Holiday Inn. I'm not sure, but I think that must translate in some language to "Really Awful Shower". My only choices were boiling hot or freezing cold. Poor water temparature control + low water pressure + crappy massage shower head = boiling hot water shooting out at me every 5-7 seconds.
Anyway, since I am in the lovely city of Woburn, MA at a Holiday Inn, my running choices were a bit limited. I had to resort to the DREADMILL. The lovely Holiday Inn "fitness room" was being renovated, so the temporary fitness room consisted of a treadmill, a stairmaster, a stationary bike and a 27" TV. I got on the dreadmill with plans of running three miles. It was painful. I put on the TV, flipped channels. Mind you, there was no remote, so I had to pick my channel and volume prior to getting on the treadmill. I chose ... wait for it ... American Idol Results Show, which is redundant for boring on a good day. On a treadmill that is so loud, you couldn't hear a jackhammer let alone the TV, the American Idol Results Show is pure torture.
I started playing games with myself. Ooh, it's a commercial, can I guess what it's for before the product is shown? Hmm, let's see...a girl, playing, in the trees, ooh orange trees, it's a commercial for orange juice! Wait, no the mom is sneezing, allergy medication! Nope, Nyquil. Oh well.
Did I mention my view consisted of a brown door three feet in front of the treadmill? Really, captivating.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Communication for the IT Geek
I by no means claim to be a communication expert. However, in the course of my job, my communication skills are often called upon.
1) I am a developer. I am required to communicate with the user to determine their needs/wants/desires. After designing an application, I am required to communicate with the users to determine if those needs/wants/desires were met as well as communicate with users when they run into problems.
2) Being part of a small IT team (there are only three of us), I am required to communicate with users when my cohorts (particularly the guy who handles most of the helpdesk requests) are not around.
So, imagine if you will, a System Administrator (completely hypothetical, see disclaimer): he plans his infrastructure, he administrates said infrastructure, and what he says goes. He feels no need to communicate with the users. They will use the system he provides, end of story. You don’t like it? Tough. See this guy, I’ll wait, it’s worth it. (While hysterically funny, this should be an example of what NOT to do. Due to his own poor communication skills, he actually creates more work for himself!)
While that is an enjoyable attitude to have, let’s face it, if there were no users, we would have no jobs. So, some communication must be doled out to users.
Communication is good. Really, it is. I promise. If YOU can send out the appropriate information, in the appropriate format to the appropriate people, you will have to interact with end users far less than you currently do and those interactions will be far more tolerable, even possibly enjoyable.
So, on to the tips:
Try to think like the user (I know it’s hard, just try). They have NO idea what you do, they just want their stuff to work. They have 25 bosses yelling at them to get their TPS reports done. Are you designing an app that requires them to click through three screens to get to something they use several times and hour? Do you take down the server at noon to install an update?
Don’t be condescending. It doesn’t help anyone. The user will feel angry and frustrated. In all likelihood, the user will walk away. YEAH! You think. However, the next time they have a problem, they won’t report it and it will fester until it goes from a relatively small helpdesk problem into a large crap-this-will-take-me-hours-to-fix problem. Or they will report you to their boss and their bosses boss and who knows who else will come tromping into your office to tell you to be nicer to people. So condescending does not help in the long run (even though it feels good sometimes!).
Be PROactive more than REactive. If you are going to take down the server in the middle of the day, communicate that fact to your users at least 30 minutes beforehand. Too little time and they won’t be able to save their work and exit. Too much time and they’ll forget when it’s happening, or that it is happening at all.
Err on the side of too much communication. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complain when I’ve given them “too much” information. If it is too much, they ignore it. Fine. At least that lets them decide. Too little information and once again, you have frustrated users. Worse, they can often fill in the gaps with their own made up info. Example, the T1 line goes down, so external email is not being delivered. Without any information from you, the user assumes Lotus Notes is down and IT sucks. If you communicate the information (the T1 is down and external email will not be delivered until the T1 provider fixes the problem) AHEAD of anyone complaining, you will have far less user frustration and misconceptions.
However, too much communication shouldn’t mean “tech speak”. Throwing out a bunch of technical terms just to get users off your back doesn’t count as communication, see the paragraph about being condescending. Have you ever had to sit in on a marketing meeting? Lots of industry jargon. It can be frustrating to sit there not understanding a word people are saying, can’t it? Don’t do that to people.
Don’t be afraid to speak to users in real life. Too often we rely on emails and IMs. In the daily barrage of information we all receive, these can often (always) be ignored.
Frequently, tone and intent can quickly be misread in email or IM. When things start to get out of hand or have too many back and forths, stop, get up and speak to the user in person.
Bottom Line. Communicating with people is a good thing. Communicating well is even better. Even just trying to be better at communication shows an effort. Believe me, you will be rewarded. When I communicate effectively with users and management, I have less work to do and WAY less frustration. You can too!
1) I am a developer. I am required to communicate with the user to determine their needs/wants/desires. After designing an application, I am required to communicate with the users to determine if those needs/wants/desires were met as well as communicate with users when they run into problems.
2) Being part of a small IT team (there are only three of us), I am required to communicate with users when my cohorts (particularly the guy who handles most of the helpdesk requests) are not around.
So, imagine if you will, a System Administrator (completely hypothetical, see disclaimer): he plans his infrastructure, he administrates said infrastructure, and what he says goes. He feels no need to communicate with the users. They will use the system he provides, end of story. You don’t like it? Tough. See this guy, I’ll wait, it’s worth it. (While hysterically funny, this should be an example of what NOT to do. Due to his own poor communication skills, he actually creates more work for himself!)
While that is an enjoyable attitude to have, let’s face it, if there were no users, we would have no jobs. So, some communication must be doled out to users.
Communication is good. Really, it is. I promise. If YOU can send out the appropriate information, in the appropriate format to the appropriate people, you will have to interact with end users far less than you currently do and those interactions will be far more tolerable, even possibly enjoyable.
So, on to the tips:
Try to think like the user (I know it’s hard, just try). They have NO idea what you do, they just want their stuff to work. They have 25 bosses yelling at them to get their TPS reports done. Are you designing an app that requires them to click through three screens to get to something they use several times and hour? Do you take down the server at noon to install an update?
Don’t be condescending. It doesn’t help anyone. The user will feel angry and frustrated. In all likelihood, the user will walk away. YEAH! You think. However, the next time they have a problem, they won’t report it and it will fester until it goes from a relatively small helpdesk problem into a large crap-this-will-take-me-hours-to-fix problem. Or they will report you to their boss and their bosses boss and who knows who else will come tromping into your office to tell you to be nicer to people. So condescending does not help in the long run (even though it feels good sometimes!).
Be PROactive more than REactive. If you are going to take down the server in the middle of the day, communicate that fact to your users at least 30 minutes beforehand. Too little time and they won’t be able to save their work and exit. Too much time and they’ll forget when it’s happening, or that it is happening at all.
Err on the side of too much communication. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complain when I’ve given them “too much” information. If it is too much, they ignore it. Fine. At least that lets them decide. Too little information and once again, you have frustrated users. Worse, they can often fill in the gaps with their own made up info. Example, the T1 line goes down, so external email is not being delivered. Without any information from you, the user assumes Lotus Notes is down and IT sucks. If you communicate the information (the T1 is down and external email will not be delivered until the T1 provider fixes the problem) AHEAD of anyone complaining, you will have far less user frustration and misconceptions.
However, too much communication shouldn’t mean “tech speak”. Throwing out a bunch of technical terms just to get users off your back doesn’t count as communication, see the paragraph about being condescending. Have you ever had to sit in on a marketing meeting? Lots of industry jargon. It can be frustrating to sit there not understanding a word people are saying, can’t it? Don’t do that to people.
Don’t be afraid to speak to users in real life. Too often we rely on emails and IMs. In the daily barrage of information we all receive, these can often (always) be ignored.
Frequently, tone and intent can quickly be misread in email or IM. When things start to get out of hand or have too many back and forths, stop, get up and speak to the user in person.
Bottom Line. Communicating with people is a good thing. Communicating well is even better. Even just trying to be better at communication shows an effort. Believe me, you will be rewarded. When I communicate effectively with users and management, I have less work to do and WAY less frustration. You can too!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
6 Baby!
As you can see from my Twitter update -->
I just ran 6 miles today. It's been a loooooooooong time since I've done that. It didn't really feel that bad either! My time was 1 hour, 2 minutes, which is the same as my first 10k RACE last June. I feel pretty good, that an "easy" 6 mile run today came it at the same time as a race I ran last year. Last February I was only running 3's and 4's, so I'm ahead of the game, which is great.
As I've mentioned, I signed up for the Great Bay Half Marathon in April. I don't have any time goals since it's the beginning of running season. Finishing would be great!
I'm thinking of repeating some (if not all) of the Seacoast Series races. They were a lot of fun, and it will be fun to see my times improve (hopefully!).
For me, I need to sign up for races in order to motivate myself to run. And I really need to run. For health reasons of course, but I really find that I am a lot nicer and a lot more tolerant when I run. It's either that or start drinking. :)
I just ran 6 miles today. It's been a loooooooooong time since I've done that. It didn't really feel that bad either! My time was 1 hour, 2 minutes, which is the same as my first 10k RACE last June. I feel pretty good, that an "easy" 6 mile run today came it at the same time as a race I ran last year. Last February I was only running 3's and 4's, so I'm ahead of the game, which is great.
As I've mentioned, I signed up for the Great Bay Half Marathon in April. I don't have any time goals since it's the beginning of running season. Finishing would be great!
I'm thinking of repeating some (if not all) of the Seacoast Series races. They were a lot of fun, and it will be fun to see my times improve (hopefully!).
For me, I need to sign up for races in order to motivate myself to run. And I really need to run. For health reasons of course, but I really find that I am a lot nicer and a lot more tolerant when I run. It's either that or start drinking. :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Guest Blog Post!
At Lotusphere, I was lucky enough to see a session by Chris Blatnick and Tom Duff. Chris covered low-fidelity prototyping among other things. He was gracious enough to allow me to post a guest-post on his blog. Check it out!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Running Schedule Update
Woohoo! Ran the scheduled three on Monday. Was supposed to run 3-5 today, my running partner and I ran 4. I didn't even feel that bad, especially given how long it's been since I've run any more than three miles!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Amusing Domino Documentation
As a newbie developer, I constantly have Designer Help open. Thankfully, I have dual monitors, so one has the Designer client and the other has Help open, most of the time.
I love when I run across gems like this one...
Syntax flag = notesDocument.ComputeWithForm( doDataTypes, raiseError )
Parameters doDataTypes
Boolean. The method ignores this parameter. Specify either True or False.
I realize it is probably there for backwards compatability, but usually the documentation notes that. This just blatantly says, put in the parameter, put whatever you want because it is ignored!
I probably need to get a life, but that cracks me up!
I love when I run across gems like this one...
Syntax flag = notesDocument.ComputeWithForm( doDataTypes, raiseError )
Parameters doDataTypes
Boolean. The method ignores this parameter. Specify either True or False.
I realize it is probably there for backwards compatability, but usually the documentation notes that. This just blatantly says, put in the parameter, put whatever you want because it is ignored!
I probably need to get a life, but that cracks me up!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Excuses, excuses
Okay running schedule for this week, 3 today, 3-5 on Wednesday, 3 on Thursday and 6 on Saturday. It's been a looooooooooong time since I've run 6. Maybe last November? I'll take it slow, really slow. Really really really slow. The forecast this week is for upper 30s and mostly sunny. I think there is supposed to be one day of "wintry mix", but I've just got to get out there and run. I've already fallen behind my running partner. She ran 5 yesterday and I skipped it. No more. There isn't enough buffer in this running schedule for me to skip the weekend "long" runs.
I had some really "good" excuses this weekend. I think I saw on the Runner's Lounge, they had a forum going about good excuses for not running. So, what's yours? And what do you do to get over it?
I had some really "good" excuses this weekend. I think I saw on the Runner's Lounge, they had a forum going about good excuses for not running. So, what's yours? And what do you do to get over it?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Running Again and Again - But Not Too Much
So I ran again on Wednesday. This is a big deal. As pathetic as that seems.
I ran a half marathon last November, so WHY would it be such a big deal that I ran yesterday? Well, while I was training for the half marathon, I ran 102 miles in October. I ran the half midway through November and only ended up running 46 miles in November. I took a little break, okay?
But then, December? Only 21 miles. And worst of all, January...8.7 miles. Total. That's for the WHOLE month of January. I think this happened for a few reasons. First, I burned out overtraining for the half. I was training with a group, and was following their intermediate plan. It was a LOT of miles. Possibly, too many. Then, winter hit. Hard. This has been a very cold, very snowy New England winter. Excuses, excuses.
Now I am back at it. I've signed up for another Half Marathon, and am going to train for it. But, hopefully, not too hard.
So, it's a big deal that I ran yesterday, and last Monday and last Sunday. It's only February 12th and I've already run more miles than last month!
I ran a half marathon last November, so WHY would it be such a big deal that I ran yesterday? Well, while I was training for the half marathon, I ran 102 miles in October. I ran the half midway through November and only ended up running 46 miles in November. I took a little break, okay?
But then, December? Only 21 miles. And worst of all, January...8.7 miles. Total. That's for the WHOLE month of January. I think this happened for a few reasons. First, I burned out overtraining for the half. I was training with a group, and was following their intermediate plan. It was a LOT of miles. Possibly, too many. Then, winter hit. Hard. This has been a very cold, very snowy New England winter. Excuses, excuses.
Now I am back at it. I've signed up for another Half Marathon, and am going to train for it. But, hopefully, not too hard.
So, it's a big deal that I ran yesterday, and last Monday and last Sunday. It's only February 12th and I've already run more miles than last month!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Application Developer for Lotus Notes and Domino – a newbie guide
I think many people get to Lotus Notes and Domino from “winding” career paths. It isn’t like most of us started out our careers saying, “Hey, I know! I want to be a Lotus Notes and Domino Application Developer!”. In fact, most people I speak to didn’t even set out to be any kind of application developer or system administrator. Many of us started out in one place, and through various circumstances found ourselved suddenly tasked developing in Lotus Notes or suddenly in charge of a Notes/Domino server.
That is essentially what happened to me. Long story short (if you want the longer version, check out my first entry), I was never officially trained. I don’t have a masters in computer science. I don’t have a bachelor’s in computer science. Heck, some days I can’t even spell computer science. Anyway.
I suddenly found myself faced with need to know how to develop applications in Lotus. I quickly realized there was no “Lotus Application Development for Dummies” guide. It seemed that there were very few resources available. AND many of those assumed a level of knowledge that I did not have.
Of course, how you learn a new skill depends greatly on understanding your own learning style.
Go to the Lotus website and spend an hour or two navigating your way through 1000 links to get to the Certification and Training page. Find a certification path that makes sense for you, i.e. if you want to be a developer, look for the developer certification. From there, you should be able to find resources such as online and in person classes that would prepare you for the certification tests. (I won’t provide a direct link since they always seem to change).
One such provider is TLCC. They provide various online classes for learning Lotus Notes and Domino. I highly recommend these classes. If working at your own pace works for you, then these are a great option. You actually download an .nsf file that has lots of working examples of the material. WARNING: if you are like me and don’t “pace” yourself well, these may not be for you as I find I never complete them.
In person classes, offered in various locations. These can be pricey, but well worth it. I have taken classes from Davalen and Workgroup Connections. Both were excellent. Davalen also offers a virtual classroom, which is a lot more convenient than buying a plane ticket and hotel room! The great thing about these classes is that you get the official IBM book. Step by step instructions and examples to learn the material. WARNING: if you find yourself annoyed and bored if you get something and others in your class do not, the in person class may not be for you. WARNING: if you find yourself falling asleep at your monitor when you “work from home”, the virtual class may not be for you.
You will also find some IBM documentation on their site that may or may not be useful. Honestly, if you are just starting out, some of their “documentation” may be a little too much to handle. Downloading Volume 2 of the Programmers Guide might just make your ears bleed.
Get the Lotus Notes and Domino 6 Programming Bible, even if you aren’t using R6, this book is still invaluable. Realize though, that if you are a true newbie, some of this book will make your head explode. Get it. Read what you can and don’t worry ‘cuz the rest will make sense later.
Get Code Complete. If you are like me, and don’t have a programming background this book will help you write good code. It doesn’t matter what language, Code Complete discusses and demonstrates good code structure. Just like the previous book I mentioned, get it, read it and don’t worry that it doesn’t all make sense right away.
Definitely definitely definitely check out www.planetlotus.org. It’s a giant list of all people who blog about Lotus. Scan through stuff, search, whatever, it’s a great place for resources.
Last, but certainly not least. The way I learned the MAJORITY of what I know. Jump in. Go to openNTF.org and download an application (highly rated or popular). Open it up in the client, understand what it does, then go open it up in Designer. Try to figure out the code that does what you experienced in the client.
ETA: A Planet Lotus blogger just asked a similar question and got a bunch of great responses, check them out here
That is essentially what happened to me. Long story short (if you want the longer version, check out my first entry), I was never officially trained. I don’t have a masters in computer science. I don’t have a bachelor’s in computer science. Heck, some days I can’t even spell computer science. Anyway.
I suddenly found myself faced with need to know how to develop applications in Lotus. I quickly realized there was no “Lotus Application Development for Dummies” guide. It seemed that there were very few resources available. AND many of those assumed a level of knowledge that I did not have.
Of course, how you learn a new skill depends greatly on understanding your own learning style.
Go to the Lotus website and spend an hour or two navigating your way through 1000 links to get to the Certification and Training page. Find a certification path that makes sense for you, i.e. if you want to be a developer, look for the developer certification. From there, you should be able to find resources such as online and in person classes that would prepare you for the certification tests. (I won’t provide a direct link since they always seem to change).
One such provider is TLCC. They provide various online classes for learning Lotus Notes and Domino. I highly recommend these classes. If working at your own pace works for you, then these are a great option. You actually download an .nsf file that has lots of working examples of the material. WARNING: if you are like me and don’t “pace” yourself well, these may not be for you as I find I never complete them.
In person classes, offered in various locations. These can be pricey, but well worth it. I have taken classes from Davalen and Workgroup Connections. Both were excellent. Davalen also offers a virtual classroom, which is a lot more convenient than buying a plane ticket and hotel room! The great thing about these classes is that you get the official IBM book. Step by step instructions and examples to learn the material. WARNING: if you find yourself annoyed and bored if you get something and others in your class do not, the in person class may not be for you. WARNING: if you find yourself falling asleep at your monitor when you “work from home”, the virtual class may not be for you.
You will also find some IBM documentation on their site that may or may not be useful. Honestly, if you are just starting out, some of their “documentation” may be a little too much to handle. Downloading Volume 2 of the Programmers Guide might just make your ears bleed.
Get the Lotus Notes and Domino 6 Programming Bible, even if you aren’t using R6, this book is still invaluable. Realize though, that if you are a true newbie, some of this book will make your head explode. Get it. Read what you can and don’t worry ‘cuz the rest will make sense later.
Get Code Complete. If you are like me, and don’t have a programming background this book will help you write good code. It doesn’t matter what language, Code Complete discusses and demonstrates good code structure. Just like the previous book I mentioned, get it, read it and don’t worry that it doesn’t all make sense right away.
Definitely definitely definitely check out www.planetlotus.org. It’s a giant list of all people who blog about Lotus. Scan through stuff, search, whatever, it’s a great place for resources.
Last, but certainly not least. The way I learned the MAJORITY of what I know. Jump in. Go to openNTF.org and download an application (highly rated or popular). Open it up in the client, understand what it does, then go open it up in Designer. Try to figure out the code that does what you experienced in the client.
ETA: A Planet Lotus blogger just asked a similar question and got a bunch of great responses, check them out here
Motivation Monday - Update
It worked! Both professionally and for running.
Yesterday, I ran again! I also uploaded all of my runs since December and realized I was being much harder on myself than I deserved. I haven't been running a LOT, but I have been running some, which is better than nothing.
Anyway, thanks to the four questions from yesterday's post:
I went running.
I made up a running schedule to get me to the Great Bay Half Marathon in April.
I convinced my friend and running partner to also do the Great Bay Half.
I also cleaned up my desk, cleaned out my emails, organized my to-dos for the many development projects I am working on, and knocked out quite a few of them.
The four questions really can be applied to anything...
What would I like to have happen?
I would like to finish the Contact Management System I am developing in Lotus Notes this week.
What needs to happen to finish?
I need to get the specs on a couple of reports that the users want. I need to finish up the remaining requirements.
Can I?
The specs are up to someone else to create, so we'll see if I get those. I can finish my stuff while I wait.
Will I?
Yes.
See? The beauty of the questions is that you can see what is realistic for a goal. Then you can readjust. For example, I may not get the specs, but rather than be disappointed at the end of the week that I didn't finish the CMS, I know that I can do the rest and that part may or may not happen. Realistic expectations = happiness!
Yesterday, I ran again! I also uploaded all of my runs since December and realized I was being much harder on myself than I deserved. I haven't been running a LOT, but I have been running some, which is better than nothing.
Anyway, thanks to the four questions from yesterday's post:
I went running.
I made up a running schedule to get me to the Great Bay Half Marathon in April.
I convinced my friend and running partner to also do the Great Bay Half.
I also cleaned up my desk, cleaned out my emails, organized my to-dos for the many development projects I am working on, and knocked out quite a few of them.
The four questions really can be applied to anything...
What would I like to have happen?
I would like to finish the Contact Management System I am developing in Lotus Notes this week.
What needs to happen to finish?
I need to get the specs on a couple of reports that the users want. I need to finish up the remaining requirements.
Can I?
The specs are up to someone else to create, so we'll see if I get those. I can finish my stuff while I wait.
Will I?
Yes.
See? The beauty of the questions is that you can see what is realistic for a goal. Then you can readjust. For example, I may not get the specs, but rather than be disappointed at the end of the week that I didn't finish the CMS, I know that I can do the rest and that part may or may not happen. Realistic expectations = happiness!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Motivation Monday
While Mondays can be really depressing (Ugh, I have to go to work!), I also find that I am my most motivated on Mondays for things like running schedules, new work projects and eating plans.
Yesterday I was able to attend a seminar for work that happened to also throw out some good motivation tips.
My favorite came in the form of four questions. (I sadly do not have the materials in front of me, so cannot quote the source, but will as soon as I get home). These four questions need to be asked in their exact format as they were created in such a way to be motivational and NON-accusatory.
What would you like to have happen?
What needs to happen?
Can you?
Will you?
For example:
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE HAPPEN? This question puts the desired outcome into specifics, making them easier to achieve.
A: I would like to stick to my running schedule this week.
Q: WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR YOU TO STICK TO YOUR RUNNING SCHEDULE THIS WEEK? This forces the respondent to really think about what specific steps need to be taken by the respondent or by others.
A: I need to make a reasonable schedule, i.e. three days rather than five. I need to make sure I have appropriate gear for the weather. I need to enlist the aid of my running partner, so I won't wuss out.
Q: CAN YOU DO THOSE THINGS? This is a reality check. Are you actually able to do the things that are necessary? If one of the answers had been "I need to run 15 miles on Saturday", that wouldn't actually be possible. The respondent would need to rethink either the outcome or what is needed.
A: Yes.
Q: WILL YOU? Another reality check. Just because you CAN doesn't mean you WILL. The respondent may commit and feel motivated to accomplish the tasks, or may respond with "I'll try", which may require a look over the needed tasks to determine which response will elicit a YES to this question.
A: Yes.
I'm looking forward to trying these questions out in various scenarios. Hope they might help you!
Yesterday I was able to attend a seminar for work that happened to also throw out some good motivation tips.
My favorite came in the form of four questions. (I sadly do not have the materials in front of me, so cannot quote the source, but will as soon as I get home). These four questions need to be asked in their exact format as they were created in such a way to be motivational and NON-accusatory.
What would you like to have happen?
What needs to happen?
Can you?
Will you?
For example:
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE HAPPEN? This question puts the desired outcome into specifics, making them easier to achieve.
A: I would like to stick to my running schedule this week.
Q: WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR YOU TO STICK TO YOUR RUNNING SCHEDULE THIS WEEK? This forces the respondent to really think about what specific steps need to be taken by the respondent or by others.
A: I need to make a reasonable schedule, i.e. three days rather than five. I need to make sure I have appropriate gear for the weather. I need to enlist the aid of my running partner, so I won't wuss out.
Q: CAN YOU DO THOSE THINGS? This is a reality check. Are you actually able to do the things that are necessary? If one of the answers had been "I need to run 15 miles on Saturday", that wouldn't actually be possible. The respondent would need to rethink either the outcome or what is needed.
A: Yes.
Q: WILL YOU? Another reality check. Just because you CAN doesn't mean you WILL. The respondent may commit and feel motivated to accomplish the tasks, or may respond with "I'll try", which may require a look over the needed tasks to determine which response will elicit a YES to this question.
A: Yes.
I'm looking forward to trying these questions out in various scenarios. Hope they might help you!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Ran Again!
I ran again. It wasn't exactly as soon as I would have liked, but at least it wasn't two weeks after my last run. It was in the mid-40s this morning, I had NO excuse. I ran a little over three miles and it definitely wasn't as bad as last Monday.
I'm thinking I may try to gut it through until Spring and then keep my eye out for either a sale on treadmills or a good used one for sale. Magazines and online sites seem to have a lot of recommendations for Sole treadmills, I have yet to talk to anyone that actually owns one though. Anybody out there have one? Like it? Hate it?
I hope we have more warm temps. And by warm temps, I mean anything above freezing! A lot of snow and ice melting today, that should make the roads easier to run on. Gotta get out there again tomorrow!
I'm thinking I may try to gut it through until Spring and then keep my eye out for either a sale on treadmills or a good used one for sale. Magazines and online sites seem to have a lot of recommendations for Sole treadmills, I have yet to talk to anyone that actually owns one though. Anybody out there have one? Like it? Hate it?
I hope we have more warm temps. And by warm temps, I mean anything above freezing! A lot of snow and ice melting today, that should make the roads easier to run on. Gotta get out there again tomorrow!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Gotta Keep Chugging
This weather is really getting me down. I ran on Monday and posted about it. And...haven't run since. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40s, as is Sunday. I've really got to get out there.
I noticed that I've been in a really bad mood lately. I thought it might just be stress at work, but then Monday afternoon and evening the mood had lifted. I felt great. Same work situation, but I had run. Stress crept back in over the course of the week. And now, I'm back in a really bad mood.
It's frigid today. Somewhere in the teens, and lower than that with windchill. Portsmouth is horrible about plowing, so the roads and sidewalks are covered with inches of ice. Even if I could stand the cold, I just don't want to risk the ice.
So, anyone have any treadmill recommendations? :)
I noticed that I've been in a really bad mood lately. I thought it might just be stress at work, but then Monday afternoon and evening the mood had lifted. I felt great. Same work situation, but I had run. Stress crept back in over the course of the week. And now, I'm back in a really bad mood.
It's frigid today. Somewhere in the teens, and lower than that with windchill. Portsmouth is horrible about plowing, so the roads and sidewalks are covered with inches of ice. Even if I could stand the cold, I just don't want to risk the ice.
So, anyone have any treadmill recommendations? :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
I ran - FINALLY!
Whew. I did it. It wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't fast, but I ran. Three measly miles, but the first time in TWO WEEKS. It was 38 degrees however, so I had NO excuse. I also enlisted the help of my sometime running partner and we agreed yesterday that we would run today.
It was great weather for running. Not windy, not too sunny, not too cold, just right. I, however, sucked. Wind, that is. Well, it wasn't really my lungs so much, but my legs. My knees, and then my shins, and even my feet hurt! Seriously, I think I felt better running a half marathon than I felt today. At one point I thought cars might start pulling over to see if I needed medical assistance.
Now the key thing is, I must remember how this feels. I must remember to keep running consistently so I never have to feel this feeling again!!!
It was great weather for running. Not windy, not too sunny, not too cold, just right. I, however, sucked. Wind, that is. Well, it wasn't really my lungs so much, but my legs. My knees, and then my shins, and even my feet hurt! Seriously, I think I felt better running a half marathon than I felt today. At one point I thought cars might start pulling over to see if I needed medical assistance.
Now the key thing is, I must remember how this feels. I must remember to keep running consistently so I never have to feel this feeling again!!!
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