Part II - Making a Comeback

It's been a year since I've last used this blog. A great example of the back and forth that I've had with running. For the past couple of months, I've struggled with my weight, fitness and general dilemma of hitting the freakin' pavement. Despite amazing strides and happiness in other areas of my life, things haven't been as holistic as I'd like.

Today, I'm optimistic.

Two weeks ago, I started Hal Higdon's 10K training program. On the one hand, it's been humbling assessing my current fitness level but on the other hand, I'm pleased with the progress I've been making. Aside from feeling great, I've already managed to drop a few pounds - shedding the winter blubber if you will.

Since I was absent from the blogsphere for the major part of 2008, here's the recap:
- I got engaged in August 2008
- I graduated from the University of Michigan
- I started a new dream job in Cleantech
- I also became a commuter & got a car - a Toyota Matrix we named, Neo :)
- I became a home owner
- I got the CUTEST golden retriever puppy for my birthday
- ...and I barely ran

Now, as I mentioned above, I'm back at it. I'm taking on the push-up challenge, watching my calories, squeezing in yoga every now and again, paying attention to runner-centric ab workouts and finding a healthy work/life balance. Oh, and I'm trying to be a good little wedding planner (:

Last week's quickie recap:
Run(Planned)7.50 mi
Run(Actual)7.50 mi
XC-Ski(Planned)0:30:00
XC-Ski(Actual)0:30:00
Walk(Planned)0:40:00
Walk(Actual)3:45:00

A Moment of Respite

It's been hard to get those miles in, but the good news is that when I do, I'm loving my runs. I'm loving those moments when I can sink into a rhythm with mind and body working in tandem. Lately, it's been difficult for me to remain undisturbed by the tumult of life's events...at least this is not so when I run.

This long Fall Break weekend has been a much needed mental break and opportunity to treat my body to food (bad, I know) and some physical activity. I'm sitting in a coffee shop and using a second morning in a row to get ahead on some work and mentally erase the trauma of last week's exams.

I went to a display of homes in the area called Homerama and I was unrelenting in my critiques of the suburban, borderline pretentious homes that I have little desire to live in. But I suppose this is not the place to bash on the Desperate Housewives culture...though maybe it is; sign this petition if you haven't already.

I watched Michael Clayton, played tennis and ran the trails. It's been heavenly. But ohhh the trails. Went out on a quick three miler on the trails in First Landing State Park and it was so incredibly refreshing. I felt like a care-free child kid hoping over roots and bounding up and over the hills...

Trust Yourself

In a world where reason and logic seem to get you where you need to go, it's easy to ignore those feelings that sit at the pit of your stomach.

Despite the effort. Despite the sincerity. Despite the love. Sometimes, the world is just as it should be when things are not right. Sometimes, the-best-in-you is not inspired by the circumstances. And the bigger person in you will always let go.

It's times likes these that allow us to be grateful for the relationships and moments in life that are in place. That do bring out the best in and inspire us. And that hopefully equip us with the tools to confront the difficult in life.

Through it all. Despite any pain and disappointment. I must always trust myself.

Positive Mental Mojo

T minus three days until the big trip to the Philippines and I'm fighting to get over a COLD!! Too many sleepless nights during mileage buildup and injury rehabilitation and I guess you could say that I was asking for it. But I didn't ask for it, so all I can do now is stay positive.

That said, here are three positive Mia-thoughts to get my training-mental-mojo and general-mental-mojo in check:

1. On Tuesday, I ran an easy 3-miler at a 9:00min average pace. Despite the brevity of the workout, I accomplished my goal to keep my splits fairly even at around 8:58-9:00mm. And I did. Woot.

2. I'm really excited to see family (and go to my brother's wedding in Taiwan) and to do some Mia-style traveling and adventures since my jet-setting hiatus after having the BAMBINA. No more stressing about the logistics of traveling with a 2-year-old; this little girl is going to have a world view that elected leaders should have.

3. So far, this summer has been filled with precious moments with family and friends. Our time with my family in East Lansing and my friends (Anna's Titas, Titos & Uncaws) in Ann Arbor and those who have come back for visits from afar, life is good.

Not to jinx myself but since I'm finally starting to get better, I also have the possibility of running tomorrow as yet another happy thought but really, the below pictures says it all:

Anna's BFF.

One can only guess what our delinquent friends are doing here...but they never fail to put a smile on the face.

Stay posted all, I definitely intend on keeping you updated with the scoops. Just wish me luck on finding internet connections :)