Tag: Running

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Running Through the Seasons: A Humid Morning in Tennessee

Written November 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

It felt almost like the early morning of early summer in Tennessee when I woke up. When I woke, it was raining a little, and that, combined with the unseasonably warm weather, led to an uncomfortably humid run. After my post-run shower, I checked my weather app and learned it was near 80% relative humidity. We have had hurricane after hurricane the last couple of weeks. We don’t get direct hurricanes like the southern coastal states of the United States, but we still get some secondary hurricane effects such as excess rain and wind.

We thought the temperature had been getting chilly in October, but it started warming up again. Compared to the dry August this year, we have had a lot of rain these days. It’s been pretty warm and humid. My wife told me that it felt like early summer morning when she ran this morning. 

It feels like there are more rainy days than last year. Rain can make leaves gain weight. I am planning to clear some of my leaves tomorrow. Hopefully, the rain will stop, making it easier for me to clean them. However, I am afraid we will have rain tomorrow. I hear there will be another hurricane approaching Texas. It is nothing new. The hurricane season usually lasts until the end of November. We will use up all the alphabet for hurricane names. Unlike the weather in Oregon, we do not have many rainy days in the winter. 

I love running in this season, though. The holiday season is approaching. We have Thanksgiving at the end of November. Some houses still have Halloween decorations. Some houses have autumn decorations for Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is a big holiday for Americans. My wife said she felt odd because Canadian Thanksgiving Day is on Columbus Day. It makes sense since Canada is much colder than the United States. Once Thanksgiving Day is over, we will have Christmas and New Year. However by the time Christmas is near, the temperature will have dropped significantly. I wonder if I would enjoy any decorations while I was running.

It is beautiful outside despite the rain. One downside of a day like this is that it is inconvenient to collect leaves. However, it’s not as bad as it sounds. The leaves around our house still change color and look beautiful, and I enjoy the comfortable temperature. It’s more humid than I like, but at least with this humidity level, my skin is unlikely to feel dry while running. I should cherish the temperature and enjoy my running.

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Celebrating Milestones With a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Written October 18, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I decided to skip my run today since we planned to celebrate the milestone of her citizenship journey by indulging in a trip to Starbucks for coffee. My wife had her citizenship test/interview early this morning. Shortly after finishing my winter exercises, she called me to say she was on her way home. 

Her test was at 7:35 a.m., so she left the house at 6:40 a.m., leaving her an extra 20 minutes. When she goes to the office, she usually leaves the house around the same time, so the time itself does not bother her. She was worried that she would get lost or have an accident on the way. 

She has been preparing for the exam since April, but she gets distracted by something she finds curious. For example, she learned about the list of cabinets for the United States. She can’t stop there. She would dig through what each department does. She says time is her most considerable enemy because she forgets about time. Honestly, the way she studies or does anything, no time is enough. She got into so many troubles when she was much younger. She had to compromise with the environmental forces to prevent what she wanted, such as time. So whatever she does is planned for a long time. Some of her goals could be traced over a decade. 

I could not believe it when she told me she had never tried the famous seasonal treat, pumpkin spice latte. She had just found out about it and was eager to experience it. Knowing she would be back in roughly 30 minutes, I did not have time to finish a run before she returned. I wanted to be ready to leave for our coffee whenever she wanted.  Since it was freezing this morning, I was not too upset about skipping my run; I’ll have to commit to the full 10k to compensate for today’s laziness.

My wife had a pumpkin spice latte. Since I haven’t had a pumpkin spice latte before this year, I tried the Pecan Crunch Latte. I prefer a pumpkin spice latte. My wife loved her pumpkin spice latte. She was wondering how the coffee tasted of pumpkin. 

We are planning to donate the materials used for the citizenship process. My wife was worried that she had written something in them, but I told her that some people could benefit. 

I am happy that she has reached another milestone, as I know she has wanted U.S. citizenship for a long time.

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Dealing with Unexpected Setbacks To Better

Some days are full of disappointments. Today is one of those days. Last night, I banged my toe on a door. I thought the pain would go away, but it got even more painful. It was just one toe on my left foot, but I struggled to walk. I could not run this morning because of the toe injury.

Even more disappointing. I lost my 648-day streak on my language learning app, not because I missed a day. Yesterday, my language app was acting strangely and initially wouldn’t load the day’s lesson.  It eventually loaded, and I completed it, but apparently, it didn’t record that. I know it is just a streak on the app. In reality, I actually did not even miss a day. It is still disturbing. 

Meanwhile, this situation is getting worse than I thought. I mean, I just hit it on a door! All I was doing was putting away some freshly laundered towels, minding my own business, and next thing I knew, my foot was too close to the closet door when I opened it—bam, right into my toe. With the pain, I had great difficulty walking, but I am trying to walk with as normal a gait as possible to avoid additional injury. An additional injury is the last thing I want at this point. Who expected a little banging to create so much trouble? My wife was worried about my toe. Although, I don’t think the injury is so severe that I will need any professional attention now. 

On a day like this, I try to remember the moral points I learned from books. Have you ever read the book, “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”? Well, the story is like the problem the protagonist faces. Arthur was freaking out about his house being bulldozed, and meanwhile, there was a plan to eradicate Earth. The book is comical, but it teaches something. Maybe the problem you think is so bad may not be that bad. In other words, avoid getting so caught up in the little problems. Thinking like this makes me feel calmed down. 

Hopefully, I’m feeling well enough not to feel forced to skip additional runs. I don’t want to miss any more runs because of a tiny injury on my toe, and I miss it. Well, time will tell.

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 Braving the Storm: How I Turned a Rainy Day Run into a Win

Written September 27, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As I woke up, I heard the sound of rain hitting our roof. This morning began with frustration as heavy rain blanketed the area. While I don’t usually mind running in the rain, starting a run when it’s already pouring is always tough. I checked my phone, hoping for a break in the weather, but the forecast showed steady rain all day. 

My first thought was to postpone my run until tomorrow. Then, I stopped my thought. The rain is expected to continue, which isn’t exactly what I think is ideal. I don’t enjoy running in the rain, but I also didn’t want to miss out on the several days of running. Despite the hard rain earlier, the rain did not seem as heavy as it had sounded earlier. So, I weighed my options. If I didn’t run today, I wouldn’t have another chance for days. With that in mind, I decided to brave the rain.

I grabbed my windbreaker to shield myself from the initial downpour, knowing it wouldn’t keep me dry for long. The rain was part of a hurricane moving through Georgia. While hurricane rain in summer feels dense and muggy, autumn rain brings a chilly bite, even if that was caused by the hurricane. My wife, who usually avoids running in the rain, mentioned that the rain was more of a mist when she went out earlier. She also felt the pressure to run today, knowing the weather would only worsen in the coming days.

Stepping outside, I was met with cold, wet air. My shoes, still damp from yesterday’s run, made every step squishy. After covering about a kilometer, I realized that running the full 5k in these conditions would be uncomfortable. I gave myself an incentive: if I could beat my target pace and hold it for at least half a kilometer, I would allow myself to stop early. This kilometer of extra push somehow worked, and I managed to hit my goal, cutting the run short at 3 kilometers from the distance I originally planned. 

I headed back home soaking wet. While I was running, I felt the water pushing out of my shoes. The rain had washed sweat and remnants of my face moisturizer into my eyes while I was running, which were stinging by the time I got home. As soon as I arrived, I jumped into a hot shower.

Unfortunately, it looks like today’s rain will prevent me from finishing the sanding project I had planned. Hopefully, there will be enough dry weather tomorrow to finish it; otherwise, it’ll have to wait until the skies clear.

In the end, I got my run in, even though it was only 3 kilometers, and that’s what matters most to me. I still consider it a success.

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Unexpected Connections on a Shortened Run

Written September 21, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today, I ran shorter than usual. Earlier in the week, I was able to run at a faster pace, so I decided to scale down my 10k run to 5k. This also worked out with my wife and I’s other plans. We planned to shop for new running shoes since both of ours had exceeded their mileage. Running on worn-out shoes increases the risk of injury, so it was time for replacements.

During the day, I had a pleasant surprise—a neighbor I hadn’t met before came over to introduce herself. She lives in a house with a garden my wife has always admired, so I was happy to finally learn her name. My wife often sees her while running during the summer when the neighbor is out tending to her plants. Her garden really is one of the prettiest in the area.

She mentioned that bunnies had been nibbling on her plants, but they had since disappeared, likely due to a nearby fox. My wife had mentioned spotting a fox recently, though she wasn’t sure at the time, as it darted off quickly behind a house. It made her a little sad when I told her about the missing bunnies. She knows it’s just part of the food chain but enjoys seeing the rabbits around. Once, she even witnessed an owl hunting one, which left her quite upset. Early runs let you witness a lot of unique wildlife moments. On the other hand, I usually run a bit later, so I miss out on some of those events.

There are always people walking or running in our neighborhood. Most are friendly and enjoy striking up a conversation mid-run. Since moving to Nashville, I’ve met a lot of our neighbors this way. My wife runs early in the mornings and often sees familiar faces, but she doesn’t stop chatting much since she likes to start her workday early.

Meeting new people is always a good thing, and it’s nice to know more of our neighbors. Unfortunately, I forgot to pause my running app while talking, so it recorded the time I spent standing still at my average speed. Despite that, the app still saved the times, and the recorded run wasn’t completely off. At the end of the day, the numbers didn’t matter too much—what’s important is that I got in my exercise and got to know another neighbor, which is something I value in its own way.

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Celebrating Progress On Hitting My Running Pace

Written Septermber 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today brought some good news—my efforts have finally paid off. During my run, I achieved the pace I’ve been aiming for as part of my end-of-year goal. This achievement is a significant milestone for me, and it feels incredible to see my progress. Because of this success, I’ve set a new rule for myself: for each run, I will reduce my pace time by 5 seconds. The challenge I’ve given myself is to beat this reduced pace twice in a row, with no more than two failures in between. Once I accomplish that, I’ll lock in my end-of-year pace goal at the new speed.

One thing I’ve come to realize is how different it feels to focus on pace rather than just distance. Initially, my running goals were all about how far I could go. But now, I’ve become more conscious of the nuances involved in pacing myself, and it’s an entirely different experience. Running pace can fluctuate based on many factors I hadn’t considered before. For example, external temperature can give me a boost or slow me down considerably. Cooler days tend to energize me, while hotter days can make running feel like an uphill battle. Similarly, wind and weather conditions greatly influence how well I perform. A strong headwind can be exhausting, while a nice tailwind makes me feel like flying.

My physical condition is another critical factor. One day, I might feel full of energy and ready to tackle my run, while the next day, my body might feel heavy, making it harder to keep a steady pace. These variables make running a more dynamic challenge than I initially anticipated, and it has taught me to be flexible with my expectations.

In addition to pacing, I’ve also learned the importance of taking care of my body during this journey. Overexertion is a real risk, especially when the weather is extreme. Running too long in the blazing summer heat can be dangerous, mainly if I run low on water. I must constantly monitor hydration, as it can make or break a good run. Additionally, I’ve realized that I need to prioritize rest when my muscles are sore or not recovering properly. Pushing through without adequate recovery could lead to injuries or setbacks, which I want to avoid.

I also have specific dietary restrictions that make recovery more challenging. Since I have limits on my protein intake, I have to be careful not to lose muscle through overexertion. Muscle loss is a real concern for me, so I’m mindful of balancing my exercise with the nutrients my body needs to repair and grow. Monitoring my calorie intake is another part of the process. I need to fuel my body for these runs without going overboard. Through it all, I remind myself I’m running to improve and strengthen my body—not harm it. This is a promise I made to myself when I first started running, and it’s something I hold onto as I continue to progress.

My running journey began after I lost mobility due to a brain stroke. It was a tough time, but after several months of rehabilitation, I was able to walk again. Eventually, I worked my way up to running, a huge victory. Now, I’m running and pushing myself to get faster. While it’s still a struggle to improve my speed, I’m determined to keep going, step by step.

Today, I want to celebrate my success. It’s easy to get caught up in the next goal, the next challenge, but it’s essential to take a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come. I’m thrilled with how today’s run went, and it serves as a reminder that progress is possible, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

I look forward to what comes next and am excited to see where this running journey takes me.

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The Secrets to Improve in Running is Recovery and Embracing Your Strength

Written September 2, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Recently, I’ve noticed that my body hasn’t been recovering as well as I’d like. Over the past few days, I’ve been pushing myself hard, not just with running but also with yard work, and it’s starting to show. One of the more challenging aspects of managing my kidney condition is how it impacts muscle repair. My body doesn’t bounce back as quickly, and the restrictions on my diet certainly play a role. I’m limited in what I can eat, affecting my body’s healing ability. Surprisingly, I’ve adapted pretty well to the dietary limitations—they don’t frustrate me much anymore. But when I push my physical limits, I feel the consequences.

This year, I’ve consciously tried to improve my running pace. I’ve been running for several years, and until last year, I focused on completing 10 km runs. I enjoyed the challenge of reaching that distance, but now I’m shifting my focus. It’s not just about running far anymore; I want to run faster. Since we live in a hilly area, my runs always begin with a significant challenge—a 17-meter elevation gain immediately. I know some runners actively seek out hills for training, but for me, it’s just the reality of running in my neighborhood. There’s no way around it. In a way, I guess we’re fortunate. Others come here specifically to train on hills, but it’s simply part of the landscape for us. Every run starts with a climb, whether I like it or not.

This morning, I was disappointed with my pace. I’ve developed a habit of analyzing my runs and trying to figure out what factors might be impacting my performance. Was it the terrain? Was I more fatigued than I realized? There’s always something to consider. My runner wife often reminds me that discipline is more important than constantly worrying about numbers. She says running is unpredictable, and there can be many factors—weather, how well I’ve slept, stress levels, and even the amount of yard work I’ve done the day before. What matters most is that I don’t give up.

And she’s right. The important thing is that I keep running. No matter what, I’m putting in the effort, ultimately leading to improvement. While it’s easy to get fixated on pace, I know I’ve worked hard, and that’s where the real value lies. The numbers will eventually catch up to the effort. Improvement might come slower than I’d like, and it might not always be smooth. There will be setbacks, and some days will feel like I’m running through mud. But I know I’ll see progress as long as I keep putting one foot before the other.

The pace won’t improve as quickly as I’d hoped, and I may have more days where recovery feels frustratingly slow. But I’m learning that it’s okay. It’s part of the journey. And with consistency, I’ll get there—step by step, day by day.

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It Is So Important To Find Balance Exercise and Health

Written August 24, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I woke up to a familiar but unwelcome sensation—muscle pain. My glutes were exceptionally sore, and I quickly connected the discomfort to yesterday’s yard work. Squatting down repeatedly to pull weeds around the front yard was more of a workout than anticipated. While yard work isn’t typically considered exercise, it was enough to challenge my muscles, and the soreness is a clear sign. However, I like to think of it as a two-for-one deal—I got rid of the weeds and gained some strength along the way.

One of the challenges I face due to my kidney condition is managing my protein intake. Unlike the average healthy male, who can consume about 10% of their weight in protein, I’m restricted to a much lower amount. Protein plays a crucial role in muscle repair, and this limitation can make my recovery slower than I’d prefer. Given my active lifestyle, I know my muscles won’t heal as quickly as they would. Still, I try to strike a balance between staying fit and managing my health restrictions.

Saturdays are typically my day for a 10k run. It’s become a personal ritual I look forward to each week. I especially enjoy seeing my neighbors working on their lawns in the early hours, trying to beat the summer heat. Something is calming about watching them tend to their yards while I’m out for a run. However, today’s run was far from relaxing. The soreness in my muscles made running more difficult. After a few kilometers, I decided to cut the run short. Instead of my usual 10k, I settled for 5k. While it’s not my ideal distance, I felt it was the right decision given the circumstances.

My wife, who also runs, takes a more flexible approach to her training. She adjusts her pace and distance based on how she feels but ensures she gets at least 20 minutes of running, even when she feels off. Her struggles are the opposite of mine—she deals with low heart rate and blood pressure, which can leave her feeling sluggish if she doesn’t get her morning exercise. Though she doesn’t have the same dietary restrictions I do, she’s diligent about counting her calories. I guess everyone has their health challenges to manage.

I’m reasonably satisfied as long as I can get one solid 10k run each month. These runs are essential for building my speed, and I don’t want to miss too many. With some rest, I hope my muscles will heal soon to return to my usual routine.

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Navigating Knee Pain: A Journey of Discovery and Adjustment

Written August 20, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Knee pain is something I never thought I’d be dealing with again—yet here I am. Over the past few days, my right knee has been aching, bringing back memories of a time when this pain was all too familiar. Back in elementary school, I experienced similar discomfort, which was casually dismissed as growing pains. At the time, I didn’t question it much. The pain was mild and sporadic, nothing that seemed worth worrying about. It was just a minor nuisance in the grand scheme of childhood.

Fast forward almost two decades, and I’ve uncovered the real reason behind that persistent pain. This discovery came about most unexpectedly. Ten years ago, I had a stroke, a life-altering event that sent me on a journey through the healthcare system, meeting specialists of all kinds. The stroke itself was a shocking and challenging experience, but what followed was a deep dive into understanding how interconnected our bodies indeed are.

In the months following the stroke, I worked closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including a physiatrist—a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. During these sessions, the issue with my knee came back into focus. My physiotherapist noticed something peculiar about the way I walk. With each step, I tend to extend my right leg more than my left, creating an asymmetrical gait. The source of this pain wasn’t just a harmless quirk but a clue to a deeper issue.

The physiatrist explained that the source of my knee pain was an imbalance in my muscle strength. Specifically, my quadriceps—the muscles on the front of my thigh—are significantly more potent than my gluteal muscles in the buttocks. This disproportionate strength pulls on my femur and the thigh bone, leading to undue stress on the knee joint. Over time, this stress caused a small bony nodule to form on the front of my knee, the very thing that had been causing me pain all those years ago.

This revelation was both enlightening and frustrating. On one hand, it was a relief to understand the root cause of my pain finally. On the other hand, realizing that this issue had likely been present for most of my life—and had gone unaddressed—was disheartening. The knowledge that the pain was linked to something as fundamental as muscle balance made me realize how important it is to maintain a well-rounded approach to physical health.

Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this kind of problem. The damage is done, and I can do little to reverse it entirely. However, I’m not powerless. By incorporating specific exercises into my routine, I can manage the pain and prevent it from worsening. Stretching my quadriceps and strengthening my glutes have become priorities in my workout regimen. These changes won’t just alleviate the pain in my knee; they’ll also contribute to my overall physical well-being.

Adjusting my exercise routine is a small price to pay for long-term health. The experience has reminded me of the importance of paying attention to our bodies’ signals, no matter how subtle they may seem. As I move forward, I’m committed to staying vigilant about my physical health, making the necessary adjustments to keep my body balanced and strong.

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Adapting to a New Running Routine Amidst Summer Storms

Written August 17, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning began like any other. I woke up early, quickly prepared for my daily run, and stepped outside, eager to cover some distance before the day’s responsibilities took over. However, today, there was an urgency: a race against the ominous dark clouds gathering in the sky. I knew a thunderstorm was coming, and I was determined to finish my run before it hit. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t pan out as expected.

Normally, I rely on my weather app to avoid running in storms. I’ve had the misfortune of being caught in a severe thunderstorm before, and I have no desire to repeat it. Running in the rain is one thing; running amidst lightning and thunder is another. As I stepped outside, the sky was an unsettling shade of gray, and the distant rumble of thunder was growing louder. I hesitated and checked my app again. The storm was imminent.

Reluctantly, I decided to delay my run. I wasn’t happy about it—I’ve grown accustomed to running first thing in the morning, and changing that routine always feels like a disruption. But safety comes first. I returned inside, reminding myself that this was just a temporary delay. The storm wasn’t forecasted to last long, and I could resume my run after breakfast.

As I waited, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much my running routine has changed over the past few months. During the summer, I shifted to early morning runs to avoid the heat, but even that routine was being challenged. It’s funny how quickly we adapt to new habits, only to find them disrupted again. I hadn’t planned on changing my schedule today, but I realized it’s a part of life—adapting to what comes our way, even if it’s unexpected.

There’s also the unpredictability of summer storms to consider. Sometimes, they bring a refreshing drop in temperature, making the post-storm air crisp and cool—perfect for running. Other times, they leave behind a suffocating blanket of humidity, making every step feel like a slog. Our last storm did just that, turning the air thick and muggy, far from the relief I was hoping for. Whether a storm will leave the weather better or worse is always a gamble.

As I sat at the table, finishing my breakfast, I rechecked the weather app. The storm was passing, and I felt a sense of relief. I wouldn’t let a bit of bad weather throw me off course. My commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is strong, and I wouldn’t let this minor setback deter me. Most importantly, I would get my run in today, even if it wasn’t at my usual time.

When I finally stepped outside again, the air was cooler, and the clouds began to part. I set off on my run, grateful I hadn’t let the storm ruin my day. Life is full of unexpected challenges, but with some flexibility and determination, we can keep moving forward—one step at a time.