Yarian

Boston, after 4 days.

Last Thursday, I moved to Boston for college.  Since then I’ve been asked “how is it” or a variation of that question about thirty times.  So I’ll answer it now for everyone that is interested.

I’m doing great.

I generally feel like the days are a bit slow, yet the 4 days have f

lown.  Classes don’t start until Wednesday so I don’t have the regular flow yet.  Even so, my days can be filled easily enough with one of the millions of things to do in Boston.

The city is definitely within your reach at all times.  I have already witnessed how easy it is to travel on the T when I traveled to Harvard Square (Saturday night).  Harvard Square by the way, is amazing.  It has a lot of cool stores and an overall vivacious vibe.  One store in particular, Newbury Comics, was incredible, its shelves stocked with movies, cds, books, mangas, animes, video games, posters, vinyls, and more at wicked cheap prices.  After passing a few stores and crossing a bridge you get to see Harvard’s football stadium, along other sporting arenas, which is like a mini Colosseum.

The architecture in general here is great.  Lots of classical elements brought to levels I never imagined in a city.

The picture above is a view of a church about three blocks from my dorm next to a reflecting pool; the background graced by the Prudential building (or pru for short).  Pru serves as the North star of Boston to lost college students and hopeless adventurers alike.  It is visible from most parts of the city that I’ve been to, even while running through the Fens.

Speaking of running, Boston is a wonderful running city.  It is quite friendly towards foot traffic in general and this quality shines when running.  The sidewalks are wide, the cars don’t get in the way too much and pedestrians usually move out of your way as well.  Then—you have the views.

That’s not a picture meant to promote tourism to Boston, that’s exactly what my running route looks like.  It’s about a 3 mile loop around the Charles River but you will hardly mind the distance with these views.  They’re fixing the MIT dome so I haven’t been able to see it—soon.

The temperatures—for running and in general—have been great (take note of this in a few months when I’m dying).  The temperature averaged 70 for most of the time I’ve been here, today it averaged 60 the whole day.  It’s a very pleasant temperature to run in.  Other than that however, I feel cold.  60 degrees is 10˚ colder than my house under air conditioner.  And of course I have my friend constantly reminding me that it will keep getting colder, that this change in temperature doesn’t stop.

Now with all this running and cold I have to eat good food to compensate.  The food has been great.  I will get sick of it no question about it, but at least it will be good food I get sick of.  International Village is the big attraction.  It has the best dinning hall and has very gourmet-ish food.  Sushi bar, veggie corner, you name it, they probably have it.  The veggie burger is excellent.  I’ve also taken to eating two apples a day, one every time I eat.  My meal plan covers 15 meals a week, that means I eat twice a day.  It’s a bit hard.  As I write this I am hungry.  I haven’t eaten in 5 hours and I am going to go to sleep in a bit like this.  This should become easier as my body gets used to it.  I have gone from eating every 30 minutes (something small) to eating twice a day (until I’m full, and then a little more).  Thirst is also a small problem.  I can’t find water easily.  I just got a bottle for it today but I have to find places to refill.  For now, I thirst.

Roommates are great.  I’m not entirely used to sharing a room since I’ve never done it before but it’s something I’ll adjust to.  Other than that, not much to say there.

It’s only been four days; how much do you want me to say?  I love Boston, that is all.

Rediscover the joy of running

If you’re on the fence about running, jump over it, because it is one of the most gratifying things you can do for yourself.

For a long time, I was guilty of letting the “running monster” build up.  I spent months without runs which meant an almost completely sedentary lifestyle.  Every day the “monster” excuse grew larger.  Until one day, I was invited by a friend to join her on her daily run.  I said yes then, and I haven’t looked back.

Over the past few weeks I have been feeling much better all the time.  My stress levels are down to what I’d probably consider all-time lows.  My energy level is up.  So high, in fact, that I find I have too little to do with my energy and constantly feel like running or moving my body more.

The biggest challenge has been funneling the excitement.   Channeling the energy and enthusiasm so I do not lose the spark.  In the past, this has been my undoing.  My spark has been oftentimes a pack of cheap fireworks.  A fire–flashy, loud, but short-lived.  This time a steady stream of determination has rooted my efforts and they consequently feel much stronger.  I feel a stronger conviction.

If, like me, you find yourself trapped by the “exercise monster,” then do yourself a favor right now and start.  Just start, and take it easy.  Start slow, and walk when you need to.  Set aside thirty minutes each day to run.  Even if you walk most of it, do it.

After a week or two try to run a lap more or a few minutes longer than before.  Take it slow, at your own pace.  Enjoy it.  As it is oftentimes said, make sure you feel good before, during, and after the workout.

Running can be one of the best parts of your day, if you let it.