My foray into the world of running has not been the smoothest transition. It's not an abject failure but I'm sure many others have had an easier transition. I have not quit, in fact I have gone for 3 runs this week. They are not long runs but they are making a difference.
I did do something to my knee a bit over a month ago which left me limping for a few days and unable to run for sixteen days. Once I thought my knee was good to go, I got back at it. Needless to say the knee wasn't quite ready and that kept me to a walking pace for another twelve days. The second time I restarted this journey I put a brace on the suspect knee and things have been good ever since.
This new activity is in addition to all my current activity. I'm still walking to work everyday. I'm still in the gym three times a week and I still do everything I was doing before. My body has kindly informed me that I have added to my fitness regime and not substituted one activity for another. My endurance is slowly improving and my legs are screaming at me to give them a break. Now that I have found a pace I can just keep going as long as I want, it is simply mind over matter.
I originally took on running because I was convinced by a friend to run the 5km in the Army Run but I have since started to see it as a long term activity. There are a few upsides to running. You can basically run anywhere. It's great exercise and makes all your other exercises easier in the long run as your heart and lungs can get more oxygen to your hard working muscles. It can be scenic. Like all exercise, it helps control stress and makes sleeping much more rewarding. People are generally impressed by the fact that you are going for a run.
It's been nearly ten years since I started to exercise regularly and as I look back I'm happy with my choice to live an active life. It has made so much in my life better. The one take-away I have from this all is, it isn't important what you do, its important that you are doing something regularly.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Innovation
Yesterday I read this article from the Ottawa Citizen describing a very exciting and innovative project that may bring electricity to many parts of the world that currently is not served. I found this very exciting because the implications could be far reaching. I have been thinking about it and the possibilities for other innovation throughout the world.
Now don't get me wrong. I like my first world stuff. I like my iPhone, and my big screen TV. Without unique thinking none of these items would exist. However, I think the unique challenges of the developing world, especially in rural areas provide the biggest opportunities for innovation.
Sitting in my high-rise apartment in Ottawa, I take a lot for granted. I have reliable energy to provide heat, cooling, light, refrigeration, information, sanitation, and entertainment. It's a very nice way to live. In much of the world some or all of these comforts are not available or reliable. This results in challenges.
However, what if we can improve the infrastructure in under-developed areas? What if we can start to provide the affordable access to resources that the developed world enjoys? It can give many people new opportunities to provide for their families. It can open new markets in both directions. It can introduce new talent into the global marketplace. The only thing we have to do is put in the the time, effort, and resources. We need to look at what is not there and how do we get it in. We need to use local and scalable solutions and we need to do it now.
This is a great opportunity for investment. There are billion dollar ideas waiting to be developed and implemented. The markets will evolve. Moving a family from two dollars a day to ten dollars a day is a five-hundred percent increase in income. There are a lot of families in this category and it will have a huge impact on global buying power. More money will be moving and more people will be earning. Improved infrastructure will make it easier for new money to move into under-developed regions. Rural economies will have more opportunities to get goods or services out to move more money in. Everyone wins.
I have often said the best social programs are a good stable job. Most people want to be self-sufficient. The standard of living of a region can only improve if goods or services are flowing out, otherwise the money is just going around in a circle. Opportunities like what is presented in the article will help this.
If you can design things, consider making something to change a community a long way away. If you can invest, consider investing in these types of activities. It will make a big difference for a lot of people in a lot of places.
Now don't get me wrong. I like my first world stuff. I like my iPhone, and my big screen TV. Without unique thinking none of these items would exist. However, I think the unique challenges of the developing world, especially in rural areas provide the biggest opportunities for innovation.
Sitting in my high-rise apartment in Ottawa, I take a lot for granted. I have reliable energy to provide heat, cooling, light, refrigeration, information, sanitation, and entertainment. It's a very nice way to live. In much of the world some or all of these comforts are not available or reliable. This results in challenges.
However, what if we can improve the infrastructure in under-developed areas? What if we can start to provide the affordable access to resources that the developed world enjoys? It can give many people new opportunities to provide for their families. It can open new markets in both directions. It can introduce new talent into the global marketplace. The only thing we have to do is put in the the time, effort, and resources. We need to look at what is not there and how do we get it in. We need to use local and scalable solutions and we need to do it now.
This is a great opportunity for investment. There are billion dollar ideas waiting to be developed and implemented. The markets will evolve. Moving a family from two dollars a day to ten dollars a day is a five-hundred percent increase in income. There are a lot of families in this category and it will have a huge impact on global buying power. More money will be moving and more people will be earning. Improved infrastructure will make it easier for new money to move into under-developed regions. Rural economies will have more opportunities to get goods or services out to move more money in. Everyone wins.
I have often said the best social programs are a good stable job. Most people want to be self-sufficient. The standard of living of a region can only improve if goods or services are flowing out, otherwise the money is just going around in a circle. Opportunities like what is presented in the article will help this.
If you can design things, consider making something to change a community a long way away. If you can invest, consider investing in these types of activities. It will make a big difference for a lot of people in a lot of places.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Understand
I've been thinking a lot about how to get things done. It isn't always easy as there are always roadblocks. One of the biggest impediments is people not sharing the same views as you. It can be frustrating but it is also a reality. I have often been able to build consensus. For a long time I couldn't understand how I was getting it done. With some reflection, I think I know what I've been doing.
Everyone believes what they believe for a reason. It is relatively easy to understand what someone believes. They will probably tell you the what, even if you don't want to know. To make any headway you must understand why they believe what they believe. You need to understand what teaching, experience, legend, myth, book, movie, or conversation makes them hold that belief.
However, all that doesn't mean you have to accept what they are saying. They can still be flat out wrong but if you understand why they believe what they do, you can attack the foundation and change their mind. It is only possible if you really understand what is driving their thought process.
Their is also a flip side. If you can make somebody else understand why you believe what you do, it can help change their mind. This is a much tougher route to follow as you are not working with your subject's values and beliefs but it will help them see why you are holding your ground.
Most people tend to stop digging once they know what their subject believes. This is only half the battle and will not lead to the desired results but understanding the why will. You don't have to like why they believe what they believe, you don't have to agree with what they believe but if you understand why they think like they do you can begin to build a bridge and change their thinking.
Everyone believes what they believe for a reason. It is relatively easy to understand what someone believes. They will probably tell you the what, even if you don't want to know. To make any headway you must understand why they believe what they believe. You need to understand what teaching, experience, legend, myth, book, movie, or conversation makes them hold that belief.
However, all that doesn't mean you have to accept what they are saying. They can still be flat out wrong but if you understand why they believe what they do, you can attack the foundation and change their mind. It is only possible if you really understand what is driving their thought process.
Their is also a flip side. If you can make somebody else understand why you believe what you do, it can help change their mind. This is a much tougher route to follow as you are not working with your subject's values and beliefs but it will help them see why you are holding your ground.
Most people tend to stop digging once they know what their subject believes. This is only half the battle and will not lead to the desired results but understanding the why will. You don't have to like why they believe what they believe, you don't have to agree with what they believe but if you understand why they think like they do you can begin to build a bridge and change their thinking.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Running Away
It's no secret I have never been a fan of running. I think there is a couple of reasons for this.
First, I don't have a classic runner's body. I have broad shoulders and notoriously short legs. It's not the frame of a guy who is going to pick up running.
Second, I have never had a real reason to head out and just run.
A while back I was talked into signing up for the 5K in the Army Run. I'm pretty sure I could have just showed up and ran it but if you are going to do something, you should do it right. So, I have started running.
Now, with any new venture there will be some bumps in the road. The first couple of runs were in the early afternoon. It was when I had time. If you have not been running regularly, taking off for a run in Eastern Ontario or Southern Quebec in the hottest part of the day in July is not recommended. It wasn't so much that I had been gassed, I felt like overheating was imminent. Check. Lesson learned.
The next attempt was early in the morning. It was a great improvement. I wan't going to be standing in a puddle of my own sweat at the end of the run. I was thinking I had it figured out. Then I realized I had made a bit of an error. The night before I ate some spicy Italian sausage. I'll save you the gory details but lets just say it was rather critical that I slow down or bad things were going to happen. Check. Lesson learned.
Yesterday, I went again. Like the last run it was early in the morning so I didn't overheat. Again it wasn't perfect but I have sorted some of it out. My biggest problem now is trying to keep myself slowed down so I run a steady pace. This will take a few runs to get it sorted out but I'm getting there.
I think after giving up Coca-Cola which has resulted in losing thirteen pounds and having to buy smaller pants and walking to work since moving to Ottawa, running is a natural extension. I have been exercising regularly for almost a decade but I always avoided running. Not any more.
I doubt you will ever hear of me running a marathon. It's not on my horizon at this time. If you want to run one, giver but it's not my goal. I see running as a compliment to my existing fitness routine.
I'll provide an update when I'm further into this new adventure. For now I'm hoping for a couple of runs a week while I figure out what a good pace is and a decent performance in the Army Run. It can only serve to improve my fitness and that is never a bad thing.
First, I don't have a classic runner's body. I have broad shoulders and notoriously short legs. It's not the frame of a guy who is going to pick up running.
Second, I have never had a real reason to head out and just run.
A while back I was talked into signing up for the 5K in the Army Run. I'm pretty sure I could have just showed up and ran it but if you are going to do something, you should do it right. So, I have started running.
Now, with any new venture there will be some bumps in the road. The first couple of runs were in the early afternoon. It was when I had time. If you have not been running regularly, taking off for a run in Eastern Ontario or Southern Quebec in the hottest part of the day in July is not recommended. It wasn't so much that I had been gassed, I felt like overheating was imminent. Check. Lesson learned.
The next attempt was early in the morning. It was a great improvement. I wan't going to be standing in a puddle of my own sweat at the end of the run. I was thinking I had it figured out. Then I realized I had made a bit of an error. The night before I ate some spicy Italian sausage. I'll save you the gory details but lets just say it was rather critical that I slow down or bad things were going to happen. Check. Lesson learned.
Yesterday, I went again. Like the last run it was early in the morning so I didn't overheat. Again it wasn't perfect but I have sorted some of it out. My biggest problem now is trying to keep myself slowed down so I run a steady pace. This will take a few runs to get it sorted out but I'm getting there.
I think after giving up Coca-Cola which has resulted in losing thirteen pounds and having to buy smaller pants and walking to work since moving to Ottawa, running is a natural extension. I have been exercising regularly for almost a decade but I always avoided running. Not any more.
I doubt you will ever hear of me running a marathon. It's not on my horizon at this time. If you want to run one, giver but it's not my goal. I see running as a compliment to my existing fitness routine.
I'll provide an update when I'm further into this new adventure. For now I'm hoping for a couple of runs a week while I figure out what a good pace is and a decent performance in the Army Run. It can only serve to improve my fitness and that is never a bad thing.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Distinct
I'm back in Quebec for another week of flying. Overall it's rather enjoyable. However, there are some quirks about this province that go well beyond the language.
My first example. I was at the bank, specifically the cash machine to get some money. A bid diesel burning jacked up truck straight out of Fort Mac pulled up beside me. The only think missing were the truck nuts. I thought I wasn't in Alberta and I was right because, the driver grabbed his man purse, that's right a murse, and went in to get money. This could not be mistaken as a satchel like what Indiana Jones would carry. There was no mistaking this for a man's purse.
Only in Quebec.
My second example. I was driving along and I caught up to a scooter with two people on it. It wasn't two girls it was a girl and a guy and the guy wasn't driving. Scooters are fun to ride until your friends find out but I know a lot of people that wouldn't be caught dead riding a scooter, never mind being the passenger on the back. However, there it was, right out in broad daylight.
Only in Quebec.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of nice people I know that live in Quebec and I almost always have fun when I visit. If the taxes were a bit more reasonable I would even consider living in Montreal. The province just has a few quirks. They may make it charming, maybe it could be called annoying but I can say for certain it is distinct.
My first example. I was at the bank, specifically the cash machine to get some money. A bid diesel burning jacked up truck straight out of Fort Mac pulled up beside me. The only think missing were the truck nuts. I thought I wasn't in Alberta and I was right because, the driver grabbed his man purse, that's right a murse, and went in to get money. This could not be mistaken as a satchel like what Indiana Jones would carry. There was no mistaking this for a man's purse.
Only in Quebec.
My second example. I was driving along and I caught up to a scooter with two people on it. It wasn't two girls it was a girl and a guy and the guy wasn't driving. Scooters are fun to ride until your friends find out but I know a lot of people that wouldn't be caught dead riding a scooter, never mind being the passenger on the back. However, there it was, right out in broad daylight.
Only in Quebec.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of nice people I know that live in Quebec and I almost always have fun when I visit. If the taxes were a bit more reasonable I would even consider living in Montreal. The province just has a few quirks. They may make it charming, maybe it could be called annoying but I can say for certain it is distinct.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Reality Distortion Field
I started reading for pleasure again. I hadn't read a book to entertain myself for about a year and a half. That's much too long.being a fan of Apple products it was inevitable that I would get around to reading The biography of Steve Jobs.
This isn't a book review.
There is no doubt the guy was a little crazy but he had a mission to make great products. He wanted them to look great, work great, and feel great. I think he succeeded most of the time. There can always be enhancements and as new technologies become affordable we will see more improvements but overall I think he did well in that regard.
Steve Jobs was a bit of a dreamer. He wouldn't have been successful if he didn't have Steve Wozniak by his side to make the dreams tangible. It was important that he had a very talented tech guy to make it happen in the beginning. Jobs could dream it up and figure out how to sell it. He demanded that it was built right and looked great. Woz figured out how to make it work. He was ahead of his time and could develop new products. Woz wasn't always there and wasn't a top level player very much but he helped. Ate the first product that launched it all, changed the world, and started the cash flow. Every great idea man needs a Woz to get him going.
I don't want to be Steve Jobs. He was brilliant and could get more out of people than they ever realized was possible. He could design products that people didn't know they needed. If he was going to do something he was going to do it right. These are all admirable but he was a bit of a tyrant, he would berate people and lacked basic social skills. That part I'm not so impressed with.
A big part of his magic was his reality distortion field. He could just make you believe the world was as he wanted it to be.
I don't think the Steve Jobs model will produce very many successful CEOs but I think it does prove that if you believe in yourself, are true to what you believe in and don't try to fit someone else's mold, you will be great in the world and a happy person.
This isn't a book review.
There is no doubt the guy was a little crazy but he had a mission to make great products. He wanted them to look great, work great, and feel great. I think he succeeded most of the time. There can always be enhancements and as new technologies become affordable we will see more improvements but overall I think he did well in that regard.
Steve Jobs was a bit of a dreamer. He wouldn't have been successful if he didn't have Steve Wozniak by his side to make the dreams tangible. It was important that he had a very talented tech guy to make it happen in the beginning. Jobs could dream it up and figure out how to sell it. He demanded that it was built right and looked great. Woz figured out how to make it work. He was ahead of his time and could develop new products. Woz wasn't always there and wasn't a top level player very much but he helped. Ate the first product that launched it all, changed the world, and started the cash flow. Every great idea man needs a Woz to get him going.
I don't want to be Steve Jobs. He was brilliant and could get more out of people than they ever realized was possible. He could design products that people didn't know they needed. If he was going to do something he was going to do it right. These are all admirable but he was a bit of a tyrant, he would berate people and lacked basic social skills. That part I'm not so impressed with.
A big part of his magic was his reality distortion field. He could just make you believe the world was as he wanted it to be.
I don't think the Steve Jobs model will produce very many successful CEOs but I think it does prove that if you believe in yourself, are true to what you believe in and don't try to fit someone else's mold, you will be great in the world and a happy person.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Air Conditioning
It was not a wonderful spring in the Montreal-Ottawa corridor. There were several cool days with a lot of rain. As the school age children wrapped up their studies we have fallen into a hot summer. This is the typical weather for the area including it not cooling down at night.
I am lucky, my apartment is air conditioned and it is hooked into the thermostat. My home stays comfortable all summer long. It's great to get home and the place is cool. I can even cook with very little impact on my comfort.
There is a bit of a problem.
I have been in St Jean sur Richileau since the last day of June. The dorm room I have been assigned is not air conditioned. It is hot at night. It has re-energized my respect for a well climate controlled living space.
I'll admit I don't love scorching heat and high humidity but it isn't all that bad if you return to a cool dry space at the end of your day. It gives you a chance to unwind and relax. the heat won't be the reason you don't sleep so well at night.
I am lucky, my apartment is air conditioned and it is hooked into the thermostat. My home stays comfortable all summer long. It's great to get home and the place is cool. I can even cook with very little impact on my comfort.
There is a bit of a problem.
I have been in St Jean sur Richileau since the last day of June. The dorm room I have been assigned is not air conditioned. It is hot at night. It has re-energized my respect for a well climate controlled living space.
I'll admit I don't love scorching heat and high humidity but it isn't all that bad if you return to a cool dry space at the end of your day. It gives you a chance to unwind and relax. the heat won't be the reason you don't sleep so well at night.
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