Before Dawn

Today's Workout:
 - 3 mile run

I found this thing on the internet, Thync, that uses neurosignaling to adjust attitudes and feelings through minor electrical pulses. I was intrigued when I read the articles and reviews on the internet, so decided that testing it out while cramming might offer a bonus to the regular caffeine intake.

My Thync came in the mail today, and I was crushed to find out that it had to be manipulated through an app only available on iPhones. What a waste and disappointment. I spent about an hour trying to find an emulator for either my phone or my computer so I would still be able to make use of my new toy.

This endeavor ended up being a frustrating goose chase, but turns out luck was on my side. Stacy had been visiting the area with hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis the night before (clouds prevented that from happening), and decided to come visit. As the only person I know who has an iPhone, this ended up being perfect timing. I graciously let her try it first, but anxiously waited for my turn to play.

Using the Thync's "Energize" setting meant placing the main electrode above my eyebrow and the other behind my ear. As the pulses started to ramp up, the tingle behind my ear was not pleasant from the beginning. However, the guide suggested turn things up higher, this way the "tickle" would become more of a firm massage. I'm not sure if this worked or if the skin behind my ears died. 

Either way, I did experience a noticeable gain in energy, and a bright red mark on my head like I was back in chemistry lab.

This boost of energy and focus meant that I got drawn in to studying, and before I knew it nightfall was almost upon us. Jake and I got up to start our 3 mile run a little after 4, which I learned was too late for November in Wisconsin. By the time we finished it was full blown night out (a little after 5... groan winter or daylight savings. Seriously, as a farmer's daughter, I do not see how early nightfall should have helped end the depression. Do you know how difficult morning is?).

In addition to learning how to defeat the outer darkness, I almost met my own defeat. The road by my house is occasionally busy and does not have a sidewalk. As cars approached, Jake and I had to hop in the grass off to the side. The ground along the side was inconspicuously bumpy, so I would wobble when I occasionally hit the bumps funny. Usually, my lightening fast reflexes made it easy to swap feet and stay upright, but I kept thinking "What if I fall, into the cars as they are driving towards us? That would be super embarrassing."

Really a Japanese Proverb

But then, I actually fell. Remembering the words of the great and wonderful Dwyane Wade, "Fall down 7 times, Get up 8", I got up and kept going. (Of course, this means that I started already fallen somehow. Even just starting running means I'm coming from a place of disadvantage, so I guess it does fit.)

Or after getting hit by a car

I easily missed falling into the car, but I spent the next mile wondering about the psychology behind this run. Was me falling a self fulfilling prophecy or was I missing focus from spending it on all the Thyncing and studying? 

Relieved to be home safe and out of the darkness, I showered and returned to my last night of studying before the big exam tomorrow. Next workout is a run Saturday, which fits well with my weekend wedding plans.