This is something I often wonder. On one side, worrying about something causes me to take action and make preparations if something doesn’t turn out well. And sometimes those preparations create an even better result than I had originally hoped for.

On the other side, worrying about a worst case scenario can cause a lot of stress. Not to mention that many times there isn’t much you can do about it until the time actually comes.

I tend to be a pretty positive person and always hope for the best. However, I also try to be realistic in assessing a situation. Being to unrealistic can lead to disappointment and leave someone in a bad situation with no options.

So, what do you think? Is worrying a constructive and important part of decision making, or is it simply unneeded stress?

Well, I am going to try and change this and start posting a lot more often. Below are some of the topics that I will be posting about and some of the other ideas for the site.

Broader Topics

In the past, the main focus of this site has been self development, life hacks, and  a few adventures and tips on the side. Moving forward I plan to cover more day to day topics and adventures that I participate in. Since I currently live on a tropical island in Japan, that will range from snorkeling in the ocean, local festivals, spear fishing, and maybe even trips to the store when entertaining.

I will try to keep the posts helpful, and at least entertaining, but they will not be limited to any particular topic.

Getting Back in Shape..again

Last year I did a 30 day challenge using a popular abs program to get in shape. Without changing my diet, I actually got it pretty good shape within 30 days. Unfortunately, once the challenge was over, I cut back on my workout routine. In order to get back in shape, and stay there, I will doing more posting on exercising. I am also planning to make some videos of some of my favorite workouts.

More Videos

About a year ago I bought a new camera which among other things can go under water and also shoot hd video. I have been practicing with video editing software and will try and get more videos on the site. Everything from the places I go to various instructional videos.

More Cultural Topics

Having lived in Japan for a few years now I don’t tend to think about all the cool/weird stuff. When I think about it though, there are actually a lot of items, activities, and sometimes just weird happenings that would make good blog posts. Of course, I will also be posting tips on language learning.

More Adventures

Last year I did a lot of snorkeling, spear fishing, hiking, scuba diving, entering caves, and fishing. I also went to a lot of live performances (from hula to folk dancing to native Okinawan music). I plan to write more about these topics, and when possible, take videos and pictures.

Your Feedback

I would love to hear your thoughts on what you would like to read about more. If you really enjoy a certain topic let me know and I will try write more on it.

I look forward to sharing my adventures with you and thank you for reading.

For the most part, things were going well. I was running several kilometers in my generic crocs everyday with no side effects. I could run longer, faster, and had no pains at all. So I decided to put it to the ultimate test. I would run a half-marathon with my new running style and wearing my crocs.

Since I had run most of last summer in crocs, the pair I had lost almost all their tread and were quite slippery. So I dug down deep and forked over the money for a new pair (all 4oo yen, about $4). The grip was certainly better, but there was something I noticed as soon as I put my feet in them, they seemed harder. I think it may have been this that eventually lead to my downfall.

Having over a month until the marathon I had plenty of time to work them in. Running a 3-4 km a day seemed no problem at all. I had no blisters and my legs were fine. However, when I decided to run to the video store and back (about 10 kilometers) I started getting pains in my left knee around the 7 km mark. I am not sure the exact reason, but I believe it has to do with the increased hardness of the new shoes, where I am placing the weight on that foot, and how much my foot is slipping each time it hits. I ran this route twice more in the following days with the same result.

Since my leg was pretty sore, I went to a massage therapist who said that I had put a lot of strain on the muscle on my outer thigh which goes through the knee. The only thing I could do was let it rest and stretch.

The marathon

After arriving on Irabu island, we had to wait about a half an hour for a bus to take us to the start line. They hadn’t prepared enough transportation, and I ended up just barely making it. I was checking in my bags and registering my number when the shot went off. Not the best start.

My goal was to try and keep the pace that I normally ran with with my shorter runs, though I didn’t know if that would have actually been possible or not. However, having starting late and at the very back, I was well towards the front and going strong after about 10 km.

Unfortunately, it was also at about this point that the knee pain really started to kick in. I managed to run through the pain until about the 15th km and then finally started walking as the pain increased. From this point on I ran a few times, but the pain was so great that I could only do it for a short distance. At certain times I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to finish. Which was too bad since I still had a lot of energy left and my muscles felt fine.

It wasn’t until I actually finished and looked down at my feet that I saw the immense blisters I had developed. It was actually a little scary. I just hadn’t really noticed them because of my knee.

In the end I accomplished what I had set out to do. That is, to run a half-marathon in crocs. Turned out not to be such a good idea, but it was fun. Now to either find a better shoe or adjust my running style to get rid of the pain.

Below is the coverage from Miyako TV. I run by at 4:30 to pick up water.

I grew up with sneakers and running shoes, and with the exception of when I was very young, I was always wearing them. Wearing shoes made me run by first placing my heel on the ground, followed by the rest of my foot. But how would you run if you weren’t wearing shoes? After seeing some unique shoe designs, this was something I started to think about.

I grew up believing “the better the shoe, the better the runner”. Was it possible that the shoe wasn’t really that important? Had I been running wrong all this time? Were my shoes actually the problem rather than the solution? These were a couple of the questions that came to mind. I figured the best way to put them to the test would be to change my running style.

Step 1: Same Shoes, New Running Style

Modern running shoes provide a lot of support. Because of this there are a lot of muscles on your legs that aren’t developed very well. Before switching shoes, you will need to build up these muscles.

Using the same shoes you have been using. Start doing part of your running landing with the ball of your foot. Basically it should feel as if you are running on your toes. In the beginning you will probably need to take shorter strides. If possible, try to keep your heel from ever touching the ground. This will seem very awkward at first and you may get tired very quickly. If so, you can switch back and fort with your regular style of running.

*Be careful not to over do it. You don’t need to run several miles a day. For starters, maybe just a couple hundred yards. You will be using muscles you probably aren’t used to using.

Running several days a week, you should do this for at least a couple weeks. By the end you should be able to run a couple miles without your heels ever touching the ground. Your running should also start feeling more controlled and smooth.

Step 2: Short Distance, New Shoes

Now that your muscles are beginning to develop, it is time to stop using your running shoes. I chose to run in my generic Crocs because they are soft, easy to get, light, and it’s what I had. So far they have worked great for me, but look around and maybe you can find something even better.

The key point is that you need to start off with very short distances. Now that your feet are no longer supported you will be building new muscles. If you try to run too far you can strain your muscles and tendons. This is especially important for people with weak ankles. Take it slowly. As your muscles get stronger you will be able to run farther and farther.

Step 3: Further Strengthening the Muscles

To strengthen the muscles even more there are a few exercises your can do. The first is to run with your heels raised up even higher off the ground. Literally run on your tippy toes. You can do this for short distances during your run.

Another favorite of mine is jumping squats. These will of course strengthen your thighs, but also your calves and feet. Try to make the landing as soft as smooth as possible.

Step 4: Adapting

Your body will not be used to running on the balls of your feet. As you start making the change, listen to your body. Muscle soreness is okay, but you should avoid things that cause other kinds of pain. Try changing things like the angles of your feet, what part of your foot are you landing on, or where the majority of your weight is each time you step. Are you putting all the weight on the outside or inside with each step?

Running shoes allow us to form bad habits because they give support. Now that you have taken away that support, you have to rely on your muscles for stability. Listen to your body and make slight changes to your running style.

Your stories

I would love to hear from everyone who tries this. If you are having difficulty, let me know and I will try to help.

So why am I running a marathon?

To be quite honest, I am not a huge fan of marathons. I understand the personal struggle in order to finish them, but I don’t think they are good for your body. They put a lot of stress on your joints. However, there are two main reasons I decided to run.

1. I am not sure how long I will be in Miyakojima. And since marathons are kind of a big event here, I decided I should go a head and participate.
2. Several months ago I changed my running style, and began running on the balls of my feet rather than my heels. I feel this is a much better and more natural way to run. Running a half marathon should really put it to the test. You can read more about my running style here.

What will I wear?

For shoes I will be running in generic Crocs with no socks ( I found wearings socks gives me blisters). It took some conditioning, but I can now comfortably run several kilos with no problem. As far as clothes go, nothing special. Probably shorts and a t-shirt.

How will I train?

Nothing special. I am planning to run at least a couple of kilometers each day about 5 days a week. I will slowly build my way up so I feel very comfortable with about 5 to 10 kilometers. I will also be doing my normal exercises (situps, pushups, etc). My goal is to run the entire marathon without stopping.

Any tips?

This will be the firs marathon I have ever participated in. I would love to hear any tips or pieces of advice any of you might have. I am sure I will need all the help I can get.

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good movie or game as much as the next person. But these items come at a large cost. Primarily, our time. The time we spend using these things instead of something else and the time you spend working to pay for them.

Let me use surfing the internet as an example. In order to use the internet you need to have a computer. You also need to have an internet service of some sort to get connected. But eventually, you want the convenience of using the net anywhere in the house. So you also buy a wireless router.

Yearly Cost to access the Internet ( I used 3 years as the average lifespan of a computer/router)

• Computer: $700/ 3 Years =$233
• Internet: $40 x 12= $480
• Wireless Router= $50/3 Years+ $17

Total cost per year to have internet= $730

Now you can take some average wages to figure out how many hours you work to pay for your internet.

• $730/$7.25 per hour (US minimum wage)= 100 hours (over two full weeks for work)
• $730/10 per hour= 73 hours
• $730/15 per hour= 49 hours
• $730/20 per hour= 36.5 hours

We all love  the internet, but is it worth one week of your life each year? Would you be happier to give up internet and take an extra week or two off work. Or alternatively, would you be happier spending your time doing something else? Going for a hike or picnic instead of surfing the net or playing a board game with the family instead of watching TV.

Since I moved from Tokyo to Miyakojima, I am able to spend a lot more time outside and away from technology. I use my computer and TV far less and my body far more. In the end, I am feel happier and freer than I did when I was a “slave” to technology.

Technology definitely brings comfort. The problem is that comfort doesn’t necessarily equal happiness. Especially when the price is your valuable time.

Let me hear your thoughts. What are your views on the subject? Do you feel that having lots of luxuries and technologies makes you happy or just keeps you working more?

How many of us have done this. I have done it so many times I can’t even count. I come up with a new plan, a new workout schedule, study schedule, and get all excited about it. I run through all the details and actions in my head and plan it all out. I can’t wait to get started. And yet, I never do.  Even though I am so excited to start whatever it is I am thinking about, I never do.

If you also have this problem, then I have a simple trick that might work for you. Take the first step now! The first step doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be enough to get your feet moving in the right direction. If you want to join a new club, it may be the first phone call just to get information. A new workout program could start with you doing your first 5 minute walk right now.  It can even be something as simple as writing down the thing you are thinking about and how you will accomplish it. I often do this if I am thinking about something before I go to sleep. If I write it down there is a good chance I will start and finish it. If I don’t I will usually forget by morning.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Just taking that first step sets the wheels turning and the steps after that just seem to fall into place.

Get started now!

Think of that one thing you have wanted to start or need to get done and write it down how to get started.

I would love to hear how this method works for you and what methods you use that you have found helpful.

Since the weather here is finally starting to turn cold I have been spending time searching for a way to heat the house. We have a little heater, but that only heats so much and it also uses a lot of energy. Luckily, I finally came across a great option, a solar space heater.

The idea of a solar space heater or “soda can heater” is to use the sun to heat up metals tubes and the air that passes through. They can be built for cheap, using a few supplies for a frame or even some spare materials. The metal tubes can easily be built out of aluminum soda cans.

You can find more info on solar heaters at solar panels for sale.

The list has been divided up to make it easier to learn and has also been converted into different formats. You can use it with both Anki and Menmosyne. Since it is in txt file it should also work with many memory programs.

You can download the lists at the link below

Common Japanese Words

Good luck!