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The Fun Theory

I started my run at lunch today a little slower than usual; it is getting colder out there. I told myself I needed a strategy to get moving. I searched through my IPOD for the selection of songs that have proven to make me run faster. Mentally, I knew I needed more. What to do?

At the beginning of my run, I saw someone I have known since I was seventeen. I stopped to have a quick chat. It was really fun talking to her and she lifted my spirits; I ran a little faster after that. Ah ha! An idea…Normally when I run I acknowledge most everyone I pass. Today I was going to do more than that. I decided I would surprise people. I would go that little extra.

“Beautiful day for a walk” I said to a small group of ladies. “Yes, it is” and they smiled.

“Good to see you out on the trail.” I commented to the mayor and his friend. “Keep running.” He encouraged with a smile.

“You win!” to those runners heading in the opposite direction – they laughed.

I passed a group sitting at a picnic table, and they surprised me by talking first. Someone asked about my running “What are you training for?” I answered “Life”.

In between these moments with fellow trail lovers, when I was running along the trail alone, I made a point to crunch every fall leaf I could. Before I knew it, I looked up and my run was complete. More so, I was smiling – that was so fun!

This all got me to thinking about The Fun Theory. Volkswagen has come up with this great little gem and the aim is to offer people ‘fun’ incentives to do the right thing. For example, commuters tend to take the escalator when arriving and leaving the metro, so Volkswagen turned the stairs into a giant piano with each step playing a different note. The use of the stairs went up 66%. That is fantastic! Check it out...

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Comments

  1. David MyhillNovember 14, 2009

    There goes Janet cotton tail!
    skippin down the bunny trail,
    Hippity, hoppaty
    Janet’s on her way!!!.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Colin FrizzellNovember 14, 2009

    Fun is good. :-{)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marc LathamNovember 15, 2009

    Great attitude and work Janet.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Janet JarrellNovember 16, 2009

    Hey David - I can't wait to see you on the trail next time. Smile Maybe you too Colin...

    I hope you are still managing to find time to run Marc.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 17, 2009

    Hi Janet,
    I want to thank you for coming by my post last week because your comment on my blog led me here. I'm enjoying your site; the voice in your poetry and the book reviews.
    Perhaps my attraction to your site is due to my Canadian roots...
    I can see it will take awhile for me to read through all your past posts; I'm looking forward to the journey.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kenia CrisNovember 18, 2009

    I guess there's no way I can make running funny for me, but I liked your idea a lot! =))) I think everybody should find a way out of the boredoom or difficult side in everything they do. Then there wouldn't be any barriers to a man's will.

    Much love dear friend! Sorry for the delay in coming and commenting. My computer is broken! Now I have to update and do everything else from my workplace. It's horrible! =P

    Kiss your cheeks!

    ReplyDelete

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