Second Semester Challenge

Wisdom from 9gag. How profound.

Just six months ago I wrote down my goals for the first semester on a piece of paper. I intended to post the list in my desktop as a constant reminder but I misplaced it and didn't bother to make another one. The six months passed and I have now come to the bitter realization that I have achieved nothing as far as my goals are concerned.

I want this semester to be different.


My long term goal is to be a triathlete within three or four years. The more immediate goal is to compete in an aquathlon (swim + run) before 2014 ends. I have a long way to go. The longest I have ever ran was five rounds in the Academic Oval at UP Diliman, a distance of about 11 km. My swimming skills are still largely that of a beginner.

For this semester, my specific goals are as follows:

1. To be able to swim 1000 m with no rest
2. To be fit enough to join a trail running competition, fun run or marathon before the semester ends.

I have to admit that I do not really know if these goals are reasonably attainable. Besides, I still to factor in acad duties, namely my dissertation and upcoming comprehensive exam. I might have to adjust my goals as the semester passes. For now, what matters is that I have goals, and that I do not lose sight of them, even if I have to make (hopefully minor) downgrades along the way.

The Academic Oval in UP Diliman

For the past few days I've been reading Haruki Murakami's What I talk About When I talk About Running. Murakami has been running since his thirties and this coincided with the time he decided to write full time. He recognized that being a writer doesn't have to entail a sedentary lifestyle, and that unless he sets aside ample time to engage in some rigorous physically activity all the long hours he would have to spend writing will immediately take toll on his health. As a graduate student I can relate well with how Murakami felt. I think this book will become a source of inspiration as I push through with my goals.

But there's really more to maintaining good health in running and swimming (I'm sure Murakami had this to say as well - I have only so far read the first two chapters of his book). At the end of the day, I really just want to see how far I can push myself. I am well aware of my weaknesses - both physically and emotionally. I am clumsy, prone to injury and generally just weaker than the average mid 20s male. I also tend to procrastinate a lot and I can get easily discouraged if I encounter a bump on the road. I want to overcome all these.

Right now, I'm still in the process of doing research and designing a more or less informed training plan.

I'll see how far I can go. Fingers crossed.