Revisiting Degrees Past: Embracing the Bard

Between my recent immersion into design and my ongoing endeavors in medicine, I sometimes forget that I have scholarly interests beyond those domains. My undergraduate degree was in English. My focus within the major was linguistics, though getting an English major does require a fair amount of reading and writing. When I dabble in my language interests, I still tend to gravitate towards linguistics. I love learning about the history and structure of our language. As a descriptive grammarian, sometimes I smugly snicker at how wound up people get at perceived lapses in grammar.

While I still fancy myself an avid reader, I haven't delved much into the classics lately. That has changed in a wonderful way. I have become reacquainted with the Bard. In the last few weeks, I have had four exposures to Shakespeare, and once again I am hooked!

Part of my job involves caring for performing artists. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the actors from the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a regional Tony winning company that is one of the gems of the Chicago theater scene. A few weeks ago, the company manager gave me a behind the scenes tour of the theater. What a thrill to see how all of the elements of a great production are pulled together, from concept to details. That evening, I returned to see Henry VIII. With all the recent fascination with Elizabeth I, it was great to see a glimpse into her father's life, from the perspective of a piece written so soon after her reign. While I knew the story from history, it is so much more raw on stage.

One of my neighbors is an actor and comedian, and he has been encouraging us to join him to see the Improv Shakespeare at the Improv Olympic. Generally, I'm not a huge improv fan, but I do love doing things with this neighbor. From a title thrown out from the audience, the five member troupe fashioned a Shakespeare-esque play. The language was remarkably similar, including long stretches of rhyming couplets. There were many characters; even the minor characters were distinct. I was amazed at how well they adhered to the typical structure of the acts, with multiple storylines woven throughout and coming together. I loved it so much, I plan to return next week with an out-of-town guest.

Last night, we returned to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to see Othello: The Remix. This was Othello retold in a hip-hop setting, using hip-hop language and verse. Again, I'm not a big hip-hop enthusiast. I was blown away. While the story was set in the hip-hop recording industry, it was instantly recognizable. The story structure stayed true to the original, but it still felt fresh. It was some of the most innovative theater I have seen in a long time.

I'm itching to see more. However, I need to remind myself that it is not just Shakespeare that has me so excited. I adore having my love of the liberal arts awaken in me. It is one more side, one more world, for me to continue to explore.

...And We're Live!

I finally made and edited my first video for YouTube. It was a steep learning curve. I had to learn to get my new camera (Samsung HMX-F90) set up properly. I had to figure out how to get the video transferred to the computer. I learned the basics of my new editing program (Pinnacle Studio) and edited the video. I now transferring it to YouTube for the final tweaks and then posting it live!

During the last two weeks, I have been feeling the excitement that would go along with a new design project. I'm trying to approach this venture as a redesign of my life. In addition to defining the specifications of what I want to accomplish, I've been laying out the plan. I've even started becoming active again on Twitter, Google+, and this blog, as well as signing up for Instagram. I've spent time getting familiar with YouTube and setting up my channel. However, the launch of the channel with my first video feels like the official start to my venture.

I plan to spend this next month building the habits of regular posting on the different social media platforms, and engaging people on them as well. Once these habits form, the platforms can stop being an end unto themselves, and start being an opportunity to explore what I want out of my life and career(s).

It is time to figure what I want to do and be when/if I grow up!

Fighting for Footing

I run. I do exercise in other ways, but at the heart of my fitness, I run. I feel fit when I run. I feel refreshed and energized when I run. I feel psychologic release when I run.

At least, usually I feel these things when I run.

After the marathon in January, I had a annoying pain in my right foot. At first, I thought it might have been from an ankle twist early on in the race. However, in consulting with one of my colleagues, we think it is a tendinopathy, likely from some of the long (low grade) inclines...something I was completely unprepared for as a Chicagoan. I took some time off from running, and the pain is mostly gone.

Unfortunately, so is much of my running endurance. I'm not back to square one. I can still do 3-5 miles without problem. My speed is actually quite good. I am having problems pushing up in distance. I know that will improve, even though I am frustrated by it.

The thing that bothers me the most is the loss of the effortlessness and joy. I fully expect that these feelings will return, but I am saddened by their absence. It is hard to look forward to my runs. It is hard to motivate myself to lace on my shoes and go.

This affects the rest of my life, too. When I am not running, I find it hard to remain focused and enthusiastic about the rest of my life. It is also harder to maintain healthy eating.

Running....I miss you. Please come back to me.

Running in Winter

A while back, I discovered the joys of running through the winter. It kept me focused on my identity as a runner....in fact, it strengthened it. There are always runners on the Lakefront Trail in Chicago, regardless of season or time of day. However, in the coldest months, it is a dedicated crew that is out there, always sharing a nod or wave for the other members of the fraternity. There are other benefits to running through the winter. My tolerance for cold increases dramatically. Also, when spring comes, I find that my endurance and speed pick up noticeably.

The key to running through the cold is having the right gear. If you are miserable, there is no way to remain consistent. At the request of a few friends, I have compiled my list:

1. General - It is critical to layer. Air gets trapped between the layers, and that is what will keep you warm without getting too bulky. You need to have technical wicking layers close to the skin to keep the moisture moving away from your body. The innermost wicking layer must fit close to the skin. It doesn't need to be binding, but it should not be baggy. It is also critical to care for you wicking gear properly. Don't wash with bleach or fabric softeners. Absolutely NEVER use dryer sheets....your clothes will lose their wicking properties.
2. Tops - Depending on the temperature, I will wear 1-3 layers. The innermost layer will be my wicking layer. I have two different weights for this inner layer, one super light and one medium. Sometimes, all I need is that one layer. If needed, I can put on a second layer which is a fleece. I prefer a wicking fleece, but I know some people use a sweatshirt. Finally, if it is windy, I will put on a windbreaker. I typically use a windbreaker vest, but I have one with sleeves for the bitter cold. The windbreaker holds in all the heat and moisture, so it can make it feel like a sauna! I prefer that my fleece and windbreaker have zippers in front so that I can vent it I start to overheat.
3. Bottoms - Usually, I have fewer layers on the bottoms. I have some great sweats that are wicking (not tights), and if I can get away with it, I prefer just to throw on the sweats over my running shorts. However, sometimes it is too cold for that. I have wicking running tights that are pretty warm; I will throw a pair of gym shorts over them so that I don't gross anyone out. If it is super cold, I will put my sweats on over the tights. One two occasions, I have even had to throw on a pair of windbreaker pants over the other two layers. I probably shouldn't have been running those days.
4. Feet - Most of the time, I use my usual wicking running socks. I do have a few pair of heavier socks, also with wicking properties. You can get them at running or hiking stores. I base my choice of shoe on the precipitation. If it is dry and there isn't snow or water on the ground, I wear my usual running shoes. If there is snow, I wear my trail running shoes. Remember to get yourself evaluated for your trail shoe just like your running shoe. I do not recommend running if there is ice. No shoe will give you adequate traction for running on ice.
5. Hands - It is hard to keep your hands warm, as your body is going to shift your circulation to your core. I wear two layers of gloves. My inner layer has wicking properties. The outer layer is usually fleecy or wool. It is ideal if one of the layers has some windbreaking properties (North Face has some good gloves).
6. Head - I have a few different headbands which wrap around to cover the ears. They are all wicking, though of different weights. I don't like hats because they make me overheat. If you do prefer hats, make sure they wick. Often fall races give out wicking hats as swag.

I couple of general reminders:

1. If the weather forecast is for extreme cold or windchill, such that they warn against having any skin exposed, it probably is a good reason not to run outside. Even if you bundle up, it can be damaging to the eyes and lungs.
2. Asthmatics should be careful, as cold and exercise are both fairly common triggers...even more so when combined.
3. There are fewer people running in the cold, so help may not be as available if you get injured. Make sure someone knows where you are. Make sure you have ID on you with emergency contact information. Don't run too far away from populated areas.

Happy running!

Rush Hour

Generally, I really like taking public transportation. Aside from all the environmental considerations, it reinforces my identity as an urban kind of guy. However, the bus during rush hour always challenges my conviction.

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