Actually every week I have a goal of spending five hours on self-improvement. Most of this time I spend studying Japanese. Even though I have lived in Japan for more than fifteen years I struggle with learning Japanese. I can't even imagine that someday I will not need to study Japanese. It is a lifelong journey that requires constant study and practice. 

On top of studying Japanese, I am usually studying about one of my hobbies or a new hobby I would like to try. Two of my favorite hobbies are running and eating! I like to eat a lot so that's why I need to run!

As for running, I run ultramarathons so I need to study a lot to keep my body in good condition. I need to study running technique, recovery exercises, nutrition, and many more things. I have been studying how to run long distances for many years, but I still don't understand everything. 

Since I love to eat I also love to cook. I try to study and practice cooking. My grandmother was born in Mexico so my family ate a lot of Mexican food. I can make some Mexican dishes such as enchiladas and tamales. I would like to learn to cook many more Mexican dishes but it is difficult to find the ingredients in Japan. 

I remember when I was a high school student. I used to sit in class thinking "It will be so nice someday when I don't have to study anymore!" Now, I can't imagine not studying. I am a curious person who wants to know everything! I enjoy studying now and will continue studying forever.

Robert 

I had a chance to visit Portland Oregon this year. I ran on part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT.) It was so beautiful! I need to find some good places to trail run near Tokyo. In 2019 I ran a fifty mile race on the PCT. 
 

This is not an enchilada, but this burrito I ate was coved by a type of enchilada sauce. It is hard to buy this type of sauce in Japan.