11.11.11

It only comes once in a lifetime: 10.10.10. Today, it is 11 October 2011 and the numbers line up to create a sense of coincidence. Next year, we have a shot for 12.12.12 or 12 December 2012.

My students alerted me to this fact this morning during class, and I excitedly requested that we wait 11 seconds at the stroke of 11:11 to commemorate the special moment. It lasted momentarily, a brief moment in time that passed by rapidly and without regard and regret. However, since we anticipated it – it meant something to us. To numerologists, when you add up the three ‘11’, they add up to 33: the Master Number, based on 11, 22 and 33. There is a body of arcane knowledge that describes the abstract interpretation behind specific numbers resulting from adding birth-dates: days to months to years. Could be your cup of tea-leaves, or not. T mathematicians, numbers are an empirical way to make sense of the world. Patterns in nature can be justified and explained with numbers, and especially prime numbers; like prime rib when ordering a steak.

We did a feature on numbers some time ago, where I discussed the importance of numerals with regards to measurement and symbolic significance. How important are dates to you? How do you measurement on a daily basis?

Yesterday, I posted the individual timings of three Singaporeans in the NYC Marathon. They were not their fastest timings however for a tough course like the five boroughs of New York City the timings were impressive. Each measurement of speed (finishing time) indicates a reference point, of one’s athletic performance. It also marks a significant date for a race that the group of serious runners took months to prepare for. When you meet your expectations, it marks another level of achievement. When you exceed that, it can be attributed to factors of your choice such as effort, dedication, discipline, bonus, luck and fluke.

Leadership Lessons: How often do you take measurements of your progress? How many of your coincidences are pre-determined? How much of your success is related to luck? How much of your achievements are attributed to sticking to your plan, having foresight, and investing in your development?

Primed for Results

3X3 equals a formula for Ironman triathlon training. Three is a prime number, an odd number divisible only with itself. Do each of the three disciplines up to three times per week, and you should reap the maximum results from it.

The times per week, spent training all adds up depending on how long your sessions are. Again, quality prevails over quantity.

So far my thrice-weekly sessions for running has yielded very good results. I just need to amplify the longest runs, going beyond my preferred 21K at tempo or race pace. Andrew Ngo has suggested a tweak to my interval training workouts so I can establish a reliable competitive pace for the marathon on 4 December. This will be my first A-race for the season before my assault for my 12^th Ironman finisher title.

All I need to do over the next 16 weeks is to ensure I swim and ride three times per week. Any more sessions will only deplete my reserves and reduce my chances for a full recovery. 9 sessions of 1-2 hours spell 9-18 hours of total training time. If you want to excel in your sport, you will have to do the time. Now, you can also adjust the equation by replacing one workout for a strong discipline with a weaker one. Let us say that your swim is weak, replace one run workout for it. You can still run, however you may do that as part of swim-run brick, or ride-run brick. Each discipline complements the others, working the entire body for a synergistic approach to fitness. One-sport exclusive, can train the body to become overly strong in specific muscle groups; it can in turn lead to muscular imbalances and potential injuries.

Lest we be too rigid, you can replace one or two training sessions with rest and recovery, an easier day, or some other activities. Keep your schedule flexible and work on your flexibility.

Leadership Lessons: What is your take on trios? How often do you apply the Power of 3 into your profession? How do you apply ‘threes’ into creating a balanced lifestyle? What are your Triple Threats: your top three competencies?

Photo-Credit: Wilson Ang captures a certain blog while reading the day's posting. That is soya-bean milk in the foreground.