Post Lunar New Year Updates...

January came and went just like that...

We went to the Roots concert at the Melon AX. After the concert was over, I got/stole/fought a guy for one of the signed drumsticks. Long story short, I got it.

Instead of spending new years in Hong Kong like I wanted, I spent it in Seoul with the co-workers. We rented a room at the Shilla Hotel and spent the day at the sauna...

What else...the pre-schoolers went to Seoul Land for our January Field Trip. The instructor for the "magic" show was extremely disturbing. I wondered why we wasted so much time...I just wondered why a lot that day.

Marathon training continues on and as we near the February stretch of the schedule, Judy and I are already thinking about the Jeju Marathon in June. I think it will be somewhat like the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii only it's not an ironman triathlong and it's in Korea. Regardless, we are upping our stakes and looking for further running challenges.

This morning, I had one of the worse runs thus far. My left foot cramped up and it felt like I was running with a log for a leg. Definitely not what I expected but important to experience for race day.

What else...it snowed more over the weekend. The city shut down and for awhile, it was peaceful and calm.

More to come as new changes continue to unfold around here...smell ya later.

Update: Marathon Training

Our training for the Seoul International Marathon has been inconsistent but injury-free (knock on wood).

Yesterday, Judy and I ran for two hours, which was nice because up to this point, I have never ran for longer than an hour and a half. The two hour run was also made easier by the snow on the ground. But towards the latter half of the run, we were running on slush, which sucked because it was so slippery.

I also got a new pair of running shoes with Judy that evening. We trekked our way to Lotte Mart and had some fun with the Laneige counter and some blankets that we never purchased. Judy says she always runs in Asics, so I got the same pair that she has but in pink. I couldn't wear them for my long run, but cross-training, here I come!









I'm learning to be more consistent with my runs and to eat more healthfully...drinking lots of water. As such, my lifestyle here in Anyang is changing...I think I go to bed earlier and I am making decisions that are healthy for my training. I'm thinking about the finish line more than the temporary high of going out and spending it with other people. It's hard to make this trade-off because these people aren't always going to be around...but really, I would appreciate the marathon goal more. I'd like to think if they were really good friends, they would still be there after all the training.

But yeah *sigh* we ran a half marathon this weekend! *FIGHTING*

Next weekend, we're gonna run for two and a half hours. *ADD GAS!* hahaha

Hope you all have a wonderful Lunar New Year! Happy Chinese New Year :)

H.

Rest Day...

There was no second hike today...very tired. Slept. And stretched out. Tomorrow is our two hour run...let you know how that goes when I return alive.

Hiking Club - Hike #1 at Yongbongsan

Judy looked into hiking around Korea and came across the Seoul International Hiking Club. Our first hike was at Yongbongsan.

I have no idea where and which province that's in because I fell asleep as soon as the bus started...so yeah, look it up for me. In the meantime, here are some photos.

Our next hike is tomorrow...the name of it...I don't know. That sentence was written in Korean grammar. I don't apologize. It makes life here easier.

Hope you are doing well wherever you are hiking/running...

H.

Shina's Sweet 7th but really 6th Birthday Party

Around here somewhere in Preschool jungle-land, celebrating birthdays are a big deal. Today, Shina celebrated her 7th but really 6th birthday.

Here are some post-worthy photos for your eyes only:

Nicole Teacher with Shina (dressed in hanbok)

Shina is shy in the spotlight

Shina with the rest of the Penguins

As shown, Shina is thoughtful and intelligent.
She has this kind of gracefulness that will transcend and help her achieve many new and exciting things...
She is my lovely sunshine.

The Girls: a non-fighting moment

When I first arrived, I was fairly skeptical about these birthday parties...they seemed tacky and annoying to sit through, but now...six months into this crazy adventure, these birthday parties are looked forward to, counted down daily during morning routine, loved and cherished.


She is my sunshine.