Training run: Thursday 10th January 2008: 6.05 miles

Comments: (13 Weeks- is that all) Somehow, in spite of jet lag, in spite of rainy dreary blighting proving non too enticing I managed a laboured 6 miles. Welcome back UK, welcome back dreary weather, welcome back real stats. Ain’t it great. I could almost burst into a chorus of “Everyday is like Sunday.” First half of run went well, second half I struggled but made it around with more than a modicum of conviction. Felt weary and not entirely sure body clock knew where I was…

Musical inspiration: Xanadu, Natalie Merchant and Foo Fighters (Interesting combination!)

Cal 868: Mins 47:32: 6.05 miles: Pace Avg: 7:51 Max: 6:12 : Heart Rate Avg 153 Max163

States of Mind III: Those Who Stay. 1911 (MOMA, New York: Wednesday 9th January 2008)

As Natalie Merchant may have once sung “Can’t Ignore the Train.” Although John Berger would probably disagree, even these poorly “encapsulated” digital images are transcendentally impressive…

States of Mind II: Those Who Go. 1911 (MOMA, New York: Wednesday 9th January 2008)

Part 2: Impressive station (yet non stationary) “dynamism” So much more captivating and exhilerating in “real life”

States of Mind I: The Farewells. 1911 (MOMA, New York: Wednesday 9th January 2008)

 In chronological order the futuristic iconography classics from Umberto Boccioni. (Italian, 1882-1916) Moma, New York, 2008. Burn the museums…

United Nations: Wednesday 9th January 2007

Left the jurisdiction of the US to have a tour around the UN. Truly fascinating (flags not evident as it was raining… UN can’t have the greatest flag budget ever). The General assembly (above)- vast and impressive. The security council was in session so alas could not gain entry.

Training run: Wednesday 9th January 2008: 5.25 Miles (approx)

Comments: (13 weeks now until Paris) : Air conditioned nightmare part 2… Actually much better this time. Woke up early and took own music into gym room. Half watched CNN (Hilary Clinton New Hampshire victory and other sensationalistic tat) and listened to 10,000 maniacs, Manic Street Preachers and Dusty Springfield. More effective. Felt more in tune with the treadmill operation. Ultimately boring and as inspirational as an Adam Sandler film but at least time was distracted. Interesting drag effect from running on a treadmill- hopefully not too damaging. Mission accomplished…

Musical inspiration: As noted above

Minimal stats available: approximately 7:30 minute miles approximately 700 calories (should cover a minor percentage of the impending mammoth breakfast…)

Barosaurus, Blue Whale (and Roosevelt): Natural Histor Museum, New York: Tuesday 8th January 2008

A beautiful brute of a barosaurus. (Seems very hungry…)

Enormity does not even begin to describe the scale (of the whale)

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground (good advice for any self respecting monster mammal or dinosaur pretender)

Brooklyn Bridge and surroundings: Tuesday 8th January 2008

In and around Brooklyn. Over the bridge on a gloriously sunny morning. Resplendent and vivid. Perused Brooklyn heights and said Hi to Mailer, Auden and a slightly more human angle of New York….