FU3Ling? Do Tell!

Earlier this month I tweeted about the latest incarnation of the Nike+ device, Nike Fuel.  Long before I started this blog, I thought about the interconnection between food, fitness, and faith in regards to the role of accountability when I read the June 2009 issue of WIRED focused on self-tracking, specifically the articles titled "Know Thyself" and "The Nike Experiment." The article discusses the power of information to motivate people to make a change in their health. However, tracking your progress only takes you so far. It's when you share your advances that you see growth become exponential compared to your solo efforts.


We see this hold true in all areas of FU3L. It isn't hard to draw between Weight Watchers, a running club, and the Biblical model of church. All have a personal component and a community component. Weight watchers requires you to log your food/exercise points at home, in a run club you have days where you train alone to focus on personal weakness, and as part of the church you spend time in the Bible and prayer alone to strengthen your relationship with God. In the group meeting (usually a weekly affair) you then share with the group your stumbling blocks and triumphs and together you engage in the practices that reflect the goals which you are striving for - whether it be a long run, food portion strategies, or worshiping God through song.

This concept is best expressed in the oft-referenced African proverb: "If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Have you found this true in your life? Do you track and share and to what ends? If so, please leave a comment for discussion.