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Lemond's statement is in reference to racing. The race isn't won in zone 2. Same with programming. Nothing wrong with a lot of zone 2 programming, in fact it's

Lemond's statement is in reference to racing. The race isn't won in zone 2. Same with programming. Nothing wrong with a lot of zone 2 programming, in fact it's quite important to maintain balance like you describe, but the race isn't won with comfortable work.

whatshisface 3y ago
"The race" is won by 1,000 people working together in a way that at any given moment no more than 490 are undoing the work of the others.
eska 3y ago
I’ve seen my share of programmers who showed off all-nighters and productive weekends, only to realize they compensate but not actually working productively their entire 40 hours, not even half. Programming is not a race, it’s a marathon.
- al_borland 3y ago
  My issue with the 40 hours is the constant interruptions with meetings, co-workers asking questions, shifting priorities, etc. When pulling an all-nighter or weekend, all of that stuff goes away. It’s been a long time since I pulled and all-nighter or weekend, but I’ve been thinking about it just so I can feel like I finished something. If I could get actual heads down time during my 40 hours, I’d much prefer to use that time.
  - lobsterthief 3y ago
    Why not just work on your own projects on the nights or weekends? I promise you’ll have fewer project-related distractions than ever.
    - al_borland 3y ago
      I’m too burned out from the 40 hours of BS. When I have a couple weeks off I usually get inspired to start a side project. I get started, then in quickly dies once I start back up at work. I hardly touch my personal computer anymore.