iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

It’s always an interesting experience to find your life reflected back to you in someone else’s fiction, as when a character in a Steven Heighton novel recalls #running with her father in Toronto’s Don Valley. #Books #Reading #CanLit #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky

The cover of Steven Heighton’s novel, Every Lost Country, featuring a Buddhist monk in scarlet robes looking over a mountainous valley. This image comes from the poster’s Strava account and so is overlaid with running stats and the words, “Running with the late Steven Heighton.”

Her legs are light, flying, and the river isn't far. She always could run. She and her father trotting in the ravines along the Don River for half an hour, longer, with Bones, the collie cross she'd loved in an earlier, perfect life.

1221

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

If I were more competitive, I might. But I mostly do trail races for the fun of it and part of that fun is discovering new places.

010

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Side by side posters in my parents’ retirement residence which leads me to wonder how serious they are about fall prevention. #CognitiveDissonance #SeniorLiving

Two posters advertising events in a seniors residence. The one on the left promotes a fall prevention class. The one on the right promotes cocktail hour.

050

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

You sure that’s a sticker? Looks like a condom. I’d vote if they gave me a condom.

000

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Must remember to trim my old man eyebrows before my next run. They pose a hazard, obscuring my vision, wicking salty sweat into my eyes, and, when they grow long enough, tripping me up. Or maybe I could just tie them behind my head with a hair clip. #Run #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining

A red line traces a running route in Toronto’s Don Valley down the Lower Don Trail and up the Bayview Extension. Because this map comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Cool weather loves me.”

0150

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Went out for a #run this morning, intending to take things at an easy conversational pace. As is typical, I have no self-discipline and went out like a little kid. Whee! Look at me! I’m #running like an idiot! So much for training plans. #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining

A swing hangs from ropes on a forest trail. In the background are the roots of a tree. Because the image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “All Your Base Are Belong To Us!”

0422

Reposted by David Barker

Granta @grantamag.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

We congratulate Anne Carson, winner of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. Carson is a contributing editor at Granta and a regular writer for the magazine. In celebration, we have lifted the paywall on all her contributions to our pages. granta.com/contributor/...

3400150

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Enjoy your time on the coast!

000

Reposted by David Barker

Max Dubler 🏳️‍🌈 @maxdubler.com · 07/10/2026

Why wouldn’t I support a Dada center near me??

312019

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I’d like to construct an experiment to determine if runners wearing supershoes run slower if they believe they’re wearing ordinary trainers. #running #Run #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining #Shoes

Luggage and sundry garbage scattered across the dirt ground. At the top of the image is graffiti decorating the concrete posts supporting Toronto’s Bloor/Danforth subway flyover across Rosedale Valley Road. Because the image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Shoe Placebo Effect.”

1191

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I know it sounds corny, but when I find myself #running on a forest trail and meet a deer, and when the deer doesn’t even notice me, it’s a magical moment. #TrailRun #RunSky #ThunderBay #Ontario #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining

A white-tailed deer in the forest grazes on underbrush. Because the image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Recovery Run in Centennial Park.”

1282

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Up to #ThunderBay yesterday. Frost advisory overnight. Woke this morning to much cooler #running conditions than I’ve grown used to thru the summer months. Once I got moving tho, things felt toasty. #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining #Ontario #LakeSuperior

The poster poses for a selfie in early morning light on Current River in Thunder Bay. He’s wearing a red cap, sunglasses, and a pale blue shirt. On his chest is the shadow of his hand holding a cellphone. In the background are rapids flowing over rocks and pine trees on either bank of the river. Because the image has been pulled from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Thunder Bay is reacquainting me with cool weather r…”

0231

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A honking long motorcade just went past my place, presumably part of Mark Carney’s investment circus. To my knowledge, no cyclists were struck and no investment bankers were inconvenienced by the bicycle lanes. #cycleTO #Toronto

031

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I’ve been following your training for Victoria. I have a nephew who’ll be running it too. But he’s of an age where he can be pretty casual about his training and still clock a 3 hr marathon. Ah, youth …

110

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today was supposed to be a recovery #run but ended up being more of a flirt-with-disaster run. Inexplicably, I feel fine although I know I’m about to get a scolding from my PT. #Running #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining

This is a map pulled from Strava that shows an orange line to mark a running route through Toronto’s Don Valley. It’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Quick Ten.”

1201

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Sorry you missed the half. Maybe when you’re feeling up to it you can run the equivalent just for yourself. After all, you’ve done all that training.

110

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Exactly - so I don’t feel too disappointed. Met good people. Saw beautiful scenery. Learned a thing or two. So all in all a good day.

011

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Today I DNFd the #HaliburtonForest 50 miler. I got to the 30km mark & realized I’d reinjure my knee if I did the whole thing, so bowed out after a single 40km loop. Still a lot of fun & beautiful scenery. #Haliburton #TrailRunning #Ontario #Running #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky

Two dead trees rise from the water of a swampy lake. In the background are tree covered hills. The sky is blue with wispy clouds. Because the image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “DNFd the Haliburton Forest 50 miler.”

6301

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Enjoying an afternoon #Run thru the back roads of the #HaliburtonHighlands as I prep for an #UltraMarathon on Saturday. Test run with all my gear went well although the bear bell is really annoying (which means it’s working). #Running #TrailRunning #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #Haliburton #Ontario

Running gear laid out on the brown slats of a deck, including a white cap, RayBan sunglasses, Shokz ear buds , K tape, Apple Watch, collapsible cup, assorted energy gels and power bars, electronic device cables, battery, gaiters, TP in a plastic baggie, hydration vest and hose, SpiBelt with more energy gels. Because the image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Test Run with all my gear.”

2232

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A week out from a 50 miler in the Haliburton Forest and enjoyed a great afternoon #run up and down hills. #Running #Haliburton #HaliburtonForest #HaliburtonHighlands #Ontario #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #TrailRunning

Photo of the poster wearing running shorts, a life jacket, and swimming goggles perched on his forehead. He’s carrying a paddle which implies that he’s standing on a paddle board even though it’s not visible. He’s on a body of water and behind him is a tree-lined shore and blue sky with a few white fluffy clouds. The image comes from the poster’s Strava account and so is overlaid with running stats and the words, “I found my thrill on Blueberry Trail.”

0151

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

My name is Yone, a girl born in 1734 in the Japanese Archipelago, and I died of typhus at the age of one.

anyhumanever.com

Any Human Ever

One life, drawn at random from all who have ever lived.

001

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Early morning run thru Tay twp, so named for one of Lady Simcoe’s pet dogs. A light rain kept me cool especially climbing the hillier bits. #Run #RunSky #Running #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining

A view from Rumney Road in Tay township looking down a long slope to Highway 12 and a long rise beyond it. The sky is overcast and the pavement of Rumney Road is damp. This image comes from the poster’s Strava account and so is overlaid with running stats and the words, “Early morning jaunt thru Tay Twp.”

0221

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I’m supposed to be running a 50 miler in 2 weeks but I just don’t know. The spirit is willing but the quads are weak. Also, it would be a whole lot easier if there was a pizzeria in the middle of the #Haliburton Forest. #Run #Running #RunSky #TrailRunning #UltraMarathon #MarathonTraining #Pizza

A Japanese beetle sits in the middle of a yellow wildflower. The background is blurred greenery. The image comes from the poster’s Strava account and so is overlaid with running stats and the words, “It weren’t pretty but it were long.”

1251

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Out for a long(ish) #run that took me into the bowels of East York, then to Taylor Creek & the Lower Don Trail. Found some snails and it reminded me of the pace I’m supposed to keep. #LongRun #Running #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #Toronto

A snail hangs from a leaf. The image comes from the poster’s Strava account and so is overlaid with running stats and the words, “It Ain’t Easy.”

1281

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

My dad had one of these and I rolled around in the back, no seat belt, just a lot of minor concussions.

140

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Spent the morning doing hills in the heat. Used a white picket as an excuse to pause. Reminded me of a famous photo by Paul Strand. Though I doubt he sweated so much when he made his photo. #Running #HillSprints #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #MarathonTraining

Image of a white picket fence with one missing slat. The image comes from the poster’s Strava account and so is overlaid with running stats and the words, “Up Hill And Down Dale.”

0201

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Finally! Looking forward to running it this week.

120

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I recognize that - Still River. I met the owner a few years ago. She’s living in Elliott Lake now, still trying to unload the property. Couldn’t compete with the big box motels in Parry Sound and Sudbury.

110

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

I get along with humidity the way Obama gets along with Trump. Today’s #run proved I’m definitely not acclimated to warmer weather conditions. I know it’s bad when I’m #running along & all I can think of is how much I miss the snow. #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky

A purple wildflower set against a backdrop of cat o’ nine tails. Because the image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Looking forward to crisp winter days.”

2201

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Sometimes your runs aren’t the ones you want but the ones you need … #run #running #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky

A teasel in flower against a backdrop of greenery. Because this image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Lots of stops to smell the flowers.”

0241

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Let’s start a pool to see which 3rd country she was feeding info to. My money’s on Eritrea.

110

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Sometimes people kvetch about life in #Toronto, but on occasion the city gets things right. Like their refurbishment of the East Don River Trail. I went for a #LongRun up there and—holy guacamole!—they’ve done a fantastic job transforming this space. #Running #CityLiving

Photo of the East Don Trail Pedestrian Overpass. A network of struts and girders supports a looping circular walkway over railway tracks. It is situated in the greenery of an urban forest and above the trees are dark clouds. Because this image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Exploring the newly refurbished E. Don River Trail.”

0221

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

If the experts are to be believed, my #run today was impossible, further bolstering my view that max HR calculators are useless for older runners. If, like me, you’re in your 60s & train consistently & frequently, consider lopping 10 yrs off the top when making max HR calculations. #running #RunSky

A park bench sits at the Chester Springs Marsh in Toronto’s Don Valley. To the right and extending into the distance is an asphalt path that disappears into the greenery. In the background are the black iron struts of the Prince Edward Viaduct. Overhead, the sky is a bright blue with puffy white clouds. Because this image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Running under a proper blue sky!”

1231

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

10km #run on a #treadmill while listening to a Guardian Long Reads podcast about AI & ethics. If AI gets sold to us on the basis of convenience or productivity, then I’m out. As #running teaches me, resistance is everything. What’s true for the body is doubly so for the mind. I live for the effort.

Selfie of the poster, a middle-aged to older white man wearing a red cap, Shokz ear buds, and a grey T-shirt. He is sweating copiously and is posing with gym equipment in the background. Because this image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Treadmill on a hot tin gym.”

1221

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

“Pray, Miss Price, are you such a great admirer of this Mr. Crawford as some people are? For my part, I can see nothing in him." "I do not think him at all handsome." "Handsome! Nobody can call such an undersized man handsome. He is not five foot nine.” - Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

000

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Ran indoors today as #Toronto currently enjoys the world’s worst air quality. Coming off a big nothing-burger of a knee injury (ruptured baker’s cyst) so taking it easy. #Treadmill #Recovery #Run #Running #Training #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky

Toronto cityscape looking north over Rosedale Valley. The sky is tinged a hazy orange thanks to smoke from forest fires in northern Ontario. Because this image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Indoor run with a Hepa filter!”

0141

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Félix Guarttari offered an eerily prescient algae quote 37 years ago!

Just as monstrous and mutant algae invade the lagoon of Venice, so our television screens are populated, saturated, by "degenerate" images and statements. In the field of social ecology, men like Donald Trump are permitted to proliferate freely, like another species of algae, taking over entire districts of New York and Atlantic City; he "rede-velops" by raising rents, thereby driving out tens of thousands of poor families, most of whom are condemned to homelessness, becoming the equivalent of the dead fish of environmental ecology.
- Félix Guattari, The Three Ecologies, 1989

010

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Was reading Mansfield Park last night but, inexplicably, fell asleep watching a cheesy martial arts flick. Woke up this morning with the idea for a #JaneAusten mashup. What if Mansfield Park is a dojo and, instead of ordination, Edmund is waiting to get his black belt? #Books #BookSky

030

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

It’s Father’s Day where I live. I’m blessed to have a father who, at 90, continues to thrive, doubly blessed because I have a father who modelled for me a healthy masculinity unafraid to feel compassion, show kindness, & enjoy free play. Love you Dad.

A tree trunk of rough bark mottled in varying light and dark. Fixed to the tree is a wooden heart painted green and on it the word Dad.

1110

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

I think they’re so well adapted because, when adversity strikes, they’re able to roll with it.

110

David Barker @nouspique.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

On my morning #run up the Lower Don Trail and along Taylor Creek, I came upon not one, but two—yes two!—baseballs roaming free in the wild. Such rare creatures & clearly amphibious. #Running #LongRun #RunSky #RunnersOfBlueSky #Toronto #Baseball

A green baseball sits in the waters of Toronto’s Don River. Overhead power lines are reflected in the water. Because this image comes from the poster’s Strava account, it’s overlaid with running stats and the words, “Baseballs in the Wild!”

1265