Form Precedes Function – 137 Days to Go To Marathon

When I was younger, a computer science teacher by trade I believed firmly that form follows function. I taught with passion that you must have a business case before you can justify the creation of a form. I was full of crap.

When I was younger, I was a Wozniak guy. I hated Jobs. Now that I am older I reluctantly appreciate the form first, the vision of jobs that became the worlds most successful company.

When I was younger, I was really worried about what I did. Now, I worry less about that I am doing and more about how I am doing it. Am I doing it the right way? Am I following the right form.

In this sense, it does not matter what you do. It matters how and in what manner you do it. You can find beauty, love, art, magnificence in the most menial of tasks IF you see the form first.

I have been running for 326 days in a row.  For the most part, I have just been trying to get through it. Fight through the misery, struggle through the pain. I wanted to get to X miles, run at Y pace. Fight, Fight, Fight. Accomplish something.

I am on a new path now. I am running, not to achieve the particular objective but rather run and to run correctly. I am carefully running with the correct form. Head up, shoulders back, hips slightly forward and open, chest almost pointed upwards, breath in through nose and out through the mouth in a regular pattern, and arms straight. As I get better at that form, something amazing has occurred.

I like running now.

I have always liked the feeling AFTER I ran. Never during. This morning on my 6 mile run, I felt great. No pain, or discomfort. With the proper form, my feet glided rather then plodded. My hips rotated rather than rocked. My breath was smooth rather then gasping. Maintaining a perfect pace was easy. I did not slow down, or speed up because I did not have to. I just ran.

I also found out that Mary J. Blige is awesome.  My automated google play channel plays random songs, and nothing quite beats running down the quiet urban streets of Cupertino with the Queen of Hip Hop blaring in your ear buds.

Get your freak on.

Guy Reams (376)

365 Member

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Share the Post:

Recent Blogs

Day 309 – The Price Tag of Automation

The author recounts his frustrating experience with home automation after Google abandoned its Nest architecture, leading him to build his own system. He highlights the significant time and effort required for maintenance and the eventual abandonment of his automation efforts due to the high ‘economic life’ cost. However, with the advent of AI, the cost and effort of automation have decreased, making it more feasible and renewing his interest in deploying future automations.

Read More

Day 308 – Speed is The Champion

This article explores the concept that speed often leads to success in various fields, from business to technology and sports. It argues that systems capable of rapid action, feedback, and adjustment tend to outperform those focused on avoiding errors. The author highlights the importance of fast feedback loops, citing John Boyd’s OODA loop and its application in AI systems. The piece also discusses the speed-accuracy tradeoff, noting that while speed can lead to more mistakes, these are often recoverable, and the compounding effect of rapid learning ultimately drives better results.

Read More

Day 307 – Iterative Could be Insufficient

This article explores the contrast between iterative and linear thinking, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. It argues that while iterative thinking is beneficial in many fields, it can sometimes be an excuse for insufficient upfront planning, and proposes a hybrid approach for more robust decision-making.

Read More

Day 306 – The Zeigarnik Effect

The article explores the psychological relief gained from writing down unfinished tasks and concerns, linking it to the Zeigarnik Effect. It explains how externalizing thoughts through writing can free the mind from constantly remembering and worrying about unresolved issues, allowing for greater mental peace and the ability to conclude the day effectively.

Read More
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x