Autumn: The Best Time to Exercise

[성김 대사]

Just a few days ago, I played tennis for the first time in many years.  The start was a bit embarrassing.  You see, my partners were amazed and amused when I showed up with my very old tennis racquet.  In fact, they called me a dinosaur and encouraged me to catch up to modern times.  But really, I had forgotten just how much fun and exercise tennis can give you.  In a very short period of time I was drenched in sweat; and we were only playing doubles!  I need to get in much better shape (and get a cardiogram) before I hit the singles circuit.  Now that the weather is beautiful, I plan to get outdoors more and get involved in outdoor activities and sports, including playing tennis on a regular basis.

My so-called ‘dinosaur’ tennis racket

I know from many friends and colleagues that golf is a great way to socialize and conduct business at the same time.  But as I was reminded while playing tennis with old contacts and friends, tennis is also a good way to spend time with friends, socialize, and yes, do some business.  On my first outing in many years, my rusty tennis game was energized greatly by wonderful partners including Mr. Kim Yong-sun, former President of the Seoul Tennis Association, who was a very patient tennis partner to some of my predecessors in Seoul and will help me as well.    

With very patient Mr. Kim Yong-sun

Tobi welcomed me home happily even though I was drenched in sweat.

I also see that hiking is extremely popular in Korea year round, but especially in the fall when the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change colors.  If you live in Seoul like I do, you can just hop on the subway and quickly wind up in some great places to hike like Nam-san, Inwang-san, Bukhan-san, etc.  But I am worried that I don’t have any fancy hiking apparel.  Korean hikers are all so stylish that I am afraid they will all make fun of my old, non-hiking wardrobe.  I did get a chance to walk a bit on the Olle Trail in Jeju-do last Friday (will tell you all about my trip to Jeju-do in my next blog).  I enjoyed it immensely even though I wasn’t dressed properly, and no one made fun of my wardrobe, so I think I’m ready to try some trails in the Seoul area.