Anachronisms

Working on words and photos and coffee, down by the riverside. Can’t vouch for the words and photos just yet. But the coffee? Excellent. 🖊 📷 ☕️ #words #photos #life #allaroundalton #alton #mississippiriver #coffee #amwriting #postcommons #nanowrimoprep (at Post Commons) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpcFnGZnHsv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=enjckr6djwgu

Recently saw a post from someone fresh out of radiation and chemo saying they're winded by crossing the room. Been there, mate. Three years ago, it was all I could do to walk 50 feet. And sometimes I couldn't do that. In time, I made it out of the house. And down the block. And around the track. And up Spook Hill... no wait--that was the Berenstain Bears. But last year, I did run two marathons in two weeks. And last weekend, I logged some serious Michigan miles over a river and through the woods in the dark and rain. My point is this: It will get better. You will get stronger. Yes, cancer is a thief. But it's also the bearer of great gifts..people, places, perspectives. Give yourself permission to be weak, knowing that in time, in many ways, you'll grow stronger than you've ever been. Whether you're counting steps or logging miles, or just trying to get through the day, you're a survivor. I'm proud to be part of your tribe. Good luck and Godspeed. #cancer #cancersurvivor #cancersurvivors #livestrong #headandneckcancer #headandnecksurgery #headandneckradiology #hope #cancerawareness #mercyhospital #davidcprattcancercenterofexcellence #michigan #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram #runningcommunity #utica #run #touchoffall #yellow #runningtrail #clintonrivertrail #clintonriverwatershed #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 #overtheriverandthroughthewoods #october #runreport #runningcommentary #runningisanactofrebellion (at Utica, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/BovAFKznlMY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hpzhaw5b79p5

A misty, moody evening run along Michigan's Clinton River, featuring three deer, two tunnels, a pair of chipmunks, a woodchuck (they stalk me), a library, a kayak put in point, a memorial park, a quad-faced clock, a dozen kids dressed to the nines and their camera-clad parents, a rising river, and falling light. Loveliest route I've run in a long time. // I hit the trail about 6 p.m., starting at Utica's Memorial Park, where homecoming kids had gathered for photo ops beneath a massive clock and decorative lights. I logged about six miles before the isolated route and failing light made me call it a night. I envy the folks who'll cover the same ground 12 hours from now in the Weekend Warrior Runfest--assuming the rain stops and the river doesn't overtake the trail...which appeared to be a possibility. // If you're running the route Sunday, the temperature should be perfect. Watch for water puddling in the tunnels, and look off-trail when you hit the bottoms--within that flooded field lurks a river. The climb from the flats to the upper park area is daunting, but brief. You can do it. If you need a breather, there's a cultural heritage interpretive panel across from the plastic portable outhouses after you top the hill. Certainly worth a look. May your stride be strong and the miles be kind. Good luck to you! That's your run report for Saturday, October 6, 2018. Now wherever you are, lace up, head out, and be careful out there! #utica #michigan #clintonriver #clintonrivertrail #clintonriverwatershed #uticamemorialpark #weekendwarriorrunfest #runner #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 #trailrunning #trailrun #autumn #uticamichigan #runningisanactofrebellion #cancersurvivor #cancersurvivors #headandneckcancer #runreport (at Utica, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bond6L6nrpz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16nrmngt08cqh

Silver sculpture, leaden sky. Stepped into an overcast morning with temps in the 40s for today's run. Traffic was brisk on the M50 through Warren, Mich., and you could see autumn in the lemon-tinted leaves on select trees. If you're urban running, watch the walk signals and look for places to move away from traffic. A block north or south of the highway can change your running surface, traffic patterns, and your environment. And that's your run report for Friday, October 5. Now lace up, head out, and be safe out there! #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #detroit #warren #urbanrunning #michigan #sculpture #art #civiccenter #warrenciviccenter (at Warren Civic Center Water Fountains) https://www.instagram.com/p/Boky_6pHjmU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4d9fstv071kg

Wonder if he wears Brooks Ghost 10s? 👻 🏃Some spooky boo on the run route. The seasonal decorations say Halloween, but the heat and humidity feel more like the 4th of July than the 3rd of October. If you're night running to dodge the heat, beware walnuts on the walk and vines in your face on 4th Street. Lots of traffic, pedestrian and auto, tonight as well. Proceed with caution--and with water. The air was dead early on, but a nice breeze and milder temps were moving in around 9:30p. That's your run report for Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Now lace up, move out, and be careful out there. #runreport #running #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #nightlights #spookyboo #ghost #thisishalloween #boo #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 #runroute #nightrun #nightrunning #holdthatghost #highspirits #whistlingpastthegraveyard #localhaunts #electricbootoyou #casperthefriendlyghost #shineon #youglow #scoobydoowhereareyou (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BofwqR3n8Nd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vvpmlnx0676s

Run with water. Even if the temps are mild, and you're sure you won't need it, run with water. It'll help you wash down the bugs. The night is warm and still and close, and there's a lot of traffic out and about, so watch your step. There are cars on south Idler despite the barricade. I'd advise against this route on a night run. Better outdoor options are a loop through town or circling the track, where you're far less likely to stumble over debris and breaks in the running surface. And trust me on the water: things with wings are out en masse this week. I shot tonight's photo from the route I advised against running (I know of what I speak). This is The Milk House on Idler at 127. You guessed it...I was on a milk run. 😏 And that's your run report for Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Now lace up, move out, and be safe out there! #milkhouse #run #runners #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #nightlights #truck #bigrig #milktruck #runreport #gotmilk #milkcan #moove #moo #nightmooves #carpark #5mile #cancersurvivor #staystrong #runningisanactofrebellion #actofrebellion #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BodFc2jA6U7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fzvyzp10l6e2

Autumn is upon us. It was a lovely evening to get out, stretch your legs, and run the week away as mild temperatures, low humidity and soft winds made the miles pass quickly. 🍁This time of year, you'd do well to wear your brights and lights on late afternoon runs. I switched from sunglasses to my headlamp (for visibility) in the space of an hour. 🍂 Traffic was heavy on Highway 127. Watch your footing for the first couple miles north of 140. The shoulders are dodgy. Oddly enough, the asphalt is in better condition further north. The shoulders are broad and flat, so this route is easier on the knees than most county roads. That said, you've got to be vigilant for fast moving traffic crowding the sidelines. Proceed with caution. 🌽 Farmers are bringing in the harvest, so be prepared to run through soybean and corn dust on the rural routes and watch for vehicles on field access roads. That's your run report for the final weekend of September 2018. ☀️Sunday promises to be just as beautiful--so no excuses. Lace up, head out, and be safe out there! #runreport #ruralroute #ruralrouterunner #rural #runner #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #sunset #powerlines #brooksrunning #skylight #sunrays #11mile #11milerun (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoVjmXOHtFO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ibhiav8m2xe3

Sunset on the Mississippi. #mississippiriver #utility #powerlines #stlouis #stlouisgram #gamenight #stlouiscardinals #sunset #nightlights (at St. Louis Downtown) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoLAPYWHdvj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ik4dmonhnkcl

The first days of autumn have felt suspiciously summerish, but the light of the last two nights made venturing out a pleasure, despite the humidity. In addition to amber waves of grain, you're likely to notice corn stalks lashed to porch posts and Halloween lights in they windows of houses about town, particularly in neighborhoods with young kids. Fall has fallen, it seems, regardless of what Mother Nature says. On a related note, watch your step on routes flanked by trees. Walnuts, hickory and sweetgum will do their best to sideline you. This has been your early autumn run report. Now lace up, move out, and be careful out there! #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation #runningcommunity #runningcommentary #runnerscommunity #8miles #brooksrunning #ruralroute #ruralrouterunning #runreport (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoIqrEqHEzV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vcvu9avfkzh5

To shoot, write, compose, create anything, you first have to see, think and feel. For me, observing is the challenge. I've managed to pass this a hundred times without seeing it. Always a student... // I've noticed an uptick in bug bites this month, so you might reach for the spray before you set out this week. On a related note, sunglasses will save your eyes from gnat splats. No fun, that. Pack water and run smart. We're on the cusp of cooler weather, so if you've been waiting for saner temps to run, you should have your chance this weekend. // The streets were car-quiet again tonight, but plenty of pedestrians were out when I made this shot. They likely thought I'd gone a bit too far and decided to have a rest on the walk. It was tempting to stay put after I nabbed the shot. 😏 And that's your run report for Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. Be safe out there! #nightlights #run #running #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #greenvilleuniversity (at Greenville University) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn-TDcHnLzn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nump1dlmaklj

Running into the sun, but I'm running behind... Heat and humidity were formidable this evening, but the sunset was lovely. This view was waiting as I topped the water tower hill, and it made the climb worthwhile. As we've noted on other occasions, you need to be mindful of traffic here--drivers won't be expecting you. If you cross the Highway 40 overpass, look for red-tailed hawks perched on the utility poles. There were two this evening. And of course, pack plenty of water. I drained both tanks on this evening's 8-miler, and I was moving slow. As the shot suggests, with the equinox approaching, after-work runners are racing against the sun. Wear your lights and brights. You may need them. This has been your midweek run report. Now lace up, head out, and be careful out there! #runner #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #sunset #overthehill #8mile #rural #rurallife #ruralroute #ruralrouterunner #runreport (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn72XncH3yQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15p6n9bsuj913

Run time? Wasn't worth a hill o' beans. But traffic was light and I was grateful for the opportunity to stretch my legs under a summer sky. If you run the industrial park, you'll have corn and soybeans leaning toward autumn to keep you company. But proceed with caution. Even with Idler blocked, the bank branch gets traffic. Be wary on the hills. // As you're heading out this week, pack water. You'll want it. I emptied two belt tanks and a 20 oz bottle this afternoon. Temps look to top out about 90F, so try to dodge the sun with a shaded route, or morning and evening runs. As a last recourse, there's always Netflix and a treadmill, yes? This has been your weekend run report. Whatever your route, do your best to lace up, head out, and run smart. Be careful out there! #ruralrouterunreport #runreport #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 #fieldofbeans #soy #soybeans #sky #bluesky #10miles #10miler #10milerun (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnz8zC1ntFg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hsiqk5tswi7g

Left step, left step, left step, right, up the hill and past the light... The color in this reminds me a bit of Bears in the Night. Loved that book. Days are getting shorter, and we're being treated to some fine weather in the Midwest (apologies to my friends on the coast). If you're not a runner, step out for a walk. The evenings are too good to miss, and it's a great way to rinse the day from your head. If you run, rejoice. We're weeks away from some of the best out and about temps of the year. Now for your run report: The air was still but pleasant and the streets quiet in town tonight. South Idler is still under construction, so beware the barricades. The new cement may look crispy fresh and tantalisingly textured, but there's snow fence stretched between the horses and, yes, it's a construction zone, so there's all manner of whatnot could be in your path. Better to detour the bottom of the hill--particularly when the light is low. And that's your Friday run report. Now lace up, head out, and be safe out there! #running #runnersofinstagram #runnerofinstagram #runreport #5mile #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnu5gW0nFM3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hma5b62h1b5w

Night at the Museu...errr...Library. #carnegielibrary #library #book #bookshelf #nationalliteracymonth #nightlights #nationalroad #sunset #historicbuilding #runroute #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #ruralroute (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnNZi93HVNC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=vh9ba7laou2e

Tonight's shot comes to you from the south side of town. Overcast evenings offer a respite from the heat--but not the humidity. Fill your tanks before you pull on those shoes. Then lace up, head out, and be careful out there! #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation #runningcommunity #fs #runreport #ruralroute #6mile (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnF5ieGnxB2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nnzim9kbko4q

Traffic is light and humidity high on the streets south of town tonight. Beware walnuts lurking in the shadows on south Fourth Street (the #brooksghost10 s were stout enough to prevent an ankle twist). The grass trimmings you'll encounter on the walks are, as expected, slippery; tread lightly. When you head out, wear your lights and brights and be mindful of the heat. That's your midweek run report for August 28, 2018. Be careful out there! #running #runner #tunnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #brooksrunning #brooksghost10 #4miles #4milerun #blackandwhite #cityscape #townsquare #nightlights #halfmarathontraining (at Greenville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnDEkPQHRKD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f9dtcyyi0jdc

Great knight for a run. 😏 This chap is standing guard in the Turret Building on the square, which happened to be on tonight's run route. Heavy traffic in town with the start of fall semester, so watch for kids who may not be watching for you. Pack plenty of water--even for a 5k. Running dry is miserable when the temps are topping 85F. Try to make it out in the early a.m. or late p.m., or resign yourself to an indoor run. Be safe out there! #running #run #runningmotivation #runner #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #knight #knightlight #goodknight #armor #underarmoritisnt #brooksrunning (at Greenville, Illinois)