Prologue

Over the years, I’ve worked harder and harder to find meaning in life. But the more I've looked, the more I’ve wondered if I was going about my search the wrong way.

I've been looking for meaning through experience, but I think now that I've always had it backwards. Life will never be defined by extravagant experience, but about finding extravagance in common experience. So for 2009, I'm going to focus less on living large, and focus more on living well. Each month I'll start a new month-long project (like trying to run 3 miles faster than George Bush), to find uncommon results from common experience. Each project will involve daily activity, so every day of 2009 you can check my progress on the monthly projects and see what I discover.

None of these projects will cost much—in fact, I think most will be free. So if you're looking for a year uncommonly rich, you can join me. There's no membership required, just participate and comment if you want. Either way, get ready for a year I hope is unlike any other.

Epilogue

I stumbled across the finish line, but I manage to complete 8 of the month-long projects successfully. Blogging is now over at Wonderfam!

 
 

It's May, and May was a …

A Month of Accomplishment (about)

 

~ or ~

 

Forcing myself to finish something (about)

 

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13

Cheat codes and a victory of sorts

Written by Nathan on January 13, 2009 at 11:40 pm from A Month of Resolve.

Growing up video game cheat codes were every kids’ dream. In fact, finding ways to cheat games was so popular Game Genie came along and found a way to profit from it. Well tonight I managed to beat Bush and log three miles in 16:32. Of course, it required a cheat code of sorts. I had to use a stationary bike instead of running, so the victory is bittersweet like winning Contra always was.

On the upside, riding a bike gave my legs a break. After 30 minutes on the bike I didn’t feel much pain. Afterwards, my lower legs tightened up again but the pain was minimal. I’m going to log a full night’s sleep, wake up and then take tomorrow as it comes. Running? Maybe. Biking? Possibly. Trying to beat Bush before the month is out? Definitely.

(2) Comments

2 Responses to “Cheat codes and a victory of sorts”

  1. John-Erik says:
    January 14, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Hey Nathan!

    Here is the quick JE running update:
    1) I’m still doing it . . .
    2) Shin Splints replaced by Knee Problems (old soccer injury). New brace is doing wonders though.
    3) I’ve formed a mini-community around the idea and have about 25+ coming to see the end of the month finale. It is very interesting how what started as a challenge has now formed a community where friends are doing group runs together now.
    4) I am concerned what will happen while I am in Africa on several fronts:
    – Is there a place and time I can keep training?
    – What will the altitude difference do to me. The part that I am in is about 1,000 feet up.
    – If I am not able to run will I loose the bit of progress that I have made?

    I probably won’t be able to post for a while, but I wish you a week of great runs!

    John-Erik

  2. Nathan Clark says:
    January 14, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Love it! I’ll register for the same 5k you’re running on the 31st. Should be fun. You should get some locals to run with you and get video / photos. Make it happen!

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