Tag: newyear

Happy New year – It is that time again to think up on resolutions

The idea I had last year was from a bible verse “knock and the door would open.” I did not blog about it in my Jan 1 resolution post (2023), but however, this has been on my mind through out the year. I was expecting some big thing.

We could go into active seeking vs passive. However, sometimes problems are so great that there is no clear way forward. I had a bunch of those that had no apparent solutions.

So what to do? With some, I put them aside. Some, I keep them in mind into the wish catagory. From time to time, I play with them. A few, I put them into the just-try category.

Actually this has been ongoing for the past few years as I have challenged myself to exceed beyond my own fense I put up in terms of goals.

I like to set goals where I could reach. In a marathon, we were taught/advised to set A, B, and C goals. A is like super challenging, like for me it run a 4:20 marathon time. B goal is a bit easier, usually 4:30 time, and C goal is to beat the 5:00 pacer. I usually 99% would set only C goals. I love C goals a lot. B goals are very hard for me, I usually reach it once a year. A goals are like century goal, like once in 10 years. I don’t like A goal that much nor even B goal, because I always end up feeling disappointed. What I did not mention is always want to run a sub-3 marathon, but realistically, reaching below 4:20 is my current ability.

Anyway, each year when I set goals in January, I tend to lower my expectations a bit each year and pick goals I likely could do. So I made a resolution a few years ago to pick one or two goals that I have only 50% in finishing, meaning 50% of failure. I actually was more conservative in choosing goals that is like 20-30% outside my comfort zone instead of 50%.

One of those goals was running the Massanutten Mountain and Rim to River 100. Rim to River, by chance or some amazing favor from above, I finished, but Massanutten, it took me two tries! At least, I could write about it now, however, the first time I did not finish, I was crushed! I am writing this to remind me, it is okay when I don’t reach my goal. I can try again. At least, it was only two tries. I know a friend or two who had multiple tries at some races (Devil Dog 6 times before finally succeeded, Vermont 12 times, and Massanutten, 4 times, and still trying).

Anyway, back to the point, one of most uplifting things happened to me, is I actually got lucky in 2023, in getting into Western States 100. This is like S++ goal, way beyond A rank goals.

Why this weird ranking system? no idea. I got them from anime. S, A, B, C,…, S is always the highest.

Getting into Western States changed everything for 2024! A big change. A life change. I did not actively seek to get into WS before this. In fact, Western States was never on my list a race to run. I know it was an impossibility. But now I got in, it changes everything.

I would have to train for it. Initially, I decided not to do it, bit then why not give a try. At least I can then say I try. Now it is to train hard at every waking hour. I would have to start “envision” and believing in myself of being able to finish this race. It is very hard. Everything I read indicate as such. It will be the hardest run I will ever attempt. But isn’t life full of these stuffs? It definitely pushes me outside my comfort zone.

After so many words, my resolutions for 2024

• 2024.001 to train well for western states (WSER)
• 2024.002 eating healthy/clean food and sleeping well
• 2024.003 work on running faster

I know they are a bit vague compares to years past

I need to work on better planning. This year, especially the second half, I felt I was suck inside a whirlwind. It was so busy, I hardly have time to think or plan.

Annapurna trip and mexico trip were put on back burner even though it was on my resolution last year. I sat down once to do some planning but didn’t follow up.

Now, my 50 states goal also needs a sit-down session to plan out them better. I felt like 2024 would put a brake on my 50 states for the time being. No more trying to visit 5 more states. I am on state 15. Five more states would push me to 20. I want to reach halfway soon.

–Resolve to look at the big picture. Because last year was so busy, I hardly have time to step back to look at what am I trying to accomplish. I might have lost sight of the end goal by focusing on the details. I need to ask what am I trying to accomplish again

–Facing fears. I like to avoid pain/etc like any ordinary being. Yet, I should not avoid the hard stuff. This is probably my number 1 goal (resolution 23.001). This was also a key phrase of 2023.

A few years ago, I set the vision of willing to live in a different country when I retire. It means to pick up on new languages now (asian, like thai, or tagalog, chinese, korean and japanese). I need to make an effort in that direction of not talking the talk but also walking the walk. Also, got to ask myself, how comfortable am I in living in a totally strange culture. I haven’t done any of these stuffs in 2023 except watching a bunch of videos.

Also, I wrote about being financial independent. This always brings a lot of fears. As long as I have a job, money is not a problem. I expect I could reach “singularity” (point of self sustaining/target) when I retire in 25 ish years. I wrote about being have two other streams of incomes. One is passive incomes such as streaming (making videos) or doing some craft work or even blogging, income from my hobbies. I need to learn to monetize my hobbies. Second is investment. I had not make progress in these two areas in 2023. If I am serious about FI/RE goal (financial idependent/Retiring Early) then I must push myself to spend more time on familarize myself with all the investment stuff. The idea is I need money now so I could do the things I want to do while I still have the energy to do them. FI is very important and urgent goal. There is no point in running marathons when I am 65 because I no longer could run as fast as I am today! That is the tradeoff: time vs opportunity and money. Money I could get any time but time/opportunity only comes around once. Yet, I am fearful of giving up my comfortable living. They say don’t shake the boat. (2022-2023, I didn’t do much on this front except getting started with Roth, which I think was a huge step).

There was probably a reason I did not start last year with resolution 2023.001 last year because I might have a secret agenda. However, since I didn’t write it down, I don’t remember what it was! However, I think this goal was reached! I had one of most fulfilling year (2023) in recent history not just in running but in everything. I know, I am hinting again.

Lastly, I might have written about this. I like to do this from time to time to ask myself can I think of the most creative way in completing on one of my goals. This is to look at things outside the box. I need to do this more often especially for my hardest goal, and for 2024. I need to ask myself how can I do things differently in an unexpected way! Say how can I run across the US without quitting my job? Have a double! kidding. A more realistic approach is to have sponsorship. But ideas like these are a goldmine to get thinking started how if any a better way of reaching my goals. Conventional ways are okay too, but sometimes it pays to be a bit unconventional. If a goal is so important, it does not matter the means as long as the goal is accomplished.

conclusion/outake. I need to have a clearer vision for 2024. Not so much to have a checkbox so by next year I can say I did it. I need a way to continually pushing myself forward and improve to be a better person.

New Year Resolutions / What I want for Christmas

Time goes by so fast. Couple months ago, I was training life-and-death for my biggest race at the time. I was in a rock and a hard place…due to many things coming together at the same time. Of course, I could just walk away and not run it. But the thought though was I’d rather run and suffer (or die trying) than not running it. Indeed it could have been bad.

I did come away with a bit of pain. I am not sure if my legs would ever recover – at least any time soon without going through PT sessions.

I was always a bit psychotic – extreme so to speak. I had to look up. Yes, I think I am a bit crazy. Now I am sitting in the comfy of my home, and happy I did it. There were so much happened between then. I did several other races. Wrote up reports on those.

Every year between October to December, I lumped these months into one giant blob.

I never really get around to asking what I want for Christmas. This year, it was a new computer. I reached a lot of personal goals. Yes, a lot of the goals were limited by my financial condition…like buying a fast bike. I held that off for a few years because money was not there. This year I actually could affort it finally! However, I did not go and purchase it, because I haven’t biked for nearly two years.

For those who know me, I shop around a lot exploring all options, but in the end I usually don’t get anything (due to cost). Window shopping is my thing.

I didn’t buy my bike or the computer. That was a long digression. Kinda. I had enough time to think on what I want, no not just the computer by something bigger.

Resolution:

1. run more. Run first thing in the morning
2. run faster. 4:15 marathon…is that faster than last year?
3. run farther
4. run longer
5. be more organized

My resolution is different from last year or the year before. I am circling around the topic. Actually I wanted to have a blog post on identity.

After 5 years of running, and in my 6th year now, my identity is tied to my running. If anything, I want to be identify as one who runs. Maybe now it is time for a rebranding: to man who travels.

I actually don’t want to announce my goals or resolutions. Firstly, I read, once you announce your goals, it is twice as hard in getting them done because there is ton of blockers, trying to derail your plan. Second, I have not worked out the details. Third, I am a bit shy to share my goals to the world.

My mom recent illness really helped me to clarify if I really want to pursuit my goals. During that time, I have been called selfish. It hit hard but I came away accepting the label. I am willing to achieve my goals above all else. My mom did not really get mad at me but she did mention later that my goal has to be balanced out with the needs of those around me. The answer is definitely yes I want to go for crazier goal in view of all that happened. TL;DR…I thought running 100 miles was crazy, I am ready for crazier thing.

I might have flirted with the idea of hiking the appalachian trail or running across America or even traveling around the world. I have been and still is pushing it toward some distance future. What I want to say is, it is a step closer to reality today than six months ago.

The issue has been how crazy can I get to do it. Now I think I am crazy enough to go for it. Why I am saying it is crazy? Because it requires a step of faith — like the bibical Abraham to leave his father’s house and go to a country he knew not. I am no Abraham. I don’t hear voices telling me to leave, but I am more convicted to leave now than six months ago.

My biggest hold is and has been safety (financial security) at where I am now and it will definitely will scale if I don’t do anything crazy.

The idea always have been make enough money then leave. It is the concept called Financial Independent F* Money. At least to have a way so I can come back and still have a job or some way to earn a living (like video blogging). It is always down to money, right? If we have enough money then we don’t have to work. I did some calculation – the only way I don’t have to work is when I retire at old age. I don’t have enough now to retire early. So basically I can’t do it in a conventional sense. For most people, the story ends here. Only way is to be unconventionally. Luckily, there are a few people who did just that and I can follow their footsteps (e.g. Cycling Jin – UniverseWithMe, who biked around the world the last 7-8 years and started out with literally nothing).

I guess the biggest hurdle is always trying to convince myself.

Have I mentioned before? I am thinking of retiring to a different country to a place that has a lower cost of living. How is this related? Well I plan to use the years remaining to visit those countries I plan to retire to. I have not fully thought out the idea yet, but yes there are a few youtube channels on this topic. Not trying to convince any one else or whether it is smart. It is something I want to do.

It is a new year and some years I really looked forward to doing New Year Resolutions but the last couple years I have been lazy/avoiding them.

Maybe because it is facing the reality that they are so hard to do! There are easy stuffs but then there are impossible dreams I want and well they end up being impossible.

2019 was the year I acually sat down and wrote out a bit of resolutions and I have on and off referred back to them last year. I might have grown out of them this year.

Not in any particular order. About eating well…I finally stopped eating out much. I used to ate out 2/3 times of all my meal (yes even breakfast sometimes). Now it is usually only once meal a week. I could do better. Not about eating out, but about my choices. I am still eating a lot of processed food. I need to get on fresh fruits/vegetable diet. 2019 was the year I had high cholesterol count in my body. It is probably still high. (I avoided having a physical last year, but can I deny the reality this year?) This is proven to lead to an early death from cardio-pulmonary disease unless I do something about it. I am considered the high risk population with family history of this disease. I refused to go on medication at the time. I said I had to look into it, such as rhe risk of medication side effects (liver damage) versus risk of the disease. The brief medical survey I did, then to favor medication path. Well two years now, I think I need to make a decision soon.

I was led to thinking about this after coming across statistics on mortality. Life expectancy is 78 for people in the US. Men are a few years lower and women are a few years higher.

Retirement age is between 65-67. Some are retiring a few years earlier. I am still have quite to go before retirement. However, time flows fast. I was just thinking a few years ago I started running. How many more years can I do it. I have been filling up my schedule for next couple years with races. Of course I hope to run all fifty states in the US. I have done 7 so far.

I am rushing to reach my life goal before I am weaken. Sure there are people who are still physically strong into their 50s and 60s. I hope I will still be strong but I am a person who don’t count my chickens before they hatch. I am trying to do as much as I can while I still have the strength.

One of my resolutions in 2019 was to buy a bike. At this moment in life, I can finally could afford one. Money has been tight for the last two years. Spending money on a “good” bike was out of the question. I was at the lowest fund at beginning of 2020 and now I have more than I ever had. Sure I could afford a bike or two. Getting a new bike is no longer the priority. With more money saved, means more new goals.

I wanted to go on a trip this year, like some where far, like Sydney. This is not new per se but now it it moved from impossible to possible. I was there in Sydney maybe 10 years ago. Amazing how time has flied. I wanted to go back this time to run a marathon. Sydney is not the only place. I wrote about Ireland/Vietnam/Hong Kong too are my list of choices. Doing all is impossible but to do one is very likely. Not this year though (my race schedule is nearly full). Winter Olympic in China is not too far away on the horizon (not to run but to see). I might go there. I haven’t finalized the plan yet. These are just ideas.

On my bucket list is to do the Rim-to-rim-to-rim (R2R2R) of the Grand Canyon. I visited this place back in 2018 and 2019. This morning I looked at it again and finally it is feasible. In 2019 it was a dream at the time. The trail across and back is only 50 miles. I can do it in a day, not a problem after I ran multiple 50 milers. I plan to see if I can get two or three other people in doing this with me either next year or the year after. Yes, I am no longer fearful of running a 50 miler.

Friends. I made couple friends along the way in 2019 and 2020. I am not a popular person. I mostly kept to myself. But 2020 has been great. Friendship happened in accident. In school and work too right, you do social mixers and all, but mostly friendship or people met are usually on a superficial level. It is quite hard to met good friends. I don’t even know how to think about this…people without other agendas. I love my running friends. Given I am a runner, hence running friends, but that is not always true. Runners too have their own what-evers. I mentioned a few races I did – how in our areas people are usually quiet, possibly from their position in the government, that they are not too forthcoming in mixing with people or as friendly. I considered blessed to have couple of good friends made in 2020.

Lastly, camping/outdoor trips. I didn’t fare much. I did in 2019 and 2020 went to camping at least once by myself. 2020 was not a legit camping trip because I slept inside my truck (Wild Oak trip) – was too tired to hike to site to camp after a 50+ miles run. I consider this goal unmet. I did planned couple trips by myself – the WTF trip and the Bull Run Occoquan trip. I enjoyed it. They were challenging. I wrote about it in couple entries back.

For 2021 I haven’t set any resolution yet. It is likely a redo of 2020. Most of my runs are redos, that is, instead of virtual runs I hope to run in-person races. But if I think of any resolution, I will write them down, so 2021 won’t be a lost year. Boys we are going to run it back! Yes one resolution is definitely camping – say go to West Virginia and camp. Worlds End trip is a high possibility too.

There will be another looking back entry once I reach Day 400, whether it will be in a few days or in a week, we will see.