The Quest #2: Revival Time
The Quest #2
I have an upcoming half-marathon in 6 weeks but I didn't run a single step this month. Yikes.
That said, I ain't never gonna stop. I will run this race, even if I finish last, even if it kills me, even if I get scared by the pace gun going off and poop my pants in the first thirty seconds of the race.
August 7th to September 3rd, 2023
Runs: 0
Most Recent Run: 9/01/2023 (today)
Race Date: 10/14/2023, 43 days to go
Yoga Sessions: 29
Longest Session: 36 minutes
Average Session: 16 minutes
Most Recent Session: 9/01/2023
Lift Sessions: 4
Most Recent Session: 8/18/2023
Latest Stats:
Photos
Here's a collection of pictures from this month.
Training Log
August 7th, 2023
Refined the goals for this project and getting a better sense of the road map. Will have to tweak the homepage and a few other things but it's coming together. Been really dragging my ass on running workouts though - so darn hot during the middle of day and my motivation runs dry by the time it finally cools down after 7PM. But this is important to me so I need to think through a solution. What I've found is doing laps at the school track after sunset is a good way to burn calories late and then I can hop into the shower from there. But I'll admit this is aspirational than actual, I've only done it a few times.
Almost out of my allergy medication again. Going home in a few days as well. Feeling nervous about seeing old friends again but I'm going to use this anxious energy to make my time at home productive and use that momentum to come back and keep pushing forward. Feeling like pulling a couple all-nighters to bang out this work. Of course that's not healthy but it is a way to get shit done.
But I digress. I've been biking a lot - 5+ miles, 30+ minutes. Let that be my cardio for now. Today's Monday, so I figure I can get either a good lift or bike ride in today.
August 9th, 2023
Back home. Feels alright. But the air is cooler than Texas so going on a casual stroll during the day isn't completely deranged. Though this little withdrawal moment is painful to be honest. It's more mental than physical though. It feels like my senses are coming alive and that is overwhelming versus me writhing on the ground in withdrawal agony. Externally I'm giving irritable and on edge.
The way I would describe the feeling of senses 'coming online' is that my field of perception expands and I'm able to take in way more information. Like the camera lens zooms out to capture more of the scene. Normal shit, like looking people in the eye or picking up on their emotional state. Been so long that it feels brand new, which is pathetic.
I've been reflecting on the root of my problem - it's fear. A lack of courage to handle in any situation and the discipline to rise and meet the challenge. There were moments in my life that I was courageous of course, but generally speaking I've been fearful and avoidant for most of my existence.
August 10th, 2023
Good 18-minute yoga session this morning. Though when I drank coffee this morning, just half a cup, I was completely wired. Couldn't sit down long enough to finish this sentence in one go. I can see why green tea is used as a weak stimulant for people trying to meditative. Too much caffeine and the thoughts come through like a freight train.
When I had the coffee, I thought "I need more." And that's the issue - I love the state change that my body goes through, so the hunger for more comes with the first sip.
August 14th, 2023
Crazy few days back home but it's been a mental recharge. New ideas for this project and I've finally signed up for my first race - 13.1 miles, a trail half-marathon! It's October 14th. Terrified but ready to kick butt. It's about 10 weeks of training that I can get in.
Being home, connecting with friends and family - it reminded me that I'm in this fight not just for myself, but for the people in my life that have supported me and lifted me up throughout this entire journey. I have to keep fighting and keep pushing for them. The most important thing I can do now is figure out how I can make my home office the ultimate place to work and thrive. That's #1 priority. Use your energy to be great!!
August 15th, 2023
Good yoga session this morning - 18 minutes of 'advanced' ashtanga yoga using the Down Dog Yoga app. I'm trying to get an hour under my belt before I hit up a class, I don't want to be the one collapsing 30 minutes in. You do lose it if you don't lose it, my cardio and functional strength are being built from the ground up again.
More clarity throughout the day which is good. Still figuring out the best use of my energy throughout the day, but I do feel that I'm on the right track.
Been reading Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang and it's a great read. It's helped build my confidence about this project. It's raw insight on what made this guy who he is; the good and bad of it all. And despite the bad, it's his drive and determination that let him carve his own path in this world.
August 16th, 2023
Great lift session yesterday, also got a good bike ride in. Still haven't run yet lol and I've got 8 weeks to go before the big day. Come hell or high water I'm running that damn race. Just need to find the sweet spot to train - maybe 7pm?
August 18th, 2023
Great breakthroughs on editing the 'About' page. Had some ideas on the logo a bit as well. Strong yoga session too - 18 minutes. The 'longer' sessions don't feel as long lately. And there's a sequence in the middle, triangle pose and a few other moves, that I used to resent at first but now get through without struggle.
I am a bit nervous to be honest about staying good though, the weekend is fast approaching and I feel that dog in me. Every time I make some good progress, I feel like, 'oh I could handle it, just a little dip in the river'. But I don't want to start over again. I'm not going to dwell on the thoughts and just keep pushing forward.
More reading of Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang. He's a great writer and honestly it's the first book that's gotten me excited about cooking. I've always respected cooking but it's not something I did. My excuse: why learn to cook when there's incredible food on every block, in every borough and yes...even Long Island. But his descriptions of the industry, his raw and honest perspective on what it means to be the child of immigrants, the craftsmanship of creating create dishes, merging flavors and perspectives together - all of it felt so incredible and so inspiring.
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