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

Timeout: The Pause That Refreshes

It is nice to take time out to chill. The hustle and bustle of everyday, mundane, work-driven life can be quite a burden on our sense of self. The occasional break, whether deliberate or random, can provide relief to our sense of direction and bearing.


Tonight, my team of endurance sports friends gathered for drinks and food. We exchanged war stories, and traded moments of humour. It makes what we have worked on more meaningful. Beyond the training and strenuous work, is a pot of pleasurable and productive conversations. 


Tomorrow, we head out for our open-water swim. Our fearless leader, Matt will be headed for Bali for a week of well-deserved rest with his wife. The usual gang of suspects are quite motivated, so the team looks intact, with new faces joining us at almost every session. I believe that the group is self-motivated and will sustain in numbers until the end of the Singapore Biathlon. Then, we will assess if the team was truly born out of interest or of desperation. It does not really matter, as there are enough races to keep us focused on developing our personal capability. I would fully appreciate the integrity and intent of the team.

I had my bike fit this afternoon with Master Bike Fitter and Elite Bicycles founder, David Greenfield. I am appreciative of the company's sense of delivery, where they actively follow up on my progress and riding comfort. I had some significant adjustments to my aero-bars, but beyond that I was reassured that my bike measurements were consistent, and that my core strength was enhanced. David has his subtle way of, elusively, taking other peripheral measurements. I believe that he and his colleagues are seriously passionate about the quality of their work, and demonstrate values that will see them through to a successful business future.


Next week, we will hear read about shocking news concerning celebrity sportspeople. It make shake your confidence about the revelations of foul and unfair practice. Anyway, one thing at a time. Enjoy your weekend! I am looking forward to my Desaru long ride, and  quality family time. Thank your for reading, Readers! I am deeply touched by your support of this blog. Live long and prosper!


Photo-caption: Sentosa Swim Team (Karolina, Richard, Enrico, Desmond and Vijay) with Elite Bicycles co-director Adeline Khoo and David Greenfield (4th and 5th from left) at an open-house talk session.