Shoe Review

Recently I've become a really big fan of trail running, and since I wrote a post about running a few weeks ago, I've decided to do my first shoe review.

When I first started running competitively in high school, I picked whatever shoe looked nice at Sports Chalet and was expensive. My first official running shoe ended up being New Balance, and it worked well for a few years. Next, a pair of Adidas.

Finally things became serious when I purchased my first pair of Asics. Asics 2140 to be exact. Running had never been so comfortable, cushioned, and easy. I could even put them on and play basketball comfortably (actually played better in the Asics...but a lot of it was superstitious belief in the shoe). After having such a successful experience with Asics (running the marathon, playing basketball, running in Korea, mud run), I decided to purchase another pair to break in before potentially going to Marine Officer School. Since the 2140 series was discontinued, I purchased a pair of Asics Nimbus 12's. Great shoe + a lot of cushioning. Again, a fantastic experience.

BUT then I watched a short documentary on the Tarahumara People (Running Indians). I began to reflect on the ongoing foot issues I've had in the past (shin splints, stress fractures, toe numbness), and I decided to try minimalist running.

Purchased the New Balance Minimus MT20's. It is the perfect shoe. I didn't have to break them in because it simulates barefoot running. I love feeling the ground beneath me with every step, the control I have over my movement, etc etc. It's easily washed and cleaned, super light, and is very breathable (I often don't wear socks in them). The only problem I ever had was when I was running up a hiking trail I stepped on a sharp rock that hurt my foot in-between my toes. But other than that, I've had only positive experiences with it after a month. As a note to my future running experiences, I will only be running in minimalist shoes, and I recommend other semi-serious/serious runners to try them (if your goal is to improve your running).

Tutoring Moments

The past few months I have been tutoring elementary students on the side and have noticed recurring themes with my students. Of course each student is different, but on a general level I have repeatedly seen or thought of the following things:

Recognizing what we missed out on rather than what we have been blessed with.

If someone else gets a prize or a break, we tend to complain instead of being happy for the person.

If I have something great, and someone gets something better...suddenly my thing is not as great.

It seems like many people live in a zero-sum world. If one person wins, then that means another person loses. Life is so much more rich and uncertain to even attempt to translate our world as a zero-sum game. Strive for solutions, not to create more problems.

Things are going against me...people are trying to make my life harder. Lol. Unless you did something to really piss someone off, rarely is it someone's whole intent to make your life harder. The world does not revolve around me. or you.

The ability to ascertain value is a valuable skill to have.

There are many issues that need to be fixed. Just keep in mind that you can't boil the ocean.

:)

How I Started to Run

For those who don't know, I love to run. Not long runs of over 10+ miles, but 3-5 miles every other day. My preference is running at night, after a hard day and emptying my mind of everything except the sound of my breathing and feet gliding over the ground. So, how did this all start?

Summer 2004

My sister came to spend a few days in early summer at home before returning to college. As many of my summers began, I vowed to lose weight and be more healthy. So, I invited my sister to go run with me at the local high school's track field. Little did I know this would change my life forever (haha so dramatic).

After running one mile, I panted my way for the bleachers to rest + stretch before heading home. My sister came up behind me and asked innocently, "How much did you run?" I responded proudly, "1 MILE!" Her response shifted my perspective of running permanently.

She responded, "That's it?"

That's it? Up to that moment in my life the one mile was the pinnacle of cardio activity. Elementary school, middle school, and even P.E. in high school only required us to be tested for a 1 mile run. It had never occurred to me that you could run more. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I never imagined myself running more than 1 mile up to that point. Running more than that was for people who were way too serious about running and needed to realize the beauty of other sports like basketball.

Well, long story short, I ended up running one more mile that night. And for the rest of the summer I ran 2 miles in the morning, 2 miles in the evening. Ended up losing a lot of fat and in the best shape of my life up to that point.

I still love basketball, martial arts, hiking, swimming, soccer, etc etc...but the common denominator in my physical training regimen is running.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that what we think is the limit, really isn't.

That's it.

Valentines Day

1) Prepare a vase of a dozen roses on the dining room table ~check

2) Melt chocolate and dunk ripe strawberries...to end up with delicious chocolate covered strawberries ~check

3) Wait for parents to come home ~check

4) Eat a delicious meal of jjajjangmyun and spicy fried shrimp with my parents ~ check

Well that was my Valentine's Day evening in 4 bullet points. Ended up eating most of the chocolate covered strawberries by myself for dessert after dinner lol.

It was certainly funny to see huge groups of young single people eating jjajjangmyun at the chinese restaurant. I remember in Korea I was told that the reason this tradition came about was to end up matching singles at the restaurant. Come on, if you're eating jjajjangmyun then it's guaranteed you're single; thus, available. Funny thing is that I didn't even think of this tradition as I made my way there to eat with my parents. I don't know, but I found it funny that I ate jjajjangmyun on Valentine's Day...unplanned.

Life is full of funny moments :)

a few reasons

Every branch in the military plays a vital role in our nation's security.

There are four basic reasons why I desire to be a Naval Officer.

1) Challenge

It's been a childhood dream to complete boot camp and to be pushed to the brink of breaking down. We've all watched war movies, dramas, and read countless books of military history (well at least I used to), and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be in that world. In addition, what an opportunity to be an instrument of national policy. Not on paper, but in day-to-day life! The challenge of knowing that what you're doing has a much bigger impact than just yourself, and the time you invest in your work is on behalf of your country. Combining that with your oversight on the growth of enlisted personnel who you are supervising...a great opportunity to be a great witness as well as develop leadership experience unmatched in the private sector.

2) Service

War is shared from generation to generation. My desire to serve is not political; rather, necessity. There is a need for leaders to lead the young men and women of our country who put their lives on the line for our safety. These leaders need to be ones who will put their lives down before anyone else, and know the grave and honorable task they have. And to think, what an amazing platform to share the gospel with others. My men would witness my character and life on a daily basis, and could then be exposed to the love of Christ in my life. To lead lovingly, but justly. May Christ be glorified. I sincerely believe leading servicemen is a duty so important that I cannot stand idly by and assume another will take the responsibility. I don't see many other occupations that can teach you service like one that forces you to put others' lives before yours every day, and to make sure they are taken care of.

3) Duty

As a young man in his 20s and blessed with good health and mind, I feel that it is my duty to dedicate myself to serving my country. Of course this could be done in countless ways, but I feel that serving in the Navy is a very direct contribution that is feasible. There are many criteria and attributes that leaders must be measured by, but I asked myself two questions before deciding to pursue an officer commission. First, would I sincerely care for my men and put their lives before mine? Second, in the midst of the chaos, am I a man who is confident in the soverienty of God? After being able to answer both questions, I feel obliged to offer myself in service to servicemen.

4) Honor

For family, for country, for God.

Why the Navy in particular?

To be perfectly honest, I wanted to be a Marine Officer in the beginning, but had to honestly assess my physical state. In addition, the Marines are rapidly downsizing (more so than the Navy) and there were basically no slots available.

The Navy has a rich tradition and a lot of flexibility for its members. Not only would I be actively serving in a diverse group of geographic arenas, but I would be trained in the specialty of my interest. Encompassing a wide range of diplomatic and combat arms in its arsenal, the modern US Navy is the force to be reckoned with. The logistical sphere the navy encompasses guarantees continued opportunity to learn and develop skills applicable to any field.

Family tradition in the Naval forces is also a big proponent of my inclination towards the Navy.

Whatever branch, I hold respect for any service member. But the Navy will always hold a special place.

Humbled and Blessed

Man, this week I have blown away at the support that has been shown to me.

This week started with great news, and has been filled with great blessings. From eating lunch with my friend Duggy again (he came back from New Zealand YWAM), running all the way up a mountain trail, catching up with old friends, and having some hot sake at Sakura, I have been so grateful for the people in my life.

Today started with a hike, finishing the Great Gatsby (wanted to re-read the novel this week), and then off to my church. My co-leader Bill had arranged a celebration/goodbye party for me at his house and had invited all our 4th grade boys and their parents. The party was 4 hours of fun: potluck, prayer, discussion with the parents, getting owned in the jumper (Bill had rented one of those big jumpy things where everyone can go inside and jump around), racing carts, water balloon fights, lava monster (a jungle gym game similar to tag), and other things that kiddos like to do. It was great for the opportunity to spend time outside of Awana with my kids and a total blessing as I read the cards they had prepared for me. I was blown away by the support the parents, students, and Bill showed and continue to show me. It was such a blessing to drive down every Friday night for the past year and a half. I will miss telling the kids to get back in line, being shown random magic tricks, listening to the new jokes/rules of elementary school, being feared by the older bullies in the T&T section, sitting with my students during lesson time, preaching short sermons during lesson time, and answering questions during handbook time. I definitely could have done a better job at getting to know the other leaders more (other than Bill) and investing more time with the students outside of Awana. But yeah, I was so humbled after the party because I did not deserve the support that has been given to me from Awana. Their efforts and blessings point to the grace that God shows us every day.

Later in the evening after a short tea session with my friend Cho, I headed over to my aunt's house for another celebration. I was blessed with the presence of many uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, and of course a meal of new york steak, red potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, new york cheescake, korean soup, and kimchi. It was remarkable to witness the support given to me there as well. It has been such a blessing to have such good role models and diligent family in my life.

There are many lessons learned from 23 years of living, but one of the most important is that nobody can give themselves all the credit. I sincerely believe there is no self-made man. I am where I am because of the support, love, and help that others have shown me...all of which I was never entitled to. Of course there have been very difficult times, but God's grace abounds in periods of abundance and in periods of little.

One day, I hope to echo Apostle Paul's words and say "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Lord, as many difficult times are present and in the future, may they not dictate my satisfaction in you.

Happy Man

So, finally after over a year of deliberation and efforts, my application has been accepted. I am on my way to becoming a United States Naval Officer. All glory goes to God who has made this possible.

I anticipate many questions regarding my reasons why and what brought me to this desire. The reasons why are easy, I will state them in another post. What's interesting is my reflection on the path to get here.

I grew up hearing heroic war stories of my grandfather, a ROK Marine, from my father. He would boast of the multiple medals my grandfather had received, including one of the most prestigious military honors, one equal to the United States Naval Cross. I would eventually write a short 15 page book on my grandfather in high school. (I should find out where I put that book). Perhaps it had affected my subconsciously because I was intent on joining ROTC in high school. However, complications with transferring (I attended a magnet high school my freshman year) and the hassle kept me from joining ROTC. A few years later in college, I watched the TV series Survivor Cook Islands and became fascinated and inspired by the winner, Yul Kwon. Here was an Asian American male who was able to play a leading role and eventually win the season in the most honorable way that could be possible (at least in my eyes). I eventually researched my hero and discovered that he had attended Marine Officer Candidate School (OCS) during his college years, but had been discharged for physical injuries. Desiring to follow in his footsteps, I made the preliminary steps to enter Marine OCS and challenge myself just like Yul had done. However, I entered the process with the wrong mindset. A mindset of selfishness and desire for me to grow and to eventually leave OCS once I had finished (in the Marines you have the option of receiving your commission or leaving after completion of OCS). Thankfully, I was accepted into the Teach and Learn in Korea program at the same time. Thus, I chose to go to Korea and volunteer in China the summer before the program. While many lessons were learned in Korea, I was reunited with the military history in my family. My grandmother would show me all the medals and honors of my grandfather, and shared how my grandfather had wanted my father to be a Naval Officer; however, my father was unable to make the weight limit (he didn't weigh enough to qualify). With this implanted in my mind, I made my way back to the United States.

As I finished up my senior year in college, I applied to many government agencies, with the thought of the Navy as a backup. Eventually I would suffer a collapsed lung which put a stop to many of my interviews as well as dreams to possibly enter the military. I would eventually enter into a comfortable 8 to 5 office job (which I am very thankful for), but wanted more. After hearing the possibility of receiving a medical waiver (which was incredibly fortunate and by God's grace), I would reapply...except now it was incredibly competitive. To be honest, I would not have it any way because God showed me once again that he is sovereign and is the one who's will I am under. Once I began the selection process, there was no board (where they select candidates) until now. So, the official process began in the winter of 2010, and has finally ended (well at least the selection part). It's been a long journey, but very interesting to see how my desire to serve stemmed from a young age.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Throughout this time of waiting, I have been shown time and time again that we are entitled to nothing. Have a grateful heart...in times of tribulation as well as blessings. Satisfaction in Christ alone.