If A Tree Falls In the Forest…

There is a saying: ‘If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to see or hear it – did the tree fall?’

I found out today that I was penalized for my TNF100 Duo run. After running through the woods for about 52.5K, I had apparently missed the second timing-mat. I was among many others who did not get a placing, and so was waylaid for a ranking. Fortunately, as a result of the oversight (or poor directions) my partner was ranked third. I am pleased for him. It reminds me of the half-marathon fiasco in August, where misdirected runners ran extra and I was unknowingly declared winner in my age-group. I am not fussed about it as my partner got his first win for the year. Congrats, buddy!

It is all about evidence. Place a CCTV in the vicinity of the tree-fall and you may witness the demise of the tree. If the CCTV botches and fails to capture the images, will the crimpled heap of the former-tree matter? If electronic devices faulty, or fail to capture data from the source what will you do to the one measured? Caveat emptor: Buyer, beware! Run at your own peril. In fact, there were many signboards that cautioned the runners about potential deadfall. We were expected to run, alert to this possibility.

Looking at the bright side, I had a few shots of me making my way through the trails. I managed to connect with these photographers who lined up at the most unexpected places to be photographed. Thank you, kind photographers!

Sheila Taormina is in Singapore today. She begins her evening theory lectures, and begins her swim clinics tomorrow. I am looking forward to my theory session tomorrow with my swimming-mates, Hui Koon, Richard and Jimmy. 4-time Olympian and Olympic gold-medalist, Sheila has a long list of achievements including the ITU Aquathlon World champion in 2005.

Photo-Credit: Sasha Farina, Gy Chau, Joanne Loke, Joe Cheung

Leadership Lessons: What do you do when you get penalized for something? How do you respond to unexpected results? How much do you pay attention to the guideposts around you? How often do you capture evidence of connections made with people?

Snapshots of Runaway Moments

This Friday, our group of regular swimmers will enjoy an evening swim clinic with Olympic gold-medalist, Sheila Taormina. She will be hosted by David Greenfield of Elite Customs – customized bike manufacturer and master-bike fitter. We interviewed Sheila last month, and her interviewed earned one of our largest readerships of all time. The former-triathlon world champion will be on a world tour for her swim clinics.

My legs and feet were stiff and sore when I awoke this morning, since it was less than 24 hours after ceasing all intense activities. Despite one mild bloody blister on a right toe, I had zero abrasions. The Elite Customs (Panache) bicycle-top I wore under my water-pouch protected me from any welts or chaffing. I have been feeding my body with high calories from a wide variety of food groups, drinking antioxidant-loaded berry drinks, and ginger (for its anti-inflammation properties). I did some walking (skipped the three bus-stops altogether as the wait was longer), and deep stretches and succumbed to a well-deserve nap. According to an episode of ‘The Doctors’, it appears that pure tart cherry (for making pies) juice does wonders in reducing muscle soreness. I bought a bottle of POM Pomegranate Juice as it has the highest antioxidant value from Giant supermarket and consumed a glassful. I also supplemented my nutritional needs today with ginger and raw salmon.

My thanks go to Freddy Yeoh for his aid-station where I got a photograph, two cans of Coke, and iced-water. I endeavour to return the favour to this enduring endurance athlete and his thoughtful friends in the future. Ironman Austria finisher, Roger Chow also staked his shop at Water-Point 4 where he offered me iced-cold Milo and some savoury food – thanks, buddy!

Here are some photographs taken by our caring and alert photojournalists during the TNF100 run yesterday. These shutterbugs braved the often-sheering heat and heady humidity to capture a moment in each runner’s personal challenge. They do it out of their passion for immortalising memories, and recognition for the participants. I think it is synergy and synchronicity at work.

Do you give credit where credit is due? The least we can do when we use intellectual copyright materials is to make a request for use, or provide a mention. There are many generous people in our social network who render their help on their own accord. Yesterday, I witnessed runners stopping to assisting badly cramping runners at the side of the running route. These displays of consideration were priceless within a physically tough day.

They say that photographs are a mirror of one’s sides. Here are some perspectives of our especially long day, yesterday. Thank you all the lens-people for making what we do feel important.

Photo-credit: Joe Cheung (Me giving the Double-One as I earn my second wind)

Photo-credit: Chris Voo (Me traipsing through the abundant greenery)

Photo-credit: Andy Ng (With my faster run buddy, Hui Koon, #127)

Crossing Countries and Cross-Country Running

In exactly two weeks’ time, I will be running with my triathlon-buddy, Hui Koon in The North Face (TNF) 100 Duo race. Each of us will have to complete 50K worth of challenging and varying terrain. I have not run cross-country for a while, with my last being my running club’s (MR25) 5K time-trial. My recent rolling road race was when I ran was at the Yellow Ribbon Project 10K Run, and placed 44^th in 44:44.

This is the latest controversy to erupt in the triathlon world. Two former-world champions in triathlon are suing an author and publisher for irresponsible journalism and inaccurate reporting. Reporting on the truth is a challenging task, marred by failure to establish agreement (about content and co-authorship) with the subjects being interviewed. Will a suggested boycott of this new book fan or flag its sales?

I just watched a 3-hour-plus long Hindi film, Veer-Zaara (2004) directed by Yash Chopra; it was the top-grossing Bollywood film of the year. It is a romantic story set against the backdrop of tension-riffed India and Pakistan. A former-air Indian Airforce Squadron leader (Shahrukh Khan) who falls in love with a Pakistani woman (who hails from a rich, political family) is jailed for 20 years. A female Pakistani lawyer attempts to free him after hearing his story, and in the process delivers abject lessons on justice and cross-border relations. Overall, I enjoyed the film as there were some poignant moments, focus on family values, well-written dialogue, and the enticing musical score. 

Tomorrow after, I may test my cross-country legs at MR25’s bi-monthly 5K time Trial. If I do cross the line below 22:00, I will then earn my new ranking as a Greyhound. I missed that moniker by one sly second in August, so I commit to giving it my hearty shot. Plus, the countryside view is not too shabby. Have an enjoyable weekend!