"Wait and be PATIENT. The storm will pass. Never cut the tree in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Its in the midst of the storm that our true character appears. The spring will come soon."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Patience
A old-friend of mine posted these words of wisdom. I hope they give you a small sense of peace through your day.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Let's Run!
Okay, it's about time. The San Francisco Marathon is July 25, 2010. It will be a tough course, hilly and scenic. Thousands of runners from all over will be there, and it will be the very last marathon I ever run. 26.2 miles is no joke, something my body and my tender Achilles can only take a few times in my life.
I want to run this one for several reasons. One, I have three daughters, and I want a marathon for each of them, and this is the 3rd one of my life. Two, I am a Vegan, and Pilipino. Vegan's are rare in this world. Marathoners are even more rare. And Pilipinos, of course, are amazing are rare. So to finish a marathon, being Vegan, being Pilipino is very rare indeed. And lastly, the last race I did run (San Jose Rock N Roll 2009), two runners died during that race. I'm dedicated this to them, to run for them.
It will take 19 weeks of training, starting in March. Running 3 days a week (a new plan this time, trying not to over train), doing lighter stuff, stretching, etc. for 3 other days a week. I pray for good weather, and for this unrelenting winter cold to calm down.
For me, the greatest part of all of this is the process itself. Planning your running schedule, building up, taking care of yourself throughout, balancing this endeavor with everyday life, going through the training process, and culminating in the race itself. When you cross that finish line, it's not just the race, it's not just the 26.2 miles, it's the entire process, it's running by yourself in solace at 3am, it's getting up and doing it again. It truly is a privilege and honor to even be able to do this.
Now, for everyone else who may not be crazy enough to run a full marathon (I don't recommend it for everyone), try something else. Start with a 5k (3.1 miles) walk, and train for it. Put together a plan for 6 weeks, build up, and accomplish that goal. Don't worry about finding time, being embarrassed, being lazy, or anything like that. Keep it simple. Find a 5k, put a plan together (For example, walk 3 days a week for 6 weeks, start with a 10 minute walk and build up). Google for 5k training plans, find one, and try it! Of course, check with your doctor, watch yourself carefully, take it very easy, and find a friend to do it with you and support you. I think you'll find the "process" amazing, and you'll reward yourself with an accomplishment beyond finishing the race.
And look, most people can walk at 20 min/mi. That's a fairly comfortable and easy pace, as long as you're not seriously injured. So you simply need to walk for 1 hour to finish the 5k! You can do that! Start slowly, walk 10 minutes first, then 15, then 20. The week after try 15, 20, 25. The week after try 20, 25, 30. The week after try 25, 30, 35. The week after try 30, 35, 40. And the final week try 35, 40, race! Rest in between, consider tapering off that last week. But, build up nice and slow like that, put together a calendar and plan and stick to it.
Now, stop reading. Get out a spreadsheet or pencil/paper. Find a 5k walk. Schedule and plan backwards from the 5k walk. And go do it!
I want to run this one for several reasons. One, I have three daughters, and I want a marathon for each of them, and this is the 3rd one of my life. Two, I am a Vegan, and Pilipino. Vegan's are rare in this world. Marathoners are even more rare. And Pilipinos, of course, are amazing are rare. So to finish a marathon, being Vegan, being Pilipino is very rare indeed. And lastly, the last race I did run (San Jose Rock N Roll 2009), two runners died during that race. I'm dedicated this to them, to run for them.
It will take 19 weeks of training, starting in March. Running 3 days a week (a new plan this time, trying not to over train), doing lighter stuff, stretching, etc. for 3 other days a week. I pray for good weather, and for this unrelenting winter cold to calm down.
For me, the greatest part of all of this is the process itself. Planning your running schedule, building up, taking care of yourself throughout, balancing this endeavor with everyday life, going through the training process, and culminating in the race itself. When you cross that finish line, it's not just the race, it's not just the 26.2 miles, it's the entire process, it's running by yourself in solace at 3am, it's getting up and doing it again. It truly is a privilege and honor to even be able to do this.
Now, for everyone else who may not be crazy enough to run a full marathon (I don't recommend it for everyone), try something else. Start with a 5k (3.1 miles) walk, and train for it. Put together a plan for 6 weeks, build up, and accomplish that goal. Don't worry about finding time, being embarrassed, being lazy, or anything like that. Keep it simple. Find a 5k, put a plan together (For example, walk 3 days a week for 6 weeks, start with a 10 minute walk and build up). Google for 5k training plans, find one, and try it! Of course, check with your doctor, watch yourself carefully, take it very easy, and find a friend to do it with you and support you. I think you'll find the "process" amazing, and you'll reward yourself with an accomplishment beyond finishing the race.
And look, most people can walk at 20 min/mi. That's a fairly comfortable and easy pace, as long as you're not seriously injured. So you simply need to walk for 1 hour to finish the 5k! You can do that! Start slowly, walk 10 minutes first, then 15, then 20. The week after try 15, 20, 25. The week after try 20, 25, 30. The week after try 25, 30, 35. The week after try 30, 35, 40. And the final week try 35, 40, race! Rest in between, consider tapering off that last week. But, build up nice and slow like that, put together a calendar and plan and stick to it.
Now, stop reading. Get out a spreadsheet or pencil/paper. Find a 5k walk. Schedule and plan backwards from the 5k walk. And go do it!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Age
Age is just a number, isn't it? In many of my yoga classes, I look around and see so many fit and healthy women (since I'm usually the only guy, or one of a few in there). I wonder how 'old' they are, and then realize that it doesn't really matter. What matters is how healthy and how happy they are. And by their look, by the smile on the faces, by their kind words, they are indeed healthy and happy.
Now at 42, I'm beginning anew. It's time to grow up, be healthier and happier, worry less, have more fun, enjoy the beauty of life more. I encourage you to do the same. Don't worry about how 'old' you are. If you're not healthy and happy, get up and do something about it. Little by little, step by step, meal by meal, snack by snack, emotion by emotion, smile by smile ... do something small to make yourself healthier and happier. And tomorrow, do it again. And the next day, do it again.
Now at 42, I'm beginning anew. It's time to grow up, be healthier and happier, worry less, have more fun, enjoy the beauty of life more. I encourage you to do the same. Don't worry about how 'old' you are. If you're not healthy and happy, get up and do something about it. Little by little, step by step, meal by meal, snack by snack, emotion by emotion, smile by smile ... do something small to make yourself healthier and happier. And tomorrow, do it again. And the next day, do it again.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Virtues
Like many good people, I try to live a virtuous life. Emphasis on "try". I try and fail, I try and succeed, then fail again. But, I try again. I'm human, imperfect, with fault, with weakness. But, I try again, and again.
I like to remind myself about what "virtuous" means, and these seven words come to mind. They are printed for me, they serve as goals, as ideals, something to strive for.
Purity
Moderation
Kindness
Generosity
Liveliness
Humility
Contentment
In my times of failure, I look at this list, and see my faults and admit them. Then, I try again. If anything, just reading these words, saying and repeating them, helps me sharpen my focus, thoughts, and actions.
I hope these words, goals, and thoughts find you in a good place, and help you in a small way.
I like to remind myself about what "virtuous" means, and these seven words come to mind. They are printed for me, they serve as goals, as ideals, something to strive for.
Purity
Moderation
Kindness
Generosity
Liveliness
Humility
Contentment
In my times of failure, I look at this list, and see my faults and admit them. Then, I try again. If anything, just reading these words, saying and repeating them, helps me sharpen my focus, thoughts, and actions.
I hope these words, goals, and thoughts find you in a good place, and help you in a small way.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Taking Care of Yourself
What's the first you do you have a spare moment? Well, I guess that depends on your stage in life.
When you're very young, you probably do what you love most, play. And play with whatever, it doesn't take much, does it? A cardboard box is plenty, and your imagination does the rest.
When you're a little older, you probably hang out with friends and do what you love most, play. Cardboard boxes and your imagination aren't enough, those are so passe, boring, and played. We need the coolest, latest stuff, hang out with the cool people, look good, go to the coolest places, do the coolest things.
When you're a lot older, you're done playing, you have no time, you're busy with so many things, can't even afford to have lunch you're so busy, can't even afford to say hello or call or email a single friend, much less your group of friends. Being cool? Forget it, no time. Your vacations, how infrequent they are, are your one chance to have fun again, and you do it for 1 week, then get back to the grind.
Through it all, take care of yourself. Have fun and enjoy life, it's ups and downs, it processes, it's change. But take some time out for yourself. Buy yourself something nice, say hello to an old friend, go for a nice walk and enjoy the sunshine or rain, do something just for you, something you love to do. Pat yourself on the back. Smile. Find a cardboard box, use your imagination, and have fun.
I forget to do this sometimes, I get caught in the vortex that is life. And going to the gym, doing my routine, etc. doesn't count. I'm talking about more than that. I forget many times what is was like to be a kid, to enjoy life to the fullest, with any care in the world, without any need for material things.
Whatever it is that makes you happiest, do that for yourself.
When you're very young, you probably do what you love most, play. And play with whatever, it doesn't take much, does it? A cardboard box is plenty, and your imagination does the rest.
When you're a little older, you probably hang out with friends and do what you love most, play. Cardboard boxes and your imagination aren't enough, those are so passe, boring, and played. We need the coolest, latest stuff, hang out with the cool people, look good, go to the coolest places, do the coolest things.
When you're a lot older, you're done playing, you have no time, you're busy with so many things, can't even afford to have lunch you're so busy, can't even afford to say hello or call or email a single friend, much less your group of friends. Being cool? Forget it, no time. Your vacations, how infrequent they are, are your one chance to have fun again, and you do it for 1 week, then get back to the grind.
Through it all, take care of yourself. Have fun and enjoy life, it's ups and downs, it processes, it's change. But take some time out for yourself. Buy yourself something nice, say hello to an old friend, go for a nice walk and enjoy the sunshine or rain, do something just for you, something you love to do. Pat yourself on the back. Smile. Find a cardboard box, use your imagination, and have fun.
I forget to do this sometimes, I get caught in the vortex that is life. And going to the gym, doing my routine, etc. doesn't count. I'm talking about more than that. I forget many times what is was like to be a kid, to enjoy life to the fullest, with any care in the world, without any need for material things.
Whatever it is that makes you happiest, do that for yourself.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Nutty Green Smoothie
This is my breakfast drink.
4 oz. Organic Acai Juice
4 oz. Organic Carrot Juice
4 oz. Organic Soy Milk
1 banana
Large handfuls of organic dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup Organic Frozen Blueberries
1 Tbls Organic Flax Seed
1 small handful of Almond Crunch
In that order, add ingredients to high-speed blender (Blendtec Home, in my case), hit the "Smoothie" button and 25-seconds later...breakfast.
Very filling, very nourishing. Try it by replacing 12 oz. water instead of the juice, for a lower calorie option. I like the blend of greens, sweets, nuttiness, and creaminess. It's really a delicious and refreshing drink, something I look forward to. And it's a good way to "drink your greens". Try giving some to your kids, see if they like the taste, and if it benefits them.
4 oz. Organic Acai Juice
4 oz. Organic Carrot Juice
4 oz. Organic Soy Milk
1 banana
Large handfuls of organic dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup Organic Frozen Blueberries
1 Tbls Organic Flax Seed
1 small handful of Almond Crunch
In that order, add ingredients to high-speed blender (Blendtec Home, in my case), hit the "Smoothie" button and 25-seconds later...breakfast.
Very filling, very nourishing. Try it by replacing 12 oz. water instead of the juice, for a lower calorie option. I like the blend of greens, sweets, nuttiness, and creaminess. It's really a delicious and refreshing drink, something I look forward to. And it's a good way to "drink your greens". Try giving some to your kids, see if they like the taste, and if it benefits them.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Meditate
What is that fills your mind these days? Random thoughts? Destructive thoughts? Happy thoughts? Stories? Sadness? Happiness? Peace? Unrest? Or all of them?
I used to meditate regularly when I was young. I was given a book on Meditation by a co-worker of mine, and I was blown away. I really didn't know what I was doing (and still don't) but it did give me a sense of rest, of peace, of calm. And some methodology for doing so. I was coaching basketball at the time, working full time, and very busy, and I thought, had a lot going on in my mind. But, my peace came during meditation (prayer) and it helped me get through many a situation.
As I've gotten older and found other interests, I lost that sense or prayer, that state of peace and meditation. And I'm trying to rediscover it. Today, meditation is written about in too many forms, and can be so complicated. Just perusing the data out there, you get novels on 'how to meditate' and a mass sense of confusion. Heck, you'll lose peace just trying to find the info!
A few things I've picked up. One, if there are thoughts and distractions, let them happen and be a part of your meditation, they don't matter. Two, if you have issues and worry about them, have stories that your mind creates around those problems, and have restless moments thinking about how to escape and solve them, that itself is the root cause of your issue. Let your issue be, and just rest, calm down, and relax. Let your issue be a part of your peace.
Try this website (www.meditationoasis.com) and listen to a few of the podcasts, it's great for people that need some peace during turmoil, and for people that need to get some rest at night. And most of all, it's simple. Just rest, and give yourself a moment.
Be well!
I used to meditate regularly when I was young. I was given a book on Meditation by a co-worker of mine, and I was blown away. I really didn't know what I was doing (and still don't) but it did give me a sense of rest, of peace, of calm. And some methodology for doing so. I was coaching basketball at the time, working full time, and very busy, and I thought, had a lot going on in my mind. But, my peace came during meditation (prayer) and it helped me get through many a situation.
As I've gotten older and found other interests, I lost that sense or prayer, that state of peace and meditation. And I'm trying to rediscover it. Today, meditation is written about in too many forms, and can be so complicated. Just perusing the data out there, you get novels on 'how to meditate' and a mass sense of confusion. Heck, you'll lose peace just trying to find the info!
A few things I've picked up. One, if there are thoughts and distractions, let them happen and be a part of your meditation, they don't matter. Two, if you have issues and worry about them, have stories that your mind creates around those problems, and have restless moments thinking about how to escape and solve them, that itself is the root cause of your issue. Let your issue be, and just rest, calm down, and relax. Let your issue be a part of your peace.
Try this website (www.meditationoasis.com) and listen to a few of the podcasts, it's great for people that need some peace during turmoil, and for people that need to get some rest at night. And most of all, it's simple. Just rest, and give yourself a moment.
Be well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)