I like to carry water when I run. It’s a thirsty business, and I figure the extra weight is a good training aid. I feel a lot faster when I run without it.

This has naught to do with running, but I’ve got to plug Steve’s gig at Tupelo this Saturday morning.

I’ll be up there behind him, on backing vocals, cowbell, tambourine and drum. Yikes. As Steve is fond of saying, that’s what happens when you hang out with a children’s musician. Suffice to say, my musical aptitude and experience are minimal. It seems to work all right, so long as we keep my parts very simple. Steve is an experienced professional with a substantial fan base, and puts on a heck of a good show. With luck I won’t create any unintended comic relief.

Steve and I got out for a couple hours in Hollis last Saturday. It was a challenge trying to figure how best to dress for the cold, and we turned to the roads after finding the trails a bit too slick.

I enjoy running in the winter, most of the time. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than a forest full of fresh snow glowing in the light of a full moon. Also, it’s neat how the freezing sweat makes my eyelids sticky. If it's really cold, you can turn a fleece hat into a hardshell helmet.