Extended

Second trip to Taipei and this year isn't even a month old. Oh well, I'm trying to be a good person this year so I won't let my hard headed ways get in the way of these surprise trips. You just have to make do with what life throws at you. On the bright side, it did give us a big leap in this year's closing cycle. Finishing touches next week.

Running training is really something I never expected that would yield such wonderful results given my mild-mannered ways. A few months ago, I just took the leap and entered a program and now I'm close to my sub-60 goal, finished a 15K run at a decent pace and has been nearing my ideal weight. Even if there has been some nagging injuries as of late, I'll be extending my training for another 3 months. I always thought that there are some limitations at what I can do in terms of physical activities but I'm being surprised by the day. It's a difficult path I choose but I love the active lifestyle.

Had to chance to run at Taipei Botanical Garden to do my weekend run. It was a slow 5K but a damn challenging one. Shifting terrains, cold weather, three-layers heavy of clothes and low gps signal because of the cloudy athmosphere. I felt my GPS watch was still translating the street signs that it felt like I'm being timed slower. It was a cool experience and appreciate the lake-side view and being able to even past the walkway in the middle of the lake as part of the run. It's good to survive the cold weather as I'm no longer built for the cold weather.

I wonder how long I can pursue this fast-paced lifestyle. Being here, there and everywhere but I'd like to see it more as a challenge. I want to do well at work and at the same time be able to do the run training and when there is more time go back to travel and even boxing. Being busy must be a nice therapy as it gives you whine about life's complication. This is how I choose to be - having a difficult time making all ends meet yet still having the time of my life. Work hard and play hard at its finest.

I'd be glad to be in the Manila heat shortly. I have to get back for race preps as it would be another major race next week. It will be an easier time at work with less distractions as some powers that be would be enjoying their Chinese New Year and I'll be enjoying some peace and a chance to finish of the yearend issues and then I'll be ready for finer times once again and a chance to plot out the next course of action.

I always want to think about the next step to take as soon as the smokes of battle clears out. It would be easier to move on when everything is all settled. No need to look back and say what if. Once I get to my comfort zone, it would be a better time to take the leap of fate. There would be a time for that but as of now, my time of living life in the has and busy lane has been extended.

Possibilities are Endless

The year has taken off at a rocket pace and amidst the business trips, the longer runs, the torturous training, the muscle pains, the athletic massage, the races, the yearend problem solving, never-ending meetings, secret missions, issues management, funding activities, plant visits, get-together and the stress that comes with a busy schedule, I have rarely been able to visit or update this pages. It may be a good thing. More time on letting events unfold and less time synthesizing them. What a busy life!!!

I'm tired and worn-out but I'm loving it. I'm 2 minutes of my sub 60 goal and was able to run my longest run at 15K yesterday. I've gone a long way from someone who struggled at completing a 5K run. Training has really paid off and it was worth all the time and effort put into it and you get a leaner frame and a healthier physique as a bonus. It's nice to do well in a different arena. Now, I'm thinking of going for another 3-month program though I still have to think of a new goal and I might as well give my muscles some time to recover after the major runs. One thing for sure, I'd still be lacing my running shoes and hitting the roads. Possibilities are endless.

Odds has never been fair at this time of year but I won't let the odds keep me from pursuing what I am meant to do and accomplish. No matter how much it piles up what matters is that at the end of the day those odds are surpassed and a new day begins. It's been a series of hits and misses. You get a productive meeting in Taipei to come back and face several system problems and report delays. Oh well, you can't win all the battles but problems are meant to be solved. It will just take more hard work to reach a resolution.

I always say that things are getting to get tougher and almost always it holds true. I guess it's just that we all move on to the next level and that's what next levels are for to give you new challenges that are far harder to surpass. While there are limitations at what we can do, we'll never know them unless we give it a big hard try. Honestly, I don't how each day would unfold or some riddles would unravel but somehow they always do. However things turn out the only regret we'll have are those born out of the choices we don't own up to. I personally don't want to live in regrets. Sure there may be some significant swings or endings that I hope would have turned out differently but I'll take what I can get and no matter how many times I'll turn back time, I'll let all those cycle run its course knowing that the variable item in this equation is the future we have yet to write. And as I said earlier, possibilities are endless.

Intense

I'm now into the intense part of my running training with increased speed and distance each week. I just hope I have what it takes to get past the next few weeks without getting injured. It does come at an intense period - year end closing. Great!!! I've just increased the odds of not surviving but I don't want to live by excuses so its a go for multi-tasking. Time to step up training and work mode!!! How? I have no idea but lucky for me the future comes one day at a time so I'll find a way somehow.

I've come to accept that my life is one busy mess and I'm done with laid back modes so just bring it. I won't back down on life's challenges... Not now... Not this time... and hopefully, Not ever... The best part about being busy is that you get to prioritize. You learn to know what matters and what does not. You get lesser and lesser time to whine or to entertain whiners. And it sure beats just lazing around waiting for life's blessings to come. Good things come to those who strive in life.

It goes a lot crazier in the days to come. I have to prepare for meetings... Resume my training... Meet Some Friends... Join an International Marathon in Subic... Take midnight flight to Taipei... Meetings... Meetings... Meetings... and Fly back early dawn to Manila and that all happens in a span of 5 days... and that's just the beginning... It's gonna be deadline chasing time after that while chasing my sub 60 running goal.

The year has taken off at such an accelerated pace which does contradict how I entered 2011... sound asleep... Oh well, No holding back on life anymore.... It's a GO GO GO for 2011. Positive things come from positive thoughts so I'd rather spend my energy on things that can make me better. Good times will come, I may not know when but I know it will and I'll patiently wait for the better days to come. It happened a year ago and fingers crossed, it could happen again... =>