So I made a run down to Real City today to get a haircut and do a bit of window shopping, among other things. I had lunch at my cheap Chinese buffet of choice and swung by a used media store, where I picked up a Hap and Leonard novel, which will occupy me for the evening, I think. I also grabbed a few cans of one of my vices before I made it home. So that was productive.
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While I was out, I swung by a store that serves the running/walking community. The folks there were very nice, and fitted me for some high-quality shoes. (Turns out I wear a larger, wider size than I thought I do — maybe that’s one reason I’m so wobbly.) In fact, they let me try out a pair of shoes that were very nice indeed. Then they told me the shoes cost $150. That’s even before we start talking about some sort of inserts? I think I’m gonna have to show more commitment to the alternating feet thing before I do something like that. I mean, I know they’re exercise equipment, but still…
Gotta say, though — it was like walking on clouds. That’s OK; I’ve been earthbound all my life.
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On that topic, I logged 10.3 miles this week in a total of 2:52:18 (in five installments), for an average speed of 3.59 mph. I’m interested in learning the racewalking gait, but I don’t seem to be able to get the hang of the hip-swing thing. One problem is the width of my shoulders; there isn’t room on the treadmill for me to swing my arms — the rails are too close together. The weight has also dropped a bit more; as of this morning, I’ve lost about 22 pounds in the three-and-a-half weeks I’ve been doing this. Doubtless the Chinese buffet will offset some of that, but again, there seems to be some proof-of-concept at work here. So I’ll be back at it (the walking, not the buffet) Monday after class.
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The Spawn and I are looking forward to next weekend, as we’ll make our annual pilgrimage to HeroesCon on Friday, and will likely stay through Sunday, as is our wont. It has become a highlight of our summers, and I can’t think of a better way to spend Father’s Day weekend.
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Speaking of father-daughter activity, the Spawn and I will be appearing this week on Pam Stack’s Authors on the Air online radio show/podcast. We’ll talk a little about our work, and perhaps about the convenience of having a beta reader just down the hall. The show will run on Wednesday, 15 June, at 9 p.m. You’ll be able to catch it here, and I’ll also provide a link to the archived version, once that has happened.
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On the music scene, The Berries will make their Upstate debut just shy of three weeks from now, playing on Friday, 1 July at Simpsonville, SC’s Soundbox Tavern. As it happens, the Mad Dog is coming down for the show, and we’ll do our best to make sure a good time is had by all. Heck, there’s not even a cover charge, so if you’re within range, swing on by!
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And since we’re speaking of music, here’s one that I’ve liked for a few years, and I’m actually surprised I haven’t featured these guys before. They’re also a favorite band of the Spawn’s, so they get a lot of play on our car trips. (And yes, the vintage cheesecakiness helps, too — any of these ladies would be right at home on the cover of a Fawcett Gold Medal paperback.) From Glasgow, Scotland, here are the Fratellis, from their 2006 debut, Costello Music. This is “Flathead.”
See you soon!
