A few weeks ago I signed up for a Long Island Summer Run Series 4K road race for ExploreTV, and even though I’m in terrible shape and ran the whole thing with a camera strapped to my hand (and did a lot of stopping to shoot some of the sights and sounds), I made it across the line in about 28 minutes and had a great time. For me, nothing can beat the camaraderie of a group of runners all hitting the road together. And this race even served free beer after crossing the finish line.

I’ve found that, like last night, when I see concerts recently it’s like I’m meditating or something. I was totally zoned out thinking of a time years ago when I walked home in the snow listening to “Run Into Flowers” and another time I went running with the Superpitcher remix of “Don’t Save Us From the Flames” blasting from my headphones on repeat. “Kim & Jessie,” video below, pulled me out of my reverie for a couple of minutes, as did the intense encore track, which had just about everyone dancing.

But Chicagoans like to do more than just eat. They like to discuss their favorite restaurants — and watch others discuss their favorites — on local channel WTTW’s “Check, Please!,” a weekly show that the Web site states is the “most popular restaurant review show in America.”

I believe that claim. From my younger siblings to my friends to my parents to my grandma, everyone, and I do mean everyone, who lives in Chicago watches this show.

So it was exciting news when the good people at “Check, Please!” unearthed a 2001 episode with Obama going ga-ga over Hyde Park soul food spot, Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop.

On Jan. 5 I published an article on solutions for New Year’s resolutions. For a couple of weeks reader submitted their goals and then I went out and found some local classes, clinics and programs to help them achieve success. Not suprisingly, weight loss, healthy eating, financial freedom and new careers came out on top. I think I was able to find some interesting options.

In the process I did my own reflection on the past year. Lots of positive changes, lots to look forward to in the coming months (teaching at Stony Brook, Argentina trip), but also a few things I want to change about myself. Last week I started a workout plan in earnest — Bikram yoga at least twice a week plus some time at the gym — and I’m actually enjoying it. I’m more calm and rested and feel like I look better, too. Must be the profuse sweating and stretching in the heated room (see yoga video below). Now I just need to keep it up.

Before the resolution to get healthy kicked in, I had one last chance to scarf down ridiculous amounts of hot wings and Indian food for a video on hot & spicy restaurants on Long Island. Sometimes the great thing about my job is just getting out of the office and acting silly with my colleagues. Sure, everyone does it. My days like this just happen to be caught on camera and posted for the world to see.

I got asked to write an article for Newsday on “Cool ways to stay warm” (cheesy headline, I know), the premise being that I’d find ways outside of staying in bed and warm baths for people to battle the winter chill. The first thing that came to mind? Bikram. They heat the room to about 100 degrees and you’re stuck in there for 90 minutes. ‘Nuff said.

I always like to play the “If you opened a restaurant, what would it be like” game, and upon entering this restaurant I thought, hmmm, my imaginary spot might look kind of like this, nondescript but cozy at the same time, with a nice sized bar, booths that fit groups of six comfortably, chalkboard menus with specials on the wall… you get the idea.

Then after having cocktails and appetizers, including pigs in a blanket, lollipop chicken wings and blackened shrimp, I thought again, yep, this is about right. I’d serve this kind of food. Then I had the grilled pork chop served with brussel sprouts and some sort of tasty apple relish (and sampled friends’ french dip sandwiches) and the love affair was solidified. Good stuff.

On my second visit I had many of the same apps and the same glass of wine but swapped in a roasted half chicken for my entree (they were out of the pork chop). I’m normally a pretty adventurous eater, so it says a lot that I attempted to order the exact same meal. Others at my table ordered the lobster club, which was also quite tasty.