Running with Google Pixel 2
New Technology
My Google Pixel 2 arrived in the mail this week. I opened the box and unloaded the textured white cardboard filled with new and different ports, plugs, and adapters. I choose the “kinda blue” color. I like to switch up my phone color pretty much every time I get a new phone, just for fun. The set up was seamless and I was able to begin using my new phone right away. So far, the experience has blown my mind. I was living in the dark ages with Samsung Galaxy S6. The Pixel has the best keyboard I have ever used and the fingerprint unlocking technology is so sweet.
Running
Today I went on a run. I have run three times a week for the past few years now. I enjoy running, but I will admit that I have had some problems with my connection to running. I’m a bit slow and kind of sensitive about it. I was a three-sport athlete in high school and I consider myself fairly good at sports. There isn’t a sport I haven’t tried and I have been pretty successful at most of them. So, to be less than elite at running is a bit of a downer for me. I reserved to get better. Getting better is a mantra of mine. My personal life and my business are focused on improving. I find great pleasure in finding new ways to improve. It drives me.
Challenge
Over the years, I have gotten slower at running and that has been disheartening to me. I told myself other factors were important. I was getting fit. My clothes were getting baggier. I felt better, stronger, and more energetic. All of these things are true and they motivated me to continue my running despite perceived setbacks of running a twelve or twelve and a half minute average mile times.
Results
Today, I went for my first run with my kinda blue Google Pixel 2. I logged into my Nike Run Club account. I went for my three-mile run. My average time was sub eleven-minute miles. What?! What has changed? I did my run the same way I have been doing it for years. On the same day of the week. With the same amount of rest in between runs. Eating the same food. What was different?!…My technology.
The moral of the story
You can have a great long-term strategy. My plan was to run three times per week for distances of: three, three, and five miles, respectively. It can be a good strategy. Running has benefited me in many ways, including mentally and physically. You can execute that strategy. I have stuck to that plan successfully for years. If you don’t have the right technology to measure your progress — you aren’t capturing the information you need to improve. Use the right technology. That could be Google Pixel 2 or a metric on your site, but use the right tool for the job. Ugh, I just quoted my dad without even realizing it — he always used to say “use the right tool for the job.” Why do parents always seem to have the wisest advice that stands the test of time? Using the right tool for the job can save you time and money. This has happened to me time and time again — with wireframing software, graphics software, email hosts. The better the tool, the less time it takes me. Find the right tool for the job and use it. It will save time, money and headaches!
If you are interested in what is new in the world of learning, design, creativity, products and technology follow me on Twitter Ellen Twomey
