Running for Geeks

ptorrone writes "It's certainly possible to geek out while you run and there are in fact running geeks. I started a new resource for geeks who like to jog, or who like me, are training to run a marathon. This month's features: Getting the right shoes and socks using technology, the Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS watch (also using the XML files for mapping), using the iPod/iTunes, with audiobooks as a training aid and lastly videos and photos of the 'Geek Gym' as well as the portable version for checking email, RSS feeds and IRC on the go as well as at home while exercising." If you're having trouble getting motivated, there are people who can help.

Comments

Lo Tech Version

[Gothmolly]

Go to running store or good sports store
Buy shoes
Place shoes on feet
Run, during run observe surroundings, smile at people, collect your thoughts for the day, enjoy self

C'mon guys, give your brain a rest from the constant barrage of electronika, no wonder so many kids have so-called ADD.

Re:Lo Tech Version

[Dun Malg]

here's my closing italics tag. Sorry.

Re:Lo Tech Version

[gnu-generation-one]

"If you've never run before, start short, keep it to less than 2 miles for the first year."

Sounds cautious alright -- I know runners who go 2 miles in just one day...

Geeks who like to run?

[Anonymous Coward]

Who are you really, and how did you get in here? Geeks run only when chased...

Re:Geeks who like to run?

[JohnGrahamCumming]

That's not true. I guy in my local gym explained to me a perfectly good geek work out (assuming you are a male geek):

1. Go to a large park where people roller blade
2. Find must beautiful woman roller blading
3. Attempt to follow her on foot

He termed this the "hare and hound" workout.

John.

Re:Geeks who like to run?

[Anonymous Coward]

Geeks only run Linux of course...

Chair races

[Anonymous Coward]

I would be interested in any technology that helps me train for my office chair races each day. I stopped running and walking years ago, now I simply roll. Its the future of america i tell ya.

Wait, let me try and understand this...

[inertia187]

Ru nnin gforG eeks? R un nung fo rGe eks? I'm not sure I understand. Sir, you're speaking gibberish!

hmm

[Triumph The Insult C]

Getting the right shoes and socks using technology, the Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS watch (also using the XML files for mapping), using the iPod/iTunes...

geek status confirmed

Re:no matter how big of a geek you are...

[velo_mike]

I don't care how big of a geek you are... Strap on some running shoes and shorts

Some of us are big enough geeks that loose sweats are preferable

running whats that...

[Lord Haha]

Running, marathon, never heard of that... Then again I havn't fully understood that whole fresh air/sunlight thing... *goes back to programming*

Swimming!!!

[tickleboy2]

I tend to enjoy swimming more than running because if much lower impact on your joints so you don't end up with knee problems if you don't buy new shoes every 9 months. Plus swimming is a great aerobic workout that builds muscle as well.

Of course this means you have to actually get into a swimsuit and go out in public which probably scares the crap out of most slashdotters. But if you can get yourself out there you can bet on seeing some sweet swim chicks in lyrca! ;)

Re:Just Disconnect!

[Paulrothrock]

You're not from 'round here, are ya?

Running motivation

[cybermace5]

You may wonder how, exactly, lugging all this expensive gear helps anyone get a useful workout.

You'll understand when you see a geek rocket past you, sweating and puffing and running at a tremendous rate of speed, with several muggers in hot pursuit.

A cheaper motivational method: tape a hundred-dollar-bill to your back and jog through the bad part of town! The locals will swear they're in Pamplona.

Re:Running geek

[Anonymous Coward]

No tires to pump, no pool to drive to, no weights to buy. Just you and your shoes.

I think you're a little confused: that is not running, that is streaking.

Re:Can't Run, but Can Bike

[Mateito]

> A healthy dose of paranoia while cycling or
> running is called for.

Thats why I never even think about going running unless I'm completely stoned.

And I thought I had too many running gadgets

[ehiris]

I need that GPS to complete my arsenal.

Seriously, I used to have my heart rate monitor on all the time I ran. After I broke my habbit of running regularly I was setting my goals way too high based on the heart monitor's readings and that in turn made me quit alltogether.

I suggest you go running on a warm day in parks during peak hours. All the ass and tight tops with hooters popping out you'll see will make you forget about how fast you run. MP3 player is still usefull though. It's not like the hot chicks will want to stop in their track to talk to you but you'll have an excuse for why you didn't talk to them.

Re:Can't Run, but Can Bike

[Sgt York]

Hey...all my hobbies are getting in here! I got certified at the tender age of 14, and I'm now closing in on my 500th logged dive.

Now you wanna talk about a tech-rich, geek-friendly sport....try carrying around a life support system.

Why bike when you can drive?

[CausticPuppy]

I don't understand why people choose to bike instead of drive.

The advantages of driving:

• infinitely much easier on your crotch
  
• you can spend much more power, and you have more flexibility in choosing a suitable power level (controlled by your right foot)
  
• you can cover a larger area so it's less boring
  
• more flexibility in duration. Driving 18 hours a day is no problem for an untrained person, but biking is.
  
• you can carry lots of luggage easily (iPod, phone, gps, book to read while pausing, drinks, beer keg, television, tent, bike)
  
• you don't need to wear silly clothing (although you certainly can, and I do)
  
• a modern automobile is way more interesting technically than bicycles.
  

Disadvantages:

• Need a car
  
• Car can break down underway... it helps to have a spare bike on the roof
  

(yes I do prefer biking over jogging, but now I have to actually start looking at bikes. I'm not sure what I want yet)

Re:Can't Run, but Can Bike

[Dun Malg]

I can run but after 8 years of running in the Army, I'm sick of it.

Say it, brother. I'm run out. For me, the stupid running cadences won't go away. To this day if I have to run to catch a plane or something, the MP3 player in my head starts up with "C-130 Rolling down the strip..." Argh...