Day 10

Our first day off. Well, night off, really.  We’re driving from Revelstoke to Vancouver today.

Since last Friday’s post, we’ve played 7 more shows.  In total, we’ve spent about 56 hours the van together.

So much happens in a week on tour, and yet I can’t figure out where to start.  This picture on the left sort of sums up my days.  Aside from staring out the window, I’ve consumed the following:

• David Byrne’s Bicycle Diaries (book. halfway done)
• Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking (audiobook)
• Paul Shaffer’s We’ll Be Here For The Rest Of Our Lives (audiobook.  halfway done)
• Werner Herzog’s Encounters At The End Of The World (film)
• Bob and Doug’s 24 Anniversary (DVD of a CBC special, found in Drumheller for $5)
• hours of music on the old ipod
• hours of Rhythm Heaven on my DS (my new favourite game)

If we’re not watching movies and TV shows on our laptops, we’re usually laughing hysterically or sleeping.

I’ve been able to keep up with my resolution to run every day on tour, resting only once on the 7th day – seemed appropriate.  I’m not running today because I came down with a cold yesterday.  Still fighting it off this morning.

staying healthy on tour

5 of us have had this cold virus in the last 10 days.  It’s pretty difficult to avoid passing it when we spend every minute with each other.  It’s not too bad, though.  The most important thing I do every day to stay healthy and sane on tour is running.

My touring exercise regime…

• running first thing in the morning = cardio
• laughing hard all day = abs
• rest stop stretching – I usually follow Doug’s lead on this one
• bike ride – before and after sound check
• loading gear = weight lifting

Oh yeah – did I mention that I brought my bike on tour?  I was inspired my David Byrne’s Bicycle Diaries. I’m so glad that I brought it on tour.  So far I’ve had some time to bike around Chicago and Winnipeg,  and I’m planning to do a lot of riding out west.

It’s been really fun, but I’ve also had a few rough spots during the tour.  My aunt died of a heart attack 2 days ago, so not being around family is difficult.  I also missed a really important day for Ali.  She was nominated for a Gemini, and she went to the awards ceremony by herself.  That was hard.  All in all, the music is the glue that holds it all together.  And the music is great.  Once we get on stage and do our thing, it all makes sense.

Marty – running to catch the Bombers game in Winnipeg