Archive for Don't Be Stupid
February 14, 2009 at 3:30 pm · Filed under Don't Be Stupid, Fitness and Exercise
Shin splints suck.
I, apparently, am the definition of the beginner runner, the zealous convert, the veritable King of Too Much, Too Fast, Too Soon.
It started a week ago, when I did this run, a 9.6 mile long, slow run. I felt fine during it - got rewarded with some spectacular views of Denver and the Front Range too. However, much of it was on pavement and asphalt, as there seems to be a dearth of suitable running paths (or I just haven’t looked hard enough).
The next day, mild shin splint pain set in. So, I diligently iced my shins, wrapped them in Ace bandages, talked sweetly to them, bought them dinner, etc. By Thursday, they felt fine, and I thought maybe I was up for a short run at lunch time.
Well, that was a mistake.
A mile out from the office, my shins let me know they were not pleased with me. I took it easy getting back to the building, got some ice from the cafeteria, and began the healing process anew.
They feel okay today, but I’m not taking any chances. I guess I will take the week off and just stick to non-impact cardio, although the elliptical machine and stationary bike have nothing on being out in the world, running.
On the bright side, I am getting some great tacit knowledge about a variety of running injuries, the kind of learning you just can’t get from Google (but probably don’t want anyway).
Still aiming for a marathon this summer sometime. Let’s see what I can hurt next.
February 8, 2008 at 5:32 pm · Filed under Better Brains, Don't Be Stupid
It’s one thing you will not find me talking about here*.
If you can’t figure out why, might I suggest you go take a science class?
And, no, watching “What the #$*! Do We Know!?” doesn’t count.
Positive thinking? Good stuff.
Believing in yourself? Someone other than your mom should, so yeah.
Looking for opportunities? Awesome.
Pointing yourself in the direction of your goals? The best way for a ship to reach its destination.
Thinking you can alter the fabric of reality with your thoughts and that the universe will just jump to your aid if you only want it to badly enough? That’s just dumb.
Or, wait, maybe my uncle really was wishing to get Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s all at once. Seems a silly wish to me, but hey, who am I to question the New Agers?
* Except using the mocking tone I reserve for, uh, mocking things.
January 29, 2008 at 9:28 pm · Filed under Don't Be Stupid, Relationships
In his book, The Power of an Hour: Building Life Mastery in One Hour a Week, author Dave Lakhani presents a method for achieving what he calls “fearsome focus” – stop giggling, really! – which is spending one hour of intense, directed thought on a specific personal or professional issue.
To be concise, I found the book tried to cover too much, too quickly, without enough depth, and that it set unrealistic expectations for solving some problems. In my opinion, while an hour spent analyzing obstacles in your path to achieving a set goal might be reasonable, it’s not nearly enough to revitalize an organization’s sales department or redesign a process with proper attention to all aspects of the issue.
Perhaps I am wrong, and Lakhani really can achieve massive gains in a mere sixty minutes. If so, I hope he bills by the project and not by the hour!
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