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Stepping Into Comfort: My New Running Shoe Experience

Written 3/16/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today was the day—I got myself a brand-new pair of running shoes. After our usual grocery shopping, we went to our local specialty store for running gear. It’s not just any store; it was introduced to us by my sister when we first moved to Tennessee, and it’s become our go-to for all things running.

The excitement of getting new shoes never gets old, especially since they’re a critical part of my running routine. As any seasoned runner knows, and as my wife—a lifelong runner—reminded me when I first took up running seriously, every pair of running shoes has its lifespan. Shoes gradually wear down depending on how much you run, so keeping track of their mileage is critical.

Despite my wife’s busy weekends lately due to year-end duties, I asked if she’d accompany me to pick out my new pair. The staff at this store is exceptional; they are not only runners but also incredibly knowledgeable about the needs of different running styles and habits. I usually bring my old pair along so they can assess my running habits and check for specific wear patterns.

Comfort is paramount when it comes to my running shoes. I always ensure the pair I choose fits well and feels good as I move. The store staff, familiar with my preferences and measurements from previous visits, expertly guided me to shoes that cater to my needs.

One significant change in my routine is how I track the mileage of my shoes. Gone are the days of my Excel log sheets; my new running app has revolutionized this process. With a feature that tracks the shoe life based on the make and model of the footwear, the app not only keeps tabs on the distance covered but also alerts me when it’s time for a replacement. This innovative tool has rendered my old tracking system completely obsolete, making my life much easier.

As I left the store with my new running shoes, the anticipation of trying them out on the run filled me with joy. There’s something truly exhilarating about the first run in a new pair of shoes—it feels like setting out on a new adventure.

So here I am, ready to hit the ground running, quite literally. My new shoes are more than just equipment; they’re a renewal of my commitment to running, a sport that I’ve grown to love deeply over the years. I can’t wait to see where these shoes will take me—each step promises new challenges and achievements.

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A Day of Surprising Progress and Simple Pleasures

Written on 3/14/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday marked a significant stride in my running journey, seeing me meet and surpass my target pace. This achievement was particularly gratifying after several challenging days, notably affected by the recent time change. Surprisingly, this adjustment to daylight saving time, which often disrupts routines, turned out to favor my running schedule. The crisp, pleasant weather further contributed to this unexpected success, proving once again how external conditions can impact athletic performance.

Reflecting on my run, I’ve begun to identify the specific speed I need to maintain to achieve my new, more ambitious pace. Tomorrow’s run will be a crucial test of this insight, determining whether I can consistently meet this enhanced standard. It’s an exciting prospect and adds a layer of intrigue to my usual routine.

Aside from running, my day was filled with other mundane but necessary tasks. The good weather wasn’t just perfect for running; it was ideal for yard work, too. With my to-do list in mind and the sun shining favorably, I set out to mow the lawn, an activity that, while routine, was enjoyable thanks to the day’s clear skies.

Typically, my Thursdays are reserved for gaming sessions with friends. These gatherings are not just about playing video games; they’re a cherished opportunity for camaraderie and relaxation. However, this weekend was different. My friends were out of town, making our usual online meet-up impossible. While I missed the banter and the competitive spirit of our games, their absence allowed me to focus more on my chores without the usual rush to finish before our session began.

This shift in schedule was a mixed blessing. On the one hand, I missed the laughter and shared excitement that our gaming sessions bring. On the other, having no time constraints made it easier to complete my tasks at a relaxed pace, which was unexpectedly satisfying.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been diligently working to improve my running speed, a goal that often seemed elusive. Yesterday’s performance was a beacon of progress, illuminating what is possible with persistence and favorable conditions. It was a reminder that sometimes, the elements align to reward our efforts when we least expect it.

In essence, the day blended personal achievement and the simple pleasures of daily life. Whether it’s the solitary rhythm of a good run or the methodical task of mowing the lawn, each element had its place, contributing to a fulfilling day. Even the absence of my friends, though initially disappointing, opened up space for reflection and uninterrupted productivity.

As I look forward to tomorrow’s run, I carry with me the lessons learned from today: the understanding of pace, the importance of adapting to changes, and the appreciation of the unexpected freedoms that come our way. These experiences, though seemingly small, are significant chapters in the story of personal growth and everyday resilience.

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Mastering My Monday Routine: A Week-Planning Odyssey

Written 4/1

Hello Dear Readers,

Embarking on my Monday routine, I dive into planning the week ahead. It’s a ritual I hold dear, a compass guiding me through the chaos of daily life. Each Monday morning, I embark on a foresight journey, charting out the course of my week and the tasks I aim to conquer. But, as with any journey, there are obstacles to navigate, particularly those dictated by the whims of the weather.

My first order of business is to compile the week’s to-do list. This is no ordinary list; it’s a dynamic entity that varies from week to week. Some tasks are stalwart fixtures, while others flit in and out like elusive shadows. Yet, amidst this fluctuating landscape, I must mentally highlight those tasks that are at the mercy of the weather. These are the delicate flowers of my to-do list, vulnerable to the tempestuous whims of Mother Nature.

Take, for instance, the humble act of lawn mowing. It is a simple task yet one that becomes a precarious dance with the elements on rainy days. I’ve learned the hard way that grass and rain make for a slippery affair, especially on hilly landscapes, rendering my lawn mower useless against the sodden earth. Thus, I must remain vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on the forecast, lest my plans be washed away by a sudden downpour.

But the challenges don’t end there. Sometimes, my tasks require coordination with others, adding an extra layer of complexity to my already intricate schedule. When conflicts arise, I find myself engaged in a delicate juggling act, attempting to align the disparate pieces of my agenda into a cohesive whole.

This week presents its own set of challenges. As I peruse the forecast, I spy a looming threat of rain on one of my designated lawn-mowing days. A potential obstacle, to be sure, but one that I refuse to let derail my plans entirely. Instead, I adapt, devising contingency measures to salvage what I can from the situation. Perhaps I’ll steal an hour of mowing before the deluge descends, or failing that, I’ll redouble my efforts on Thursday, determined to make up for lost time.

In the end, it’s this rough planning at the outset of the week that proves to be my saving grace. By tempering my expectations and anticipating potential pitfalls, I arm myself against the specter of surprise. Though the road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, I march forward with confidence, secure in the knowledge that I have charted my course to the best of my ability.

As Monday fades into memory and the week unfurls before me, I embark on my journey purposefully, ready to face whatever challenges lie in wait. Armed with foresight and determination, I press onward, a master of my Monday routine and the architect of my destiny.

 

 

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Jam-packed Saturday: A Dash of Sweet, A Pinch of Spicy

It’s Saturday, and you know what that means—adventure time! After my usual morning sprint, scribbling in my journal, and wrestling with German verbs, we zoomed off to the farmer’s market at Frankly Factory. Though it’s only 8 AM, the place buzzes like a beehive with folks snagging the freshest local goodies. Our mission? A glorious bucket of strawberries. Yup, it’s jam-making day!

These strawberries are not just berries; they’re possibly the sweetest I’ve ever tasted. Making our own jam is the way to go because, honestly, who wants mystery ingredients in their jelly? Today’s spicy-sweet concoction requires about 1.5 pounds of crushed strawberries and, surprise—a half cup of jalapeño peppers. I couldn’t wait until I got home; I snuck a strawberry—super sweet!

With my trusty strawberry pit remover (a magical gift from my hubby a few years back), I prepped 4 cups of berries in no time. It’s a game-changer, making the task so much easier! Next up, I mixed in some sugar and let it work its magic to draw out the juicy goodness. Then came the jalapeños, which always make me sneeze my head off. To avoid a jalapeño chunk catastrophe, I blitzed them in the blender—no tears or sneezes!

Strawberries are low in pectin, so tossing in some high-pectin lemon helped set the jam just right. I’m not much for using commercial pectin. With the jam looking good, I sanitized some bottles (carefully—they’re hot!) and bottled up six little jars of my homemade delight.

Even after all that jamming, I still had over 2 pounds of strawberries left. I chopped them up, sealed them in bags, and prepped them for my next jam session. The rest? We’re munching on those sweet treats for the next few days.

What a sweet and spicy start to the weekend!

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Overcoming Post-Time Change Fatigue: A Personal Experience

Written on 3/13/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

With the daylight saving time change recently behind us, I assumed that a good night’s sleep would help me recover all the energy I had lost. However, I’ve found it challenging to keep up with my morning exercise routine. Today, I still have a few exercises left unfinished, and coming down the stairs after my pull-ups was particularly tough. It felt as though I was dragging my own dead weight every step of the way.

My body is likely trying to tell me something—maybe I haven’t fully recovered from my previous workouts. I know the importance of being mindful of my body’s signals, though part of me hesitates to acknowledge it. I’m driven by my goals, yet I’m aware that pushing myself too hard could lead to unnecessary injuries.

Despite my concerns, something shifted when I started doing my pull-ups. Initially daunting, the exercise became surprisingly manageable as I progressed, and soon, my dread dissipated. By the end of my set, I didn’t feel like I was lugging around dead weight anymore. Instead, I felt lighter and more energetic, possibly thanks to an endorphin rush that helped negate my fatigue.

Reflecting on this, I realize that my tiredness might have been a lingering effect from yesterday’s lawn mowing. Sometimes, it takes a bit of pushing to truly understand whether I’m up for a workout. Of course, it’s crucial to avoid overexerting myself. I’m proud that I didn’t give in to my initial reluctance to exercise. It would have been easy to skip the session under the guise of preventing injury, but overcoming that mental barrier has left me feeling more accomplished.

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Day 4 Farewell to the Keys: Turtles, Tunes, and Final Tropical Treasures

Today marks our final day on the island. While a part of me wishes we could stay a bit longer, the thought of heading back to Nashville is also quite appealing. Our plan? To hit the aquarium in Key West before wandering around Mallory Square. Despite some lingering muscle aches, we’re determined to make the most of our last day in the Keys.

 

The aquarium here is smaller than the one in Marathon, but it’s still home to some remarkable sea turtles. Take Lola, for example, a turtle who’s had her share of adventures. She lost a flipper due to a predator attack and, after being released back into the wild, returned with her other flipper tangled in a fishing line. Now, she swims gracefully with a prosthetic flipper, a true survivor’s tale.

 

Then there’s Rocky, a green sea turtle with a quirky addition to his shell—a device that helps him float, mistaken by some (myself included) for a stuck brick! After a boat accident damaged his shell and flipper, living in the wild became impossible, so he now calls this aquarium home.

Meet Rocky, the green sea turtle with a unique floating aid on his shell, a testament to survival and adaptation.

Hector, the hawksbill sea turtle, also caught our eye with his stunning shell. Luckily, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 prevented him from becoming a decorative item.

Visiting this aquarium brought back memories of my childhood in Japan, where we, too, protected sea turtles known as “Ao Umigame.” I grew up learning about their plight and the importance of conservation, a lesson that clearly resonates here as well.

 

Lunch was at Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant, a place steeped in local lore and famously linked to Hemingway. The atmosphere was buzzing with live music from Kaira Jayden, a 16-year-old ukulele virtuoso whose talent was nothing short of inspiring. It’s moments like these that make travel so enriching.

 

Afterward, we strolled through Mallory Square, eventually finding a shaded spot near where a majestic cruise ship was docked. The cool breeze and diverse crowd made it a perfect place to reflect on our visit.

As the clock neared two, it was time to leave the Keys. We drove towards the airport, planning to stop at a few beaches along the way and hoping to grab a meal at Ms. Mac’s Kitchen, where our journey began.

 

The beaches were breathtaking, with strong winds that almost threatened to send my phone flying—a small price to pay for such stunning scenery. We lingered longer than planned, soaking in as much as we could.

This captivating photograph features the iconic old pedestrian bridge stretching elegantly over the calming waters in Key,

By the time we reached our inn near the airport, it was past 8 p.m. We still needed to shower and pack for our early morning flight, and the day ended in a flurry of activity.

 

I didn’t manage to read much tonight, but with the day’s adventures behind me, I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep, filled with dreams of returning to this enchanting place.

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Overcoming the Daylight Savings Slump

Written 3/12/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

It’s been quite a challenging couple of days for me. As you might relate, the biannual shift for daylight savings has yet again wreaked havoc on my sleep schedule. The past few mornings have been particularly tough, and I’ve found myself needing extra sleep just to regain some semblance of energy. Thankfully, this morning marked a return to my usual waking hour. I may finally be acclimating to the new time, which bodes well for keeping on track with my routine.

With my energy levels somewhat restored and getting up at my usual time today, I’m optimistic about tackling my tasks—starting with mowing the lawn. Luckily, the weather forecast is on my side, predicting pleasant conditions for the rest of the week. This should give me ample opportunity to split the chore into manageable phases, planning to complete the other half of the lawn in the next few days.

Despite it still being March and the air carrying a chill, the afternoons have warmed up nicely. I usually wait for the sun to climb higher before stepping out, ensuring it’s warm enough for outdoor activities. Today seems perfect for completing those chores without needing to bundle up too much.

In another stroke of good fortune, I recovered enough to dive back into my exercise regimen. It’s a relief to return to my fitness routine, which I’ve missed over the past few days. Returning to the swing of things feels like I’ve created a major hill of challenges. Now, the path ahead will be a smoother descent.

As things slowly return to normal, I focus on maintaining this momentum and pushing forward. There’s a certain satisfaction in overcoming these minor disruptions and finding my stride again. Here’s to smoother days ahead and making the most of this season in terms of weather and personal achievements.

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Day 3 A Lively Day in Key West: Hemingway, Roosters, and Rum

This morning, I woke up feeling like I had wrestled a bear—muscle aches galore! But honestly, I get a kick out of them; they’re like little trophies for pushing my limits at the gym. You know, nothing says “great workout” quite like wincing every time you move.

Today was meant to be all about marathons, but instead, we zoomed off to Key West, aiming for a pilgrimage to Hemingway’s house. After munching down some protein bars, we hit the road from Marathon Key. Poor Brian looked like he barely survived a night at a rooster concert, although I didn’t hear a peep—I must’ve crashed hard!

By the time we got there around 10 a.m., Key West was bustling with cars and tourists. We lucked out and snagged a parking spot near Hemingway’s house. Close by was a lighthouse, so we thought, “Why not?” The climb was a nail-biter with those tiny steps, and my being a bit jittery about heights didn’t help. Brian was snapping pics left and right, and I just hoped he wouldn’t turn into a flying photographer.

Atop the lighthouse, we spotted the name of the 12th U.S. President. Fun fact: Brian’s related to Zachary Taylor. Seems like a family tradition to serve in the military, just like Taylor’s descendants.

 

We bumped into a couple from a cruise and realized a colossal ship was docked nearby. From up high, it still looked massive. And oh, the chickens roaming everywhere! It turns out they’re descendants of escapee fighting chickens from Cuba—no one owns them, but mess with them, and you’re in for a fine!

Chickens roam freely on the vibrant streets of Key West.

Thanks to my legendary lack of direction, we somehow ended up far from Hemingway’s house, turning our day into an unexpected marathon. We changed plans and went to a rum distillery we were supposed to visit tomorrow. We caught the 1 o’clock tour and learned all about Hemingway’s association with rum. I didn’t know it took ages to craft rum—no wonder it’s pricey!

Papa’s Punch is a cocktail made with Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum. It was sweet.

Afterward, we ducked into a bookstore where I snagged a book on banned literature—talk about a rebel reading list!

Finally, we made it to Hemingway’s house. I’ve been a Hemingway nut since my teens, and stepping into his home felt surreal. Brian, having recently enjoyed “The Old Man and the Sea,” was equally thrilled. Hemingway’s life was as colorful as his stories, surviving wars and plane crashes, maybe thanks to his lucky polydactyl cats, which we sadly only spotted a few of.

A cat sleeping on the bed Hemingway slept.

His writing studio was a step back in time; everything left just so as if he’d just stepped out. It reignited my desire to dive back into his works.
As for the cats, they’re practically celebrities, protected by the government, and occasionally fending off the odd chicken intruder.

Ernest Hemingway’s well-worn typewriter, preserved just as he left it.

We wrapped up our day with dinner at a Cuban restaurant, where I braved a Cuban coffee—strong enough to fuel a rocket, yet it didn’t keep me awake!

All in all, it was a day full of misadventures, history, and lots of walking—not exactly what we planned, but maybe that’s just how Hemingway would’ve liked it.

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Fine-Tuning My Running Strategy for Speed

Written: 3/9

Hello Dear Readers,

This year, I’ve set a new goal to enhance my running speed, sparking a deep interest in methods for faster running. I’ve also started closely monitoring my pace, ensuring consistency unless I train with the Fartlek methods, which involve varying speeds during the run. However, maintaining a steady pace remains my general aim.

In a recent run, I experienced a moment of clarity. I realized I could push myself harder, especially when I was just seconds off my target pace. Unlike a car with cruise control, I don’t have an automatic speed setting; it’s all about manually adjusting my effort based on how I feel physically during the run. This realization led me to a strategic shift. Now, I adjust my pace based on my performance relative to the target pace. If I’m ahead, I slow down; if I’m behind, I pick up the pace.

This approach, however, requires a delicate balance. It’s crucial to know your comfortable pace and to avoid the novice runner’s mistake of starting too fast only to slow down later, unable to maintain a consistent speed throughout the race. It is key to learn to adjust my target so that it’s always just slightly challenging but achievable.

Running is a continuous learning journey—not just about the sport but oneself. After several years, I’m still discovering new strategies and understanding my capabilities and limits. If one method doesn’t work, I’m ready to tweak it until I find what helps me run faster. The critical aspect here is perseverance; the resolve not to give up will eventually lead me to my fastest self.

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Day 2 A Day of Discovery: From Mangroves to Marathon

Today turned out to be more tiring than I expected, and in a twist that shocked absolutely nobody, I accidentally overslept by 30 minutes. I was under the delusion that I had an extra hour to sleep, but reality checked in while I was still half-asleep. So, I managed to sleep in for 30 glorious minutes. Sleeping over 8 hours is a rarity for me, as I usually cap it at a wild 7.5 hours—clearly, the extra rest was needed after our exhilarating travel day and an unintentional sunbathing session.

Feeling like a battery at 110%, I decided it was prime time for a small workout before launching into our 2nd day. There’s a fitness center in our hotel, so I snuck out for a 30-minute espionage mission on the elliptical trainer while Brian continued his beauty sleep. Since his stroke, he’s been on a more luxurious sleep schedule. I let him enjoy his royal slumber.

The fitness center was like a ghost town, equipped with an elliptical trainer, weight machine, recliner (because why not?), and an exercise bike. After my workout, I found Brian awake and pumped to hit the gym. I used this time to brush up on my German, turning my morning notebook into an impromptu language lab. Normally, my morning journal is brimming with tasks, but today, I was creatively bankrupt and struggled to fill out an A1-size note page. I stopped there, admitting defeat gracefully. Shortly after, Brian returned, and we kicked off our day.

Breakfast was a nostalgic dive into last night’s leftovers, with protein bars ready in our snack arsenal. We’re like food strategists on vacation: Brian monitors his protein and salt like a hawk while I play a calorie-counting game aiming for a 250-400 calorie daily deficit. This helps with a slow, pain-free weight loss regime and body sculpting that could rival Michelangelo’s work.

By 8:30 AM, we hit the road, but alas, the trails we planned to hike were closed. Undeterred, we drove about 45 miles to Marathon, one of the islands in the Keys, where a friendly lady at the visitor’s center bombarded us with information—and a few magical coupons.

 

Curry Hammock State Park was next on our list, a fabulous spot for kayaking. I reminisced about my kayaking days before moving to the United States, dreaming of future paddling adventures in Key West. Although hiking spots were scarce, we found a secluded 1.4-mile trail enveloped by lush vegetation—a real treat.

Curry Hammock State Park Nature Trail

We stumbled upon some hidden beaches, offering a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots in the Keys. The gentle breeze was a chef’s kiss after our jungle adventure. A surprise encounter with a small red snake, which I initially mistook for a tree root, added a dash of excitement!

A hidden beach, a peaceful escape from the busier spots in the Keys.

Navigating the branching trails was unnerving since we saw hardly anyone else, and I was concerned about Brian’s pace post-stroke. Despite the challenges, a friendly couple reassured us that the exit was nearby, dispelling my fears of becoming permanent forest residents.

Making sure I did not leave Brian behind.

Our next adventure was the local aquarium, possibly the most entertaining one I’ve ever visited. You can feed fish, turtles, and stingrays—these guys are surprisingly sociable and feel like a bizarre cross between cooked squid and raw chicken. They swam up eagerly, hoping for a snack. We made sure even the shy, smaller turtles got their share of the food.

A stingray came to greet us
Even in the peaceful world of turtles, it’s a race for the tastiest treats!

After the aquarium, we visited Sombrero Beach, which was lively but sadly bereft of shells, much to Brian’s dismay. The beach cleverly offered buckets and sticks for cleanup, which was pretty neat. The windy conditions had Brian clutching his hat like a precious gem.

 

A Beautiful View at Sombrero Beach Park

By 5 PM, my calorie counter read 2200, a testament to our active day and modest eating. I was in desperate need of a shower after all that excitement.

Dinner was at a nearby restaurant, where I enjoyed a taco salad with lightly seared ahi tuna, and Brian, ever the mindful eater, opted for a sombrero salad without the protein. Both meals were a delight, continuing our streak of culinary wins.

Back at the inn, I indulged in some writing while overlooking a pool where a joyful family played—an always heartwarming sight. Then, I cracked open a new book. Despite the exhaustion, it was another fantastic day of exploring and discovering the charm of the Keys.