Runway 5k

The idea of running a race on an airport runway seemed too novel to not do at least once.  And so on a cold and frosty October I dragged myself out, pre-dawn, to the American Airlines repair hangar at Charlotte Douglas to run in the 10th Anniversary of the Runway 5k.

I had been running pretty regularly before the race and felt pretty good about getting under 30 minutes (my regular pace).  Because of a delay in the start I coldly watched planes take off on the runways surround us, until just after 9am, when the race began (an hour late).  It was nice to run a flat surface the whole way, and the thrill of seeing planes take off and land as we ran past never waned.  Was also great to run beside the terminal as planes taxied around the airport.  

I was absolutely stoked to cross the finish line and find my chip time was 26:38 (gun time of 27:14).  Under 9 minutes a mile is faster than I've ever done.  I definitely think have other people around me helps me pick up my pace.

I'm not sure if I'd do it again next year, or look for a different race to run.  Time will tell.  In the meantime I will bask in the glory of coming 321st out of 2097, and 32nd in my age group (out of 125), and a mere 10:38 off the winning pace.

Henry Rollins @ McGlohon Theater

Wow!  6 years between Henry Rollins shows.  But when he comes to town one month before an election, how are you going to turn that down.

Another great 2 plus hours of opinions and stories from someone I spent so many years admiring as a great band leader.  Stories varied from Trump (obviously), Rollins' political left leanings, his friendship with Ru Paul, his first Ramones show (the first time in 8 shows that I've heard Henry tell the same story), travelling and many other topics - all from memory (again, as usual).

This has been a favorite show of Rollins that I've seen in the US.  While political, he also told many a great personal and travel stories, which have been lacking for me in shows I've seen in Las Vegas.  His Australian shows I saw in the 90's had no real political skew, just stories of travel both personal and with Black Flag and Rollins Band.

Like reviewing most orators / comedians I find it hard to write about what actually happened during the show when it comes to actual content.  It is definitely a "you had to be there" moment.  Needless to say Rollins' manic delivery and ability to jump from one subject to another kept a full McGlohon Theater entertained all night long.  Look forward to seeing him again (sooner than in 6 years).

The Crap Facts:
This is my 413th concert.

McGlohon Theater is the 117th venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 53rd concert in Charlotte.

This is my 59th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 221st concert in the USA.

This is my 8th Henry Rollins concert.

Litchfield Beach, SC

Went for a weekender on 30 September down to Litchfield to enjoy the last of the warm(ish) weather for the year.