Why Do The Ironman? (Part 4)

‘A man who is a master of patience is master of
everything else.’ – GEORGE SAVILE

Patience is what you learn very early in triathlons. You will be close friends with loneliness, and being alone. Incessant stroking in the pool-lanes, long runs, and longer rides. You can get philosophical as you perform repetitive work with little promise of payment, or a promissory note. We do all these laborious work for self-satisfaction and self-fulfillment.

Triathlons – whether its faster powerful cousin, the sprint or Olympic Distance or its relative of humble beginnings, the Ironman – is a sport that tests more than three disciplines. It is a personal test of will, willpower and many other values, including tenacity, patience, determination, diligence, endurance, persistence, and sense of purpose.

It is a sport not without its risk. You can drown, break your bones, and suffer seizures. Yet, it still attracts many new entrants every year. Are these individuals, risk-takers or those with a personal death wish? Not many, as I believe that there are more extreme sports where eminent demise is a higher and likelier possibility. This sport invites 'the pedestrian of us' to shy from its allure of pain. Pain is not so attractive, when it can manifest itself from the start till the end of the race. And, we are not talking about muscle cramps (from riding or running) or a bruised cheek from a swim. We can be defeated by stomach disorders born of stress, nutritional setbacks, or a bodily meltdown. The body will fight you to surrender after a few hours of prolonged physical assault. It is only natural to resist and battle any instance of pain or discomfort.

In spite of these potential ‘let-downs’, the purveyor of the 226K-triathlon may be intrigued by the possibility of having the ‘perfect race’. A personal best time is reward enough for many; for others, it is the fact that you completed a tough course, harsh weather and testing terrain. Every course/race is different. Same course, vastly different weather patterns on another year. The variables are too many to compute accurately, and it is consistent and specific training that reduces the chances of disappointment.

There are no easy days ahead. The military special force units would state vehemently: ‘The only easy day was yesterday!’

Julie Moss's crawl towards the finish-line of the Hawaii Ironman, demonstrated part of the essence of the human spirit and allure of Ironman triathlons.

Why Do The Ironman? (Part 3)

Julie Moss's epic crawl towards the finish-line stopped hearts and started a revolution.

Holes in our heads: That’s what it is. Perhaps, finishers of the day-long triathlon are attempting to patch a gapping hole in their heads. Or, are they merely filling a need for personal accomplishment and achievement?

Let’s be clear: we can do a lot more with the time these long-distance athletes invest into their training. Who would rather spend their time sleeping than push off on their bikes for a 60-100K ride? If you ask these dedicated athletes, I am sure that they would rather elect sleep than spinning. The roads are none too safe these days for the knights on iron-steads. I was hit by cab while riding in 2010 (one month before Ironman New Zealand, and I ran into the back of a parked van two months ago. Both were costly exercises in training, yet I learnt to be resilient and re-focus my mind and recovering body on my goals.

Having completed my first Ironman triathlon in 2006 (and a few more along the way), I can vouch for the intense and immense joy and exhilaration of completing the event. You experience another burst of adrenaline which mask your pain as you dash across the line, to receive your medal, beach-towel (wrapped around you like a king’s cape) and the announcement ‘You’re an Ironman!’ (and that applies to both genders). Then, reality sinks in and your flood of emotions get mired with the cramping, and decidedly convenient time for your body to go limp with exhaustion.

The ultra-marathoners know no differently. Anything upwards of a full marathon adds to the challenge factor. I interviewed Singapore’s Kua Jarn Wei and American, Wayne Kurtz – these amazing Deca-Ironman finishers are tough as nails, and just as nuts as the rest of us. However, they are also great guys to hang out with. Every post-race conversation describes, invariably, the toughest parts of the course, but scarcely any reference to how tough these competitors were. Also, the on-course civility and rendering of assistance to your struggling fellow competitors reveals much about such a 'crazy sport'; also, the legion of volunteers who make these races all possible and purposeful. Such is the humility and humanity we get to observe at these obscure and seemingly unimportant events.

I applaud my fellow competitors for attempting and completing. Sometimes, you make the cut-off times, sometimes you don’t (due to a variety of reasons; mainly illness, infection and crippling fatigue). It is the journey that matters and which may have taken 6-12 months to lead you to your destination. The real drama of athletic competition expresses itself through the courageous exploits of the Everydayman doing their first Ironman. I am also inspired by the physically-challenged athletes who pedal their way purely by their hands and arms to complete their races; others who hop and run on carbon-blades (and who I hope do not catch up with, and they have) during the marathon. These episodes in life’s soap-opera are unmatched for their spontaneity, spirit and seriousness. It was also Julie Moss’s crawl to complete her near-win race that captured the hearts of thousands around the world. Perhaps, it is this spirit of wanting to do something, regardless of the implications and consequences, or getting to the finish-line is all that matters!

As Fox would reiterate before each race: ‘The pain is temporary, but the memories are endless!’ And in Ironman, there are numerous stories and an abundance of memories to rely on. 

(Continued tomorrow: Part 4)

Why Do The Ironman? Part 2

Craig ‘Fox’ Holland led me in my first 10K run along Singapore’s East Coast Park. Till then, I had never ventured beyond 10K in a race or training run. He recently completed IM Melbourne in 10:38 – not shabby for a 51-year-old who completed Kona in 2005. Having completed dozens of triathlons and run races, he was the most suitable person to convince me to plunge into endurance sports.

My first 10K run during my training was mind-shifting. Due to years doing anaerobic-type activities, I was concerned that I would damage my body with long-distance, endurance-type activities. This paradigm held me back for some time, before I saw results in the all the three disciplines. The major obstacles then, was converting form breast-stroke to the front-crawl, and learning to ride a road-bike. Having run track (in the 1,500m & 3,000m Steeplechase), I transitioned (that strange word, and place) into the running formats of 10K, 21K and 42K quite quickly.

In my first foray to multi-disciplinary sports, I registered for a biathlon (swim-run). I swam and ran without a drop of fluid, experienced the ‘bonk’, which manifested as mild ‘heat exhaustion’ and I ended up in the ambulance. I have no recollection, till this day, of how I completed the race. Apparently, I ran off the road, onto the beach, past the finishing-line, and was headed out to the sea. Fortunately, several volunteers led me back, removed my timing-chip, and I ended with my first finishing time (to this day, still a complete amnesia). Soon after, I survived that scary ordeal (and warnings from family) to complete a 21K run, a marathon, and a full Olympic Distance triathlon. Then, I was ready for the big time.

Training for my first Ironman race was exciting, and scary at the same time. Training was dissected into portions, divided unequally over three disciplines. The weaker one is in a discipline, the more time was expected to enhance that deficiency. Each discipline can domino down to disappointment if we do not connect the dots well. The swim and ride determines your marathon; that’s about 183.8K later.

About a dozen Ironman triathlons later, I am still embarked on a journey to uncertainty. My 13^th Ironman will be in Switzerland in July. Yet, there is a premise and promise of better things to come. It is not about the finisher’s medal, finisher’s t-shirt, bragging rights and enhanced resume. It may be that heightened sense of awareness that I am not alone in my personal quest for that something, that continues to attract many more in the years to come.

Or, as Ironman Hall of Fame recipient Bob Babbitt said: ‘It may be like the hole in the head of the first Ironman trophy.’ Yes, we all have that hole in the head that suggests we are missing a piece, or needs a piece to be filled in. 

(To be continued: Part 3)

Why Do The Ironman? Part 1

Where's Whally? My name on my Finisher's tee-shirt for Ironman Lanzarote 2011.

I have been asked this question many times; and I am always enthusiastic about answering, as my responses are mildly different each time.

There is really no simple answer to this persistent question.

Some of my listeners (from the laiety) may think I am crazy; I am sure some may even question my sanity (or lack of it). After all, it is perceived as a grueling, physical challenge comprising 3.8K of swimming, 180K of riding, and then completing a full 42.195K marathon. Now, what would possess a sane and normal person ‘to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunes’? As my wise mother stated, time and again, to me: 'Isn't there a better to rest your weary bones?' Later, I would realise fully what she meant - such is the allure of wisdom and insight.

I recall that in the early 1980’s, when I was in secondary school, I was tuned in to my favourite sports program ‘The ABC Wide World of Sports’. What I saw changed my paradigm about sports, my life, and my perception about humankind (okay, in those days, I thought about ‘mankind’). The image was powerful and dense, albeit subtle and almost meaningless. The short report was about the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii. The most vivid image was during the marathon where people jogged into the night, some walking, and some limping. The sight of struggling athletes braving to beat the deadline was immensely powerful, and emotional for me. I daresay I shed a few tears, as the imagery I saw was painful, poignant and possessing. I let this experience simmer in my mind for several decades. I would never have thought of attempting this challenge, let alone a full marathon or a 2.4-mile swim in the open-sea (God forbid, I saw ‘Jaws’ and would never commit to swimming in the ocean at any time in deep waters) or ride four times the widest length of Singapore.

I spent the early part of my adulthood, participating in the ‘sport’ of bodybuilding. I was risking my life, heaving chunks of iron-plates, and listening to heavy-metal music to hype myself up for my next set of bench-press or full-squats. I was surrounded by self-indulgent, narcissistic, body-worshipping bodybuilders who posed their muscles before spit-polished mirrors in gymnasiums with strategically-positioned lighting. In spite of anabolic-steroid induced muscle-heads around me, I managed to earn three bronzes and one silver medal on the national level, qualify for the national B-squad, and be utterly disappointed by the level of pharmaceutical-dependent cheats that held top-rostrum. I may have been naïve when I took up the sport as a natural bodybuilder, so after four futile attempts at the first-place, I decided to retire and seek new pastures for my creative outlets.

Corporate life lured me soon after my stint as a trade journalist, so I swapped pen-and-notepad for whiteboard-markers-and-notebook (actually, we had laptops then). I was involved in my company’s sports and recreation club, ran track for them (would you believe in my non-pet event, 4X400m), assist in setting up their first in-house gym, and then synergistically collaborated to secure bronze and silver awards for the National Health Awards. Meanwhile, my blood-pressure was holding court at normal, while my cholesterol and triglycerides levels were accumulating.

It was in 2001, when I met my colleague (and, subsequently, triathlon coach) that he planted his idea of sporting lifestyle in me…

(To be continued tomorrow)

Remembering A Fallen Comrade

Michael left us yesterday. He will be fondly remembered as a valued member of triathlon team, Crazy2Tri; an Ironman triathlon finisher; and a very good person. Instead of asking about how he left us, we could ask: How did he live his life? He lived a very rich life, enriched with experiences, strong and sustained relationships, and a plethora of achievements and accomplishments. In other words, Michael lived a successful life. We honour you today, Michael!

I was proud to race, side-by-side, with Michael 'Macca' in Ironman Malaysia 2007 - every step a tough competitor and determined athlete in life. Every ounce a Gentleman! You will be missed, my Friend.

Time To Bust The Joint?

Joint pain and joint injury can attack us at any age. The causes of these joint-related malaises can be due to illness, inactivity, over-activity, nutritional deficiencies, and allergies.

The verdict is still out on the usefulness of nutritional supplements (and dermal-based, topical ointments) based on glucosamine and chondroitin. There are people who cannot metabolise these two leading joint supplements due to allergy, gastrointestinal issues, larger size of tablets to swallow, and prolonged use may only reveal results.

How can we enjoy continued joint health? These lifestyle approaches may help us create and retain continued joint mobility and function:

1)    Achieve your optimal weight.

2)    Exercise (low-impact activities like walking, Tai Chi, and yoga for starters).

3)    Eat a higher-quality diet.

4)    Maximize your vitamin D level.

5)    Integrate Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

6)    Attempt EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to activate energy points and channels by tapping on one’s body.

I do not have a history of joint injury, and my most serious conditions included sore knees (after long runs, exceeding two hours) and mild plantar fasciitis on my soles). I have found the six interventions recommended above to be useful after eight years of competitive racing in marathons and Ironman triathlons. Learn more from Dr Mercola’s website about nutritional support for your body.

Spacing It Out

I am not referring to a state of somnambulance, where one sleepwalks in the middle of the night for a night-snack. Being spaced out also has connotations to self-medication, in the deliberately illegal sense. It can refer to a state of confusion when we ingest too much information at one sitting: information-overload!
Spacing things out is about scheduling, and making space and place for activities, challenges, and rest. Eating too much at one go can lead to indigestion, lethargy, and a high potential for being overweight. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, including nutrition and rest. Spacing out your time and activities gives you more room to manage and enjoy your 'moments'. Injury, fatigue and boredom can impair your training and racing efforts. Performance may be compromised when you are less than your best.
This year, I have spaced out my schedule for sporting challenges and races. In the first three months of this year, I have only completed two half-Ironman triathlons. Hopefully, by mid-July I will have completed a full Ironman event. I used to do two such races a year, but have paced myself to train for one a year in the last two years. I decided to focus on running last year, and my results have been promising. This year, I have cut back on my running races, focusing instead on one Ironman race and one international marathon (Berlin). I aim to qualify for the Boston Marathon next year, and do a PB in an Ironman triathlon. I believe that by spacing out my training program, and enjoying more time for quality sleep I would benefit more from my endurance training. 

The Sprint To The End

Lance Armstrong placed seventh at the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas on Sunday. As expected, he was first off the bike into Transition, yet he was out-run by the younger and stringer runners. Timothy O'Donnell went one-on-one with eventual runner-up Sebastian Kienle, to sprint home to his first professional Ironman 70.3 win. Twice podium-finisher, O'Donnell stuck to his guns to give his final kick home to his win in that event as well as the U.S. Pro Champion. I enjoyed watching the race unfold, step by step, online whilst monitoring the 'Wear Yellow' ambassador give it his all in the 21K run. It was only Lance's second professional 70.3 race, and it will be interesting to track his comeback trail into triathlon - his sport before making his foray into professional cycling.

Leadership Lessons: When was the last time you had to make a dash for a deadline? How much reserves do you conserve before you plunge into a final sprint? Is it 'All or Nothing' when you commit to projects, collaborations and challenges? How far are you willing to go when you put your heart into something that matters?

Radiate Your Presence and Confidence

As athletes, we are measured by our energy that we radiate. Fit people are expected to be bristling with energy. They live for activity, and the activities they indulge in builds their reserves of potential energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, for it is transformed from one form into another.

What does the confidence of a leader do for you? How likely are you drawn towards their positive energy? How much of their confidence do you allow to envelop you? Most of these confident people also have presence. They present themselves in uniquely attractive way, so that we notice them when they step into our realms of awareness and sensibilities. When they are with you, how much of them are in the present? World-class leaders and celebrities express their aura when they walk with us, and among us. Consider these leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Elvis Presley, Dr Martin Luther King, President Bill Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi, and George Clooney.

Confidence and presence are attractive features of a person. As a leader, these become critical characteristics that command attention and make you attractive to others. When you exude these forms of influence, you can begin to create attainment (buy-in) and, subsequently, attachment (loyalty). Leaders introduce others into their personal space, and get invited into the personal space of their people. Those who are disliked never get welcomes into the private space of others, and rarely engage in intimate conversations.

When you step into the company of others, how well are you received? Are you respected as a leader, or feared because of your position of power? How do you know that others have accepted you into their domains and comfort zones?

Leadership Lessons: How do you develop your presence? How do you express your charisma? How often do you light up a room, and delight others with your positive energies?

Are the Hunter Or the Hunted?

Are you a hunter, or the hunted?

I do not mean these terms to be used in the ‘stalking’ sense. Before we were immersed as denizens of the Digital/Technology Age, we were evolving from the hunter-gatherer role. We hunted for wildebeest to attain our dietary needs. These hunting skill-sets became ingrained into our DNA, and hunting became a recreational or recruiting pursuit. Invariably, we become mired in adventures such as ‘house-hunting’, ‘bargain-hunting’ and ‘hunting down a good deal’.

As an avid reader and collector of magic literature, my library catalogues over-500 books, including manuscripts and booklets. I have hunted down rare and out-of-print books – some of these procured through private collections and online bids. One first edition book cost multiplied in value ten times; my most expensive book is valued at least US$2,000 on eBay. I am not in a rush to sell these nuggets, as I value them for the knowledge and the pleasure of owning them. My friend, entrepreneur and magician Francis Ng is probably the owner of the world’s largest collection of cups-and-balls (used in magic). His vast collection includes collectibles, limited-edition pieces and those owned by the greats in magic. He revealed that he has hunted many pieces of these finely crafted goblets on his travels.

Executives search professionals, or headhunters as they are traditional called, seek and convince potential employees to attend job interviews. Certainly, potential candidates who are sought after by searchers have often been researched. Valuable human resources are those who are values for their unique and exquisite sets of people and functional skills. In his pursuit of his dreams and aspirations, my friend Matthew has committed one year of his life seeking further education and higher learning. 

Leadership Lessons: What have you hunted for lately? How do you feel when you are involved in a hunt? As a collective, what were the experiences you earned whilst working on a team project? How do you position yourself to be spotted for your talent, abilities and competencies? How often are you hunted down for your capabilities and expertise?