Do you remember life before the internet?
Of course. The internet wasn’t common when I was in school, really until after I started working. In school we had to look things up using encyclopedias, card catalogs and microfilms. We used phone books to get numbers and addresses. Newspapers were sources for daily information.
We ordered through a catalog, or went to a real store. We paid our bills through the mail or at the store. We went to the bank to deposit checks or make transactions.
When I drove cross country I went to AAA to get a triptik. This was Google Maps but in book form. They highlighted the route and noted areas where there may be construction traffic. I also got guide books for the areas I was traveling through. They listed motels along the way and we would call for reservations.
Runner races meant paper applications. Results were sent to you via mail or published in the paper. You found out about races through running magazines, or flyers that were put on your car while at another race.
Was it better or worse without internet? Both. While things were more challenging, we were more patient. The anticipation of waiting for the nightly news to find out daily events and weather could be exciting. We worked harder to get information and had more personal interaction. Sometimes I miss the simplicity but I can’t imagine going back to pre-internet.
I was away this past weekend at a place with spotty cell coverage. I didn’t look at my phone much. Emails went unread, statuses were not updated and we had to call or drive by to get information. It was a welcome reminder to slow down and put the phone away. Of course I jumped on it as soon as I had coverage.
Introverted runner and other stuff 