Locomotive Breath

I got rid of the headshot/resume that was linked to this site. It didn't make much sense in keeping it any longer.

I'm thinking about taking a film production class or two. If this writing thing sticks in my head and the notion to keep going is overwhelming, I should invest some time and money into furthering my education.

With that, I'm also thinking about starting a production company of sorts. Nothing major; I just want to register my business name with the state and county, and buy a website name. When things start moving, that is. I feel like they want to, anyway.

Submitted my idea to Adult Swim two weeks ago. I am letting fate take it where it goes, and have already begun a new (similar) project. About a third of the way through my first draft of a pilot episode. I expect nothing to take fruition, as I am content in laying out inspired action onto the (electronic) page.

Amy and I are aming to go up to Duluth again to run in Grandma's Marathon. Ample time to train, and the rain is slowly melting the snow away today. For safe, non-icy outdoor running.

Good Vibrations

I am excited by writing lately. Which is definitely a good thing, considering I have more time during the day now that my overtime option has been taken away by Human Resources. It's concerning, but I'm not scared. I take solace knowing that I'm doing everything responsible to ensure my financial security, as well as immersing myself in the Wealth Beyond Reason material that Amy picked up not long ago. It is fascinating, and relieving to feel more at peace with everything going on. And she's been a great support in not condemning me in my current situation.

So I feel pretty good considering my part-time status. I feel like I am headed on a path now that feels right, and not so forced as doing theatre felt. And there's nothing wrong with feeling right. Dammit.

Still training for the marathon, despite recent setbacks of flu and colds. I have yet to run 5 miles, but that might be coming tomorrow at the gym. A schedule of where I'd like to be should follow soon.

Also ordered "Story" by Robert McKee on Vinson's recommendation. I can't wait to delve into that. I might feel like a real writer for a change. It's a pretty big book though. And hardcover...

3:48 Psychosis

It's odd what comes out of the brain in the early morning hours, and then into the laptop. A couple of goofy sketches that will probably go nowhere, but they serve the purpose of my writing exercises. One is very Monty Python inspired, the other more Kids in the Hall. Undeveloped, but they give me a chuckle.

I feel fat lately. It's been almost 5 months since I've run any distance whatsoever.

The Cymbeline reading was fun. I hope to do another one soon, or perhaps even a play.

I am tired of the "come see my play" notices I get through email and Facebook. It makes me jealous and crabby. I mean, I want to see your show, but Christ it reminds me of my own inadequate theatre career that I haven't put to permanent rest. Meaning, I haven't found that other thing I love to do. The thought makes me tired and crabby.

Not entirely unhappy, but crabby.

Done and one

I did it. I finished the marathon. “Finished” being the keyword there. It was grueling, not just because of the 26.2 mile length, but because of the 92 degree temperature it reached. Black flags lined the course to warn runners that the conditions for this marathon were at their most risky. I saw people in med-tents along the way breathing heavily into oxygen masks, crying that they had to stop. Two young women were helping each other along the way; “Keep moving, a few more miles and it will be cooler, I promise”. Needless to say, it didn’t get cooler. One good cool breeze hit the group I was with after about 5 miles. After that, there wasn’t much relief to be had from Superior.

I was thinking that I’d do a mile-by-mile log funny log of my marathon adventure, but I won’t. Just some highlights.

Race start:

Woke up before 5 am, drove to Two Harbors and arrived at about 6:15. Took a bus from a local grocery store to the start line. Lots of porta-potties and 8000 people to use them (not that they didn't- more later). We all lined up according to where we thought we might finish time-wise. I chose the 5 hour mark. National Anthem. Blue Angels flying overhead. "Chariots of Fire" and "Star Trek: TNG" theme. Waves of runners poured forward, walking faster towards the start line. Then jogging. 6 minutes, 10 seconds on the clock when I cross. It has begun.

Miles 1-5:

About a dozen people are seen pissing on the side of the course as I run by. 11 men, 1 woman. Classy. No personal responsibility. Take care of business beforehand; I can't imagine being a property owner and watching idiots pissing on my lawn and on my bushes. Horray for Grandma's!

It is muggy. Not bad, but I can't wait for that Lake Superior breeze to come. Oh, there it is. Ahhhhhh.

Miles 6-13:

Making good time. The water stops are plentiful and necessary. The locals and volunteers are great. The running lines are starting to thin out. I try and pace myself with people I saw at the beginning of the race. I eventually lose sight of them, either passing them or they passing me. One man has a sign on his back: "50th State/ 100th Marathon".

No more breeze. Instead, a hot wind.

A younger dude starts a conversation with me. He's run a few of these. He is running for a 5 hour pace like me. He thinks it's cool that my first marathon is at 38 years of age. He says that he'll see me at the finish line.

I am starting to feel done. It is hot and muggy with no real relief.

Mile 14:

A bug flies in my mouth. It takes 4 attemps to spit it out as it claws into my tongue. Gross. A guy running with his wife notices me spitting and shares a chuckle.

"A bug flew in my mouth."

"Well, at least you got your protein today."

"I'm a vegetarian."

"Ha ha."

"Hah hah."

Mile 15-20:

More stopping to walk. Water feels good when I pour it over my head; shocking, really. I see a woman crying in a med-tent as she breathes with an oxygen mask with her boyfriend by her side. Another young woman keeps stopping as her friend tries to coax her to run "a few more miles, then it will get cooler". In retrospect, it doesn't.

Mile 21:

My mind is going... I can feel it....

Mile 22-23:

A blur. I know that stopping entered my head about 3 times, but I gain a bit of running strength by walking most of the time, with 100 yard jaunts in between.

Mile 24:

The 5:30 pace people pass me. The woman leading them doesn't shut up, but skillfully guides her group in between walking and running. We are on the outskirts of Duluth and are about to climb a small bridge into downtown. I try to keep pace with the 5:30 people, but I eventually decide that it's too much to do. I let them go on up ahead as I come to terms that I am finishing this thing slower than what I anticipated.

Mile 25:

I am in downtown Duluth. Running for a block, and walking for a block. The locals are great at cheering the runners on. I stay away from the college kids giving free beer bong shots to runners. Too much. I'll enjoy a beer later.

Mile 26:

Final stretch. I am running more now. I watched Amy come in along this stretch 2 years ago, so I know that the end is near. I feel more energy knowing I am almost done. A photographer sitting above the course snaps my photo.

Final Stetch and Finish:




I pace myself by walking a bit, but wanting to finish strong. I hear a local shout "Only a block to go!". I start to run. Under the bridge and around the corner to the left as the course winds around the lake front. Fans line the sides of the final 100 yard stretch. I bolt down the course and hear my name along with others announced over the loudspeakers.











And we're done. I get a medal around my neck and photo snapped. I greet Amy, get a nice little kiss and sit down on the curb by her despite the fence barrier in between us. I drink water and get a granola bar that the woman next to Amy who's waiting for her husband gives me. Delicious. Glad it's over.


We hobble over towards the car ramp, but not before we stop to enjoy a root beer and a giant peanut butter cup at the local chocolate shoppe. I think I've burned enough calories to enjoy it. Later, I see through a skyway window a billboard outside with the temperature on it.



92 degrees. Ignorance is bliss.



Will I do this again? Well, dammit, I just HAVE to beat that 5 hour mark...

one more before the big 'un

Beautiful weekend. I spent it yesterday doing a 5 mile run along the river trail near the old Lilydale Club. Lots of people biking along there; Amy thought that there might be an event to go along with it. One thing I don't get is people talking on their cell phones riding at a breakneck pace having a casual conversation. Jesus, can you put the damn thing away for a 45 minute ride? I don't get it. Once the bike is rigged up to explode by a mad terrorist and you can't stop riding below 20 miles an hour, THEN you can get on that cellphone...

I need to get some new padded soles for my running shoes today; I'll break them in this afternoon on my 4 mile run. Then that's it until Saturday. Just "recoup" this week. So far, the schedule hasn't failed me- I've been able to top out on my 22.5 mile run around the area a few Saturdays ago. That was hard, hilly and hot out. I am assured in that the Grandma's Marathon route is relatively flat up until near the end. Still, I am inexplicably nervous about it. Logically, I know I'll be fine, but not having a heavy-duty run in the last few weeks makes me feel ill-prepared. I'll put my trust in the schedule.

In other non-running events, there's not much to tell. My acting has fallen by the wayside. My screenplay, however, has been materializing at a steady pace. Now I am stuck on missing chracter and plot elements specific to the two main female characters and what their journey will be. I'll be more tenacious about it after the race.

Out garden has really been sprouting up, made mostly of perenials, we added cedar mulch yesterday. This gives the garden area a great smell, not that I can tell. Looks good though. And we have a special friend to watch over it...

Halfway there

Today I ran a half-marathon, as dictated by my schedule. Not a bad route, and I only stopped at a PDQ to grab a quick drink (I promised Amy I would). Two blisters on my left foot dictated that I needed new socks. The shoe was a bit tight too. Might need new ones before the race, which is two months away. This is the longest I have ever run at once.

My two auditions went well enough; the Old Log better than the Guthrie. I have a good repoire with Tom Stolz who was there; we chatted for a while afterwards. John Miller-Stephany was late and he looked bored. He did ask me about "Mr. Hulot's Holiday", which I did 12 years ago, so he was at least halfway engaged. Glad that it's over, though. The thank you card will be mailed soon.

The bathroom continues to be a source of never-ending work. The tiling is done, but other projects have emerged for which we are unprepared. One by one...

You Better Run, Run, Run

Yesterday I ran "as scheduled" (which means I guessed the milage needed because for some reason this week of my marathon training schedule is cut off on the printed page). I am up to 8 miles, which didn't feel like 8 miles- not sure if it was because I ran a similar route in the same neighborhood last week- as it wasn't as grueling as I first made it out to be. Regardless, it's the longest I've ever run at any one time. So, I've broken the barrier. Next Saturday is 10 miles, so we'll see how we feel after that...

I did my voice demo last week, which was a good process. I'm never confident in my vocal quality, as I never really fully enjoy the way I sound, but my agent and recording coach seemed to think I was all right. 70 seconds of Jared. I am glad I did it, as it was always a market that I wanted to tap into. I still have the little fantasy of doing cartoon voices, so this is a step in the right direction. Or a step, in any case.

I also have a few (rare) auditions coming up. I'm taking a half-day off of work to audition for the Old Log generals next Monday, then later to observe a class at Stages Theatre. I'm still a theatre guy, right? That following Tuesday I need to call for my Equity slot at the Guthrie (finally!). I'm aiming for a Friday audition, as I can just hop the train on my lunch break and walk a few minutes to the site. No doubt I'll take more than my halfhour break to accomplish this, but so what, eh? I'll make up the time one way or another.

That's the latest. I'm still alive and kicking.

laugh a minute

I went to see "Unnecessary Farce" at the Old Log last night. My friends Sean and Emily Dooley were in it, and he comped me. He told me about 6 weeks ago that there was quite a bit of behind the scene strife going on; that one of the actresses had quit the show after alot of head butting with the director. Her replacement was pretty good, however. Everyone was very sharp, which was good to see. Even the chatterbox women sitting ahead of me didn't really bother me; they became part of the show. Had I actually paid for the show, I might have felt differently.

It was good to go back there. I saw Tim and Tom Stolz, each of whom had given me a big hug. It was almost exactly a year ago that I finished acting there for "Proposals", which I deemed a very good experience. I'd act there again in a heartbeat. I really felt like a professional actor there. People went there for a good time, and we delivered it to them. Good feeling.

Just went for another 5 mile run. Colder than I thought it would be, but as always it feels like I'm accomplishing something. That feeling of stiffness and the slight shallow "recovery breathing" that takes place afterwards for about an hour is a subtle reminder of this.

I managed to kill the Wizard of Yendor, but didn't get the Amulet quite yet. I'm pretty close, though.