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

In the Zone, or In the Moment?

This morning, after an interruptive short burst of appreciated rainfall, I pushed off for a 2-hour ride. The air quality was moderate, PSI around 77, and I made good use of the time. I elected the safer route, save for trick turnarounds at the end of the straight road. About one hour into my ride/drills, I experienced an epiphany. I discerned the difference between being ‘in the zone’ and ‘in the moment’.

Athletes talk often about being in the zone. This is when your actions become almost effortless. Other professionals have described being in the zone when making exquisite presentations, giving inspirational speeches, emanating charisma, and closing serial sales deals. On the other hand, zoning out is a dangerous thing, and that is daydreaming – that’s is when runners and cyclists run into things.

Being in the moment is about enjoying what you do. It is a heightened state of alertness. It is about relishing moments of discovery, intrigue, curiosity and adventure. Friends have lucidly described vivid snapshots of scenery when riding 180K on the Ironman course, and during the marathon.

How often do you enjoy being in the moment? When do you get into the zone? When do you zone out?