Category: Active Life

The 30-Day Fitbit Charge 5 Challenge Let’s Go!

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Fitbit Charge 5 for my 30 Day Fitbit Challenge
Fitbit Charge 5

The 30 Day Fitbit Charge 5 Challenge. What is it?

Quite simply, I’ll be wearing the Fitbit Charge 5 for the next 30 days to see if it can help get me back on the road — and eventually running again. But first, a little context on how I got here…

After running high school cross country, I was an on-again, off-again runner for many years. I remember running around Athens, Georgia when we lived there from 1975–1979, along with a couple of 5Ks here and there.

I didn’t run much — if at all — during most of the 1980s. Can you say four kids and a pretty demanding full-time job? Add in part-time work at both a convenience store and Waldenbooks, and running pretty much disappeared.

The Running Reboot

I may have dabbled a bit in the late ’80s, but the real reboot came in the 1990s when my son started running cross country. Before long, I was back out on the track, struggling to run a mile again.

I started training seriously, and from there running became a regular part of my life. For many years — well into my late 60s — I was running about four miles twice a week, with six to eight miles on weekends.

From the Garmin Forerunner to the Fitbit Charge 5 — and Back Again

When I first started running again, I used a plain old watch and measured my routes with the car. Then, in 2003, Garmin introduced the Forerunner 101, one of the first GPS watches aimed at runners.

Here’s what it looked like.

(Yes, it was big and bulky — and heart rate was measured with a chest strap.)

From about November 2015, when Target provided Fitbits to employees, until March 2023, I used various Fitbits to track my workouts and running. I upgraded early on to a Charge HR and used that for several years.

Somewhere along the way, my daughter handed down her Fitbit Versa, which I also used for a few years. When the Charge 5 came out in 2021, I switched back to the Charge line.

Babysitting, Balance, and Reality at 74

In March 2023, my son-in-law handed me his Garmin Epix Gen 2, which is a terrific smartwatch — especially for accurate GPS distance.

The problem wasn’t the watch. Since September 2023, when we started babysitting Emma full-time (until this past April), my running took a serious nose-dive. Add in the reality that I’m now 74, and that probably didn’t help either.

Why I’m Back to the Fitbit Charge 5 (For Now)

Even while babysitting, I kept up a short workout most mornings. But days where I really moved the needle from Recovery to Productive were few and far between.

So, in an effort to ease my way back toward running shape, I decided to return to the Fitbit Charge 5.

Yes, I know Fitbit tends to estimate higher calories burned than Garmin. But I got tired of finishing what felt like a solid workout, only to have the Garmin label it Recovery. And when I did push harder, it often told me I needed 72 hours of recovery — which felt a bit discouraging.

Last night, I used the Charge 5 while working out on my walking pad, which can go over 4 mph. Until last year, I’d never used a treadmill in my life.

I always joke that treadmills are hard for me because when I run, I run and the ground doesn’t. As a 74-year-old with balance issues, I hold onto the bar. I know that’s not ideal form — but it beats falling.

I also discovered that when I use the treadmill with the Garmin, it only tracks steps and distance if my arms are swinging.

A week or so ago, I tried walking slowly and swinging my arms, and the Garmin worked fine. But last night, wearing the Fitbit, I decided: forget steps and distance — I’m holding on and upping the speed. My real goal was to elevate my heart rate and burn calories.

To my surprise, when I finished, Fitbit recorded steps, distance, and calories burned anyway.

Note

After reading the following article TREADMILLS & SENIORS: THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT I decided that I will go back to what I was doing when I first started reusing the treadmill. I will start at low speeds that I can handle comfortably without holding on. As I get more comfortable I will increase my speed to where I am jogging comfortably without holding on. Wish Me Luck!

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The Actual Goal: Health, Not Numbers

This morning, I did my usual workout — resistance bands, light weights, and calisthenics. The result? More calories burned in the same amount of time.

Sure, it may partly come down to how Fitbit calculates calories, but honestly, I don’t care. I feel motivated, ready to do it again, and maybe even push a little more.

Back when I used Fitbit regularly, I knew that if I hit 3,000 calories burned in a day, I’d lose weight. My hope is to get back to that level again.

So here we go. For the next 30 days, I’ll be using the Fitbit Charge 5 exclusively to see if it can help me rebuild fitness — and lose some weight. Maybe by spring, I’ll be outside again and back to running.

I’m not exactly sure how I’ll keep you posted — probably a few check-in posts here and there — but I’ll figure something out.

One final note: back in November, I started using a CPAP to address my sleep apnea. Over the last 90 days, my apnea events have dropped significantly, and I feel better during the day.

Hopefully, better sleep and renewed movement together can move the needle toward better overall health.

Mayo Clinic – Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment

106 Miles to Chicago – The B Christopher Band – Keeps Me Running!

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The Nerdy Details as I Try to Start Running Again!

Ok so over the last two weeks I have semii-started to run again. I say semi because I have only run three times since July 26th.  Oh, and I had a stress test on August 5th. The first two runs were actually run/walks. On both of those runs I basically ran a little and then walked a little.

On the July 26th run I covered 2.1 miles in 32:27. That calculates to a 15:30 min/mile pace. However, during the run I ran for 14:45 minutes and walked for 17:41 minutes.

Likewise on my July 28th run I walked and ran but did a little better. I covered 2.68 miles in 39:36 for a 14:46 min/mile pace. However, during this run I actually ran more than I walked. I ran for 21:29 minutes and walked for 18:04 minutes.

Finally, on my August 11 run I did better still. On that run I covered 2.16 miles in 32′:53 for a pace somewhat slower than the preceding runs. The final pace was !5:13 min/mile. The good thing though about this run was that I ran (ok,jogged)  for 28:43 minutes while only walking for 4:07 minutes. I ran he whole first mile. Then I walked a quarter mile and almost ran the second mi le. Unfortunately I calculated how far I needed to run to get that last mile and came up a little short!

I’m planning on running again tomorrow morning and I’ll bore you with the details after the run! My goal may be to run for 30 minutes with no walking! Wish me luck!

The Soundtrack  August 11 Run – The B Christopher Band

The soundtrack for the majority of the run was the latest release from The B Christopher Band – 106 Miles to Chicago. The last time an album from the B Christopher Band was used as a soundtrack for a run was back in 2019. when I was a soon to be 68-year -old. The run was a 4.16 mile run at an average pace of 10:28 min/mile. You can read about it here.  Oh, how I long for those days!

About 106 Miles to Chicago

Anyway back to these days. Well I knew that there were a lot  of old songs on this album like n”Hey,Bartender “{, “She caught the Katy”, Sweet Home Chicago” and “Gimme Some Lovin’.”  But the reference to the Blues Brothers in the album’s title flew right over my head!  Anyway here’s the quote that provided the title to this album that is a tribute to the Blues Brothers!

Elwood:  It’s a hundred and six miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it.

B Christopher is a fantastic guitarist and his band in this album is pretty dam good. It includes: Eddie Testa on lead vocals, Anton Fig on drums, Nick Douglas on bass and backing vocals. Bruce Katz on keys Andy Snizter on tenor and baritone sax, Ryan Keberle on trombone, Tony Kadleck on trumpet,Sharlotte Gibson provides backing vocals, and Studebaker John adds harmonica.

Additionally, Original Blues Brothers member Tom “Bones” Malone plays baritone sax on ‘Gimme Some Lovin’”,

The only bad thing about the album  is it only contains seven songs. And it is only 26 minutes and change long!  Anyway it is definitely and album that should be checked out!

Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of The B Christopher Band

Artist’s Website
Facebook
YouTube
Amazon

Here’s the opening track from 2106 miles to Chicago  “Hey, Bartender”

Nick Schnebelen – What Key is Trouble In? Powers a Great Run

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Nick Schnebelen - What Key Is Trouble In? Cover
Ok so I have been moving forward in many ways and also feeling my age (71) in others. I have been moving forward in my battle with my ADHD, as I try to do more thing that I’ve thought about doing. While doing others when I think about them, rather than putting them off ! And so far it’s working! One of those things I didn’t  put off was this morning’s run!

The Run

I’ve been running on a regular basis over the last few months. Today I was torn between a 3.1 and a 4 mile run. I chose the 3.1 mile option. In addition I told myself I needed to take it easy.

Even though I thought I was taking it easy, my time for the first mile was 11:30. Ok so I thought I’ll take it easy through the rest of the run.

However, my pace hovered around 11:30 and I was running fairly comfortably over mile two. subsequently, I ran that mile in 11:26. I thought can I finish with an average pace less than 11:25 which would be my fastest time for the year!

I ran the last mile in 11:21! And with an old man sprint of 9:52 pace over the last .12 miles of the run, I finished with an average pace of (drumroll please!) 11:22 min/mile! Yeah me!

The Nerdy Details

Total Dist: 3.12 miles Time  35:28. Pace: 11:22 min/mile

Splits

Mile 1 11:31 Mile 2: 11: 27 Mile 3 11:21 Mile 0.12 9:52

Avg HR 145 Max HR 161 Cals Burned: 370 Cals

All in All a great morning!

The Soundtrack – What Key is Trouble In?  -Nick Schnebelen

What Key is Trouble in? has been in my music rotation for a while now and it may be my favorite blues album for 2023.

Nick Schnebelen is a multiple Blues Music Award Winner. Nick joined the elite of the blues community in 2008 as a founding member of the Kansas City band Trampled Under Foot.
Nick and His siblings Danielle and Kris, overwhelmed the competition to win that year’s
International Blues Challenge. Nick won the Albert King Award for “Best
Guitarist”. While the band later won the “Contemporary Blues Album” Blues Music Award.

In 2014 Nick left the band. What Key is Trouble In? is his fourth solo album. The album is comprised of 13 original blues rock  tracks that showcase Nick’s great guitar work.

His band mates include Adam Hagerman (drums), Cliff Moore (bass), Red Young (keyboards), Buddy Leach (saxophone), Aaron Mayfield (organ).

The album was co-produced by Chris Hardwick.

Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Nick Schnebelen

Artist’s Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Amazon

Here is Nick and his band performing “Ten Years After, Fifty Years Later” the opening track of What Key is Trouble In? 

 

Malcolm Wells – Hollerin’ Out Loud Helps a Tough Run!

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Yesterday  The Weather Channel’s morning Running Condition Rating was a 7 out of 10. While that rating is indicative of good running conditions, it’s on the dividing line between good conditions and difficult conditions. For me, today’s conditions were tough. They were tough not because of temperature or humidity but for that damn bright sun! I decided that the soundtrack for the run would be Malcolm Wells and the Two-Timers Hollerin’ Out Loud.

I have started judging the running conditions based on where I first break a sweat and today it was quite early in the run. When I completed the first mile in 10:20 ( a time that would have thrilled me a couple of months ago) I knew today was destined to be a normal run.

At the 2nd mile mark my overall pace had gotten even slower and I was struggling just a little. So I mentally decided to slow down and live to run another day. By the middle of the third mile my pace had slipped to around 10:30 per mile. And all I wanted to do was finish with a pace faster than 10:30.
I had to really force myself to give it all I had over the last 0.1 miles. And with that last sprint which was run  at a pace of 8:28 minutes per mile, I was able to finish with an overall pace of 10:21 minutes per mile. That finish is the one good thing I‘ll take away from today‘s run! Here are the Nerdy Details…..

   The Nerdy Details

Total Dist: 3.12 Time 32:35 Pace: 10:26 min/mile

Mile Splits

Mile-1 10:20   Mile-2: 10:24 Mile-3 10:47

Mile-4 (0.12)8:28

Avg HR 140  Max HR 158 Cals Burned: 384 Cals

The Soundtrack -Hollerin’ Out Loud 

The soundtrack for the run was Hollerin‘ Out Loud the debut release from Malcolm Wells and the Two-Timers. As soon as I heard the Blues harp that kicks off „call My Name“ the first track on Hollerin‘ Out Loud  I knew I  was going to love this album. Then came the great guitar and truly sealed the deal!

Malcolm Wells is a terrific blues harpist who lists the these musicians ascontemporary influences:James Harman, Rick Estrin, Gary Primich, RJ Mischo and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. A few of my favorites!

Malcolm is also a fine composer, arranger and vocalist! Malcolm composed and arranged all eleven tracks on the album.

Malcolm‘s biography on his website is very short

Malcolm was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the summer of 1966. He is very good at surrounding himself with talent.

Malcolm Wells Surrounds Himself with Talent

Those that he has surrounded himself with collectively known as the Two-Timers include: acclaimed guitarist Matt Woods, bassist Patrick Recob and drummer Dwight Dario.

Each member has been successful prior to becoming a Two-Timer.

Matt Woods‘ releases have been nominated for a Blues Music Award, two Blues Blast Awards and have twice made the finals in the Blues Foundation’s “Best Self Produced CD” competition;

Patrick Recob, was also a Blues Blast Award nominee, who has played with just about everyone of Malcolm’s influences previously mentioned.

While Dwight Dario‘s has been performing for five decades! He was a seventeen year member of The Big George Jackson Band. Dwight has toured Europe a dozen times and has received several of his own various music organization awards.

Thoughts about Hollerin’ Out Loud

Hollerin‘ Out Loud is a terrific album from track one to track eleven. The songs are varied and interesting and the musicianship on each track is top notch, as are the vocals.

What makes Hollerin‘ Out Loud special for me is Malcolm‘s blues harp and Matt Woods guitar work. My favorite tracks include: “Call My Name”, “Muffin Top”  and “Gentleman’s Bet”

So Check It Out!

Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Malcolm Wells

Artist’s Website 
Facebook
Album Review
Spotify
Amazon

Here’s “Muffin Top” from Hollerin’ Out Loud

Top 20 Psychedelic Rock Songs Playlist Brightened Sunday’s Run

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So this week started as a good running week. On Sunday I ran my first 6.2 mile (10K) training run. While I ran comfortably at a 10:30 pace through the first three miles, the next three were a struggle and I needed to slow down to make the 6.2 miles. However, I did make it and was pleased with my overall time and pace and the soundtrack consisting of one site’s Top 20 Psychedelic Rock Songs. Here are those pesky “Nerdy Details” about the run!

The Nerdy Details

Total Dist: 6.21 Time1:07:58 Pace: 10:57 min/mile

Splits

Mile: 1 10:35    Mile 2: 10:27    Mile: 3 10:39

Mile: 4 11:01       Mile 5 11:22    Mile: 6 11:37

Mile 7 (0.21) 10:51

Avg HR 143 Max HR 164 Cals Burned: 864. Cals

Now after all of the above, I may need to remind you that I started off this post writing,  my running week started off well. Well, last night as I was going down the stairs to feed our cats before bed. I slipped on the top step and skied down the stairs on my butt. Needless to say both my bottom and my left shoulder (I twisted around) were sore this morning.

As a result,  I chose not to run. Instead I did some light rhythmic movement and then my favorite self-created yoga routine.  Actually, it was probably a needed easy day, as my steps per day average was 16,194 for Su day and Monday. Although, I would rather have done it WITHOUT falling down the stairs. Anyway here is the soundtrack for the run.

The Soundtrack :TOP 20 PSYCHEDELIC ROCK SONGS

The soundtrack for the run was a Spotify playlist. The playlist featured most of the songs listed in a post titled –  Top 20 Psychedelic Rock songs at Ultimate Classic Rock and Culture.

The Ultimate Classic rock list contains songs from a lot of my favorite bands> It includes songs from:  Cream, Traffic, Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and The Who. It also contains songs from groups I don’t know like Tintern Abbey, Tomorrow  and July. As wells, bands I’ve hard of but never really listened to likeThe Pretty Things and The 13th Floor Elevator.

All and allI thought it was a good list and even though I was struggling over the second half of the run, hearing some of my favorite songs kept  me going! So Check out the complete list!!

 

 

Mike Zito -Resurrection Makes a Good Run Great!

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The following was posted earlier this week on Renaissance Granddad I thought I’d catch you up a bit before I post about today’s run!


The Run

Oh, what a difference a cloudy sky and a temperature that is a few degrees lower make on a morning run! I have been making it a habit to check the running conditions each night before a run. Last night the rating for this morning was an 8 out of 10 until after 10am. And the rating was correct! The beat thing was there was no bright sun beating down on me!

I ran the first mile in just a shade under 11 minutes. (10:59). The second mile was slower because much of the mile was uphill. My mile time was 11:20 and the average pace dropped to 11:09. I ran the third mile and fourth mile in around 10:56 with a little sprint at the end.As a result,  I was able to finish with an overall pace of 11:00 min/mile and I was a happy runner! Here are those pesky nerdy details

The Nerdy  Details

Total Dist: 4.14 Time 45:33 Pace: 11: 00 min/mile

Splits

Mile 1 10:59 Mile 2: 11:20 Mile 3 10:56 Mile 4 10:58? (I screwed up the Fitbit results by trying to edit my time and lost the exact last 1.14 miles)

Avg HR 138  Max HR 152 Cals Burned: 563 Cals

The Soundtrack: Resurrection

The soundtrack for the run was Resurrection the latest release from Blues Guitarist Mike Zito. I’ve been a fan since I first heard his debut album Pearl back in 2010.

Resurrection - Mike Zito

Zito says this about Resurrection ….

….Resurrection is an album of feelings, emotions, and is very personal. The title track is how I once almost lost my love, but it came back stronger than ever. I have had this song in me for years, but it only makes sense now to share it with the world. After the year we have had on planet Earth, I believe we all need a rebirth. This rebirth has given me an opportunity to be who I want to be musically and artistically.” More

About Resurrection

Resurrection was produced by Grammy-winner David Z. He is best known for his long-standing work with Prince. In addition, Z has contributed to albums by Etta James, Billy Idol, BoDeans, Buddy Guy and John Mayall, among many others.

Zito has help from a lot of old friends on Resurrection. While Zito provides blistering guitar work and lead vocals, those old friends helping out include: Matthew Johnson – drums; Doug Byrkit – bass guitar; Lewis Stephens – piano, organ; Zach Zito – acoustic guitar; Lisa Andersen – backing vocals; Eric Demmer – Saxophone; and Fernando Castillo – Trumpet.​

About The Tracks on Resurrection

The eleven tracks on Resurrection include eight original songs that showcase Zito‘s talent as a composer. The remaining four tracks showcase his talent as an interpreter of other compositions, as he tackles the work of JJ Cale (“I’ll Make Love To You”), Eric Clapton (“Presence of the Lord”) and Willie Dixon (“Evil”). 

“I wrote and recorded the music I felt strongest about and I wanted to share it with the world,” Zito says.” I played my guitar the way I want to play my guitar, not the way anyone says I am supposed to play my guitar. I sang the way I wanted to sing – in my voice with my emotions. I had David Z produce for me again after a few years apart. We have now worked on seven albums together and I believe he understands my music and helped me to shape this album to be strong in the year 2021. This is an album that requires deep listening from beginning to end. More

Final Thoughts

I was really glad that unlike many runs today‘s run was fairly easy.  That’s important because I was able to “come back to the music” several times during the run.
What I heard each time was Mike Zito at the top of his game! His vocals were “vintage” Mike Zito and they reminded me at several points along the way of the vocals I first heard on Pearl.
I know this album is going to be in my music rotation for a while! So Check It Out!
Speaking of Mike Zito being at the top of his game. At this years Blues Music Awards at The Blues Foundation’s 42nd Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN,  Zito won two awards

The first award was in the category of Blues Rock Artist. While the second wasBlues Rock Album of the Year for Mike Zito and Friends – Rock ‘n’ Roll:  A Tribute to Chuck Berry. Check it Out, too!!

Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Mike Zito

Here’s a short playlist of the songs on Resurrection. At the 3.25 mile mark of today’s run I “came back to the music” and chuckled when I heard “Running Man”…..

 

Ally Venable, A Run and Thoughts about My Blog

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aLLY vENABLE hEART OF fIRE

When I started my first blog I titled it Me, Myself, Music and Mysteries. The idea was that there would by posts about Me, the music I listened to and the books I read most often which were mysteries.

The “Me” part would include;  posts about my family both my present family and also my ancestors. As well as posts about my attempts to turn back the hands of my biological clock. I attempt to turn those clocks back by eating right, and exercising regular. My exercising includes yoga,  running and indoor cardio workouts.

So why am I writing all of this? Well quite simply I don’t think I can limit myself to only writing about books and music. My ADHD brain just won’t allow it.

The bottom line is I want to open this blog up again to encompass ALL of my life. And maybe just maybe I can post a little more often.

For now and until such time as I can think of another name for this blog, I’m just adding “and More” to the title!

2026 Update: It took a few years, but I finally found the name I was looking for. The ideas I was wrestling with here eventually became A Sixties & Seventies Man. Instead of trying to fit everything into one blog, I realized my writing was really about the music, books, family stories, genealogy, running, and everyday moments that have shaped my life from the 1960s and 1970s onward. Looking back, this post was the first sign that I was already heading in that direction

The Run

Now with all of the above out of the way I can write about runningI have been putting off running for most of 2021. I ran one time back in the beginning of March, but since the weather has been getting nicer the running itch has gotten stronger, so the other day I gave in and ran or at least traversed 2.8miles as fast as my 69 year old legs can carry me. And while it may not be as fast as I’d like it to be, I’m just glad I can still do it! Here are the nerdy details.

The Nerdy Details

Total Dist: 2.81 Time 33:18  Pace: 11;52 min/mile

Splits

Mile 1 11:50    Mile 2: 11: 56     Mile 0.82 11:47

Avg HR 145 Max HR 167 Cals Burned: 446. Cals

The Almost Soundtrack – Heart of Fire – Ally Venable

The soundtrack for the run was going to be Heart of Fire  the new album from Aly Venable. I say was supposed to because when I started the run I received a message that my phone’s battery was low. So after about a quarter mile I turned my headphones off to conserve the battery. It worked because I still had a battery life after finishing the run. Of course I have know way of knowing if it would have done that if I kept listening to the music.

I guess what I’ll need to do is check the charge in my phone before and after my next run!

Anyway if I had checked the charge on the phone before my last run, this post would have a music tie-in via Heart of Fire from Aly Venable. As it is I will give the album a few more listens before I write about Ally and the album

Here’s a post I wrote when I first listen to Ally Venable. Her able Puppet Show had just entered my music rotation. It is a winner!

Artist’s Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Amazon

The Video

Currently,Heart of Fire is number 18 on the Roots Music Reports Top 59 Albums Chart and climbing! Here’s the Official Music video for the title track from Heart of Fire

 

Dion – Blues with Friends Makes a Struggling Run Better

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Blues with FRiends -Dion

Ok so I’m doing it again. I started to posts yesterday and I didn’t finish either one of them! So now rather than go back and write a little in each one of them I’ll just plot ahead and write a new posts. Recently, I haven’t run very often on Saturdays, but yesterday the weather conditions were slightly better than they were in Friday, so off I went, with the music of Dion providing the soundtrack.

The Run

I quickly  realized, even though the temperature was fairly low, the humidity was going to make this a tough run!

So it became one of those runs during which I need to trick myself. As I reach the 2.5 mile mark my thought become ‘“well you’ve made 2.5 mile you only have 1.5 miles to go you can do that”z. Then at 3 miles it’s 3 miles down only 1 more to go.. “if you’ve gone 3 you can certainly make 1 more“. But even with that semi-positive re-enforcement the last mile was a struggle. Additonally, he emergence of the sun and the lack of shade over the last half mile didn’t help things!  Needless to say I made it, but with no semi-strong sprint at the end. My pace over the last block was more of a slow  crawl. Here are the nerdy details.

The Nerdy Details

Total Miles: 4.08 Total Time 46.52 Pace 11:29

Avg Hr 144 bpm Max HR 157 Cals Burned: 611

I am not going to list the mile splits because the GPS was goofy during they run. Consistently, I was reaching the mile and half mile points well before I normally. Therefore, my pace was actually a little slower than listed above.

The Soundtrack: Blues with Friends -Dion

Throughout the run though I was struggling.  I was still able refocus on this fine new album.’s music. And yes for those of you who remember it is that Dion DiMucci better known mononymously as Dion

For those of you who don’t remember here’s some background from Wikipedia….Dion’s…

…. work has incorporated elements of doo-wop, rock and R&B styles—and, most recently, straight blues. Initially as lead singer of Dion and the Belmontsand then in his solo career, he was one of the most popular American rock and roll performers of the pre-British Invasion era. He had 39 Top 40 hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a solo performer, with the Belmonts or with the Del Satins. He is best remembered for the singles “Runaround Sue”, “The Wanderer”, “Ruby Baby” and “Lovers Who Wander”, among his other hits. Read More

About Blues with Friends…

I really enjoyed the album both during the run and  when I listened to it earlier in the week.

From Amazon

Blues With Friends, the new studio album from Dion, is packed with a great batch of songs written during a productive time coming off his latest release. When the legendary Joe Bonamassa was eager to be involved, it inspired Dion to invite others to join the project. He says, “I wanted the best musicians alive like Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and more to take them in unexpected directions. Wayne Hood, my producer, brought out the best of them.” Read More

The bottom is that Blues with Friends is a terrific album. Three of my favorite songs are “Blues Comin’ on ” with Joe Bonamassa and “Uptown No 7” with Brian Setzer. and “Song for Sam Cooke (Here in America)” with Paul Simon.

The Video

Here it is and it’s a great song….

Check Out Dion on  Facebook or Spotify

Rise from Joanna Connor Highlights a Good Run

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Rise - Joanna Connor

So I succeeded in avoiding running all weekend. My excuse Saturday was it was too cold in the morning. Then in the afternoon we babysat Logan while his parents took their new puppy to obedience training. After that there was College Football as I watched the end of the Gators game, followed by the LSU-Alabama game. The Georgia game ended the night.

The Run

So after my EKG which looked Like last years which was very good, I hit the road. It was actually the first time I’ve run in the late afternoon. Not knowing how traffic would be on some of the major roads in town, I ran a course where I don’t have to cross any main roads. Basically, it was the same course I ran last Tuesday with a different first 3/4 mile.

I even seriously thought about not running today. However, when I saw that it’s going to rain tomorrow morning which is the only time I can run tomorrow. I knew I had to run today .

It was a strong easy run, slightly slower than last Tuesday’s run. Here are the nerdy details….

The Nerdy Details

Total Distance:  3.24   Total Time: 32:31  Pace: 10:02-

Splits  Mile 1: 9:53 Mile 2 – 10:12  Mile 3: 10:16 0.23 9:08

Avg HR: 140  Max HR 171 Calories Burned: 407 cals

 

The Soundtrack –  Joanna Connor’s Rise

The soundtrack for the run was Rise  the new release from Joanna Connor I first discovered Ms. Connor’s music which is highlighted by here dynamic guitar work,  when I listen to her 2916 release Six String Stories.  I was impressed with that album and Rise is just as impressive more even more impressive.

While Joanna stretched herself musically on Six String Stories, she went even farther on Rise providing touch of jazz, Celtic music and even hip-hop. And while I don’t love the hip-hop it works on the album. The songs on the album provide a personal statement from Joanna…..

“It’s all about rising in life, rising to know yourself, rising to meet the challenge of exploring yourself deeper. Putting it out there.”

She also has a new backup band– drummer Tyrone Mitchell and Cameron Lewis, bassist Joewaun Jay Red Scott and keyboardist Delby Littlejohn. The group adds some fresh energy to the album. Joanna says the following about the album and band…

“The whole record is me and a bunch of younger men,” she says. “So there was some kind of power coming through them to me.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that  Rise from Joanna Connor is a great album, with some terrific guitar work from Joanna. Some folks say that the highlight of the album is “Bad Hand”a duet with Joanna’s long-time friend Mike Zito.

As for me two highlights for me were the two instrumental tracks “Joanna in A” and “If You Want to Stay”. Two others that were standout tracks for me were: “Earthshaker” and  “Blues Tonight” which may be my favorite track”

So Check Out  Rise and while you’re at it also check out Six String Stories.

I’ll end with Guitar World’s comment about Joanna…


Joanna Connor might be the best — or most original — blues-based slide guitar player you’re likely to come across today. Or tomorrow. 

Links for the Further Exploration of the Blues of Joanna Connor

  1. Artist’s  Website
    Facebook
    Twitter
    YouTube
    Amazon

Here’s one of the highlights of Rise a Joanna Connor – Mike Zito duet.

 

Mike Zito Kicks Off An Improvised Workout

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A Cold Morning Leads to an Improvised Workout

So it was 24 degrees outside when I got up this morning. Being the fair weather runner that I am I decided that if I run today it will be later this afternoon. I decided instead to just do a light workout. Maybe a little less strenuous than if it were only workout for the day but a little harder than my normal pre-run workout.

Mike Zito’s Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Tribute to Chuck Berry kicks off my morning workout

I didn’t use a soundtrack per say but made it up as I went along. I started out with some dance-cardio. The first three songs were from Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Tribute to Chuck Berry Mike Zito’s new album. Two songs from Victor Wainwright came next “Piana from Savannah” and “Let’s Go, Get Gone”  At that point, I was 10 plus minutes into the workout and heals burnt over 100 calories.

I was also ready to shift gears and shift into some Kundalini using Snatam Kaur’s “Mul Mantra”. This portion of the workout consists of some Kundalini warm up exercises and the core workout exercises. It last a little over 7 minutes.

The final section of the workout focused on legs and hips. All done to the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s cover of  “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”

The Nerdy Details

Total Time: 35:02.  Calories Burned: 269.  Avg HR 107

HR Zones: Peak 1 min. Cardio: 18 min Fat Burn: 12 min

Now as I sit here writing this, the temperature has risen to a comfortable running level. So I should be out running, but LSU is playing Alabama, and I do want to watch that game. Hmm, looking at the weather for tomorrow I see it’s going to be warmer tomorrow and the Eagles are t playing. I do believe I will be running tomorrow!

Now if I do another 20 minute Cardio workout Later today I could burn as many calories as a run!!

Links for the Further  Exploration of the Blues of Mike Zito

So here’s Mike Zito and Walter Trout performing Johnny B Goode. Which is in many people’s minds associated with what movie?