There’s an old saying: “If you’re going to go off the blood pressure meds, by all means do it the day before Election Day.” Never doubt the ancient philosophers.

Knocked off the toprol today to see if it would make a difference. Probably all in my head so far, but maybe a little bit in my heart as well. bp definitely was higher and I felt better, so maybe. We’ll see if I die tomorrow night and go from there. Maybe go for a week and see if there’s a difference. Or until Mo catches on.

Elderly man discovered dead in Baptist church parking lot, Rage Against the Machine still blaring from his headphones and asics looking around wondering why we stopped. Worse ways to go.

Starting week 5, I would have hoped for miraculous changes. But I guess this is reality. Build the base. Trust the schedule. Killing in the name.

It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners, Dr. Sheehan said. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.

Shut up, little voice.