Saving Face

Today I had a nice long walk. I intended it to be a run, but I think I'm expecting a lot more from myself than I should be at this point. In total I ran about 2 km and walked 8 km. I did 10 km in an hour and a half. Not good...

My goals for this week are:

- Do something active for atleast 45 min each day (soccer on Tuesdays, walking to and from work, and run/walks)

-Stop eating so late.

I have to also stop expecting to be a marathoner after 4 weeks of being active. Lets be realistic here... It is just an accomplishment to get out there and shake my a$$ on the pavement HAHA

I also experienced my first "Saving Face" moment. I was walking along the river and there were maybe 10 older women on bicycles. I don't really know how this happened but I think the ajumma stopped to take a look and swerved her bike ---and complete slow motion almost fell, then completely fell off her bike. I ran to help her and was surprised that the other women were letting her get up on her bike by herself saying "Its ok" in Korean. I put her bike upright and handed it to her...I got the stare down like I was doing something inappropriate...

"Odd," I thought until,"EUREKA! Saving Face!"

 The women were pretending like it wasn't a big deal so that their friend did not have to feel embarassed. Almost pretending like it wasn't happening. Ladies and gentlemen that is "Saving Face"!



The Best Way to Disco? Silently Of Course!

It is no surprise that I love a good night out of dancing and drinking. Lastnight I did something I never thought I'd do.... danced in a park full of silence...and it was freaking rad!

While out in Hongdae (Hongik University, Seoul - popular university area - big crowd of foreigners and Koreans) I met up with some friends for a birthday celebration to remember! There was a SILENT DISCO in the park. Everyone gets a pair of headphones and there is a DJ spinning. Everyone is listening to the same music, dancing their faces off and if you don't have headphones, you're out of the crowd!

It is amazing to take off the ear piece and look around to see everyone gettin' down to music you're not listening to! If you haven't tried one yet, I definitely recommend!

\Rockstars!

Dance circle!

The balloons were attached to some people's headphones.

What're you waiting for? GO DISCO!

Cherry Blossoms and Climbing Mount Guryongsan

The cherry blossoms are out in full force here. It reminds me of lilac time back home, here one minute, gone the next.

My mountain hiking teammate and I decided to step it up this time. We hit Guryongsan this weekend instead of Daemosan. It wasn't too difficult of a climb so next week we are amping up our game for one twice the size. It was great just to get out early and start the day!

From the top the view of Seoul.

Team Sweaaaaty.

On the way down. My legs always wobble like jelly.

I had a good sweat and feel amped for the day. I'm tired but still repping Asia here.

All work and no play? DOUBT it!

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I have been trying to get my hands on some CLIF bars and LARABARS - even emailing the companies but I didn't have much luck. The people at CLIF bars sent me a personalized email suggesting online stores to buy from. Check out http://www.rei.com/. I bought a HUGE assortment to last me three months until I go home. I will be posting them when they arrive in 3 weeks.

For a sample this is what I got....

I ordered a mish-mash of different things to try out. Can't wait!

Its my long run day tomorrow WISH ME LUCK!



Little by little adds to a lot...

I must say I am incredibly proud of myself. I am MOTIVATED and putting my dream into motion! I have been checking out many healthy living and running blogs lately and the support that these women have for eachother is amazing. 

I went for a 30 min run tonight but I actually ran about 75% of it...This is such a huge deal to me! I stopped when I got stitches then breathed and walked it out. I have no idea how far I'm going or even really timing myself. I figure the MOST important thing at this stage of running is putting on those runners and getting out there.

You can't win if you don't show up!

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Something I need to focus on it FUEL. I need to start checking what I'm eating and when I'm eating it. This week I will start a food diary to get a better idea of what I'm putting into my body. Also, eating dinner at 11:30 pm isn't really helping.... (Finish work at 9:30pm, run until 11pm, and then make dinner).

Here is what lunch looked like yesterday... Please keep in mind that this was only W5,000... Approximately $5.... God I'll miss Korea!

In this picture - bulgogi (shaved beef cooked in a sweet broth with mushrooms and glass noodles), KIMCHI! (the red stuff to the right), a bowl of rice, steamed greens, marinated peanuts of some sort and cold glass noodles. ALL FOR $5. Obviously I'd be MASSIVE if I ate all of it but theres enough of everything to get my fill.

I realize this picture makes it look a bit like puke by its delicious!

Steamed greens with garlic.

Kimchi!!!! I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is fermented cabbage with spicy red pepper paste. You don't know what you're missing!

If I could eat two things for the rest of my life they would be:

- Kimchi

- Chocolate Cookie Dough Ice Cream

I wish I were joking! HAHA

Trials and Tribulations

I never thought this would be easy. I expected to fall alot and have to drag myself up. Last week I only went running once and played soccer once - lets equate that to TWO running days because I ran my ass off on the field.

Not good Hailey, not good.

I have been walking home everyday from work so I am not THAT bad. It takes me 1/2 an hour to get home. Better than nothing!

The best thing about realizing you've messed up is fixing it! This morning I woke up, did the BIGGEST LOSER workout and sweat it out. Tonight, its running time! 

Damn you Jillian Michaels and your perfect abs of steel!!!!!

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On a side note I have been scouring the internet looking for a distributor of either Clif Bars or Lara Bars... COME TO ME PLEASE! I can't find you anywhere that will ship to me!

You Plus Me Equals No Sleep

This girl. Plus...

This girl. Equals....

These girls! 

Who goes to a club on a Sunday night?

These girls!

 (We were responsible and let the dancing take place of alcohol - jeesh had to be fresh for the morning! We roll responsibly - home by 12:30!)

And I wonder why I didn't do any running this weekend... Time to strap back on those Addidas.....

These girls need to get some sleep.

Kindergarden

Yes, I am completely exhausted. Yes, I am slightly losing my voice.

Was it worth it? Absolutely!

We had a birthday party in class for one of the students (treat bags, cake, presents, singing, more party favors...) that apparently is the STANDARD for kindy parties at this school. The parents provide it all. AMAZING. I wish it was my birthday...

Also, in kindergarden we get a free snack and lunch. Yesterday snack was JUK (like porridge with veg and meat) and todays was jello cups with a banana.

Heaven!

I wouldn't need to go grocery shopping if I worked kindy all the time thats for sure! I must say though, that I still love my job. I love my classroom. Sure there are days when I stare at the clock hoping I can move time, but for 95% I'm blissful.

Who would have thought what I'm best at is the thing I love the most?

Another great day for the books!

These are "We work kindy and are awesome" faces!

(You're famous!)

You Are Beautiful

Today I knew I wouldn't have enough time for a run so I walked to and from work (30min each way). I decided this was optimal time to take pics of what my running route looks like. There are 3 levels all the way down to the Yangjaechan. I normally run on the bottom level, it is the flatest... Lets be honest, I'm only 2 weeks in I'm avoiding hills... HAHA

Another metre marker, my beginning.

One thing I love about Seoul is the outdoor amenities. You can find outdoor machines everywhere. Koreans are generally really fit. You can see why!

Reppin' my Value Village sunnys... Looking like a crazy tourist taking pictures.

I generally mark my distances by how many bridges I've gone under. 5 bridges is a GREAT run, 3 bridges is mediocre. It is so well lit at night and there are so many people out that even at 10:30 pm I have no worries.

Today was 2 student's birthdays and they asked if we could have a party. How could I say no? One of the mother bought pizza and I made a makeshift "cake". Donuts with candles? They loved it!

I won't be running tomorrow because I'm subbing at a kindergarden from 8:30-12:30pm, then my job from 2:30-9:30pm both Thursday and Friday. I'll be chasing enough 6 and 10 year olds to get my fill, and will probably be exhausted.

A few notable moments today:

* One student had been VERY naughty last class and I made him sit outside. This is the FIRST time I've ever kicked a kid out. I felt awful. I had to make a point though that there is a time for work and a time for play. Today I pulled him out at the beginning to tell him what I expected. I made him pinky promise he'd be a good boy today. At the end of class (...after a few warnings...) he was generally a good boy. He came up to me sheepishly and asked "Am I a good boy today?". God I melted. I know he tried hard to answer questions and not be destructive to the class. You know I gave him some gummies, I'm a softie!

* During a test I was marking homework and saw a girl doodling. I always have them read after the test and went to go see why she wasn't reading like she should be. I saw she had drawn a picture of me, but I asked her who it was anyways. She answered "You". At the top it said YOU ARE ...and at the bottom BEAUTIFUL.

MELT again.

Another incredibly blessed day.

Its a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

It was 17 degrees today! AMAZING. I've had my windows opened all day and can't wait to sleep with the nice breeze. As I was getting ready this morning I knew I had to dress like spring. It just felt good to wear some colour and a work appropriate t-shirt.

Today was my rest day but did manage to walk home from work 30 min. Tomorrow will be intense. I'm playing soccer in the morning before work and after work 2 min running intervals with 2 min of walking... The things I do to myself! 

I'm terrible with motivating myself. I just imagine those ajummas lapping me and kick it into high gear!

This week I'm going to focus on my eating plan...because right now it sucks a little bit. Oh snacks why must you be so delicious and convenient?...

Know Your Limit, Stay Within It

After a night of drinks, pool and dancing it was time to wake my ass up and get out the door. I got up at a leisurely 1 pm and went out for the day.

I love grocery shopping so went hunting for some finds! I managed to pick up some animal chocolates, chocolate covered sunflower seeds 190 cal a bag, and some gummies at 145 cal. I love tricking myself and saying that its "for the kids". Baaaah who am I fooling? I should probably test them to make sure they're "safe"....

It is always a real adventure to find tea that is cheaper and not corn or green. I managed to pick up some chamomile tea bags (5) for W990 (under $1) which is great. I also picked up a bag of chestnuts and lots of dried seaweed. The seaweed is delicious, and really good for you. They make the perfect on the go snack to tie me over for a meal. The downside is there is a lot of salt. You can't win all the time I guess!

One of my favourite parts of Korea is the outdoor amenities. I went to the Yangjaechan to go for my run, I started but then got really bad side stitches. I thought I had waited enough after my Tony Romas takeaway...but I thought wrong. Such a rookie! Anyhoo there are markers every 100m so you can have an idea of how far you have gone. I went from 0-3100m, and then back again. Basically did 6 km of walking in 1 hr 20 min. That is embarassing. The point is that I could have quit and gone home but I decided to walk it out so I'm proud of myself!

Tomorrow I have to give it a better shot and leave more time in between my meal and fast walk/jog...I mean, run HAHA



Climbing Mount Daemosan

Chris and I woke up early (9 am),  ready to put our legs to work. After a fuelling breakfast at mine we headed up to Daemosan.

Foolish kids excited for climbing. Showing off a brave face!

Only you can prevent forest fires!

If you're tired of climbing you can walk back 240 m to "Robot School".

This is pathetic how hot and sweaty I was at the top. HOWEVER, I did it. I only huffed and puffed a little bit.

RULE #1 in Climbing Club: NO QUITTERS.

Thirsty? Don't worry. The Koreans think of everything! Ladle up!

On the way down after the descent, my legs were wobbly like jelly. I felt sooo good though! It took only about 45 min for us to climb up. It really wasn't that hard actually. I may have ...WAIT FOR IT... enjoyed it!

Nothing like people watching at an outdoor cafe to top off a great morning! Its only 1 pm and I've got heaps of energy for the day.

Healthy living? I'll take it as long as theres room for a W Burger every now and again! Next week we take on the mountain beside it.

Get off that couch!

Sick Sick Disease...

I have a problem.

I like running.

It is a serious issue.

What will I do with my fat pants when they are no longer needed? My old non-running footwear is going to get jealous. I don't have enough songs on my ipod. I've decided to go running this weekend rather than go drinking in Itaewon....There goes the neighbourhood!

A special CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Mr.Len for accepting my challenge of running the 10k with me. You can do it Dad! We can take turns giving piggy back rides. Just imagine carrots are chasing you, and Dairy Queen is only a few more steps away. Thats what I do. I'm proud of you!