Truly Taking a Timeout and Time Off

When was the last time you truly made time for yourself?

Do you invest time and effort in your hobbies and pastimes? Is it all work, and no play for you? When was the last you made time for your close friends? Have you, occasionally, put your feet up, sipped on a cold drink, and watched the sunset from your patio or verandah? Load in your favourite tunes, and just chill…

When did you call for a timeout? Ever called timeout when temperaments flared during a heated discussion? Have you taken a short break just to centre yourself during a crisis? Do you draw deep breaths when facing distractive and destructive behaviors at the workplace? Pause for a cause.

During races, taking time out can be useful:

1)    Check your physical state: Systems check!

2)    Ensure that you get enough nutrition inside your body (‘Keep feeding. Keep drinking. Keep moving.’ ~ 2-time, Badwater Ultramarathon winner, Pam Reed).

3)    Being aware and lucid.

4)    No rushing during transitions 1 and 2. Rush and you might forget something critical like your gels, salt tablets or your modesty.

5)    Pause to catch your breath if went out too hard too soon. Pace is critical to sustainability.

Racing is more than just timing and Personal Best times. It is about being in the moment, and being there with others. It is time for yourself and your personal indulgences and passion. Once the race is over, off comes the superhero spandex outfit, and back to our other extraordinary moments collectively known as  - Life. ‘Go long. Live long!’

*****

I had my deep tissue massage at Core Concepts today, and it hurt more than usual after last night’s 11K moderate run. Also, I suspect that I had built up a significant amount of micro-tears and scars in my legs that impeded full muscle contraction. Having this tightness broken down, manually, hurt especially in my calves and quadriceps. I am sure that, after tomorrow’s ride and swim, I believe that I will gain more mobility and range of movement.

Tomorrow: Review of Guy Kawasaki’s Enchantment

Photo-credit: Vijch