I’m training starting now to run 100 miles in 24 hours on 08/13/2026

I'm training starting now to run 100 miles in 24 hours on 08/13/2026. Do you think I can do it?
I’m training starting now to run 100 miles in 24 hours on 08/13/2026. Do you think I can do it?

Yes, with serious caveats. The world of ultrarunning is intense and definitely not for beginners. While people technically can do it, there’s lots to consider in terms of physiology and decision-making to avoid injury and illness. If you’re serious, you should take a look at some ultrarunning resources to learn more about training, gear, and reputable races, such as UltraRunning magazine: bit.ly/ultrarunningmag

How do I look forward with optimism?

I turned down a job offer and now I feel regret when facing the unknown - I need to pay rent in September! How do I look forward with optimism?
I turned down a job offer and now I feel regret when facing the unknown – I need to pay rent in September! How do I look forward with optimism?

You’ll need to work at it: find people who support you and stick by them, remind yourself daily of your goals and dreams, focus on the discipline of finding positions and sending applications like a star administrative assistant for you, and when regret hits, write down 3 successes, no matter how small.

My roommate has been pretty down ever since he has “gotten over” his situationship. How can I make him feel better and bring life to his eyes again.

My roommate has been pretty down ever since he has "gotten over" his situationship. How can I make him feel better and bring life to his eyes again.
My roommate has been pretty down ever since he has “gotten over” his situationship. How can I make him feel better and bring life to his eyes again.

Chances are good you know some things he enjoys by now. Offer them but don’t worry too much if he’s not up for it right now, that will return. A situationship is a relationship pretending not to be, but losing one is still a form of grief, and everybody handles that at their own speed. Be a friend, give him space if he wants it, that is the best way.

Roommate here. Can confirm I'm free. "I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign"
Roommate here. Can confirm I’m free. “I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign”

I’m honored to have served as a neutral go-between.

What are your thoughts on Lamine Yamal?

What are your thoughts on Lamine Yamal?
What are your thoughts on Lamine Yamal?

He’s a generational talent and will probably be instrumental in bringing the World Cup trophy to Spain this summer. I just hope he doesn’t begin to burn out. He has played a lot of football for an 18 year old.

What’s the best food here?

What's the best food here?
What’s the best food here?

I don’t get out to eat much, but I asked my library helpers for their input and here are their thoughts: 

  • Sandwiches from Hillside!
  • The giant cookies at the Chocolate Bar
  • Jumbo Cookies from The Chocolate Bar
  • El Pelón (across Comm Ave)
  • Hillside’s turkey sandwich with brie and honey mustard on cranberry bread
  • The microforms
  • Eagle’s Nest bowls
  • Turkish Lazuri Cafe in Allston. Literally everything there is good.
  • Jim’s Deli
  • BC Dining soups, esp. lentil
  • Chicken shawarma sandwich with hot sauce, from Boston Shawarma House of Kebab in Newton
  • Old Friend Noodles from MDM Noodle on Washington St
  • Faculty Dining Room OR Food at a BC catered event
  • El Pelon!

A classmate of mine saw me on the way and looked away. When I asked another friend why that happened, he said its the BC look-away. What’s that?

A classmate of mine saw me on the way and looked away. When I asked another friend why that happened, he said its the BC look-away. What's that?
A classmate of mine saw me on the way and looked away. When I asked another friend why that happened, he said its the BC look-away. What’s that?

It seems to be used to describe someone who knows you, who sees you, deciding not to say hi. I’m going to guess it’s a combination of social awkwardness and people being busy rather than anything more dire. Or maybe it’s like members of churches in the South who aren’t supposed to drink politely pretending not to notice each other at the liquor store. More thoughts in The Gavel: bit.ly/bc-lookaway

What is life?

What is life?
What is life?

Since April is National Poetry Month, I’ll look to the poets for this one. For Shakespeare’s Jacques it was a player on the stage. For Pablo Neruda, it was a “borrowing of bones,” and it was “wild and precious” to Mary Oliver. To Maya Angelou, it “loves the liver of it.” As Walt Whitman summed up, “O me! O life!”

Where is the best place to nap on campus?

Where is the best place to nap on campus?
Where is the best place to nap on campus?

Last I knew there were some relaxing loungers in the Gasson basement. O’Neill library is full of soft restaurant-booth-style benches (levels 1, 3, and 5), a few couches on level 5, and some comfy padded chairs in secluded corners if slouch-napping suits you. Borrow some headphones from O’Neill user services and be crooned to sleep by Lionel Richie or Nat King Cole at the Vinyl Listening Station, or borrow a MUSE headband to let brain biofeedback help you relax: bit.ly/bcl-muse.

How can I convince my roommate to let go of her?

How can I convince my roommate to let go of her?
How can I convince my roommate to let go of her?

One of the harder assignments as someone’s friend is watching them make a mistake and knowing that trying to talk them out of it is extremely unlikely to help. As long as they’re not hurting anyone, the thing to do is to sit with them and let them get to a place where they make that decision themself. Everybody grieves differently. A breakup is real grief. They may just not be on the same clock as you are about that. It’s all OK. But all sympathy from your friend, the Wall, on that situation.

Opinion on coke + OJ? (1:1) Trying to prove a point here.

Opinion on coke + OJ? (1:1) Trying to prove a point here.
Opinion on coke + OJ? (1:1) Trying to prove a point here.

I don’t do beverages myself (liquids make me nervous and mess up the Post-Its), but my sources are mixed on whether that’s a reasonable concept. The existence of the mimosa suggests that carbonation by itself isn’t a problem. Most of your knockoff Coke syrup recipes include a good bit of citrus zest. I dunno. Maybe 1:1 would be too much, but you could try it.