Gil Can Run!A blog on Running and all the crap that runs through my head while doing it

May 19th Trying to get back into a rythm

Yeah, it’s harder than it seems, and I feel so fatigued. But I ran today. I’m exceedingly concerned that I won’t be able to hold together a long run when I finally get out to do one. Oh dear god, I don’t want to taper again!
Meanwhile, I’ve decided that from here on out, unless a friend needs a place to crash, no more roommates. As much as sometimes living on my own has sucked, I’ve rather enjoyed it. I feel more free, I can listen to music, watch stupid shows. When I want to talk to someone I can find someone to talk to, when I don’t I get to go into my fortress of solitude and just chill. There is so much that is better about living alone. No offense to any roommates who may be reading this! If you are, you are great, just I’ve really been enjoying my time by myself. It’s silly that I have a giant empty room, but hey, that’s how things worked out with this apartment being vacated by previous roommates. It’s cool.
So I’ll finally know my fate with Summer School here tonight, and then I can start planning my trip home, and my Summer vacation! Nice part about living overseas, it’s never a “stay-cation” because my family would be upset if I didn’t come home, and then I still have time to bum around Europe or wherever. So this year, looks like just Engerland and Denmark. Next year I will get some marathons in. As I’ve said hopefully I can do Africa and Asia in one go, leaving me with only Antarctica and Oceania. So if I am doing Summer School, it’ll be mid-late August for England and start of September for Denmark. Cool right?
Off of “How I spent my Summer Vacation” (totes approps) the Bouncing Souls:

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 18th Technical difficulties!

Sorry all, I did run yesterday, but my watch didn’t sync. I’ve fixed the issue and ran today as well. The sun sucked the life right out of me today though. I’m still sweating and stupidly sitting here typing without having any water!
I have a fairly easy day today which I like. But tomorrow will be difficult. My Teen class at night wants me to talk about why I’m a vegetarian, I feel they’re going to end up with a song, and then after all that there’s a kind of school get-together in Nola. Karaoke, oh no! Everyone’s in trouble now.
Everything else is running along smoothly, which means it’s almost time to tear it all down and start again! Haha, life should always be a work in progress though seriously. Never be complete.
But the hamstring is getting better I think. It still is bothersome but I’ve been stretching more and running less and that seems to be helping. I may not even hit 100 miles this month, which is causing me a slight amount of worry. But oh well, I need to heal. I need to try and get a long run in before I find myself having to taper again though, I think even a crappy, slow, walky long run is better than none at all. So maybe this Saturday or Sunday morning, or maybe even Monday morning before work.
Alright, since the kids asked, and so the song is stuck in my head:

Lyrics for the Hardcore impaired:
Man’s best friend is beautiful affectionate an ideal pet
Cats are the same, we make up their names and our love for them is real
Listen up, I gotta ask it, how can we be so cruel?
You say you care, that’s a lie
My true compassion is for all living things
and not just the ones who are cute so I do what I can
I wanna save lives and I’ve got a plan
Under the table he’ll eat your dinner like the veggies we can’t stand
What kind meal would he make? We don’t want to ask it
Tradition is all that keeps him alive
Listen up, I gotta ask it, how can we be so cruel?
You say you care, that’s a lie
My true compassion is for all living things
and not just the ones who are cute so I do what I can
I wanna save lives and I’ve got a plan
Why am I so upset. Don’t even own a pet
I am not trying to press my will
I am not the first to say…THOU SHALT NOT KILL
Full is all we want to feel.
We eat to stay alive, but it’s their lives we steal.
I think we’d like to change, but most of us are stuck,
that’s why cats and dogs have ALL THE LUCK.

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 13th Observations on a sunny Friday

Given the mess, weather-wise, this week has been I ran today. I took it easy, as my hamstring is still not healed!
So firstly, it’s beautiful out today. Sunny, warm, a few big fluffy clouds. Bob Ross could have painted the hell out of this day! Well except for all the garbage on the side of the road and everywhere else around here. Maybe one day, when I have time to relax, I’ll try and paint like Bob Ross. Man was a genius! Also, wish I could have his afro.
So on the way to work I look out the window of the train and I see so many sets of workout/warm-up clothes drying. Nobody around here is that active. Some guys play some football (soccer), a few people run and bike, but mostly people just like wearing tracksuits. I never got that. I just don’t understand and I guess I probably never will.
Meanwhile, I did some bookkeeping things today and I’m waiting for word from my employer, then by Monday I should have my schedule for the Summer all worked out. The target date to return to Italy is around September 18, it’s all a matter of when I’ll be leaving, June or July? This Summer, I’m definitely going home, then visiting friends across Europe, but next Summer, I think I may have to get at least one, maybe two, continent(s) under my belt for marathons. Asia and Africa should be pretty easy from here. The more I think about it, the more I don’t want to run a marathon in the Middle East. It just seems like it would be mostly flat and boring, except maybe Petra, and I don’t really think I should be going to Jordan. So then I looked into it, flights to Phuket from here aren’t that much. I could do Thailand, marathon, cobra whiskey, maybe too much cobra whiskey, just have to watch out for the lady-boys. Thanks Archer for letting everyone know to be careful with that!
I think I like planning travel almost as much as taking the trips! It’s fun to figure out the logistics to fit the most into a trip as possible. Balancing cost and travel time and figuring out the optimal deal. Now that I’m living in a country with an affordable, rapid transit system, this endeavor has gained even more complexity. Can I find a better deal from a nearby airport, and will taking the Frecciarossa, Frecciaargento, or Frecciabianco make it worth it?
So much to think about. Another problem I’m having is Nairobi and Auckland (that would be 2018) are in October and I work in October. For Auckland I definitely need 2 weeks. Time it get there, settle, vacation, run, vacation a little more, return. If I’m trekking all the way to New Zealand, I should take some time. We’ll see if I can find a minor marathon there at a more convenient time, if not, I’ll figure something out, but I don’t even have to think about that until next year. At some point I need to get myself on a list for an Antarctica marathon…I want to do the one that sets off from Buenos Aires, then I can visit my friends and vacation there again. Maybe 2019? Maybe I should look for a way to make money off all this and then I can do this faster and more often.
Alright, I’m out of here for today, gotta get to work. This one is just because I’m in a good mood:

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 11th Thunderstorm Interruptus

Yeah, so I got derailed by a thunderstorm today. I was about to go out and run and the lightning started, so I said screw it. Then I had to get ready for work by the time the rain subsided. No biggie, back at it tomorrow is all.
I believe snapcase’s Covered is literally appropriate for today:

That’s all I got, the storm sucked and it’s massively humid here now.
Oh lyrics:
as the dark clouds move in
it’s stealing the sunshine
warm rain falls down
soothing the earth’s mind
the thunder crashes down
the power, relentless sound
the sun burns holes
the surface, covered souls
covered the dirt, the rain
corruption bleeds the veins
all I can see is mist through the trees
the clouded sky, asks who’s going to die
her windy spirit, we’re all trapped
within it
lightning, pierces through
electrifies heaven’s veiw
God’s children, sanctify
looking into nature’s eye

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 10th Back on it

I’m taking it easy still this week. But I will get back on schedule.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks and it will continue to be busy. Losing two more teachers left us in a bad spot at work. Extra money means a more awesome summer vacation.

That’s the prize, that’s what I’m staying focused on. I need to keep myself focused, it’s getting hot and uncomfortable and so it’s easy to get distracted and worry about things we don’t need to worry about. Also, I’ve been having some major anxiety issues the last few days. Need to chill out.

So let’s chill with some Shelter:

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 8th Happy Mother’s Day

Yes, they celebrate it here in Italy today too. I did not run today, but I ran yesterday. Instead, a few friends and I went to Ischia. Totally cool place. If you want, skip Capri, too expensive, and do Ischia instead.
I’ve been very lazy with this recently and I apologize. It’s been difficult recently here. Generally, things are fine, I’m keeping the PMA, but it just seems like I’m constantly working. Trying to settle things down and quiet my life a little. It can be difficult. Anyway, I am going to leave it at that tonight.
And now for some ST:

I had to.
Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 5th It’s Cinco De Mayo

Yes, it is, and I ran. Took it very slow. Still the same pain in the leg though. I’m just tired of it at this point. Clearly I can run on it, clearly it’s not critical, but it’s massively annoying.
Anyway, I made lots of food, took some into work, along with some maragaritas. It was fun. I explained there’s no real reason for Americans to celebrate, and it’s only a regional holiday in Mexico, but what’s more American than rampant commercialism? So it’s perfect!
Then I saw that Drumpf posed with a taco salad and said “I love Hispanics.” Seriously. I’m not going to link to his post, he deserves NO publicity, he’s a bigot and a bag of crap opportunist. So here’s a screenshot so no one can claim I’m making it up.

Seriously, what an asshat. Somewhere a village is missing their idiot, and all the other idiots seem to be voting for him. I just can’t even imagine. Does he even have any real policy positions? I know he has exactly no foreign policy positions except for imperial isolationism. Seriously, does anyone listen to what he says? Or do they just like him because he’s a dickbag? I don’t know. I’m not stressing over it. What an embarrassment. I think we’ve gone from the Information Age, to the Age of Willful Ignorance. I’m in shock from this. I suppose a taco salad won’t attack him like wildlife.
Alright, I’m going for the night, I need sleep, fuck this shit. Ha. In honor of my light run today here’s some Beastie Boys, also because yesterday was the anniversary of MCA’s death:

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 4th May the Fourth be with you!

I finally ran in May. I’m still sore, I think I will postpone the long run one more week. Got everything I wanted to do today done, except for making chili for Cinco de Mayo! That’s my last task for the evening, get the chili done.
I made an awesome margarita mix, never did that before, surprisingly simple. But from now on I’m buying lime juice, instead of fresh squeezing. that was a pain in the ass. Got my push-ups done early, got work done well, now it’s a matter of relaxing and enjoying my dinner and my evening. Nice, simple day. I’m not going to worry about Drumpf being the presumptive GOP nominee, he’s a complete dick. I’m not going to gloat about the Bern killing it in Indiana. It is what it will be and I have to deal with the outcomes, I have done my part voting in my state primary.
Keeping it short tonight, I have lots to do and I have to wake up early and go running with my friends. Excited for tomorrow too, bringing a little of America commercialism to Italy! I mean Continental pride. I do actually appreciate the Mexican win at the Battle of Puebla over the French forces. It’s good stuff. Alright, here’s some goodness for today:

Well at least it has Mexican Spanish in it! Ha!
Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you! May the Fourth be with you!

May 3rd Skipping, playing hooky

You heard me, I’m not running today, I didn’t run yesterday, I’m trying to heal up a bit. I actually skipped my long run this weekend too. I may pick it up on Saturday, depending how I feel, or I’ll wait one more week. I’m feeling better most of the time, but I still have some pain in my hamstring. Hopefully, it doesn’t need full rest, and just a light schedule will let it heal properly.
So what did I do? I took most of the luscious fruits I had and cut them up and made a fruit salad. Slept in with the crappy weather around here. Took it easy. It’s ok to take it easy sometimes and just relax. I’m past the halfway point with the #22Kill push-up challenge. Today I actually cruised through the 22 push-ups. I felt like I was doing something wrong. A couple of the reps were sloppy when I look at the video, but I really just did it. I think most of the time, I hold myself back mentally. I think I’m much better physically than I think I am, stronger, tougher, but my mind says “no, wait there Sonny Jim, slow your roll.” And I just sabotage myself. I think many people are stuck in their own way. I see it in my students more often than I’d like to.
Meanwhile, given Labor Day, the whole Haymarket Affair, and everything this week, that’s where my mind is. Fair treatment for workers, if it’s something you want, then research the companies you use, and if they don’t treat workers right, find new companies that do! If you keep giving companies you don’t agree with your money, they will keep doing the things you don’t like. Simple as that. Verizon is on strike right now. You use Verizon? Tell them to give their workers a fair deal or you’ll take your business elsewhere, but be ready to take your business elsewhere. Because they may not listen to words, you may need to act.
That’s how it all works in this system, the little guys all have to stand together, or else we don’t stand a chance against the big fish.

It really is like that! Stop thinking it’s you against the world, that’s what they want you to do!
With that said, I’m leaving you with some old school Pete Seeger today, because he’s the man:

I used this in class yesterday to illustrate the difference between present simple and present continuous! Genius!
Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!

May 1st Just a recap

Alright, I ran yesterday, but really didn’t feel like posting still. Still don’t really, but it’s International Labor Day. So let’s just run down the stats:

It was 120+ miles for the month of April. I’m at 588.49 mi (947.08 km) for the year so far. That’s a pace to hit over 1700 mi (2735 km) for the year, but that won’t happen. I am slowing down starting in May. I said I wanted to get faster this year and putting in tons of miles (relative to what I’m used to) is not the way to do it! So far I’m averaging 147 mi (236.6 km) per month, which is over 20 miles more than usual, which seems insignificant, but not so much when you realize I’m not driving that, I’m running it. There are people out there who run a lot more than I do, but they’re mostly professionals, faster than I will ever hope to be and make lots of money off endorsements and stuff. I’ve only made money off of one race and that was due to fortunate coincidences of free entry, plus a medical study. Most of the time this stuff costs me lots of money! But I appreciate every step I can take, even the really painful ones. So we’ll see where we end up for the year, remember there are no mileage goals this year, just going to try for a sub 20 5k, even if it’s just a training run. But I’m not going to hurt myself doing that either.

Ok, it’s Labor Day (for the rest of the world, the US doesn’t support this “Commie” holiday) so I’m taking off to enjoy the rest of my day. I have some push ups to do too. Here’s a union guy, and an awesome band from PA, check out Wisdom in Chains, they’re on tour now around the East Coast.

Have fun, keep running, and remember; if Gil can run then so can you!