---
layout: post
status: publish
published: true
title: Run for your life fellow developers
author: Julien Lengrand-Lambert
author_login: jlengrand
author_email: julien@lengrand.fr
author_url: http://www.lengrand.fr
wordpress_id: 521
wordpress_url: http://www.lengrand.fr/?p=521
date: 2012-02-10 10:22:04.000000000 +01:00
categories:
- misc
- tips
tags:
- running
- software
- pomodoro
comments:
- id: 239
  author: Michał
  author_email: michal.chmielarz@gmail.com
  author_url: ''
  date: !binary |-
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  content: Well, it sounds good but I think this problem solving technique doesn't
    applies when you are working for company and have to sit in the front of your
    desk. On the other hand for a home base working it is quite interesting.
- id: 240
  author: Fab
  author_email: freiabc@gmail.com
  author_url: ''
  date: !binary |-
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  content: That surely is a good advice and I follow it  whenever I can along the
    shores of Cannes  ;) Thanks too for the link on Euler project  It's good to see
    that you're fit in your  head and on your feet ! See ya :)
- id: 242
  author: Fadi
  author_email: fe@itoctopus.com
  author_url: http://www.itoctopus.com
  date: !binary |-
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  content: I use Pomodoro as well. Running is an excellent thing to do every day,
    provided you are blessed with the right weather. Here in Canada we don't have
    this luxury for about 6 months of the year...
- id: 243
  author: Julien Lengrand-Lambert
  author_email: julien@lengrand.fr
  author_url: http://www.lengrand.fr
  date: !binary |-
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  content: ! "Well, you are hugely right. But it still applies in some companies in
    which the code of conduct is more relaxed. I have always been amazed of the number
    of people going for a run during the day when I worked in The Netherlands. \r\nBut
    even without running, I would advise having a break outside your office instead
    of checking personal websites.\r\nFresh air is a rare commodity in cubicles !"
- id: 244
  author: Julien Lengrand-Lambert
  author_email: julien@lengrand.fr
  author_url: http://www.lengrand.fr
  date: !binary |-
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  content: Trying to at least ^^. I spend most of my time sending CVs and learning
    web development with GAE those times. I keep Project Euler for night hours :p
- id: 245
  author: Julien Lengrand-Lambert
  author_email: julien@lengrand.fr
  author_url: http://www.lengrand.fr
  date: !binary |-
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  content: ! "You may not be motivated enough :p.\r\nDon't you have subsititutes?
    I know running on a treadmill in not fantastic compared to a proper footing, but
    it is far better than nothing ! \r\nbtw, where are you working in Canada ?"
---
... till the inspiration comes !

If you stare at your computer screen for the last two hours, trying to figure out a software issue. If you keep swapping between Facebook, G+ and Stack Overflow waiting for the solution to comu up; then put your sport shoes on and have a run for half an hour!

<strong>Why?</strong>
Well, I won't make another discussion about the <a title="benefits of running" href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ans/psychology/health_psychology/running.html">benefits of running</a>, I'm sure you've had enough already. But while running, you can focus on your problem and get fully concentrating without being disturbed.
You won't be able to check FB, nor your mails. . .
But most of all, you will get even <strong>more concentrated</strong> than while resting. Your brain will enjoy focusing on something else than pain, and you will have it <strong>fully dedicated to solve your problem</strong>.

When you get back home, take a short shower, a drink, and get back to work <strong>immediately</strong>! Let things come, and use what you thought about during the foooting. This could become the most efficient hour of your day :p.

I started this back some weeks ago and is has almost become a necessity since then. I go for a run a soon as I get stuck for more than<strong> two <a title="pomodoro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique">pomodoro </a>sandglasses</strong> (aka 50 min). And I can count on my hand the number of times I didn't come home with a solution, or at least a clue of where to look for :).

You can use this for anything you want. When younger, I used this to search for dissertation plans. Now, I sometimes use it to find motivation and write articles on my blog (can you imagine when this one came up? ).
And believe me, it's <strong>far more efficient</strong> than having another mug of coffee :D.

Finally, write down the date and how much time you ran. It's always good for your mind to keep track of your performance :).
Oh, and don't take your phone! ;)

&nbsp;

<strong>UPDATE</strong> : Some days ago, I found this interesting article related to my post :).

<strong><a title="courir c bon!" href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/how-exercise-fuels-the-brain/" target="_blank">Here it is!</a></strong>
