[andness]

I try to run every day. And I try to run hard every other day, but if I don't feel like running hard one day that's ok. On the hard runs all I do is run. I can't think, I just need to focus on maintaining my pace (when I notice that I'm putting together a coherent string of thoughts it's my cue to go faster).

But on my slow days I think. And it's wonderful. I don't know how many problems I've solved during my runs, but it's a lot. Something about getting outside and moving somehow unties knots in my thinking. And if I don't have a problem to solve I might review some recent stuff I've been studying. I might for example pretend I'm doing a presentation on the topic. Since I'm out there and can't write anything down I have to repeat everything in my head, and that repetition makes it stick. (Works if I'm preparing an actual presentation too!)

Because of this I usually try to go running after 1-2 hours of work. This way when I go running I usually have some material fresh in my mind. Working from home is obviously a big advantage.

I stopped running when I got my current job because there was so much work I wanted to do and didn't think I had the time. Huge mistake. I started running again in August and have been keeping it up since then, and my work has improved a lot.

This probably doesn't work for everyone, but it's an experience worth searching out!