diff --git a/main.lua b/main.lua
index 36ceb39..1df0544 100644
--- a/main.lua
+++ b/main.lua
@@ -513,7 +513,7 @@ local function handle_tiles()
 end
 
 local function prepare_epoch()
-    print('preparing epoch '..tostring(epoch_i)..'. this might take a while.')
+    print('preparing epoch '..tostring(epoch_i)..'.')
     base_params = network:collect()
     empty(trial_noise)
     empty(trial_rewards)
@@ -633,7 +633,7 @@ local function do_reset()
     local state = get_state()
     -- be a little more descriptive.
     if state == 'dead' and get_timer() == 0 then state = 'timeup' end
-    print("resetting in state: "..state..". reward:", reward)
+    print("reward:", reward, "("..state..")")
 
     if trial_i >= 0 then trial_rewards[trial_i] = reward end
 
@@ -653,7 +653,7 @@ local function do_reset()
 
     -- set lives to 0. you only got one shot!
     -- unless you get a 1-up, in which case, please continue!
-    W(0x75A, 0)
+    W(0x75A, 1)
 
     --max_time = min(log(epoch_i) * 10 + 100, cap_time)
     max_time = min(8 * sqrt(360 / epoch_trials * (epoch_i - 1)) + 100, cap_time)
@@ -695,12 +695,33 @@ init()
 local dummy_softmax_values = {0, 0}
 
 local function doit(dummy)
+    local ingame_paused = get_state() == "paused"
+
+    -- every few frames mario stands still, forcibly decrease the timer.
+    -- this includes having the game paused.
+    -- TODO: more robust. doesn't detect moonwalking against a wall.
+    local timer = get_timer()
+    if ingame_paused or random() > 1 - timer_loser and R(0x1D) == 0 and R(0x57) == 0 then
+        timer = timer - 1
+    end
+    timer = clamp(timer, 0, max_time)
+    if enable_network then
+        set_timer(timer)
+    end
+
+    local tf0 = total_frames % 1000
+    local tf1 = (total_frames % 1000000 - tf0) / 1000
+    local tf2 = (total_frames - tf0 - tf1) / 10000000
+    gui.text(12, 212, ("%03i,%03i,%03i"):format(tf2,tf1,tf0), '#FFFFFF', '#0000003F')
+
     screen_scroll_delta = screen_scroll_delta + R(0x775)
     if dummy == true then
         gui.text(96, 16, ("%+4i"):format(reward), '#FFFFFF', '#0000003F')
         return
     end
 
+    total_frames = total_frames + frameskip
+
     empty(sprite_input)
     empty(tile_input)
     empty(extra_input)
@@ -724,8 +745,6 @@ local function doit(dummy)
     handle_misc()
     handle_tiles()
 
-    local ingame_paused = get_state() == "paused"
-
     local coins = R(0x7ED) * 10 + R(0x7EE)
     local coins_delta = coins - coins_old
     -- handle wrap-around.
@@ -762,18 +781,6 @@ local function doit(dummy)
     --if ingame_paused then reward = reward - 1 end
     if ingame_paused then reward = reward - 402; reset = true end
 
-    -- every few frames mario stands still, forcibly decrease the timer.
-    -- this includes having the game paused.
-    -- TODO: more robust. doesn't detect moonwalking against a wall.
-    local timer = get_timer()
-    if ingame_paused or random() > 1 - timer_loser and R(0x1D) == 0 and R(0x57) == 0 then
-        timer = timer - 1
-    end
-    timer = clamp(timer, 0, max_time)
-    if enable_network then
-        set_timer(timer)
-    end
-
     -- if we've run out of time while the game is paused...
     -- that's cheating! unpause.
     force_start = ingame_paused and timer == 0