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| This week's obsession |
I've always been interested in media and technology. In fact, my whole career has been focused on those two things. Among the benefits of being "retired when convenient" is that I can focus on things that really interest me. I recently created a Drupal CMS that I'm developing as an XML publishing system. In the past, I would have had to do this late at night or on weekends, but now I can work on it whenever I feel like taking a break from other things.
One of the reasons I enjoy working with technology is that it combines creativity with functionality. The creative process can be based on design, problem solving or building something cool. I had reached the point on a Drupal technical challenge that was monopolizing my focus. I needed to take a break, so I went for a mid-morning run.
The temperature was around 70 degrees when I went outside, but the sun was harsh and the humidity was high. I wasn't concerned about going fast today and that helped me deal with the hot weather. I found a pace that allowed me to move along without thinking. I was thinking, but just not about running. As I moved along, I thought about different options for addressing my technical challenge. By the time I reached home, I had my answer.
It wasn't a particularly impressive workout in terms of metrics, but the heat kept my efforts in check. I liked that I was able to combine running, technology, creativity and business in a way that resulted in a win, win win, win situation.
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this is a great post- i can totally relate. it's marginally different for me, as i contemplate my day and experiments i may try and "what might have gone wrong" in others, but i quite enjoy the odd downtime after my workday and get to think about problem solving on my easier pace or recovery runs. that's not to say i don't do that on tougher runs, too, but those have a little more focus on the objective of the workout.
ReplyDeleteoff-post, i am curious about trying the muttontown trails this summer- never run there...i remember you had some posts on them- what would you recommend?
Your point about easy vs. tough runs resonates. It must be a great method for you to consider your approach and outcome of experiments. But running fast requires a lot more focus. I often read about how elites succeed because they are 100% invested - both physically and mentally. Zoning out takes away the edge, which is fine if your goal is balance. That's usually my goal, except during a race.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of Muttontown, I recommend the place with a few caveats. First, make sure you know how to get to the trail head. Sounds funny, but it took me a couple of tries because the entrance is not obvious.
You may already know this, but just in case, come in from Muttontown Ln. off 25A that's about 1/10 miles west of the intersection of Rt 106. Follow that until you see the small building and parking lot. You can also get onto Muttontown Ln from 106 south by taking Vernon, Walnut or Locust Aves.
Second, take a good look at the supplied map or carry it with you. There are a lot of trails in the preserve and some areas where you could get trapped behind a fence. I recommend a using a GPS app to confirm your location if you lose direction.
Third, be prepared for some really technical, rooty paths and other trails that end abruptly at thick brush. Also, remember that there are often horseback riders and the trails reflect that : )
I hope you have a great experience. Here are a couple of posts I wrote about it. I haven't done great there, but I tend to get lost easily!
http://www.emergingrunner.com/2010/02/great-adventure-on-muttontown-mystery.html
http://www.emergingrunner.com/2011/03/return-to-muttontown-trails.html