Trust... it can be hard to gain, but easily lost. Sometimes it takes even years to regain that trust, should the situation be bad enough. You can't lose trust over trivial things, however, should it be over something significant, then that's understandable. A couple days ago, a few friends of mine led me on to believe a lie where the story was too unbelievable to be true... but had enough elements to it to make it a possibility. They continued to lead me on this little story, and although I had a hard time figuring out if I should trust them or not, they finally convinced me that it was real, and trusting their words, I felt sorry about the situation and cared for what was going on... until they told me a little while later that it was just a joke. They thought it was funny... I did not. It was humiliating and saddening that they lied to me. I don't know if they understood what they did to me, but it felt pretty bad on my end.
In the same way, it's so much easier to destroy than to build or rebuild things. Whether it be your own body, your education... or anything else, building takes time and diligence. When destroying, it doesn't take time at all, because it's just... destruction. When I build up my body, it takes time and I have to do things the correct way in order to structure it the way I want it to be. When I destroy it, it's so easy. All I have to do is just do the wrong things. When there's only a few right things and a lot of wrong things to do to get or not get to where you want, it can be clear that there are far more wrong choices. It takes a lot of dedication, discipline, time, consistency.... a lot... to get me to become the ultrarunner that I want to be. It only makes my life easier if I just gave that all up... but I wouldn't be able to reach my goal.
Trust, is something you build. And when you build, it takes both quantity and quality to get you to where you need to be. Don't lose your way, go forward, and build up that trust. Work to build, and don't let things get destroyed.
Two days ago, I ran 7.8 miles in 57:48, an average of 7:24, while yesterday, I ran 7.37 miles in 49:57, an average of 6:47 min/mile. Today, I'll be running again but a slower pace. I need to build myself up slowly and carefully, working to grow and not to destroy myself.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Resolving Conflicts
Ever since my sisters have been born, I believe we have butted heads against each other. Do I still love them? Yes! Why? Because they're my sisters. Is it that simple? Yes! The thing is, for me, no matter what they've done, they are still my sisters. As siblings, they do get annoying at times, but the choice is mine whether or not to love them or not... and since the foundation of my relationship with my sisters is a strong one, there is almost nothing that can take me away from loving them as an older brother should. I have made that choice that as a brother, I would have that unconditional love for my sisters.
Will there still be conflict between my sisters and me? Heck yeah. We don't see everything eye to eye, so of course there will be things we don't agree on and argue. With this in mind, it's important to resolve any conflict between individuals, because having a thorn in between you and another... doesn't feel good and isn't good for the relationship you have with the individual. Occasionally (more so than not...) my sisters and I don't 'finish' our talk and resolve a conflict, and we're both left in a bitter spot, feeling not so good about each other... and at the same time, not so good about ourselves. In times like that, usually one of us would go to the other and open up and apologize about the situation (not whether we were right or wrong, but how it all turned out) and in response, the other would also apologize for the situation... so why do we feel bad? The fact is, we feel bad because deep down inside, we have the relationship with each other that yearns to grow in a positive manner, because we care about each other (unlike what our actions may be).
Let's say that you're running, and you have a pebble stuck in your shoe. It's just a small pebble so it's not that bad... maybe slightly annoying... so you keep on running. Gradually, that small insignificant pebble irritates your foot so much you just have to stop. If you keep going, you'll probably end up with a blister, or having that pebble imbedded in you or something along those lines. However, if you stop, take it out, and run, you'll feel a lot better.
The same sort of relief comes when you take time to stop, work the problem out, and continue on in life. Sure, you're not going anywhere when you stop, but in taking the problem out, you're taking care of yourself and are able to move forward without the little things sticking to your side.
Whenever you have some sort of conflict, ignoring the conflict will only worsen the condition. It's only if you work through the conflict and find the resolution that you can find peace. Think about the pebbles in your shoe that needs to be taken out. Take time out of your busy schedule, and stop. Unburden yourself and start again. This time, without the irritation, you can go forward at a faster and stronger pace.
(Recap on running: Yesterday, I ran 4.08 miles in 29:04, 7:07 min/mile pace... and later that night, I went running with my roommate, running a total of 2 miles and walking 1.25 miles. I didn't time it because the goal was to help him with his running, and mileage was more important than time... but yeah)
Will there still be conflict between my sisters and me? Heck yeah. We don't see everything eye to eye, so of course there will be things we don't agree on and argue. With this in mind, it's important to resolve any conflict between individuals, because having a thorn in between you and another... doesn't feel good and isn't good for the relationship you have with the individual. Occasionally (more so than not...) my sisters and I don't 'finish' our talk and resolve a conflict, and we're both left in a bitter spot, feeling not so good about each other... and at the same time, not so good about ourselves. In times like that, usually one of us would go to the other and open up and apologize about the situation (not whether we were right or wrong, but how it all turned out) and in response, the other would also apologize for the situation... so why do we feel bad? The fact is, we feel bad because deep down inside, we have the relationship with each other that yearns to grow in a positive manner, because we care about each other (unlike what our actions may be).
Let's say that you're running, and you have a pebble stuck in your shoe. It's just a small pebble so it's not that bad... maybe slightly annoying... so you keep on running. Gradually, that small insignificant pebble irritates your foot so much you just have to stop. If you keep going, you'll probably end up with a blister, or having that pebble imbedded in you or something along those lines. However, if you stop, take it out, and run, you'll feel a lot better.
The same sort of relief comes when you take time to stop, work the problem out, and continue on in life. Sure, you're not going anywhere when you stop, but in taking the problem out, you're taking care of yourself and are able to move forward without the little things sticking to your side.
Whenever you have some sort of conflict, ignoring the conflict will only worsen the condition. It's only if you work through the conflict and find the resolution that you can find peace. Think about the pebbles in your shoe that needs to be taken out. Take time out of your busy schedule, and stop. Unburden yourself and start again. This time, without the irritation, you can go forward at a faster and stronger pace.
(Recap on running: Yesterday, I ran 4.08 miles in 29:04, 7:07 min/mile pace... and later that night, I went running with my roommate, running a total of 2 miles and walking 1.25 miles. I didn't time it because the goal was to help him with his running, and mileage was more important than time... but yeah)
Friday, March 8, 2013
Growth
Growth happens when you push yourself. Pushing yourself too hard will result in destruction, while pushing yourself too little will end with a lack of growth. The moment I decide to push myself is the moment I work towards growth. For the past few months, I've been slowly building a proper foundation for my running, and lately, I've been getting to running a minimum of 5 miles a day, while a few weeks back, I would be running a minimum of 4 miles a day (except the days I don't run, of course). Bit by bit, I'm building myself up, and my goal is to get to a point where I would be able to run double digits every day, easily, but fast. The only way I can get to that point is by growing slowly but continually. It's important for me to build slowly because should I build too fast, I would end up injuring myself and I would have to start all over.
Yesterday, I ran 5.07 miles in 38:48, an average of 7:39 min/mile. Today, I ran 7.36 miles in 1:00:03, an average of 8:09 min/mile. I'm not too worried about the speed at which I run, but focus more on the distance I run. Step by step, I'm feeling like I can get to being able to run 100 miles. I just need to continuously grow. Grow and mold my body by pushing myself bit by bit.
Yesterday, I ran 5.07 miles in 38:48, an average of 7:39 min/mile. Today, I ran 7.36 miles in 1:00:03, an average of 8:09 min/mile. I'm not too worried about the speed at which I run, but focus more on the distance I run. Step by step, I'm feeling like I can get to being able to run 100 miles. I just need to continuously grow. Grow and mold my body by pushing myself bit by bit.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Who's Fault is it that You're Out of Shape?
Whenever I go to the grocery store to get food to eat, it seems as if all the organic and healthy meals are overpriced and the junk foods are so cheap. Some people look at it from a financial perspective and see that it's 'better' for their pockets to buy the cheaper stuff and save money that way.
I used to work in the school system and I've seen that Physical Education has gone down quite a bit, now, the children that goes to school aren't required to take as many PE classes as when I was a student. It seems sad that the physical activity has gone down when the schools try to raise the level of education.
So who's fault is it that you're not in shape? Who's fault is it that the children of the United States isn't getting their exercise. Is it the stores that sells the food? Is it the government and school systems that dropped the exercising in school?
Well, that does have a lot to do with lack of exercise... but looking carefully... it's still your own fault. Sure it may cost more to by the healthy foods, but in the long run, you won't have to pay doctor's bills to pay for the health problems you'll be experiencing. Buy the good stuff and eat healthy! As for the kids getting their exercise... It's really sad for me to see the kids not getting as much exercise as they should, because during school, I think it's good to let out some steam via sports and PE class. However, school is only a part of the child's life. They have a life outside of school, but what happens is that kids nowadays stay indoors and get on their TVs and computers, playing games that may work their minds a little bit, but not their bodies. The world around us has changed and nowadays, children stay indoors and aren't asked to leave. When there's nothing to do at the house, the first thing that pops into the child's head is to play games. If it's raining, it's somewhat understandable... but for every single time? I don't think so.
Lifestyle is a choice, and there's no one else to blame except for you. Make the correct decision and walk forward. Live a lifestyle that is healthy and supports you well.
As for today, I was able to go out and run 5.71 miles in 40:14, an average of 7:02 min/mile. It was pretty fast, but today, I didn't feel like I was using too much energy. Fortunately, yesterday's slower pace really helped my body recover for this run. Can't wait to have a lot of fun tomorrow. Going to run and play hockey... getting both aerobic exercise as well as anaerobic.
I used to work in the school system and I've seen that Physical Education has gone down quite a bit, now, the children that goes to school aren't required to take as many PE classes as when I was a student. It seems sad that the physical activity has gone down when the schools try to raise the level of education.
So who's fault is it that you're not in shape? Who's fault is it that the children of the United States isn't getting their exercise. Is it the stores that sells the food? Is it the government and school systems that dropped the exercising in school?
Well, that does have a lot to do with lack of exercise... but looking carefully... it's still your own fault. Sure it may cost more to by the healthy foods, but in the long run, you won't have to pay doctor's bills to pay for the health problems you'll be experiencing. Buy the good stuff and eat healthy! As for the kids getting their exercise... It's really sad for me to see the kids not getting as much exercise as they should, because during school, I think it's good to let out some steam via sports and PE class. However, school is only a part of the child's life. They have a life outside of school, but what happens is that kids nowadays stay indoors and get on their TVs and computers, playing games that may work their minds a little bit, but not their bodies. The world around us has changed and nowadays, children stay indoors and aren't asked to leave. When there's nothing to do at the house, the first thing that pops into the child's head is to play games. If it's raining, it's somewhat understandable... but for every single time? I don't think so.
Lifestyle is a choice, and there's no one else to blame except for you. Make the correct decision and walk forward. Live a lifestyle that is healthy and supports you well.
As for today, I was able to go out and run 5.71 miles in 40:14, an average of 7:02 min/mile. It was pretty fast, but today, I didn't feel like I was using too much energy. Fortunately, yesterday's slower pace really helped my body recover for this run. Can't wait to have a lot of fun tomorrow. Going to run and play hockey... getting both aerobic exercise as well as anaerobic.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The Tortoise and the Hare
Everybody (well not really... but anyway...) knows Aesop's Fable about the Tortoise and the Hare. Basically, the hare is a hotshot who is definitely faster than the tortoise, but because he decided to take a nap, it ended with him losing the race to the tortoise. Why? It's because he didn't finish what he started. He took a nap, losing sight of his goal, and left the race unfinished. The key to success is to finish what you started... and when you leave things unfinished, you won't succeed.
Since success can only occur when the job is finished, an unfinished job cannot be a success. In running a 100 mile race, success is finishing the race. In having a DNF (did not finish) you can't say you were successful. It shows you tried, but couldn't finish. In receiving a degree, you can't say that you're successful if you finished all but one required class. You can only say you were successful once you finished EVERYTHING.
So where am I right now? I'm in the middle of the race. I'm training for a big race. I could stop training right now... but that would impact the race I have in the future. The most important goal that I've set for myself is to finish the race within 24 hours... I don't know how realistic this goal is... especially since it's my first 100 miler and it's at high elevation... but I think it's worth a shot. Finishing is my ultimate goal, but if I can finish within that amount of time... it would be amazing.
Whatever you do, don't stop. Don't give up. Keep on trucking, because if you continually try, you will make it to the end and succeed.
Today, I was able to get in 5.05 miles in 39:28, an average of 7:48 min/mile. Again, this is faster than what I'll be running the 100 miler... but as my body gets used to the continuous running, I'll be able to slow myself down and get to a point where I'll be able to continuously run and finish hard core races. One step at a time, and never giving up, I'm going to achieve my goal by building a body that is capable of handling this ultra marathon.
Since success can only occur when the job is finished, an unfinished job cannot be a success. In running a 100 mile race, success is finishing the race. In having a DNF (did not finish) you can't say you were successful. It shows you tried, but couldn't finish. In receiving a degree, you can't say that you're successful if you finished all but one required class. You can only say you were successful once you finished EVERYTHING.
So where am I right now? I'm in the middle of the race. I'm training for a big race. I could stop training right now... but that would impact the race I have in the future. The most important goal that I've set for myself is to finish the race within 24 hours... I don't know how realistic this goal is... especially since it's my first 100 miler and it's at high elevation... but I think it's worth a shot. Finishing is my ultimate goal, but if I can finish within that amount of time... it would be amazing.
Whatever you do, don't stop. Don't give up. Keep on trucking, because if you continually try, you will make it to the end and succeed.
Today, I was able to get in 5.05 miles in 39:28, an average of 7:48 min/mile. Again, this is faster than what I'll be running the 100 miler... but as my body gets used to the continuous running, I'll be able to slow myself down and get to a point where I'll be able to continuously run and finish hard core races. One step at a time, and never giving up, I'm going to achieve my goal by building a body that is capable of handling this ultra marathon.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Being Flexible
Flexibility isn't only about how your body is, but how they are applied are similar. The more flexible you are, the wider the motion will be. If your motion is limited because you aren't flexible but are instead rigid, that means that you won't have that range of motion. It's important to be flexible, but not too flexible. The balance is always important, as having too much or little stretches you too much or limits you too much.
Limiting yourself allows you to focus on the important things, however, in unlimiting yourself, you can instead spread yourself thin and not accomplish anything. Therefore, it's important to have that balance... the flexibility that allows you to move enough and effect areas where you can make a positive impact in.
When you give yourself that flexibility, you're not stuck on one thing, getting tired and stressed. You're able to move around and do more. Just like the ants from Bugs Life went around the leaf, flexibility allows the individual to go a new way to get to their original goal. You aren't stuck with only one thing and one way. In my training, there isn't just one way for me to get in shape to run this 100 miler. There are multiple ways. This means that no matter what comes my way, my flexibility allows me to plod onward towards my goal.
A couple days ago, I ran 10.69 miles in 1:17:26, an average of 7:14 min/mile. Today, I'm looking at where I am and am not interested in running that far or that fast because there are proper steps I need to take. My main goal is to have my health level higher than before... not my fitness, and in order to succeed in running this 100 mile race, that is the most important thing for me.
Limiting yourself allows you to focus on the important things, however, in unlimiting yourself, you can instead spread yourself thin and not accomplish anything. Therefore, it's important to have that balance... the flexibility that allows you to move enough and effect areas where you can make a positive impact in.
When you give yourself that flexibility, you're not stuck on one thing, getting tired and stressed. You're able to move around and do more. Just like the ants from Bugs Life went around the leaf, flexibility allows the individual to go a new way to get to their original goal. You aren't stuck with only one thing and one way. In my training, there isn't just one way for me to get in shape to run this 100 miler. There are multiple ways. This means that no matter what comes my way, my flexibility allows me to plod onward towards my goal.
A couple days ago, I ran 10.69 miles in 1:17:26, an average of 7:14 min/mile. Today, I'm looking at where I am and am not interested in running that far or that fast because there are proper steps I need to take. My main goal is to have my health level higher than before... not my fitness, and in order to succeed in running this 100 mile race, that is the most important thing for me.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Epic Friday
Last night, I decided before I went to sleep, that Friday would be called Epic Friday (#EpicFriday) and so everything I did that day became epic.
Here's my Epic Recap
16 min to wake up and get to school (EPIC LVL 2)
Taught my class a song about the ribs (EPIC LVL 1)
Ate Birthday cake while watching CSI and having a really sweet conversation with a good friend (EPIC LVL 1)
Trail-blazed up House Mountain and got bushwhacked (EPIC LVL 3)
Ate 10 pancakes and sides at IHOP (EPIC LVL 1)
20 min nap at Steven's church (not really epic...)
Went to the Gallery in Gay Street and talked to the artists and groups there, building relationships with them, talked about how they got their inspiration and listening to drumming (EPIC LVL 2)
Random happenstance meeting with Lynne and made a new Facebook (and real life) friend, Andrew (EPIC LVL 3)
Sitting at Starbucks with an Apple Chai Latte and on Facebook (EPIC LVL... satisfied)
It was totally worth it. I had a day filled with so many things. I was up and moving, I was enjoying life, I was living as I should.
It's important to have days like these in order to remember how to enjoy your life. Sometimes, we get sidetracked with the many things that we have to do, that we never take time to live life.
The day before, I ran 11.51 miles altogether in 3 different runs. All business but at the same time, enjoyable because I knew where I was getting myself. Today, on the other hand, I didn't measure out my miles in the mountain run, but I probably had about 4 miles throughout the whole day. Running up a mountain was tough and running down was fun. Walking around Market Square was another little healthy and fun bit. This whole day was filled with action and events that made me enjoy this day even more. A productive day is a really awesome day... or rather... an epic day.
Remember to have your Epic Day.
Here's my Epic Recap
16 min to wake up and get to school (EPIC LVL 2)
Taught my class a song about the ribs (EPIC LVL 1)
Ate Birthday cake while watching CSI and having a really sweet conversation with a good friend (EPIC LVL 1)
Trail-blazed up House Mountain and got bushwhacked (EPIC LVL 3)
Ate 10 pancakes and sides at IHOP (EPIC LVL 1)
20 min nap at Steven's church (not really epic...)
Went to the Gallery in Gay Street and talked to the artists and groups there, building relationships with them, talked about how they got their inspiration and listening to drumming (EPIC LVL 2)
Random happenstance meeting with Lynne and made a new Facebook (and real life) friend, Andrew (EPIC LVL 3)
Sitting at Starbucks with an Apple Chai Latte and on Facebook (EPIC LVL... satisfied)
It was totally worth it. I had a day filled with so many things. I was up and moving, I was enjoying life, I was living as I should.
It's important to have days like these in order to remember how to enjoy your life. Sometimes, we get sidetracked with the many things that we have to do, that we never take time to live life.
The day before, I ran 11.51 miles altogether in 3 different runs. All business but at the same time, enjoyable because I knew where I was getting myself. Today, on the other hand, I didn't measure out my miles in the mountain run, but I probably had about 4 miles throughout the whole day. Running up a mountain was tough and running down was fun. Walking around Market Square was another little healthy and fun bit. This whole day was filled with action and events that made me enjoy this day even more. A productive day is a really awesome day... or rather... an epic day.
Remember to have your Epic Day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)