What running means for an INTP like me

I don’t know how running really started. Out of impulse, I downloaded Nike Running app on my Lenovo A7000+. I am always walking long distances that I wanted to keep track of it. I have this habit of keeping track of any statistics such as:

  • number of books read
  • hours of silence spent
  • anime episodes watched
  • basketball shots made.

The latest fascination? Distance walked.

But when I tapped “Coach”, I discovered that I can choose what race distance I want to train running. So I created a new goal with modest goal of 5K. I first tried and I got 35:17 minutes which is the average time. I am now training for 3 weeks and it’s my rest day today.

I am running not because I am health conscious; I am running to test myself. The only benefit that I want to get from it is the stamina for basketball so I can run on the transition. Not even trying to join any race.

Maybe this fascination will fade in the future but thanks to this app I can keep track of my walking.

2 ways to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

I just got tired with using the mouse since for more than 3 hours straight. That’s why I’m typing this one now.

I’m experiencing some pain in my wrist, which I think I have some symptoms of early metacarpal carpal tunnel syndrome. Sorry for the wrong mention of the diagnosis.

Why I got this Wrist Pain?

But what triggered my wrist pain? Well before, I use the computer heavily since I am a former casual gamer. I often play DoTA (Defense of the Ancients) almost everyday when I’m still studying at the U-Belt (University Belt) during college (well, I’m back again in college) since 2008 up to 2010. To be honest, I don’t have enough allowance allotted to sustain my gaming lifestyle so I really owe the gaming fees (usually 15 to 20 PHP or 35 to 45 cents in USD) to my friends. I call them GD Boys, on which the term came from our major subject Group Dynamics since we occasionally play DoTA before we come to that class. We usually come late after playing but the professor doesn’t mind so we just continue our vice until the end of the semester.

After graduating in college, I got a new job as a property specialist, I still find time to play the game while I’m in-charge at the computer shop of my brother-in-law. And when I experience wrist pain in my right hand, I’ll stop playing immediately and decline accepting other match from our customers until I regain some comfort in my wrist.

How I coped with my nagging Wrist Pain

Two months after that and I shifted as a call center agent. Because of my new job, I stopped playing the game since I don’t have much time to spare for that. During our training at the call center, I learned to transfer the mouse to my left hand and practiced this a lot getting used to this by playing a trial version of a basketball simulation game in Facebook, which then upgraded to CBSSports.com Franchise Basketball later. By playing and constant practice, I strengthened my left wrist so now I’m used to use both hands in using the mouse. While writing this post, I’m currently using my left hand in using the mouse.

So with my personal experience, I recommend these steps:

  1. When experiencing wrist pain, stop.
  2. Use your non-dominant hand in using the mouse. (But if you’re ambidextrous, good on you!)

So have you also experienced wrist pain like I did? What did you do to cope with it?

My 57 year-old father playing DotA

Related Articles:

Kevin’s 52 Tips On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Wrist Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome Wikipedia article

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Basic Carpal Tunnel Exercises To Treat Your Carpal Tunnel Symptoms