During my research, I read several books and visited numerous websites. I learned about proper keyboard height and desk height, the need to take breaks, stretching, and much more. During the course of my research, I stumbled across the phrase “computer athlete.” Unfortunately, people were using the title of computer athlete to describe anyone who uses a computer more than a few hours a day. I asked myself “How could someone who is unhealthy, in pain, and using a computer incorrectly be a computer athlete?” On the other hand, when I thought of a computer athlete, I envisioned a person who was incredibly productive and happy using the computer. That vision was very different from the situation I found myself in; I was scared that my body would not heal itself from injury, angry at myself for over-committing, and in a lot of pain. From that point on, I began to develop my vision of the computer athlete, and began sharing this vision with my friends and family. I have spent thousands of hours developing, applying, and practicing the ideas that I am going to share with you. These ideas and principles can dramatically change your life.

During the week of my spring break, I stayed at school and worked on becoming a computer athlete, recuperating, and catching up on my work. I read three books and explored many online resources. I began to redesign my setup. I placed two-by-fours under my desk to raise it to the right height, bought a chair with lumbar support, and propped up my monitors on books. I bought a natural keyboard, a vertical mouse, and most importantly, a kinesis foot pedal. I configured the foot pedal to allow me to press Shift, Control, or Alt, or Control and Shift with one foot. The foot pedal allowed me to continue to use Emacs without forcing me to pronate or twist my hand in order to initiate commands or learn a new editor, as I was quite proficient at Emacs. I also started a strength and conditioning regimen, as well as an exercise regimen that would help me as a computer athlete. I made changes to my eating habits and reduced my consumption of caffeine.

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