I joyfully steal my headline from a friend who is signed up for his first full Ironman race and not even close to putting in the miles.

Friends, 18 minutes on a treadmill was the first time I’ve run in 5 weeks — if you don’t count chasing the water buffalo across the rice field. I am definitely not overtraining.

I’ve been on an extended vacation — from work, from running, from the United States — in Thailand. I highly recommend it.

But now I’m back with a few thousand photos and a few extra pounds from all that good sticky rice with mango.

Things I learned in Thailand that may help my running:

• Squats are good for your legs. I would have preferred that they were optional, rather than mandatory, when using the local restrooms, but I should get strength training wherever I can.
• Fruit is a good dessert. After most meals, it was the only dessert option. But with the fresh fruits they grow there, I have a renewed appreciation for pineapple, papaya, dragonfruit and watermelon.
• Stay hydrated. We’d been repeatedly warned not to drink the tap water, but the heat quickly taught us to always have lots of bottled water on hand.
• Sharp reflexes prevent malaria. I’m now a trained assassin when it comes to mosquitos. I learned to move quickly and decisively — like when passing someone in a race.

Admittedly, the above list is a pathetic attempt to connect running to the past month of my life. In truth, running was pretty far from my mind. But it’s good to be back. And I’ll see you out there soon.