LIVE MUSIC REVIEW:CAYUCAS

I'm wondering what are you thinking

Oh, when you're staring up at the stars

In the sky above

~ Cayucas, 'Bigfoot'

This past Wednesday night I had the good fortune of seeing Cayucas at the Brighton Music Hall in Boston.  I took my friend, Laura O., who recently moved back to the East coast (again) from CA with her family.  Lucky for me, she landed in Winchester this time around so I now have another music wingman in my neck of the woods.  Winchester is a bit of a ghost town in the summer, so Laura has been spending a whole lot of quality time with her little ones (ages 5 & 8).  Needless to say, she was ready for a night out.  She scooped me up around 6:30 and we headed in to grab some dinner before the show.  Neither of us knew how to get to Brighton and Laura is not yet a seasoned Boston driver, so our ride was, well, let's just say it was interesting.  There definitely was some honking, there may have been an illegal u-turn (or two) and I might have had some stern words with Siri when she took us in the wrong direction.  Truth...it took us about an hour to drive 4.5 miles.  Eventually, we arrived and walked over to the Glenville Stops, a lovely and somewhat jazzy establishment conveniently located down the street from our music venue.  The service is not the speediest, though I do think that's part of their vibe, but the food is good and the people are incredibly friendly, so it's worth a visit if you are in the area.  Around 8:30, we walked over to the Brighton Music Hall.  When we got there, the opening band, Hibou, was playing so we made our way to the front and settled in to check them out.  I've never heard of these guys, but I have to say they were pretty damn good in an 80s alt/pop kind of way.  We only caught a few songs, but they hooked us in easily and, by the end, they had the whole crowd moovin' and groovin'.  They are definitely worth a listen.

HIBOU

When Hibou was done, we moved over to the side of the club, grabbed some water, chatted, took the obligatory selfie, enjoyed some good people watching and just embraced the scene, which is often as interesting as the music itself.

At one point, I happened to look up and take note of the sign hanging above our heads (see below).  You can imagine my dismay after I read this.  Yet another night when I don't get to mosh and/or crowd surf.  Dammit.

WTF??!!

Around 9:00 Cayucas hit the stage.  Cayucas is an indie-pop band from Santa Monica, CA lead by twin brothers, Zach and Ben Yudin.  They have a super chill air about them and as they got things going it was almost as if they'd just walked off the beach and onto the stage after a good surf session.  They gave us a few songs from their latest album, Dancing At the Blue Lagoon, and then dove back into their first album, Bigfoot, for a few more, including their well known ditties, 'High School Lover' and 'Cayucos'.

CAYUCAS

Zach and Ben compliment each other beautifully and their vocal harmony is, in my opinion, a lot of what makes their sound so appealing.  As mellow as they are on stage, they definitely seemed to be having a good time with both the crowd and each other.  To my delight, they finished up their set with the 'Bigfoot'.  I will confess that I did shout out a request for this one because it is far and away my favorite song, but in fairness, they did ask.  I doubt they played it because of that, but it is fun to think I might have influenced their choice.  And with that, they were done.  As Laura and I walked out, they were coming back on for an encore, but it was getting late, we were both pretty wiped and we knew we'd be getting up early to deal with our little ones in the morning, so we were officially done.  In the end, it was a great show; short, sweet and dreamy.  As much as I enjoyed hearing them at this venue, I couldn't help but feel like I should have been watching them outside with an umbrella drink in my hand and the ocean lapping in the background.  Someday.  Maybe.

Listen to these:
CAYUCAS
Moony Eyed Walrus


Bigfoot


High School Lover

RACE REVIEW: TONNESON + CO. 5K

Back in June, I signed up to run the Tonneson + Co. 5K with my good bud and Oiselle teammate, Jess C.  Unfortunately, Jess's hamstring then decided it was not happy and that, it, too, wanted a summer vacation.  Funny how they do that.  We touched base a couple weeks ago and she let me know she was still planning on joining me despite the fact that she wouldn't be able to race.  Wow, I thought, that is some serious runlove right there.  When this past Saturday rolled around, I shot her a note and told her I would be thrilled to have her with me on race day, but that she really shouldn't feel obligated to go.  She was going to have to get up before 7am to make it work and that, in and of itself, was reason enough for her to bail.  But, she wasn't hearing it.  She was going.  Yes, she rocks.  On Sunday,  I woke up at 6:45am, gulped down some coffee, grabbed my gear and headed over to grab Jess.  She was bright eyed and bushy tailed as she hopped in my car.  I was impressed.  We got to Wakefield about 15 minutes later and easily parked and found the race tent.  Gotta love the small races.  I grabbed my number and we both grabbed our shirts.  Interesting side note, Jess is thinking about making a quilt with patches from all her race shirts.  How cool is that?  It was a grey morning, not too hot, but humid.  So, it wasn't ideal, but it could have been much worse.  I wasn't feeling very motivated so I was very, very happy to have a cheerleader.

This girl!!!!

I headed off for quick warmup and left Jess standing alone by a playground with my car keys and a cowbell.  Man, I thought, she is such a good sport.  When I rolled back in I was soaked.  Even though the sun wasn't out, the humidity was in full force.  Jess hates racing in the heat so I noted that one small brightside for her was that she wouldn't have to fight the weather this particular morning.  Though, I'm not sure it helped much.  When you're injured, anything is better than not running.  As I mentioned, this was a pretty small event (about 120 runners), so after some announcements and thank-yous from the race director, we got a verbal "Ready, Set, Go" and we were off.  I settled in to what I thought was a comfortable pace.   Well, comfortably uncomfortable, I guess.  Not too fast, but not a heavy duty push.  We were running around the circumference of  Lake Quannapowitt, which was lovely, and the course was flat, so, despite the buckets of sweat pouring down my face, I was kind of enjoying myself.  My first mile was a 6:22.  Okay, I thought.  I'm feeling good.  Let's go.  I shifted gears....or at least I thought I did... and tried to get my groove on for the next mile.   I was working hard, but there was no one around me, so I guess my drive waned a bit as my second mile was a 6:35.  Oh well, I thought, not great, not bad.  Time to get this done.  What else you got, Rebecca?  

As I got into mile three,  I could see the finish line which was good because I was hurting big time.  I caught up to a guy and passed him but I don't think he was happy about it, so he surged back up next to me.  It was nice to have the competition as I definitely needed the push and was glad to have the distraction.  We worked together for a bit but then I guess he decided it wasn't worth it, so I took it home, rolling in at 20:09.  I wasn't thrilled with my time, but it was good for the win, which I was really excited about.  I grabbed some water and found Jess as I attempted to decompress.  Shortly after I finished, a woman came over and started chatting with me.  Here's how our conversation played out:

Her: Ugh. What did you get for distance on that?

Me: I got 3.11

Her: Really, I got 3.05. I think it was short.

Me: Oh well.

Her: So, what was your time?

Me: Right around 20 minutes. 

Her: Yea, I ran 20:30. I'm stuck there. I don't know why I can't get it down. Such a crappy time.

Me: It was humid today. Tough conditions for a PR.

Her: Not really. I feel like I should have been able to do it.

Me: Oh. Well, sorry about that.

Her: At least I might have gotten the age group win. You look older than me. How old are you?

----> insert pause as I digest this last statement.

Me: I'm 40.

Her: Oh, I am, too. I just turned 40, though.

Me: Yea, me, too.

Her: Oh, sorry. I feel really bad now.

Me: Why, because you said the course was short, my time sucked and I look old?  Don't sweat it. 

Aside from the "don't sweat it" bit,  I did not say that last sentence.  But, I did think it.  The whole thing was a bit surreal.  And beyond hilarious.  Jess had heard that they'd be doing awards around 9:30 so we decided to stay and pick up my medal.  Huge props to Jess for her willingness to stick around even after having already stuck around.  In the end, I'm glad we stayed because in addition the medal, I was awarded a $25 gift card.  Such a nice bonus.  Next on the list, coffee.  Jess found us a Starbucks and we bee-lined it for our caffeine fix.  In my post-run haze, I forgot to treat her to her beverage, which was a major party foul on my part.  I have given her the official IOU and she knows I'm good for it.  Finally, we headed back to Winchester, I dropped Jess off at her pad and then headed home.  Later that afternoon, I used my gift card to treat my daughter and her two friends to the Minion Movie.  Mega props for mom.

So, as far as races go, it was a good day.  But, not because of the win.  That was great.  Even better, though, was getting to hang with my bud all morning; getting in some solid laughs and a cup of coffee.  I wouldn't be racing if it weren't for that.  That's the good stuff.

Listen to this:

Make Our Own Way - Little Brutes

10 WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR SUMMER RUN

Remember last winter?  I do.  I laughed.  I cried.  I shoveled.  I froze.  My kids didn't go to school.  I cried some more.  And, when that last pile of snow finally melted (in June, I think) I did a little dance of joy.  I run year round.  Most of us do.  Obviously, some seasons are harder to deal with than others.  But last winter did me in from a running perspective.  I bitched and moaned like nobody's business.  Now, if I'm being honest here, I do tend to bitch and moan a little about summer running, too. Has it been hot over the past few weeks?  Hells yeah.  Is it hard to bang out a 15 miler with the sun beating down on you like a laser beam?  Indeed it is.  Have I said a word about it to anyone?  NOT.  ONE.  If there is one thing I can thank Mother Nature for after last winter it's that I can now handle almost anything she throws at me.  Heat?  Bring it on.  Humidity?  Let's go.  T-Storms?  Game on.  I ran a freaking marathon in June, for God's sake.  That pretty much sums it all up.  This past Monday morning, I dropped my girls off at camp around 9:00am.  By the time I got home and ready to hit the road it was 9:45.  By this point, the temp was hovering right around 90 and the humidity was so thick you could slice it with a knife.  Not that I complained.  Not a peep.  I swear.  I went out and took those 6 miles down.  Rebecca: 1  Summer: 0  Over the past few summers, I've written various posts about coping with and/or beating the heat; most of them with a tinge of bitterness.  This year, dear readers, I've decided to put a positive spin on my summer running post.  As I cruised along on Monday, I brainstormed the various ways one can guarantee a more pleasurable summer running experience.  Unless you can handle the dreadmill or you are a hamster, you're going to run outside.  You might as well enjoy it.   Here's how.

10 TIPS TO HELP YOU ENHANCE YOUR SUMMER RUN

1. Always pick routes that have sources of water along the way....water fountains, bathrooms, sprinklers, etc.  Just being able to splash water on your neck or head makes a considerable impact on overall comfort.

2. Run a loop that goes by a friend's house or comes back around to your own mid-run so you can do one or all of the following:
a) shed a layer
b) grab some water or stick you head in the freezer
c) hang out and chat with said friend or a neighbor (if it's your house)
d) abort mission all together and bum a ride home (hopefully, it's a really good friend) or just open the door and walk inside (if it's your own house).
3. Leave the watch behind.  When it's hot out, unless you're Usain Bolt, you're gonna run slower.  Why torture yourself by staring at your watch?  Map your route out ahead of time and JFR. (just f***ing run)
4. Wear a visor & sunnies.  Shade = Cool.  Enough said.
5. Use music.  It can be such an easy and fun distraction from the elements if and when you need it.  For those of you who do depend on music (like myself), download a few new songs.  Fresh music makes the world go round...and your run more pleasant.
6. Throw some cash in your pocket and finish your run at a coffee shop.  Just thinking about iced coffee in the summer makes me happy.  Knowing I have one waiting for me at the end of my run...well...you get it.
7. Stock your freezer with these bad boys.  Pull one out when you finish or grab one mid-run.  Words can not express how unbelievably good they taste when it's hot out.

8. If you don't own wrist bands, go buy yourself a pair.  Then, throw them in the freezer.  Pull them onto your wrists right before you hit the road and you will cool your whole body down by 10 degrees.  Then, a few miles in, you can start to use them for their primary function of sweat absorption.  Added bonus...you will look really, really cool wearing them.

9. Plan to end your run at a body of water - lake, ocean, kiddie pool, whatever.  I chose the lake.  Ham chose the kiddie pool.  Either one will do.

10.  Never, EVER, say it can't get any worse.  It always can.  Did I mention last winter?

Listen to this:
Weathered* - Jack Garratt  Listen w/ 
* Give this one time.  It's a slow build to awesomeness.

RWR: MEET DESIREE LINDEN, PRO RUNNER

"Stepping outside the comfort zone is the price I pay to find out how good I can be.  If I planned on backing off every time running got difficult I would hang up my shoes and take up knitting."

~ Desiree Linden

Let's go back in time a bit, shall we?  It's April 18, 2011 and I'm going crazy as I watch the women's finish of the Boston Marathon unfold on TV.  Two runners are flying (literally) down Boylston Street and one of them is none other than American distance runner, Desiree Davila.  Holy crap, I think to myself, look at her go!!  Desiree is neck and neck with Caroline Kalil, who's in the lead by a hair.  Caroline is clearly struggling to hold on and Desi is digging in and gaining ground.  The Boston crowd is going nuts, their cheering so loud that I can't hear the reporters through the noise.   It's one of the most exciting race finishes I've ever seen and I'm sure anyone watching would likely agree with me.  In the end, Desiree came in 2nd by a mere 2 seconds, setting a huge personal record of 4 minutes.  She crossed the line in 2:22:38, which, at the time, was the fastest finish by an American woman in the history of the Boston Marathon.  HOLY. SMOKES.

THE FINAL PUSH

Boston Marathon, 2011

Fast forward to 2014.  Desiree was still crushing it in the racing world, coming in as the 2nd American woman at Boston in April and then as the first at the New York City Marathon in November.  On a whim, I sent her a note, first congratulating her on her Boston & New York performances and then asking if she might be willing to do a RWR interview, as I knew she, too, was a huge music fan.  She kindly responded that she'd be happy to answer my questions and would get back to me when she could.  After a few months, I hadn't heard from her and I didn't want to bug her as I knew her schedule was probably insanely busy.  So, you can imagine my surprise and delight when I checked my email last Thursday and pulled up a quick note along with the answers to my RWR questions from the one and only Desiree Linden (now married).  "Better late than never", she wrote.  Hot dog!!  I am so freaking pumped for this one, can you tell?  Desiree has two big races coming up; the PanAm Games 10,000m, which is taking place this Thursday, July 23rd in Toronto and then the NACAC Senior Area Championships 5000m in San Jose, Costa Rica.  I know I'll be watching.  For today, though, meet Desiree Linden, a RUNNERWHOROCKS.

RWR:DESIREE LINDEN

Name: Desiree Linden
Where you're from: San Diego, California
Where you reside now: Washington, Michigan
Age: 31
Occupation: Runner
Blog/website: TBA

Holding court in Boston

April, 2014

RUNNING & MUSIC:
What do you love most about running?
I love the feeling of moving forward toward a goal.

What do you love most about music?
There’s is something for every mood.

DESIREE'S FAVORITES:
Band (current, all time or both): Angus & Julia Stone (current), Saves The Day (all time)
Album (current, all time or both): Ben Howard I Forget where We Were (current), Ryan Adams Heartbreaker (all time)
Race venue: On the roads.  Hopkinton to Boston, baby!
Music venue: Canes Bar & Grill in San Diego…so many memories
Race distance: Marathon
Show you've seen live: Andrew Bird & Wilco
Ice cream flavor: Butter pecan





THIS OR THAT:
Sweet or salty?  Salty
Live or recorded? Live
Coffee or tea?  KAWFEE!
Summer or winter? Summer




MORE MUSIC INFO:
Which band or artist would you go see tonight if you could?  Ryan Adams

Which band or artist (wait...but no longer alive or playing together) would you go see tonight if you could?  Muddy Waters

The great Muddy Waters

Which band or artist would you like to have dinner with tonight if you could?
Bob Seger

Which band or artist would you like to be playing alongside you during your next race (or long run)?  Of Montreal

LAST ONE: (complete the sentence)
Today, I feel like….being productive!

Top 5 Songs for running, dancing or both:
Outkast - Rosa Parks
Flight Facilities Feat. Giselle - Crave You
Bloc Party - Banquet - phones disco edit
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream


Last 5 Songs you listened to today:
Small Wonder - Patron Saint of Pretty Faces
My Morning Jacket - In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)
Bob Seger - Turn The Page
Brand New - Degausser
Death Cab For Cutie - Black Sun