Active & Proactive Networking

Do you build alliances and partnerships in your business? Do you form collaborations with others? Have you integrated other expertise into your projects and assignments? Do you view your world as friend or foe?

If business was a game, and it was fun why then do we treat each other as adversaries? If you are strongly committed to military strategies as your analogies to business strategies, then business is war. The field of business becomes your battlefield. Business tactics and strategies become entwined with deception, attack, and defence; there will only be win-lose for war is about winning battles, and battlefields of the mind. Unless you believe that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Be aware, cognizant and discerning when you read books like Sun Tze’s Art of War, The 36 Strategies, and military strategies of Hannibal, Napolean, Rommel, and the like. There is a reason why they are experts – in their fields – and not in business. In business, we apply different beliefs, values and processes. It is not always relevant that ‘to win the war, we lose the battle’. Collateral damage and casualties of war may not be part of everyone’s vocabulary and approach.

When you participate in networking, are you passive or active? How does networking add value to your business and cause? Do you successfully raise funds (to support your charity) through your networks of human connections? Do you seek new opportunities from such relationships? Do you leverage on such networks to check out your competition?

Networking is a process that involves large amounts of energy. You get out what you put in. That is the Law of Reciprocity. Parasitic relationships do not last, as there is no re-investment of energy. We need to ensure that circulation is kept going, so that it does not build stagnancy and clots. Clots confuse and create undesired results.

As you expand your web of influence, you need to be engaging and be engaged with others, their purpose and cause. Some of these are intrinsically personal and selfish, yet as a web of invisible threads, we are simultaneously connected and related to others. The Six Degree of Separation invites us to realise our dreams and goals. We attract others to us via our values. These include consideration, endurance, teamwork, diligence, challenge, professional, fairness, resourcefulness and performance.

What are you doing to maintain all your relationships? Are you seriously in touch with all your Facebook and LinkedIn friends? Or, is it just a numbers game to entertain one’s ego and sense of importance? Use Social Media 2.0, or return to Old School ways: call a friend for a coffee. Enjoy a chat. Engage in conversations. Express your ideas, however different these may be. Seek consensus. Invite criticism and feedback. Live with dissonance. Learn. Change, develop and grow.

Get connecting.

Congratulations Team Singapore at 70.3 Worlds’!

Was tracking the professionals and Singapore Team last night on IronmanLive.com. I suffered a constipated digital bit stream so managed to hear pockets of stuttering commentary and frozen images. I enjoyed the commentary by the seasoned and funny, ex-Ironman World Champion Greg ‘Welchie’ Welch of Australia.

This will, officially, be the last time that the half-Ironman world championships would be held at Clearwater, Florida. Next year, qualifiers will converge at Las Vegas – City of Sin. Perhaps, the home of non-M-Dot Silverman will be renamed City of Skins, named after all the compression tights worn by elite-level triathletes.

Having raced there in 2008 and 2009, I was privileged to be racing alongside all the top-notch age-groupers. I was humbled by the competitive spirit and fierce focus of the athletes. The world appears smaller when your achievements pale in comparison to others around the world. There are dozens with fitness levels off the charts. Can you imagine finishing the 113K, three-discipline, race in about four hours! At the Singapore 70.3, if you finish around five hours, the community takes notice and bows for you. At the World Championships, this is the average timing for more than half the field!

It is an amazing experience to qualify for the 70.3 World’s. My best experience was my first in 2008 where I went with a partially sponsored team. Adidas and Power Bar generously sponsored us. We put in effort to ensure our team had some additional assistance, as we already took our personal financial investment to race, qualify, and compete there. The 30-hour flight to Clearwater was challenging, and residual jetlag prior to race day was demanding on our anxious minds and body. The airport arguments about excess baggage may leave you breathless with frustration so be prepared to pay more than expected. Or else, waste unnecessary emotional energy in a no-win situation.

If you have a chance to qualify in Asia, do it in Singapore or Philippines. Join the queue and if they have enough slots left you may just get the chance of a lifetime to compete with the best and score a PB.

Once again – well done on a splendid performance at the World’s!

Photo-caption: My first attempt and finish at Clearwater in 2008. I have fond memories racing with my team comprising Wilson Low, Grace Chan and Brian Tan.

Quote Me on This!

"Running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are." Joan Benoit Samuelson

Quote.

The above quote came via one of my Twitter friends, who captured the quote from one of the world’s best marathoners. I love quotations, as some of these eventually merge into my cache of internal or external mantras. Mantras are usually quotes that are recited in repetition, or become clichés through time if these are habitual verbal spouts. Famous people tend to be quoted often, through their writings or public interviews.

Quotes are interesting verbal utterances. In journalism, you may be familiar with ‘Don’t quote me on this!’ and wonder why they do. Usually, the best stuff is often not quoted (but appear in print, nonetheless). Quotes may include wise sayings, or words of wisdom – drawn from tacit wisdom and experience. Quotes are distilled knowledge, filtered finely through time. It is précis writing at its verbal best.

Blogs are archives of open quotes. The writer expresses his or her own thoughts, musings, random thoughts, babbles and sharing. Certain, random outbursts of unbridled thinking can lead to humiliation and shame. Never accept a quote provoked in a moment of emotional outburst. It can be raw and unsavoury.

In an abstract sense, quotations may conceal personal strategies for success. Virgin’s Richard Branson’s ‘Screw it. Just do it!’ suggests that at times we should be proactive and decisive, and not hesitate. ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.’

Which quotes keep you moving, one step in front of the other? Which quotes activate you into action? Which quotes sustain your actions and passion? Which quotes remind you to stop, take stock and smell the roses?

Unquote.
******
'Status update: Sprained my right wrist last Wednesday before a ride'; rode on adrenaline for two more hours until I responded to body's shocked state. Applied RICES and rehabilitative interventions. More mobility, markedly reduced swelling. Hand grip improved, with wider range of finger mobility. Spirit still high, thanks to well wishes from friends and associates. Mild setback; what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Enjoyed the forced rest. My new Elite Razor Carbon is fine - at a glance, she does look like a traditional steel-bike (painted deliberately as such). Listen to your body.'

Calculated Risk is Not Risky Taking

This is not sage advice; just sound reasoning.

It is three weeks out to IMWA, and my reliable Coach, Fox (aka Craig Holland) and are I are both injured. I sprained my wrist a two days ago. Fox has been diagnosed, yet again, with overuse syndrome on the same reconstructed knee and some arthritis. He states that his days are numbered. I can relate to that, and most aging amateur athletes know that your body can only do so much. Train, rest, recover – repeat. That is the natural cycle.

It is analogous to a good quality bicycle. Treat it well, and it lasts longer. You still need to have it serviced regularly, and change certain parts because of heavier usage. Likewise, the body is similar except that if you treat it well you can heal to become stronger and last longer. Sister Madonna Budder will race at the 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Florida again this year. The bandwidth of athletes (from 35-50 years) is creaming their own performances in 70.3 and Ironman races.

Taking risks is part of the training and racing processes. It is not about being reckless and stupid. When you are silly and careless, you have to bear the consequences. When you are injured, you actually risk more injury training the same way, are without rest, or dismiss guidance.

I am resting up for a few days, doing my forced positive recovery: RICES (intervention) and staying mentally ready. It can be so easy to succumb to disappointment, however you need not do so. Despite it being nearly two days after my fall, I am making good progress – more mobility in my wrist (I can, thankfully, type – albeit slowly) although I will be off the shifters for a few more days. I should be able to run in the pool and walk tomorrow; I may use a stationary bike, too. My base fitness should be my insurance and assurance.

No major compromise, perhaps some recalibration of race-plan. It is all in my mind of a reasonably fit body. I am enjoying my period of imposed rest and recuperation: muscles feel rested and stronger.

Going For Gargantuan Goals

Work At Home Joe suggested that we write down, each day, our 3-5 important accomplishments to stay focused on them. For me, today they were:

1)    Swim drills at noon (despite the drizzle)

2)    Get fitted for my new bike

3)    Decide on components for my new, permanent bike

4)    Ask questions of experts (Coach Wilson, a 3-time finisher for X-Terra, Ironman/70.3 World Championships; bike-fitters Daphne Wee and Adeline Khoo)

5)    Test-drive my new stead

All five goals were completed. This was for Tuesday. Having incurred a wrist injury yesterday while riding, I will make new goals with healing as my priority. I was amazed I endured another two hours on my bike – the customized fitting allowed me to do it – before I headed home. Two brushes with rain was enough simulation for race-day exigencies.

Here is a good interview of M Rameshon – undisputedly, Singapore’s fastest marathoner – with Ashley Liew, an elite triathlete and marathoner who intends to crack the 2:40 mark for the 42.195K. Enjoy!

Finding Fast Lanes & Faster Manes

This is a slight departure from our leadership lessons. Later this afternoon, I will ride 120K with my buddy. I will explore the potential of both my fitness and my new bike. This is another viewpoint of my brand-new iron-horse.

My New ELITE Bike Arrives Today!

I will be getting my Elite Bicycles Razor Carbon frame set up to my needs this afternoon. Since I like familiarity, I will attempt to get similar components. As one friend described it, it is my 'hybrid triathlon bike'. For the merely curious and pedestrian, pictures of my new carbon stead will be posted this evening. I feel like an expectant father. Meanwhile, I made plans to ride and run tomorrow and Thursday. It won't be a pretty deal: 120K ride/10K run - bricks before the race. Should be fast and furious. Stay tuned!
*****

It was a quiet ride with Eastern Night Riders (ENR), all five of us with two new riders Peter (friend of ENR co-founder Edward Kor) and Andy (new expatriate on the block). I caught up with the rest, eventually, when I arrived to find the car-park deserted. Thankfully, I joined up with Caroline, Ed, Tee, and the two new friends. My new ride was initiated by a trial-by-fire moderate-paced ride of 30K (excluding to/fro time from home - about another 14K). Here she is, in all her splendour. My name and surname is on each side of the front forks, for easy identification during Transition. Handcrafted by David Greenfield of ELITE Bicycles of Philadelphia, USA it was specially painted to my request by Keith Hatton, ELITE's Art Director. Maroon happens to be my company's corporate colours.

There are additional parts not featured yet, like the Edge Composite 1.45 wheel-set. These are similar to the ZIPPS 404s I used before. It arrives tomorrow, so I can ride it out on a 120K route. Well, that's the plan. My body will have to adjust to my new mount, although it has been custom-fitted to my body. Glad to know from bike fitter/director, Daphne Wee (who spent the afternoon tweaking the bike with me) that there was not much variation from my original measurements. Perhaps, my body has learnt new good habits since my first fitting months ago. Looking forward to tomorrow's ride with IMWA participant, Hui Koon. 

Monday’s Value = Collaboration

Values have value, be they Core values, Personal values or Professional values. Values support beliefs. Beliefs drive behaviors. Our substance and character are built on values.

When leadership fails, you can attribute it to a difference, and even clash of values. It eludes me how industries and companies reward selfish leadership. Perhaps the western model of leadership is to be studied closely for its insouciant ways when we approvingly applaud mavericks, dropouts, iconoclasts and oddballs. Leadership charisma can easily overlook the lack of leadership effectiveness and integrity.

Collaboration seems like a good start to enhancing teams. It involves the sharing of cooperation and equity (from Gary Yardley & Sally Rundle). Our intention include:

Together, we share so that we all participate in success.

Together, we work so that we find new ways to operate.

Rapper, Jay-Z and rock-band Linkin Park collaborated on their 2004 album, Collision Course. Far from colliding into conflict, their creative efforts bore fruit for an experimental studio work that yielded several hits – a mish mash of their own songs. In the feature documentary on the accompanying DVD, you are treated to vignettes of how artistes work together with the purpose of artistic and creative output. Instead of prima donnas butting heads, they blended their talents and ideas to form a musically, complementary collaboration. Cirque Du Soleil is more than a circus; it is an energetic collaboration of acrobats, dancers and musicians.

Lead with your values!

Here are two splendid (read: add value) articles by my fellow Leadership bloggers (Michael Hyatt, and Linked2Leadership) on Guy Kawasaki’s ALLTOP portal:

http://michaelhyatt.com/my-take-on-the-vibram-fivefingers-running-shoes.html

http://linked2leadership.com/2009/09/02/leadership-lessons-from-comedy/

Pre-Race Premonition & Preparation

Four weeks more till Ironman Western Australia. Hopefully, the reports of shark sightings and shark attacks will not deter the participants from procuring thicker neoprene wetsuits. Some writers joke that it may motivate swimmers to swim faster and emerge from the waves and wake of Geographe Bay sooner. I hope to be one of them registering a PB, out of necessity and need.

For neophytes to the Ironman distance, here are additional suggestions (on essentials to bring along) from seasoned finishers of the 226K races:

1)    Have your bike serviced at least two weeks before as your bike-shop might be plagued by other desperate, last-minute requests (test-drive your bike after servicing, then degrease it before you pack before your trip)

2)    Bring as much tested-in-training nutrition as you will need for the race and before (Gatorade is the official drink, sports gels, energy bars, electrolyte tablets, instant noodles – comfort food after the race)

3)    Your racing clothes (2 X goggles, seasoned wetsuit, 2 X tri-suit, head-gear, eye-shades, helmet, running shoes, bike-shoes/cleats, socks, contact lenses or race-spectacles)

4)    Ward off wind-chill with warm clothing on race day (it gets cold at the T1 area when you set up; and you need dry clothes immediately after the race as it gets windy)

5)    Avoid buying from race-fair, except for gas canisters (bring your own inflator/adaptor, spare tubes/tyres, speedometer, duct-tape, Ziploc bags, Bento-Box, elastic bands, safety-light)

6)    Exchange currency into Australian Dollars; credit card (for post-race, Finisher merchandise purchase)

7)    Clean rags for cleaning your bike before and after the race (used socks are very useful)

8)    A mid-sized hand-pump (a Joe-Blow pump can be shared with close buddies if they carry some other stuff for you)

9)    Above all, zip up your tri-suit and remove all Spartan-shoulder pads (okay, stale sponges) before you leap, roll or dash through the Finish Line!

So Much For Big-Man Plans

Today, I dropped out of my 200K ride at the 135K-mark; I was annoyed that I had to bail out on Hui Koon who’s headed to IMWA. He managed 195K, which was pretty near what I covered last weekend when he blew his tyre out. I completed just under-150K, or five hours worth of pedaling. The road was busy with groups of roadies, Ironman-in-training and familiar faces (Nicholas, Ai Ling, and Robert Choy of T3 Bicycle Gears). As the morning grew into afternoon, the cyclists gradually made an exodus for cooler pastures.

I was struggling with a persistent spasm on my upper right trapezius muscles and middle back. Essentially, the entire right scapula was tight when I was in the aero-position. Sitting upright did me no good, as the wind resistance created in the totem position only served to slow me down.

I dialed up an appointment at the massage centre at Parkway Parade and secured a 20-minute session. The masseur requested that I let him know if his pressure was too hard, but I let him have a good go at it. It stung when he hit the epicenter of the muscle spasm. A muscle spasm can only be released by going at it deep. It certainly hurts. However, if you work at it hard and long enough, the tensed muscles will relent, and relax. Sore as I was after the massage, the pain was reduced and I have more mobility in the troubled area.

Monday’s 90-minute session at Core Concepts with my sports masseur should reveal and release all accumulated spasms. My legs are battlefields of tightness, like a large pincushion of alert pressure points. For the last two weeks I have been doing at least 15-17 hours total training time. This has been the most intense fortnight of my Ironman training ever. I used to get by with 10-12 hours per week, but that was enough to ensure I completed in decent times. To earn a PB in any of the three disciplines, I would have to work longer and with more intensity.

This coming week, I will be working just as hard before I taper off. So, I have more – shorter but intense - workouts to do. So, more drills and distance to cover; but additional sleep will be a bonus I shall relish.