Coach

Posted on 16. Sep, 2011 by admin in Humour Articles

Dear Coach:

I have got quite excited at having a web-based training log but I’m having trouble using it. For one, I can’t seem to find the time to sit at the computer and write up my training runs. And when I do the screen freezes and I end up spending way too much time logging in and out. I think I’ve duplicated my files about 20 times. That I know of anyway. I don’t think I know what I’m doing really. The guy in charge of the web-log used to respond to my emails within the hour but I haven’t heard from him for over a week; I think he’s on vacation.

If you could help me that would be appreciated.

Mandy

Dear Mandy:

Thank-you so much for thinking of me. I’m flattered to think you think I can help. In truth, thinking about it, no, I can’t. My ten years of computer programming could not help you in any way I’m afraid.  Those web-based programs can be complicated for sure, designed as you know, by NASA astrophysicists in their spare time while they watched the space station work its magic.

My best suggestion is for you to use what we often refer to as a Pen, and record your training with one of these. Your log will be so much better of course if you have some paper as well. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘log’, which refers simply to the material used centuries ago when the Vikings recorded their training for their upcoming wars and pillages of small but interesting villages.

A log would still be easier than a computer mind you. One wonders how the Vikings would have feared had they recorded their training on web-based logs. We’ll never know. So ‘Yes’, try pen and paper, pencil too, it will be liberating.

I used to record my own training on the computer using Excel. It was boring and felt too much like work. I decided to record my runs while I was running. There’s a thrill. Running full tilt along the road and entering my data as I sped by bemused, and diving, sprawling senior citizens. Tough when you have your head down entering the data, and challenging holding on to the computer when you run into the back of car, but there you go – occupational hazard as they say.  My advice, should you try that, is to make sure your computer is firmly secured tightly to you, as they can make a heck of a mess to windscreens if they hit them at a certain angle and speed.

Best, Coach.

Dear Coach:

Are you suggesting I should work on a computer while I run? Isn’t that dangerous?

Mandy

Dear Mandy:

Only if you don’t pay attention. Safer to run with a pen and paper. Safer still perhaps, if you run with some log (wood). The Vikings were good at that I understand.

Enjoy your training.

Coach