Type 2 fun
2 min read

Type 2 fun

In this post, I want to share a very simple story of how spending time with my friend and fellow co-founder, Eric Jain, has helped develop a new habit of hiking, and an appreciation of the outdoors.
Type 2 fun
Admiring the breathtaking view of Mt. Baker, Washington.

There's a popular saying that goes along the lines of "you are the average of the people you spent the most time with." Throughout the years, I've found this to be true. These people challenge you to do things that you never would have considered, or found the motivation to do on your own.

A gentle push

After three hours of driving, my cofounder Eric and I arrived at the Shannon Ridge trail, at the foot of Mt. Baker in Washington State. As we began the 9-mile hike, I quickly become engaged in a fascinating conversation about Eric's latest experiments with quantified self and blood glucose monitoring.

All of a sudden, a miniature-chicken looking bird hops out from a nearby bush. "That's a grouse" Eric tells me. "It's likely distracting you while it's babies run to safety."

The payoff

We then emerged from a dense forest on top of a ridge line, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. We stop to eat lunch, adding some wild blueberries to our deli-smoked turkey sandwiches.

The Shannon Ridge trail near Mt. Baker, Washington.

All too soon, I'm back home, lying in bed once again. My legs are score, but I'm overcome with a feeling of clarity that I haven't felt in weeks. My anxiety is lower. I feel renewed.

"There are three types of fun." Eric tells me on our car ride home. "The first type is enjoyable while it occurs, and enjoyable to remember. The second type (type-2) is a bit painful when it occurs, but is extremely gratifying afterwards. Then there is type three fun, which is neither pleasant to experience, and almost as painful to remember."

I've found type 2 to be some of the most enjoyable and rewarding fun. It ends up being worth the pain.

I'm eager to add more type-2 fun to my life. Whether it's a strenuous hike, or a half-marathon, Eric reminded me of the gratification and importance of pushing yourself in a new way, every once in awhile. This is the power of having positive people in your life. They push you to try things you would have never done alone.

If you don't have an Eric in your life, I highly suggest you find one. You won't regret it 😉.