10k at Cherry Marathon in Gyeongju

with someTaLK teachers and our medals!

I've been looking forward to this day for quite a while. It's mainly because I don't have any big events to look forward. I ran a 5k in Gyeongju in October and thought it would be more challenging and fun to do a 10k this time. I signed up about 2 months ago right when I knew there was a cherry marathon. We ran along the roads with all the cherry blossom trees. There were still flowers but the colors were fading now. It was beautiful a few weeks ago. Honestly though, I didn't care too much about the view while running. I was more focused on which km I'm on and how long I have been running.

It was very festive and fun!

I felt pretty good during the run. I was on track with my goal. Last time I ran a 10k in the US, I ran/walked it in an hour 30 minutes. This time I wanted to run the whole thing and make it before an hour 15minutes. I made it in 1:05 and ran the whole thing! I think I will most likely do the half marathon in June in Pohang. It will be a challenge and I will have something to forward to. I will need to train though.

The cost was 30,000won for this 10k.

22nd Cherry Marathon 10k Medal

I got my shirt and racing bib from my co-teacher the Thursday before the race. They had it sent to her house since I have idea how to communicate with them. We got free food and beer after the race. Also got a medal!!!















It's nice to do something active with other teachers. It makes Korea more bearable.

Before and after the race, instagram!

Geumjeongsan in Busan

Hike at Geumjeongsan in Busan on March 17, 2013

A view of Busan from up top

beautiful stream where people rested

Since I had to pick up my laptop in Busan after it got fixed, I decided it wouldn't hurt to take another hike. My friend and I met up at the Ocheonjang station at around 11am. We pretty much just follow people with hiking gears to the mountain trail. Geumjeongsan is known for the fortress which was built during the war against the Japanese. We did see the fortress and some parts are still under construction.

The hike was longer than we expected. It took us about 4-5hours to finally get down. 

The view of Busan was amazing at the top. The weather was nice and everything went smoothly.

We ate some fried chicken after the hike then took the bus back to our cities.

To get there: Take Subway Line 1 to Myeongnyun-dong. From there, it is about a 15 minute walk west to the cable car.

one of the major entrances and a part of the fortress

a temple near the hike 

a part of the fortress under construction

picture booth for tourists