When It Feels Like Homework, Stop Doing It
Posted: February 20, 2012 Filed under: Random 8 Comments »
Now that I’m 46 years old, I have a simple rule “if it feels like homework, stop doing it.” Writing this running blog has started to feel like homework, so I’ve decided to stop.
This is the second time I’ve tried to use a blog as a format for a public running journal. In each case I got bored of doing it after a few weeks. It started to feel like homework. And I hate things that feel like homework.
I already enter my running data into a few web services. I log automatically on RunKeeper (since I use RunKeeper / my iPhone to track my runs.) I then manually enter the data into TrainingPeaks (which my coach uses with me), SmashRun (which I like because of the data visualization), and Daytum (which I use to track mileage in different locations.) I also have all my step and activity data logged in Fitbit.
I really want a better / more integrated / automated approach. I thought the blog as a “running journal” might tie it all together. But it doesn’t. So – with that – I’m done with this particular attempt, at least for now.
I did the same thing with my blog… runyourage.com – I have tried twice now to maintain it but it just isn’t all that excited to write a separate journal of my running… better to share those funny running moments that you do want to write about with a fellow runner in person etc.
Yup. Or maybe just write about them on my main blog at feld.com like I did with Running and Dumping – http://www.feld.com/wp/archives/2011/01/running-and-dumping.html
I’m surprised none of those services gets the job done. Doesn’t any of them make it easy to tweet what you did that day and maybe write a paragraph of your thoughts once in a while? Would that be enough?
I also think it’s weird that we can still have 5 related, complimentary services that you care about and none of them make it easy speak to each other (I only use RunKeeper, but I’m basing that on the fact that you enter data manually into the others, save for Fitbit). I’m an architect, and that just feels like a failure of my profession somehow – or at least a lack of creativity.
Here’s to continued good running.
There is some integration (e.g. my Fitbit data goes into RunKeeper) but no where near tight enough. I’ve considered hacking together some Python to do what I want but I never get around to it.
Oops – I forgot to address the first question. RunKeeper sort of lets me write something and tweet it out, but it’s a crappy text box and there’s no real way to organize the notes into a diary – it’s more of a status update.
It’s been a fun blog but I know what you mean. Will look for your running updates on your main page. Cheers!
Brad, at times everything seems like homework, but then the feeling goes away, no, not by not by doing it, but by adding to the mix. Two weeks ago I ran a marathon and felt for first time it was homework, in flat Florida. Yesterday, not used to hills, I ran Austin Marathon and it was fun/not homework. Can you mix running and innovation in blog and so get away from homework? Keep up all the good stuff!
Congrats on Austin – my partner Ryan just ran it also. I think my solution to this will be to shift my running posts back to http://www.feld.com