Update
I got back from Japan last night, and I am already mentally readjusted to America. I did pretty well in Japan in terms of jet-lag. I didn't completely get used to their time, but I'm still struggling right now...
I don't really feel like writing much about the details of the trip... it was both physically and mentally taxing, and I feel like I need time to recuperate for a little. Let's just say it hurts to not be remembered by your own grandmother... and seeing your own mother having to deal with being forgotten.
I did in fact end up doing somewhat of a spiritual journey in Japan. Spiritual Journey is a fancy and somewhat heavy way to put it, but I trekked along alone for a day. My initial goal was to go for a cool stroll in the woods. I ended up walking uphill from the train station for 1.5 hours, then actually hiking up the mountain to the summit. My mind was blank and I focused on every step I took. Needless to say, I was stupidly under-prepared for this spontaneous mountain climbing... and by the end I was swaying sideways, sometimes falling to my knees. I had three bottles of water, which wasn't enough. The summit housed a shintoist shrine, but that was it. No facilities. So I tumbled down the mountain in a somewhat dilusional state.
It wasn't a lonely trip at all. I saw three families at the summit, and even though most of the time I didn't see anyone, I felt like I was still part of civilization. Never disconnected... as I had planned. The reason for this minor trip in stead of an actual backpacking trip is mainly so that I can be with my grandmother, great aunt and great uncle... as depressing, agonizing, and sometimes unbearable as it was, family is family. I decided the moment I saw grandma that the money I saved up for this trip would be better spent on a larger trip to Alaska.
As exhausted as I am, I really do feel strong. I'm not beaming, but I'm content. I just wish I didn't have to rush to get back to school as I am doing right now.
In terms of running, I ran 20-25 min every other day I was there... well, I stopped and walked a lot, so I can barely call it running, but I tried. And I actually went for a run this morning in NY, and I am disappointed with myself. I am falling behind on my schedule for the race in Oct. But, in the end, having visited grandma for three weeks is a more important feat than having built up to 5 miles by now. I'll get there some day.
I'll have to re-think my regime and maybe I'll post it here again.
I don't really feel like writing much about the details of the trip... it was both physically and mentally taxing, and I feel like I need time to recuperate for a little. Let's just say it hurts to not be remembered by your own grandmother... and seeing your own mother having to deal with being forgotten.
I did in fact end up doing somewhat of a spiritual journey in Japan. Spiritual Journey is a fancy and somewhat heavy way to put it, but I trekked along alone for a day. My initial goal was to go for a cool stroll in the woods. I ended up walking uphill from the train station for 1.5 hours, then actually hiking up the mountain to the summit. My mind was blank and I focused on every step I took. Needless to say, I was stupidly under-prepared for this spontaneous mountain climbing... and by the end I was swaying sideways, sometimes falling to my knees. I had three bottles of water, which wasn't enough. The summit housed a shintoist shrine, but that was it. No facilities. So I tumbled down the mountain in a somewhat dilusional state.
It wasn't a lonely trip at all. I saw three families at the summit, and even though most of the time I didn't see anyone, I felt like I was still part of civilization. Never disconnected... as I had planned. The reason for this minor trip in stead of an actual backpacking trip is mainly so that I can be with my grandmother, great aunt and great uncle... as depressing, agonizing, and sometimes unbearable as it was, family is family. I decided the moment I saw grandma that the money I saved up for this trip would be better spent on a larger trip to Alaska.
As exhausted as I am, I really do feel strong. I'm not beaming, but I'm content. I just wish I didn't have to rush to get back to school as I am doing right now.
In terms of running, I ran 20-25 min every other day I was there... well, I stopped and walked a lot, so I can barely call it running, but I tried. And I actually went for a run this morning in NY, and I am disappointed with myself. I am falling behind on my schedule for the race in Oct. But, in the end, having visited grandma for three weeks is a more important feat than having built up to 5 miles by now. I'll get there some day.
I'll have to re-think my regime and maybe I'll post it here again.