Jog #3. I seem to be progressing better than I thought. This is definitely better than the first time around. I'm no speed demon that's for sure but I'm moving faster than sitting on the couch so that's something.

I found this great quote on the web today:

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Day Two. I kicked it into gear again and did a short jog today. I plan to take it easy for the first 2-3 weeks to build up some endurance and get into the routine. I read somewhere it takes 3 weeks to develop a habit - so that's the goal.

Out of hibernation. On Wednesday I gathered up my courage and set out my first jog in a very very long time. Okay, I admit - my first jog since well the 10km race in Iceland last August! I pretty much figured that I lost everything I gained last summer training and that I would be starting at square one. My expectations were low, very low - I remember only being able to jog only a small amount before having to stop completely out of breath. I remember the nauseous feeling associated with breathing too hard. I remember the sore muscles that follow. Yes I wasn't feeling too optimistic. Surprisingly it was okay - all things considered. I could jog much further without stopping than the first day of training and I didn't really get the feeling like my lungs may explode. I'm still a complete beginner but I'm glad that at least I retained something from last year whatever it was. Now I must summon the courage to go out again and make a lifestyle change. Oh dear.

Plans for the future. I've been accepted for a Masters in Physics at Laurentian University for the fall. I think that this is a good step for me. The research directions of the university is in line with my own personal interests. In addition the major experiments are on site in the SNOLAB. I believe I will receive excellent experience from both the theoretical and experimental components. This means that I will be moving to Sudbury for at least 2 years. I will be moving after my convocation on June 15th. I have met with all of the Particle Physics professors at Laurentian during a recent visit to Sudbury. It left me feeling very optimistic: each professor was very easy going, each seemed passionate about their research, and I didn't get a sense of the politics and ego that can sometimes be associated in an academic environment.
So that nagging question I've been getting for the last year "what are you going to do after you graduate?" has been answered - more school.