W1D3 // Compromise

   

    Week 1 is officially complete but I decided that I would repeat it until I can complete the sessions comfortably. Today was really good because I completed nearly all the 60 second running periods but I was still fighting for breath at the end of each. I figure by next week I will be more comfortable completing the sessions and then I can increase the times I spend running. 

     I noticed that I'm starting to develop a running style, whereas before I had no idea how far to move my feet or how to land on them. I'm also not as concerned about other people in the park, I concentrate on the sky or the path, which helps me. Another thing is that I made the realization that the first time I tried running I was really self-conscious about how I was puffing and wheezing and would suppress myself, which meant I was getting less oxygen than my body needed; now, I switched the way I looked at it, I control my breathing so I can get as much oxygen as possible... Sure, I breathe heavily and I don't sound like the athlete I want to be, but everyone has to start somewhere and I'm sure they (at one point) sounded like me. 

     Last thing I wanted to mention is the inner struggle I'm having these days. Lately, mp3 players caught my attention and my consumerist side is convinced that if I buy a nice mp3 (not the 1 Gb cheap-o that I have) I'll turn into a marathon runner. Of course, that is not true, the only way I can turn into a marathon runner is by training, says my rational side. So I came up with a solution to satisfy my cravings and my better judgement: complete the Couch-to-5K program and then buy myself whatever I want, which would be either a tablet or an mp3. Its the perfect motivation to complete the program and will give me time to save up for whatever I may choose to buy. I'm a firm believer in the reward system and if you are doing this program with me, or some other challenge, definitely consider doing something like that. 

Cup By Cup

   

     First, I'd just like to applaud all the Muslims and non-Muslims of the world that are currently fasting this month. I was only able to go a day without food and water and haven't fasted since the first day. It is extremely hot this month, the days are long and I'm a complete novice when it comes to Ramadan. The month isn't over and I intend on fasting as many more days as I can. The days I miss I intend on making them up when I can, preferably when I'm not inundated in school work, final exams and papers. Also, I need to figure out how to not completely gorge on food at the end of the fast.
     While I'm not fasting, I decided to initiate a different experiment: to use the same disposable Subway's coffee cup (16oz?) for a whole week. Why? Well lately I've been frequenting fast-food joints and every time I'm extremely aware of all the trash one visit generates (i.e. paper bag, wrappers, napkins, sauce packets, straw and cup, plastic bag, etc.) and am left feeling extremely guilty. One morning at Subway, after eating my sandwich I looked at my paper coffee cup (with insulating holder), and remembered something about a man in a Buddhist retreat reusing one cup the whole week. While I don't remember what the point was about the little experiment, I do know that extending the life of this disposable paper cup would lessen the impact on the planet than if I were to simply throw it away on my way out. According to Clean Air Council the average American office employee uses about 500 disposable cups a year and "throw[s] away enough paper and plastic cups, forks, and spoons to circle the equator 300 times..." - gross. People ridicule environmentalists, calling them worry worts and that such thing, but if you analyze how much garbage we produce, its dizzying. Instead of carrying around a water bottle we're using countless tons of resources for these disposable cups we use once in our life and then we simply throw them away where they end up in a huge pile at a dump site and do not biodegrade properly, seep toxins into the aquifers, land and air and surround areas.... its unnecessary destruction.    
     I adore restaurants that use re-usable plates, silverware, cups because they know they save money by not having to spend every month hundreds on the disposable alternatives, they create jobs by having to hire someone to collect and clean all the dirty dishes, and they ultimately help the environment (whether they are aware of it or not). I think more restaurants, homes, offices, etc. should adopt this characteristic.
     I think the point we have to learn is that we need to become more aware of our actions/decisions/traditions and the impact they have on the rest of the world. As Gandhi said, "be the change you want to see in the world" - I'm trying.

My heart is an octopus.

     My heart is an octopus because I feel like I have various arms reaching out to grab several things at once. Trying to achieve one goal is hard enough as it is, so imagine trying to shoot for several things at once. I want...

• To be a full-time vegetarian.
• To run.
• To cycle long distances.
• To get good grades on all my classes.
• To take care of unfinished business. 
• To write poetry/stories. 
• To practice yoga. 
• To meditate.
• To read 28 more books by the end of the year.
• To save up money.

I'm going to have to seriously time-manage to fit all of this into my day. Come to think of it, I can do a few of these at once. I can listen to audio books as I work out and drive to and fro work. I can also rotate days to work on running/cycling/yoga... ugh... like I said, its going to take some serious time-management. I definitely think I need to start waking up earlier its just I'm so tired if I go to bed at 12 and have to wake up at 5.

I have started meal planning in an attempt to save money, use all of the food in my house so none of it goes bad, and to save myself the stress that comes from being torn between arriving to work early or making lunch.

Though, I must admit, as much as I complain, its nice to have these goals and be working towards them. Looking back at my high school life I don't remember having any goals except getting good grades in all my classes...and I was so unsatisfied. I feel all my current endeavors better me as a person and are really fun as I feel my way through the learning process.

Oh, next month its going to be interesting because I'm going to participate in Ramadan. THAT will be quite the monkey wrench.

Anyways, I have to get back to work. Writing for the day? Complete. :)