42:29 10:29 10:29 10:37 4.00
1.00 53:14 10:45 10:45 10:39 5.00
1.00 63:56 10:42 10:42 10:39 6.00
0.21 66:04 02:08 10:10 10:38 6.21
1.00 10:48 10:48 10:48 10:48 1.00
1.00 21:19 10:31 10:31 10:40 2.00
1.00 32:00 10:41 10:41 10:40 3.00
1.00 42:29 10:29 10:29 10:37 4.00
1.00 53:14 10:45 10:45 10:39 5.00
1.00 63:56 10:42 10:42 10:39 6.00
0.21 66:04 02:08 10:10 10:38 6.21
Monday, May 26, 2014
Augury and memory on Memorial Day
I spent today in various states of anger, not mostly because of work. Part of it was because I had finally faced down the OPFOR Commander on a discussion that was coming, and probably presages more of the same.
Some others were seeing things on TV today that brought back many of my old demons and the guilt at having written orders that, however necessary, had sent people to their deaths.
But there is much more left in this tour.
No roll call this year. It has not changed since 2012.
Some others were seeing things on TV today that brought back many of my old demons and the guilt at having written orders that, however necessary, had sent people to their deaths.
But there is much more left in this tour.
No roll call this year. It has not changed since 2012.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
6.23mi, 58:06, 25 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 184 of the campaign.
iThink:
The Bats, "Courage"
WX at 1 PM (17) May 25 69 (21) 30 (-1) 30.12 (1020) ENE 22 light rain showers RH 22
Odometer 14A: 121.7mi
Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 154/165
I got off a rather pointed phone call with the OPFOR commander tonight. It was probably coming, but I needed to get in a run to work off the angst that was left over after the phone call. So I ran, not hard, because my legs are too dead to do it, but hard enough to think through my frustrations.
Today marks twenty years since I entered active duty as an Army officer. My life right now is not what I expected 20 years ago. It's not, for that matter, 14 years ago either.
Five years ago I thought I might be able to get through graduate school and a job. I didn't think I could do graduate school, job, and divorce. I remind myself, occasionally, that graduate school is over, but when I finished, I didn't have the fortitude to face the choice that is starting to loom.
Perhaps that's why tonight's iThink was what it was.
Splits
iThink:
The Bats, "Courage"
WX at 1 PM (17) May 25 69 (21) 30 (-1) 30.12 (1020) ENE 22 light rain showers RH 22
Odometer 14A: 121.7mi
Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 154/165
I got off a rather pointed phone call with the OPFOR commander tonight. It was probably coming, but I needed to get in a run to work off the angst that was left over after the phone call. So I ran, not hard, because my legs are too dead to do it, but hard enough to think through my frustrations.
Today marks twenty years since I entered active duty as an Army officer. My life right now is not what I expected 20 years ago. It's not, for that matter, 14 years ago either.
Five years ago I thought I might be able to get through graduate school and a job. I didn't think I could do graduate school, job, and divorce. I remind myself, occasionally, that graduate school is over, but when I finished, I didn't have the fortitude to face the choice that is starting to loom.
Perhaps that's why tonight's iThink was what it was.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:15 09:15 09:15 09:15 1.00
1.00 18:37 09:22 09:22 09:19 2.00
1.00 28:12 09:35 09:35 09:24 3.00
1.00 37:40 09:28 09:28 09:25 4.00
1.00 46:59 09:19 09:19 09:24 5.00
1.00 56:04 09:05 09:05 09:21 6.00
0.23 58:06 02:02 08:50 09:20 6.23
1.00 09:15 09:15 09:15 09:15 1.00
1.00 18:37 09:22 09:22 09:19 2.00
1.00 28:12 09:35 09:35 09:24 3.00
1.00 37:40 09:28 09:28 09:25 4.00
1.00 46:59 09:19 09:19 09:24 5.00
1.00 56:04 09:05 09:05 09:21 6.00
0.23 58:06 02:02 08:50 09:20 6.23
Saturday, May 24, 2014
3.10mi, 32:18, 24 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 183 of the campaign.
iThink:
The Loud Family, "Give In World"
Game Theory, "Last Day That We're Young"
WX at 11 AM (15) May 24 71 (22) 30 (-1) 30.09 (1019) W 20 blowing widespread dust RH 21
Odometer 13B: 341.5mi
Z3 low-mid. Average/max heart rate = 143/160
My legs are feeling this past week, and they are pretty beat, so I decided on three miles of wogging - also partly because I needed to get back to the office quickly. So there.
Splits
iThink:
The Loud Family, "Give In World"
Game Theory, "Last Day That We're Young"
WX at 11 AM (15) May 24 71 (22) 30 (-1) 30.09 (1019) W 20 blowing widespread dust RH 21
Odometer 13B: 341.5mi
Z3 low-mid. Average/max heart rate = 143/160
My legs are feeling this past week, and they are pretty beat, so I decided on three miles of wogging - also partly because I needed to get back to the office quickly. So there.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 10:21 10:21 10:21 10:21 1.00
1.00 20:43 10:22 10:22 10:21 2.00
1.00 31:19 10:36 10:36 10:26 3.00
0.10 32:18 00:59 09:50 10:25 3.10
1.00 10:21 10:21 10:21 10:21 1.00
1.00 20:43 10:22 10:22 10:21 2.00
1.00 31:19 10:36 10:36 10:26 3.00
0.10 32:18 00:59 09:50 10:25 3.10
Friday, May 23, 2014
6.14mi, 57:42, 23 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 182 of the campaign.
iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Storming New Caprica"
Max, "Aim"
WX at Noon (16) May 23 69 (21) 19 (-7) 30.03 (1017) N 14 RH 14
Odometer 13B: 338.4mi
Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 154/169
I started somewhat slower than I thought, but was more conservative in my pacing at the start, then progressively sped up. My usual first lap anomaly aside, I ran mostly negative splits, less the very last mile where I knew I was getting tired and started working different muscles as my quadriceps were pretty beat. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Splits
iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Storming New Caprica"
Max, "Aim"
WX at Noon (16) May 23 69 (21) 19 (-7) 30.03 (1017) N 14 RH 14
Odometer 13B: 338.4mi
Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 154/169
I started somewhat slower than I thought, but was more conservative in my pacing at the start, then progressively sped up. My usual first lap anomaly aside, I ran mostly negative splits, less the very last mile where I knew I was getting tired and started working different muscles as my quadriceps were pretty beat. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:23 09:23 09:23 09:23 1.00
1.00 19:03 09:40 09:40 09:31 2.00
1.00 28:32 09:29 09:29 09:31 3.00
1.00 38:00 09:28 09:28 09:30 4.00
1.00 47:12 09:12 09:12 09:26 5.00
1.00 56:29 09:17 09:17 09:25 6.00
0.14 57:42 01:13 08:41 09:24 6.14
1.00 09:23 09:23 09:23 09:23 1.00
1.00 19:03 09:40 09:40 09:31 2.00
1.00 28:32 09:29 09:29 09:31 3.00
1.00 38:00 09:28 09:28 09:30 4.00
1.00 47:12 09:12 09:12 09:26 5.00
1.00 56:29 09:17 09:17 09:25 6.00
0.14 57:42 01:13 08:41 09:24 6.14
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Three songs from my childhood
When I was much younger, I was quite the aficionado of Game Theory, Scott Miller's second band. My devotion continued into the next iteration of the band, called The Loud Family.
It's been over a year since Scott Miller died, but there are three songs that come to mind tonight as I get ready to go to sleep, entirely too late for my own good.
The first was "Last Day That We're Young," which was perhaps the song I most associated with transitions in my life, the first being graduation from the boys' prep school I attended for 12 years, and the second being my graduation from college. It seemed apropos at the time.
The second was "Room for One More, Honey," which I perhaps associate most with the fall of my senior year in high school. I was living through the disintegration of the relationship with my first girlfriend, and it was not good. On the other hand, one of the girls with whom I was running cross-country had caught my eye, but I didn't have the fortitude to ever ask her out. I found out two years ago, while I was attending the Joint and Combined Warfighting School, that my onetime teammate had killed herself after her mother had died. I took a pretty substantial detour on my way back from Norfolk and went by the graveyard where she (and her mother) had been buried. It was recent enough where there wasn't a marker for her or her mother. Perhaps one of my regrets, although I have a lot of regrets. The lyrics "elegance of line" and "sense of place" were an allusion to things I desperately (and futilely) tried to impart to my life back then.
The last song doesn't have its own video, but The Loud Family's song "Give In World" was an expression of Scott Miller's engagement to his then-girlfriend, Shalini Chatterjee. They were eventually divorced, which puts this song in a very different light for me. Now it sounds like a statement of misplaced hopes, which has some very striking parallels to my own life (for the same reason why "Never Say Never" by that dog has equally loaded symbolism). I remember when the album it was on, Plants and Rocks and Birds and Things, was released some 13 years ago, and it was then a joyous song. It still sounds the same, of course, but it now has a very different context for me.
It is perhaps notable that the one time I got to meet Scott Miller up close was when the Loud Family played in Atlanta in 1998. I was wearing my that dog shirt, and he mentioned that he really liked their music.
I'm still trying to figure out how to make things work, one way or the other, but I'm still looking elusively for elegance of line and sense of place in my life.
It's been over a year since Scott Miller died, but there are three songs that come to mind tonight as I get ready to go to sleep, entirely too late for my own good.
The first was "Last Day That We're Young," which was perhaps the song I most associated with transitions in my life, the first being graduation from the boys' prep school I attended for 12 years, and the second being my graduation from college. It seemed apropos at the time.
The second was "Room for One More, Honey," which I perhaps associate most with the fall of my senior year in high school. I was living through the disintegration of the relationship with my first girlfriend, and it was not good. On the other hand, one of the girls with whom I was running cross-country had caught my eye, but I didn't have the fortitude to ever ask her out. I found out two years ago, while I was attending the Joint and Combined Warfighting School, that my onetime teammate had killed herself after her mother had died. I took a pretty substantial detour on my way back from Norfolk and went by the graveyard where she (and her mother) had been buried. It was recent enough where there wasn't a marker for her or her mother. Perhaps one of my regrets, although I have a lot of regrets. The lyrics "elegance of line" and "sense of place" were an allusion to things I desperately (and futilely) tried to impart to my life back then.
The last song doesn't have its own video, but The Loud Family's song "Give In World" was an expression of Scott Miller's engagement to his then-girlfriend, Shalini Chatterjee. They were eventually divorced, which puts this song in a very different light for me. Now it sounds like a statement of misplaced hopes, which has some very striking parallels to my own life (for the same reason why "Never Say Never" by that dog has equally loaded symbolism). I remember when the album it was on, Plants and Rocks and Birds and Things, was released some 13 years ago, and it was then a joyous song. It still sounds the same, of course, but it now has a very different context for me.
It is perhaps notable that the one time I got to meet Scott Miller up close was when the Loud Family played in Atlanta in 1998. I was wearing my that dog shirt, and he mentioned that he really liked their music.
I'm still trying to figure out how to make things work, one way or the other, but I'm still looking elusively for elegance of line and sense of place in my life.
6.1mi, 54:59, 21 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 180 of the campaign.
iThink:
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
WX at Noon (16) May 21 68 (20) 30 (-1) 30.03 (1017) N 15 RH 24
Odometer 13B: 332.2mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/170
Yet another day of "I'm not sure how I feel" but it was better than I thought. It turned out fine enough. Now I need to get back to work.
Splits
iThink:
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
WX at Noon (16) May 21 68 (20) 30 (-1) 30.03 (1017) N 15 RH 24
Odometer 13B: 332.2mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/170
Yet another day of "I'm not sure how I feel" but it was better than I thought. It turned out fine enough. Now I need to get back to work.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:13 09:13 09:13 09:13 1.00
1.00 18:17 09:04 09:04 09:08 2.00
1.00 27:16 08:59 08:59 09:05 3.00
1.00 36:07 08:51 08:51 09:02 4.00
1.00 45:05 08:58 08:58 09:01 5.00
1.00 54:08 09:03 09:03 09:01 6.00
0.10 54:59 00:51 08:30 09:01 6.10
1.00 09:13 09:13 09:13 09:13 1.00
1.00 18:17 09:04 09:04 09:08 2.00
1.00 27:16 08:59 08:59 09:05 3.00
1.00 36:07 08:51 08:51 09:02 4.00
1.00 45:05 08:58 08:58 09:01 5.00
1.00 54:08 09:03 09:03 09:01 6.00
0.10 54:59 00:51 08:30 09:01 6.10
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
4.77mi, 51:40, 20 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 179 of the campaign.
iThink:
Dynamedion, "We Are Loud"
Archers of Loaf, "Plumb Line"
WX at Noon (16) May 20 66 (19) 32 (0) 30.09 (1019) ESE 6 RH 27
Odometer 14A: 115.5mi
Z2. Average/max heart rate = 137/143
Easy day of wogging since my legs are dead and my knees hurt. That is all. Now I have to shower quickly enough so I can eat.
Splits
iThink:
Dynamedion, "We Are Loud"
Archers of Loaf, "Plumb Line"
WX at Noon (16) May 20 66 (19) 32 (0) 30.09 (1019) ESE 6 RH 27
Odometer 14A: 115.5mi
Z2. Average/max heart rate = 137/143
Easy day of wogging since my legs are dead and my knees hurt. That is all. Now I have to shower quickly enough so I can eat.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 10:49 10:49 10:49 10:49 1.00
1.00 21:21 10:32 10:32 10:41 2.00
1.00 32:25 11:04 11:04 10:48 3.00
1.00 43:23 10:58 10:58 10:51 4.00
0.77 51:40 08:17 10:45 10:50 4.77
1.00 10:49 10:49 10:49 10:49 1.00
1.00 21:21 10:32 10:32 10:41 2.00
1.00 32:25 11:04 11:04 10:48 3.00
1.00 43:23 10:58 10:58 10:51 4.00
0.77 51:40 08:17 10:45 10:50 4.77
Monday, May 19, 2014
6.22mi, 56:26, 19 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 178 of the campaign.
iThink:
Delain, "Such A Shame"
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi remix)
WX at 5 AM (9) May 19 68 (20) 44 (7) 30.12 (1020) Variable 3 RH 42
Odometer 13B: 326.1mi
Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 154/167
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel today, so I decided to start conservatively, but ended up picking it up at the end. As such, it was a decent enough run. Better than not doing anything, and also partly to make up for yesterday and not doing anything but eating. My legs felt a little quicker, although it could've been barn door syndrome and wanting to finish strong. I guess I did that.
Splits
iThink:
Delain, "Such A Shame"
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi remix)
WX at 5 AM (9) May 19 68 (20) 44 (7) 30.12 (1020) Variable 3 RH 42
Odometer 13B: 326.1mi
Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 154/167
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel today, so I decided to start conservatively, but ended up picking it up at the end. As such, it was a decent enough run. Better than not doing anything, and also partly to make up for yesterday and not doing anything but eating. My legs felt a little quicker, although it could've been barn door syndrome and wanting to finish strong. I guess I did that.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:09 09:09 09:09 09:09 1.00
1.00 18:18 09:09 09:09 09:09 2.00
1.00 27:37 09:19 09:19 09:12 3.00
1.00 36:39 09:02 09:02 09:10 4.00
1.00 45:38 08:59 08:59 09:08 5.00
1.00 54:36 08:58 08:58 09:06 6.00
0.22 44:36 50:00 20:00 26:28 6.22
1.00 09:09 09:09 09:09 09:09 1.00
1.00 18:18 09:09 09:09 09:09 2.00
1.00 27:37 09:19 09:19 09:12 3.00
1.00 36:39 09:02 09:02 09:10 4.00
1.00 45:38 08:59 08:59 09:08 5.00
1.00 54:36 08:58 08:58 09:06 6.00
0.22 44:36 50:00 20:00 26:28 6.22
Saturday, May 17, 2014
8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 35:35.5, 17 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 176 of the campaign.
iThink: Body Count, "Cop Killer"
WX at 2 PM (18) May 17 53 (12) 50 (10) 30.21 (1023) Calm rain RH 87
Odometer 14A: 110.8mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 152/158
Forgot to start the HRM when I started cranking. I didn't start with much other than wanting to finish before 36 minutes.
The start was pretty unremarkable - it took me a little bit to get settled, as it didn't quite feel right, but once I was warmed up, I was watching three indicators - every 1,111m I was looking to cover in 4:55, I didn't want my heart rate going much above Zone 3 (which failed about 2/3 thru the workout), and I was going to finish under 36 minutes. As I closed in on the last 1000m, I realized I was shooting for 35:35, which is okay. I wasn't gunning for much, but after stepping on the scale and realizing I'm still tapping in at 187 or so, I'm going to skip midrats today, unlike last night, when I was ravenously hungry.
Today's iThink was pretty unusual, although I think it was spurred by seeing someone guy who was lacking in moral courage in the staff, and the line "have some motherfucking courage" came to mind. The rest is pretty simple.
I was telling my coworkers this morning that I thought April had gone by quick, but this week was so shitterific at work that it just blew by. Next week offers some decent interval, perhaps.
Splits
Distance: 8000
Time: 35:35.5
Avg/500m: 02:13.5
Drag Factor: 100
Per Mile: 00:07:10
iThink: Body Count, "Cop Killer"
WX at 2 PM (18) May 17 53 (12) 50 (10) 30.21 (1023) Calm rain RH 87
Odometer 14A: 110.8mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 152/158
Forgot to start the HRM when I started cranking. I didn't start with much other than wanting to finish before 36 minutes.
The start was pretty unremarkable - it took me a little bit to get settled, as it didn't quite feel right, but once I was warmed up, I was watching three indicators - every 1,111m I was looking to cover in 4:55, I didn't want my heart rate going much above Zone 3 (which failed about 2/3 thru the workout), and I was going to finish under 36 minutes. As I closed in on the last 1000m, I realized I was shooting for 35:35, which is okay. I wasn't gunning for much, but after stepping on the scale and realizing I'm still tapping in at 187 or so, I'm going to skip midrats today, unlike last night, when I was ravenously hungry.
Today's iThink was pretty unusual, although I think it was spurred by seeing someone guy who was lacking in moral courage in the staff, and the line "have some motherfucking courage" came to mind. The rest is pretty simple.
I was telling my coworkers this morning that I thought April had gone by quick, but this week was so shitterific at work that it just blew by. Next week offers some decent interval, perhaps.
Splits
Distance: 8000
Time: 35:35.5
Avg/500m: 02:13.5
Drag Factor: 100
Per Mile: 00:07:10
Friday, May 16, 2014
8.3mi, 73:21, 16 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 175 of the campaign.
iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Apotheosis"
WX at 1 PM (17) May 16 55 (13) 48 (9) 30.12 (1020) WNW 6 RH 76
Odometer 14A: 110.6mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 157/170
I took yesterday off. I was beat down from this past week, so I decided to take a day off and sleep in. I didn't wake up until 10:00am, when my alarm went off. That's my safety valve, because here, if I had the opportunity to sleep more, I'd do it. I don't get that opportunity too much.
This run was unusual inasmuch as I was thinking about work, but I also spent a fair amount of time thinking about ex-girlfriends past and time I spent with them. All that is largely academic since none of them are likely coming back into my life, and most of them...I don't want back in my life. That doesn't prevent me from thinking about them...and those times. That is all.
Splits
iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Apotheosis"
WX at 1 PM (17) May 16 55 (13) 48 (9) 30.12 (1020) WNW 6 RH 76
Odometer 14A: 110.6mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 157/170
I took yesterday off. I was beat down from this past week, so I decided to take a day off and sleep in. I didn't wake up until 10:00am, when my alarm went off. That's my safety valve, because here, if I had the opportunity to sleep more, I'd do it. I don't get that opportunity too much.
This run was unusual inasmuch as I was thinking about work, but I also spent a fair amount of time thinking about ex-girlfriends past and time I spent with them. All that is largely academic since none of them are likely coming back into my life, and most of them...I don't want back in my life. That doesn't prevent me from thinking about them...and those times. That is all.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:11 09:11 09:11 09:11 1.00
1.00 18:22 09:11 09:11 09:11 2.00
1.00 27:13 08:51 08:51 09:04 3.00
1.00 36:14 09:01 09:01 09:03 4.00
1.00 45:09 08:55 08:55 09:02 5.00
1.00 53:41 08:32 08:32 08:57 6.00
1.00 62:07 08:26 08:26 08:52 7.00
1.00 70:41 08:34 08:34 08:50 8.00
0.32 73:21 02:40 08:20 08:49 8.32
1.00 09:11 09:11 09:11 09:11 1.00
1.00 18:22 09:11 09:11 09:11 2.00
1.00 27:13 08:51 08:51 09:04 3.00
1.00 36:14 09:01 09:01 09:03 4.00
1.00 45:09 08:55 08:55 09:02 5.00
1.00 53:41 08:32 08:32 08:57 6.00
1.00 62:07 08:26 08:26 08:52 7.00
1.00 70:41 08:34 08:34 08:50 8.00
0.32 73:21 02:40 08:20 08:49 8.32
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
4.56mi, 41:23, 14 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 173 of the campaign.
iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Jer Martin remix transitioning to the original)
WX at 3 PM (19) May 14 57 (14) 39 (4) 30.03 (1017) ENE 8 RH 50
Odometer 13B: 319.9mi
Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 157/167
Slow start followed by negative splits and a fairly good finish, all things being considered. I'm curious to see how I'll run when I get back down to sea level. I've definitely been getting faster. At least it feels that way.
Splits
iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Jer Martin remix transitioning to the original)
WX at 3 PM (19) May 14 57 (14) 39 (4) 30.03 (1017) ENE 8 RH 50
Odometer 13B: 319.9mi
Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 157/167
Slow start followed by negative splits and a fairly good finish, all things being considered. I'm curious to see how I'll run when I get back down to sea level. I've definitely been getting faster. At least it feels that way.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:27 09:27 09:27 09:27 1.00
1.00 18:45 09:18 09:18 09:22 2.00
1.00 27:41 08:56 08:56 09:14 3.00
1.00 36:40 08:59 08:59 09:10 4.00
0.56 41:23 04:43 08:25 09:05 4.56
1.00 09:27 09:27 09:27 09:27 1.00
1.00 18:45 09:18 09:18 09:22 2.00
1.00 27:41 08:56 08:56 09:14 3.00
1.00 36:40 08:59 08:59 09:10 4.00
0.56 41:23 04:43 08:25 09:05 4.56
Monday, May 12, 2014
A Soldier Fights Off the Cold
I have had the privilege of serving with this fine officer - I knew he had been hit by an RPG on one of his previous tours, but only now do I realize just how lucky he was to survive.
I am glad he writes with the candor that he has, and hope to work with him again someday.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/a-soldier-fights-off-the-cold/
I am glad he writes with the candor that he has, and hope to work with him again someday.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/a-soldier-fights-off-the-cold/
6.2mi, 53:16, 12 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 171 of the campaign.
iThink:
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
Katy Perry, "Part of Me"
WX at 2 PM (18) May 12 59 (15) 17 (-8) 29.97 (1015) N 10 RH 19
Odometer 13B: 315.4mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/175
It had been a few days since I'd run, and I wanted to see how I'd feel. As it turns out, pretty good. I wasn't sure how I was going to do on the first lap, but when I realized I was going about 8:30 for the first, I decided to see how hard I could push it and still maintain overall speed. After that first lap, I did continuous negative splits all the way through the rest of the run. That's pretty motivational.
The second iThink was a direct result of showing two Katy Perry videos to my coworkers. The first was her clip from Sesame Street where she sings "Hot and Cold" to Elmo. Kids might like the song, but guys like the eye candy. The second was the iThink video, or what I sarcastically call the "Katy Perry US Marine Corps Recruitment Video." One of my coworkers, who's a Marine artilleryman in his off-time, quipped "there ain't no chicks in LAR!"
Yeah, but so what?
Splits
iThink:
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
Katy Perry, "Part of Me"
WX at 2 PM (18) May 12 59 (15) 17 (-8) 29.97 (1015) N 10 RH 19
Odometer 13B: 315.4mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/175
It had been a few days since I'd run, and I wanted to see how I'd feel. As it turns out, pretty good. I wasn't sure how I was going to do on the first lap, but when I realized I was going about 8:30 for the first, I decided to see how hard I could push it and still maintain overall speed. After that first lap, I did continuous negative splits all the way through the rest of the run. That's pretty motivational.
The second iThink was a direct result of showing two Katy Perry videos to my coworkers. The first was her clip from Sesame Street where she sings "Hot and Cold" to Elmo. Kids might like the song, but guys like the eye candy. The second was the iThink video, or what I sarcastically call the "Katy Perry US Marine Corps Recruitment Video." One of my coworkers, who's a Marine artilleryman in his off-time, quipped "there ain't no chicks in LAR!"
Yeah, but so what?
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:29 08:29 08:29 08:29 1.00
1.00 17:21 08:52 08:52 08:40 2.00
1.00 26:03 08:42 08:42 08:41 3.00
1.00 34:43 08:40 08:40 08:41 4.00
1.00 43:16 08:33 08:33 08:39 5.00
1.00 51:41 08:25 08:25 08:37 6.00
0.20 53:16 01:35 07:55 08:35 6.20
1.00 08:29 08:29 08:29 08:29 1.00
1.00 17:21 08:52 08:52 08:40 2.00
1.00 26:03 08:42 08:42 08:41 3.00
1.00 34:43 08:40 08:40 08:41 4.00
1.00 43:16 08:33 08:33 08:39 5.00
1.00 51:41 08:25 08:25 08:37 6.00
0.20 53:16 01:35 07:55 08:35 6.20
Saturday, May 10, 2014
8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 35:37.9, 10 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 169 of the campaign.
iThink:
Delain, "It's A Shame"
WX at Noon (16) May 10 69 (21) 37 (3) 29.94 (1014) E 14 RH 30
Odometer 14A: 102.3mi
Z3. Average/max heart rate = 150/159
Easy workout today. I was feeling a little bit of yesterday's long run, and decided to go easy, so I went only 8,000 on the erg. Nothing hard, but something hard enough to generate enough sweat to justify taking a shower. Also, so today doesn't become a Do Nothing But Eat Day.
This video, which I chanced across by accident, is the reason for today's iThink. Alas, there is no good tanker footage quite like what I see coming from fighter pilots. No regrets, though.
Splits
Distance: 8000
Time: 35:37.9
Avg/500m: 02:13.6
Drag Factor: 106
Per Mile: 00:07:10
iThink:
Delain, "It's A Shame"
WX at Noon (16) May 10 69 (21) 37 (3) 29.94 (1014) E 14 RH 30
Odometer 14A: 102.3mi
Z3. Average/max heart rate = 150/159
Easy workout today. I was feeling a little bit of yesterday's long run, and decided to go easy, so I went only 8,000 on the erg. Nothing hard, but something hard enough to generate enough sweat to justify taking a shower. Also, so today doesn't become a Do Nothing But Eat Day.
This video, which I chanced across by accident, is the reason for today's iThink. Alas, there is no good tanker footage quite like what I see coming from fighter pilots. No regrets, though.
Splits
Distance: 8000
Time: 35:37.9
Avg/500m: 02:13.6
Drag Factor: 106
Per Mile: 00:07:10
Friday, May 09, 2014
8.17mi, 75:00, 9 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 168 of the campaign.
iThink:
50foot Wave, "Hot Pink, Distorted"
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
WX at 10 AM (14) May 09 64 (18) 46 (8) 29.94 (1014) ENE 9 light rain showers RH 51
Odometer 13B: 309.2mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/170
There was a fair amount of rage in my heart today. Some of it is friction at work, some of it is inherent to my job, some of it is induced by changes in the workplace. I was planning on going 7, but ended up going further. Not killer hard, but not easy running either. Not quite catharsis running, but I need a lot of catharsis in my life right now.
Splits
iThink:
50foot Wave, "Hot Pink, Distorted"
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
WX at 10 AM (14) May 09 64 (18) 46 (8) 29.94 (1014) ENE 9 light rain showers RH 51
Odometer 13B: 309.2mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/170
There was a fair amount of rage in my heart today. Some of it is friction at work, some of it is inherent to my job, some of it is induced by changes in the workplace. I was planning on going 7, but ended up going further. Not killer hard, but not easy running either. Not quite catharsis running, but I need a lot of catharsis in my life right now.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:17 09:17 09:17 09:17 1.00
1.00 18:42 09:25 09:25 09:21 2.00
1.00 27:59 09:17 09:17 09:20 3.00
1.00 37:02 09:03 09:03 09:15 4.00
1.00 46:08 09:06 09:06 09:14 5.00
1.00 55:23 09:15 09:15 09:14 6.00
1.00 64:21 08:58 08:58 09:12 7.00
1.00 73:29 09:08 09:08 09:11 8.00
0.17 75:00 01:31 08:55 09:11 8.17
1.00 09:17 09:17 09:17 09:17 1.00
1.00 18:42 09:25 09:25 09:21 2.00
1.00 27:59 09:17 09:17 09:20 3.00
1.00 37:02 09:03 09:03 09:15 4.00
1.00 46:08 09:06 09:06 09:14 5.00
1.00 55:23 09:15 09:15 09:14 6.00
1.00 64:21 08:58 08:58 09:12 7.00
1.00 73:29 09:08 09:08 09:11 8.00
0.17 75:00 01:31 08:55 09:11 8.17
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
5.0mi, 58:12, 7 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 166 of the campaign.
iThink:
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
WX at 4 PM (20) May 07 55 (13) 46 (8) 30.06 (1018) E 5 RH 71
Odometer 13B: 301.0mi
Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 155/169
A late start, but I was stuck killing off some staffwork today. Today was a little more leisurely but I was fixed in the office. I did eat at the Embassy today and was frankly distracted. There are a lot of things that are distracting to be seen around the Embassy.
I also ate enough where I didn't feel like I needed to eat dinner, so I skipped out and made sure to run long (or least not short) tonight. Of course, now I have the munchies, but that's okay because I'm about to go to sleep.
And yes,that video of the Smiths' sound check is the one with the really striking photo of Sandie Shaw, albeit at the age of 17. This sound check is my favorite recording - ever - of my favorite song by the Smiths - and one of my favorite songs, period.
Splits
iThink:
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" from Complete Soundcheck at Glasgow Barrowlands, 1986
WX at 4 PM (20) May 07 55 (13) 46 (8) 30.06 (1018) E 5 RH 71
Odometer 13B: 301.0mi
Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 155/169
A late start, but I was stuck killing off some staffwork today. Today was a little more leisurely but I was fixed in the office. I did eat at the Embassy today and was frankly distracted. There are a lot of things that are distracting to be seen around the Embassy.
I also ate enough where I didn't feel like I needed to eat dinner, so I skipped out and made sure to run long (or least not short) tonight. Of course, now I have the munchies, but that's okay because I'm about to go to sleep.
And yes,that video of the Smiths' sound check is the one with the really striking photo of Sandie Shaw, albeit at the age of 17. This sound check is my favorite recording - ever - of my favorite song by the Smiths - and one of my favorite songs, period.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:24 09:24 09:24 09:24 1.00
1.00 19:15 09:51 09:51 09:37 2.00
1.00 29:04 09:49 09:49 09:41 3.00
1.00 38:40 09:36 09:36 09:40 4.00
1.00 48:18 09:38 09:38 09:40 5.00
1.00 57:45 09:27 09:27 09:37 6.00
0.05 58:13 00:28 09:20 09:37 6.05
1.00 09:24 09:24 09:24 09:24 1.00
1.00 19:15 09:51 09:51 09:37 2.00
1.00 29:04 09:49 09:49 09:41 3.00
1.00 38:40 09:36 09:36 09:40 4.00
1.00 48:18 09:38 09:38 09:40 5.00
1.00 57:45 09:27 09:27 09:37 6.00
0.05 58:13 00:28 09:20 09:37 6.05
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 43:57.9, 6 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 165 of the campaign.
iThink:
Tommy Keene, "Battle Lines"
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day"
WX at 2 PM (18) May 06 64 (18) 46 (8) 30.12 (1020) NNW 9 RH 51
Odometer 14A: 102.1mi
Z3 most of the way - Z4 at the last 2,000m. Average/max heart rate = 159/171
The last three days have been brutal in terms of work effort. I am mentally beat, but I needed to get out and get something in today.
Now I'm going to sleep.
Splits
Distance: 10000
Time: 43:57.9
Avg/500m: 02:11.9
Drag Factor: 106
Per Mile: 00:07:05
iThink:
Tommy Keene, "Battle Lines"
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day"
WX at 2 PM (18) May 06 64 (18) 46 (8) 30.12 (1020) NNW 9 RH 51
Odometer 14A: 102.1mi
Z3 most of the way - Z4 at the last 2,000m. Average/max heart rate = 159/171
The last three days have been brutal in terms of work effort. I am mentally beat, but I needed to get out and get something in today.
Now I'm going to sleep.
Splits
Distance: 10000
Time: 43:57.9
Avg/500m: 02:11.9
Drag Factor: 106
Per Mile: 00:07:05
Sunday, May 04, 2014
10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 43:36.0, 4 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 163 of the campaign.
iThink:
Dynamedion, "We Are Loud"
The Axis of Awesome, "Four Chord Song"
Above & Beyond pres. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Jer Martin Remix)
WX at Noon (16) May 04 53 (12) 51 (11) 30.09 (1019) ENE 5 RH 93
Odometer 14A: 101.8mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/171
Today might've been a good day for a run. Or so I thought when the light rain turned into heavy rain, that turned into torrential rain, that turned into torrential hail so loud that it was a loud roar from all the ice falling out of the sky, that was washed away by the torrential rain that followed, that was chased by a second spate of heavy rain.
As a result, the first iThink was natural, particularly after playing the Flash game Effing Hail a few years ago - I got to be pretty good at it, so that's what I think of when I think of hail.
As a result, I was pretty confident I wasn't going to go running today, and so turned my attention to the erg, where I figured I was going to crank 10,000. The usual was to go pretty fast, then barely hang on for what I thought I could get, which was about the norm.
I should do something else, but I frankly don't feel very motivated to do much else other than this. Okay. Back to the salt mines. At least I got something in today.
Splits
Distance: 10000
Time: 43:36.0
Avg/500m: 02:10.8
Drag Factor: 104
Per Mile: 00:07:01
iThink:
Dynamedion, "We Are Loud"
The Axis of Awesome, "Four Chord Song"
Above & Beyond pres. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Jer Martin Remix)
WX at Noon (16) May 04 53 (12) 51 (11) 30.09 (1019) ENE 5 RH 93
Odometer 14A: 101.8mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/171
Today might've been a good day for a run. Or so I thought when the light rain turned into heavy rain, that turned into torrential rain, that turned into torrential hail so loud that it was a loud roar from all the ice falling out of the sky, that was washed away by the torrential rain that followed, that was chased by a second spate of heavy rain.
As a result, the first iThink was natural, particularly after playing the Flash game Effing Hail a few years ago - I got to be pretty good at it, so that's what I think of when I think of hail.
As a result, I was pretty confident I wasn't going to go running today, and so turned my attention to the erg, where I figured I was going to crank 10,000. The usual was to go pretty fast, then barely hang on for what I thought I could get, which was about the norm.
I should do something else, but I frankly don't feel very motivated to do much else other than this. Okay. Back to the salt mines. At least I got something in today.
Splits
Distance: 10000
Time: 43:36.0
Avg/500m: 02:10.8
Drag Factor: 104
Per Mile: 00:07:01
Friday, May 02, 2014
6.11mi, 55:15, 2 MAY 14, Kabul, Afghanistan
Today is day 161 of the campaign.
iThink:
Dan Latarski and Kim Nagel, title music to the 1990 computer game Stellar 7
The Axis of Awesome, "Four Chord Song"
The Bats, "Dancing As The Boat Goes Down"
The Connells, "Fun & Games"
WX at 11 AM (15) May 02 73 (23) 39 (4) 30.00 (1016) SSW 16 RH 28
Odometer 14A: 101.5mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/167
I took yesterday off as I was pretty beat, mostly from lack of sleep. I decided to take today more quickly, or more deliberately, and I got in what I felt was a pretty good run, albeit not for the times I'd have liked. Still, it was good to get at it at what was not purely aerobic, but an attempt to push the pace.
Splits
iThink:
Dan Latarski and Kim Nagel, title music to the 1990 computer game Stellar 7
The Axis of Awesome, "Four Chord Song"
The Bats, "Dancing As The Boat Goes Down"
The Connells, "Fun & Games"
WX at 11 AM (15) May 02 73 (23) 39 (4) 30.00 (1016) SSW 16 RH 28
Odometer 14A: 101.5mi
Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/167
I took yesterday off as I was pretty beat, mostly from lack of sleep. I decided to take today more quickly, or more deliberately, and I got in what I felt was a pretty good run, albeit not for the times I'd have liked. Still, it was good to get at it at what was not purely aerobic, but an attempt to push the pace.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.06 09:55 09:55 09:21 09:21 1.06
1.00 18:59 09:04 09:04 09:13 2.06
1.00 28:06 09:07 09:07 09:11 3.06
1.00 36:59 08:53 08:53 09:07 4.06
1.00 45:53 08:54 08:54 09:04 5.06
1.05 55:15 09:22 08:55 09:03 6.11
1.06 09:55 09:55 09:21 09:21 1.06
1.00 18:59 09:04 09:04 09:13 2.06
1.00 28:06 09:07 09:07 09:11 3.06
1.00 36:59 08:53 08:53 09:07 4.06
1.00 45:53 08:54 08:54 09:04 5.06
1.05 55:15 09:22 08:55 09:03 6.11
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