Here I Go for a Second Round....

9 months ago | Jen Ji: Why do i do what i do?

It’s been awhile since I wrote in here, a solid 6 months gap from the day before my first marathon in 2010. Here I am, planting a stake in the ground, making a public declaration that I will be lacing up for my second tour of marathon running in October 2011 in the windy city of Chicago.

This post is 80% of the battle. The mental and public declaration of intent. The last 20% comes when the body responds to the commitment and begins the training plan This time around, it won’t just be about finishing, but finishing with style, grace and taking some kick a$$ photos along the way.

So heres to the those who are foolish enough to keep at it and go back for the second round....I toast to you.

26.2 steps to shedding your doubts

over 1 year ago | Jen Ji: Why do i do what i do?

I went to the expo today to pick up my bib and goody bag for the marathon and and there is a huge clever poster, we shall examine it now:

Mile: (Turn by turn direction, my favorite highlighted in green)
1 - Start running
2 - Keep running
3 - Don’t worry, the race isn’t all bridges
4 - Don’t look at your watch
5 - Keep the faith
6 - Hydrate
7 - Remember, you paid good money to run
8 - enjoy the Bishop Laughlin Band
9 - Find a running partner
10 - Make sure your partner isn’t an elite runner
11- Savor the downhill leg
12- Don’t eat blintzes while you run
13 - You’re halfway home, woohoo!
14 - Pace yourself
15 - Enjoy the Manhattan skyline
16 - Feed off the raucous crowd
17 - Ignore your aching legs
18 - Watch out for banana peels
19 - Don’t stop for pizza
20 - Stop thinking about pizza
21 - Imagine all the calories you’ve burned
22 - Don’t window shop
23 - Visualize the finish line
24 - Take in the Central Park scenery
25- Listen to the cheers from the finish line
26.2 - Stop running, you did it!

Long road to the ING

over 1 year ago | Jen Ji: Why do i do what i do?

2010 momentum has been building since 2009. Ever since I did not get the lottery for 2010 NYC Half Marathon, that lead me to register the More Magazine half marathon. On an off chance, at a small presentation at work, I got an offer to run the ING free of charge and lottery.

I can’t say it’s always been a dream of mine, because it hasn’t. But life is mysterious in many ways and allows us to grow in ways unimaginable.

Running and training for this marathon has not just built up my physical fitness, (although I’m sad to report that I have not lost ANY weight), but rather it’s been more about mental toughness.

So I’m excited to see how it’ll all play out.

Food and Love

over 1 year ago | Jen Ji: Why do i do what i do?

I’m so humbled and honored to have spent time with my family for my grandpa’s 90th birthday. It’s worth all the time flying to Beijing, only 3 weeks before my marathon. The monkey wrench isn’t what a first-timer marathoner needs but I toughed it out and was rewarded handsomely by the love of family.

HTS Beijing office and 90 minutes Yoga

over 1 year ago | Jen Ji: Why do i do what i do?

Just to be sure all the money was going to a good cause, I stopped by the HTS Foundation Beijing office to meet the special needs coordinator, Crystal, who is also interested in running.

I loved the office and and it is light and airy. The staffers welcomed me and we chatted about what it’s like working for a charity and the work they do. I enjoyed the afternoon which ended with a 90 minute yoga session in the office.

Who knew contributing to a good cause to charity is good for the mind, body and soul! :)