Austin, TX

The last Zen training we attended was two weeks ago. At that time we were told that the training would be set back to 8:45 instead of 8am, since the weather was getting cooler. The main reason for getting there at 8am was because it was a lot cooler and it’s easier to exercise in the cooler temperatures. We were supposed to get an email confirming the time change but we never did and I just assumed the email had never been sent. So last night we waffled back and forth about whether we should show up at 8 or 8:45. In the end we decided to show up at 8:45 since we’d been told that was going to be the new time. We chose poorly.

It was immediately obvious that we were late. The Zen table was already set up and two Zen employees were sitting on the wall looking cold. There were no Zen participants milling around the table, either. As it turns out, they switched the time back for some reason. The girl from Zen restaurant told us that there was an email but that some people hadn’t received it. I was a bit puzzled because I’ve received emails from Raquel and Adam in the past so I used to be on the mailing list. The Zen girl told us where they’d gone and the direction they’d be returning so we headed up the path in the direction they’d be returning, hoping to meet up with them. We didn’t go all that far before we caught sight of them running back. Today was meant to be the first long run, with people running 3-5 miles. We ran/walked back to the meeting spot and I talked with Raquel about not getting the emails. She told me that she only adds people so she couldn’t imagine why I stopped getting the emails. She took my email and promised to make sure I’m on the list. As I was standing there I thought to ask her about the previous email and whether it had been sent out and she said it had so I told her I didn’t get that one either and must have fallen off the list around that time.

I was grumpy and feeling bitchy because I was sooooo disappointed to miss the group training this morning. I’d missed the last two due to other obligations but I’d continued to train at home. I’ve improved my speed and I’ve started running. My neighbor was going to come with us but we never sorted out the details with her which turned out to be just as well.

James was there wearing his new running shoes! Yay for James! He said his old shoes had really been hurting his feet. Lizzie was there with her dog which jumped on some poor older guy who did not look best pleased. I’m still not sure it’s a good idea to bring a dog to group training but plenty of people do bring dogs to that location. It is a cute dog, I will say. There is an older lady in our group who apparently got quite far with her running today. She probably did better than I could have done. I wish I was able to run farther but I guess it’s just a matter of time and practice. My running partner pointed out to me that I did spend some 30+ years of my life very ill. I’ve had 14 major surgeries and I’ve overcome breast cancer. I guess I should give myself a break, huh?

We did, at least, make it in time for the Tokyo Breakfast so it wasn’t all bad. Also, Raquel mentioned that I should email Adam and ask him if he’d sponsor me since I’ve been going to the training since the beginning. I guess he’s now sponsoring Kim and Charity who also started with me in hopes of being chosen by the Chronicle. Charity and Kim are my favourites on the Zen team. They are really nice and always take the time to say hello.

No Zen next week because our trainer, Patrick, will be away for the Thanksgiving holiday. Bummer. There is the Turkey Trot coming up, though, so maybe we’ll sign up for that.

The Trail of Lights 5k run is fast approaching. I don’t think I’m going to be ready to fully run that one but that’s okay, I’m getting stronger all the time and the goal is to be healthier and stronger. There will be many more races to choose from and I can always walk part and run part.

If you’d like to read more about my Zen training:
Week One Review
Week Two Review
Week Three Review
Week Four Review
Week Five Review
Week Six Review
Week Seven Review
Week 10 Review ( I missed 8 & 9 )

Exercise, running, Team Zen, Zen Japanese Food Fast, restaurant, tokyo breakfast, Austin Chronicle, Challenge, Auditorium Shores, Fitness, Trail of Lights, 5k