12 tones to say awesome

For years I’ve been fascinated by the 12 tone and atonal music of composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Igor Stravinsky (among others) yet often struggled to explain to others what I see in it! The structures are so different and, to most ears, difficult. I admit that they’re difficult to me, but that was …

A ray of light in a dark sky: Why I still have faith in humanity

There are few words that can describe how I feel about the tragic events in Boston last week. As a runner but more importantly as a human, I just found the emotion overwhelming. I hope that the police will quickly end the situation that continues to unfold even as I write. So much has been …

PaleoBarefoots Snow running video in Mammoth Lakes

Recently I took a trip (actually two trips) to beautiful Mammoth Lakes in California and did some running in the snow. I had heard from a friend in Iceland that the PaleoBarefoots I’ve mentioned before are great for running in snow/icy conditions. I thought I’d try it out, and I’ve made a video about it here. …

Injuries are meant to happen when you’re doing something useful!

Twice in the last 2 months I’ve injured myself – 1 broken toe on my left foot, and now a badly bruised big toe on my right foot (don’t think it’s broken, but is very bruised). Both of these injuries have been the result of my terrible clumsiness, rather than anything exercise related. This is …

A world in Living Colour

I’m quite excited, the funk/metal crossover band Living Colour are touring again, and performing the complete Vivid album. Although it’s 25 years since the album came out, it still sounds fresh today, and it’s hard to overstate how influential that album was when it came out. They were true pioneers of the funk metal sound along with …

Carlsbad Half Marathon

I completed my second half marathon recently, in the lovely California town of Carlsbad. I enjoyed the run immensely, despite the physical challenge – it’s  hillier than I am used to – but I made a decent time. Having done this, I’ve decided to go for the triple crown  – so the next 1/2 Marathon run …