Fast, Faster, Fasters 5

 My mother modified her agenda to include a cruise on a junk instead of going for our 10k. No, this is not the reason I'm not training as yet. It's easy to change plans and ideals in a world of plenty. To my surprise she tells me we're going in a group of eleven! My trip to Vietnam for this 10k walk was on the notion that sisters and mother spending quality time. What a shame.

 A quick call to mom and we're back on track, yes for the 10k. Tomorrow is as good a time as any to re-begin. No the alarm went off fine this morning but, as I've said before, it's easy to change plans and ideals in a world of plenty.

 The fast has been tweaked as often as my training. Tsk Tsk No, I'm going to pick myself up and go on with living.

 Today I'm 48kg and able to walk 8km/2hr.    

Fast, Faster, Fasters 4

 Saturation and lethargy has set in while I tried to play best-friend to my mate, I didn't do much!, but am glad to have played catch-up this month I spent in Kent, UK. A month of scoffing sweet-bits, plenty o chocolat and tea (I had coffee), and sitting around yapping tidbits has done nothing for my fast nor training.

 With determination I shall begin Monday.

 Is Monday a good day?

Fast, Faster, Fasters 3

 Workouts are hard. As they should be. They're no good if they're not. However, I've found a couple of  ways to ease my pain. Having the company of my partner is top on this list. Light teasing to get me going and often silly banter makes working out fun. It's an endorphin high. And plus, I feel safer in company as I run in the woods before dawn.

 Drinking a cup of black coffee before a workout to improve microcirculation, reduce pain, improve endurance and preserve muscle, comes in a close second on this caffeineaholics' list. Not only does it give one oomph by stimulating energy, it also works to optimize the benefits of a workout.
 
 Although this does not apply to me because I've got company and it would be rude to ignore him, according to researchers, listening to music during workouts may be an effective strategy for facilitating participation in, and adherence to, training. Synchronization of body and beat can significantly boost ones exertion level. I dig this.

 To stay motivated, I've set clear and realistic short term goals. Short term because it's easier to achieve and tick off the to-do list. And I won't beat myself up over missing a session, shit happens.

Fast, Faster, Fasters 2

 I haven't deprived myself of food but I have been taking breaks from eating and I'm feeling less bloated for it.  It's been a week of fasting sixteen hours a day and I'm not as bad off as I'd expected myself to be. In fact, it's not bad at all. These seven days have whizzed by without pain and I seem to want for none.

 Although my objective is to get in shape for a ten klick run in December, I am going to now keep track of my weight. No weight loss to front.

 My daily walks are at an easy four klicks an hour. The plan is to increase monthly in intensity. Slow and steady.

 The pros of this method I'm applying are my meals are normal (no bingeing, get real!) and so, there's no shame in a slice of cake. The fasting is scheduled at my discretion and half the schedule is spent in blissful sleep. And you know about the bloat.

 The cons are grumbling tummy and

Fast, Faster, Fasters

  Fasting, whether motivated by culture, religion or trend, has never moved me to abstinence. I eat when I'm hungry, happy, sad, ill, bored, see something delish, just because I'm out, after exercising because I deserve it, and the list goes on a bit.

 So, you can imagine my chagrin when I came upon, note old, research article on how fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged, old immune system.

 Cycles of prolonged fasting, two to four days at a time, not only regenerates but also protects against immune system damage and toxicity. It forces the body to use stores of glucose, fat and ketones breaking down a significant amount of white blood cells triggering stem regeneration of new immune system cells. When you starve your system saves energy by recycling a lot of  immune cells that are not needed and especially those that are damaged. Shifting stem cells from a dormant state to a state of self renewal.

 And the latest fad in the fight against the bulk is intermittent fasting. I'm giving this a try, starting yesterday. It was not difficult to go without for sixteen hours (yesterday). There are many schedules to choose from but being forgetful as I am this schedule is best for me. 

The Shortness Of My Life

 Everyone everywhere always running, where are they going? What are they running to accomplish? We are constantly trading our time but in an era where even instant gratification takes too long, is it all worth it?  "There is more to life then increasing its speed", said Gandhi.

 One would think with our technological advances and massive explosion of goods life would be simpler but I know it's not. We have more to choose from and the possibilities are mind bogglingly endless. And the more we have the more we want. But this ability to satisfy our every desire, constantly anticipating the next thing, breeds impatience. And with the world at our fingertips pleasures feel fleeting.

 We are taught to push the limits and are rewarded for signs of productivity. Often multi-tasking to make the cut. Living in constant tension between the urgent and the important, it's no wonder we feel pressed for time. We are swimming in a world of information and drowning in ignorance.

 It has been reported that six out of ten people spend their weekends shopping, catching up with loved ones or household chores but really wished they were doing nothing and admitted to feelings of  missing out on something but they didn't know what.

 Ever find yourself cramming more into every hour of the day? As we hurry through life, trying to fill every free moment doing something useful, we stretch ourselves to the breaking point. And this need has become an addiction that's stressful.

 Our time here is fleeting and uncertain. And time itself is a strange resource that's easily traded, visible only when it's passed and highly valued when it's gone. So live in the moment and stop to smell the roses because ultimately it's about balance.

 All things in moderation - except moderation. - Oscar Wilde

My Spirit Plant Is The Cactus

 Hands in mouth, hands on face, crotches n torsos n faces getting up close and personal, messing with my personal space. Let's begin with a visit to the dentist because a check-up always leaves me in a state for weeks. And then there is the hyperhidrosis, which is a nicer word for excessive sweating, which made shaking hands, handling other peoples property n babies, handling food, writing, reading and removing footwear unbearable and sometimes undoable. And fnally in my thirties I discovered how much I valued my personal space, and it is very much. I don't like being touched!

 A simple handshake has become a struggle. Why is a nod or wave never enough? Hugs and kisses - no thank you but if it has to be, please let it be brief. Huge crowds are a nightmare. And I've become the worst girlfriend to come to for some comforting.

 In many cultures hugging is just not done. Shy people in general don't like to be touched. Some mental disorders prevents patients getting physical. Physical and emotional trauma are two more reasons why people, like me, avoid physical contact. And then there are people, like my partner, who just aren't the touchy feely sort. But my partner and I make one exception - sex. We get it on, we get off, we kiss, we roll over, we move as far away from each other as we can and we're both satisfied.

 My advice : Personal Space Invader Opt Air Hug

 But seriously hugs and kisses release oxytocin giving the hugger and huggee a sense of calm.

Fika My Coffee

 Fika is a twice-daily social coffee break. A cherished custom of the Swedes. It can be enjoyed alone, in pairs or in groups, indoors or out. It is a time to rest, slow down and appreciate life's small joys. We should all observe such a custom.

 As a tike I remember enjoying the aroma of dark robust Chinese coffee and enjoying the taste of it with plenty condensed milk accompanied by goreng pisang (deep fried bananas), or/and deep fried tapioca, or/and steamed goodies, or/and a very spicy rojak (vegetable salad).

 Begin the day with a cuppa and end it after dinner with a cuppa, that's me and sometimes I have a cuppa in between too. For me and my kind there is good news.

 Caffeine has a positive effect on memory, normalizes the brain function and prevents it from degeneration. It improves energy, alertness and the ability to complete complex tasks. Because the coffee bean contains heaps of antioxidants cells are protected from free radicals helping prevent disease. And to top it off it enhances ones sense of well being and happiness.

 For a good cuppa try the French Press, it is an energy efficient brewing system that retains more flavor and essential oils lost to filters in a percolator.
   
 Be warned - Coffee can cause calcium loss leading to osteoporosis. Because it dehydrates wrinkles are a reality. And the fluctuations in the blood sugar can contribute to weight gain.


 

 

R.I.P. And L.I.P.

 Being aware of death begets perspective. The awareness that our days are limited helps us live fearlessly and intentionally.

 When we live like there's no tomorrow we tend to stay in unhappy relationships, dead end jobs and have unfulfilled dreams and plans. We forget to tell our feelings to loved ones. We hide from criticism and judgement.

 Sadness over not being the most famous, thinnest, prettiest, having status or undelivered revenge is a trait of the one who lives forever.

 Many people including the ancient Greeks and Buddhists practice death every day, reminding them to live more boldly and kindly.

 If you don't live your dream someone else is going to hire you to help them live theirs'. Have the courage to live a life true to you, be your authentic flawed self. Don't work too hard, stop and smell the roses. Speak your mind (tactfully) and be open and honest. Don't regret not having made the time and effort that your family and friends deserve by staying in touch. Don't get stuck in a rut and pretend to be content, familiarity can be too comforting. 

 Do something today and every day in honour of your true self and don't hold back.

Rest In Peace
Live In Peace

Dopa Cocoa

 Falling in love, listening to music, even exercise are some triggers that release dopamine that gives us a feel-good calm.

 But chocolate, oh my chocolate not only triggers the release of dopamine but has an intense and long lasting effect on our bodies. Helping boost mood and ease depression by relaxing mentally and physically. Giving us a sense of well being.

 Although cacao has never been proven an aphrodisiac, it has had this reputation throughout history.

 Go on, have that chocolate. But remember to consume chocolate with a high cacao content to reap all its healthy benefits.

 Death by Chocolate

Mind Over Matter

 Our thoughts and emotions exert biological and physical changes, wielding incredible power over our health. Positive thoughts and attitudes strengthen our immune system and boost positive emotions relieving stress. Studies have shown that optimism, and happiness are some of the positive attributes associated with a lower risk of hear disease, lower levels of inflammation and stronger antiviral and antibody responses. By distracting our mind away from pain stimuli we are even able to drastically reduce our pain.

 Our happiness is not dictated by circumstance alone.

 To be happy choose to accept your unique flawed self, take a positive approach in everything you do and think, connect with other people and be a part of something bigger by doing things for them, stop and smell the roses, exercise mind - learn new things, and body - eat well and exercise, and set goals.

 Do one thing at a time.

Hero, Anuradha Koirala

 Born on April 14, 1949. She is a social activist and founder of Maiti Nepal. She taught English for twenty years. And was inspired by Mother Teresa towards the betterment of humankind.

 In 1993 she founded Maiti Nepal with the aim to provide services to children and women trafficked within Nepal for sexual exploitation. To date, Maiti Nepal has three prevention homes, nine transit homes, two hospices and a high school. Conducting a wide range of activities such as awareness campaigns, community sensitization, rescue operations, apprehending traffickers, providing legal support to the needy, women empowerment programmes, providing anti viral therapy to the HIV positive.  Everyday more than one thousand children receive aid. She has liberated twelve thousand girls from brothels.

 She has been awarded thirty national and international prizes in recognition of her courageous acts and her achievements in the cause for children's and women's rights. She was also appointed as a state minister in honor of her contributions.

The Silent Aging

 We need good support systems as we get older. But as many as one in five adults will become an elder orphan as life is taking people on a global experience. It has never been so easy to get from point A to point B, be it on land, by water, in the air and even space. This in turn has seen to the spread of peoples, separating families and breaking the pattern that elders have for long relied upon. And with more elderly people having less people to count on for support loneliness is quite inevitable.

 Research has linked loneliness to many damaging effects on our health. Make health a priority by having regular check ups and recommended screenings. Eat well, sleep regularly, exercise body and mind enough and stay social. These are essential factors for maintaining good health.

 To prepare ourselves for our old age here is something we should all do, designate a decision maker, for if you should become incapacitated, someone who not only manages your finances but also knows your healthcare wishes and will make sure that your needs are met.

 Since aging is one of the few human conditions that effect nearly all of us we should see to developing creative public policies to help the vulnerable.
 




 

Hero, Martin Luther King Jr.

 Freedom is one thing. You have it all or you are not free. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 Born Michael King, on January 15 1929 in Georgia, United States and assassinated on April 4 1968. He was a Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian and leader of The African-American Civil Rights Movement. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He received his B.A. degree in sociology and a PH.D degree in systematic theology, with a dissertation.

 His legacy was to secure progress on civil rights. The American Congress passed the civil Rights Acts in 1968. He has become a national icon in the history of American Liberalism and Progressivism.

 In his commitment to non violence, even though he initially believed and practiced self-defense, he vowed to no longer use arms, believing that non violent resistance would better accomplish his goals.

 He promotes critical thinking in schools. "The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.", "The broad education will, therefore, transmit to one not only the accumulated knowledge of the race but also the accumulated experience of social living."

 Question capitalism. "Communism forgets that life is individual. Capitalism forgets that life is social."