Working the Angles

When I was working as a journalist, I learnt very early in my career to work the angle for stories. What this simply means is to find interesting perspectives for the piece I was doing. I had a certain knack for stories, opting to explore the road less travelIed. It was not difficult, when all I needed to do was put a spin on the obvious, or focus on the elusive. I, eventually, learnt as an industrial psychologist that humans sort through priorities that include people, place, events, time, objects and knowledge.

Predictable can be safe, but boring. In a fastidious and fickle-minded world we live in, consumers want to do more with less, convenience with lower risk. However, this may lead to depreciation in value. More customers will be asking the question: What makes you different from others? How can you make the difference in our business? Is a sports event without a key sponsor valued highly than one with an anchor sponsor? Is loyalty of fans be unfazed when race-kits provide only the minimal? What is the angle when there is no official race-tee?

Innovative practices require working the angles. It is about shifting perspectives towards more useful outcomes. Traditional thinking demands traditional answers to problems, whereas contemporary thinking focuses on solutions-based approaches. Have you substituted, combined, adapted, amplified, eliminated or rearranged anything? What else have we not done yet? What else could we attempt differently? Who can we turn to for expert guidance? John Cooke blogs about perspective from his book review.

What’s will be your angle tomorrow?

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Today was a busy menu for me. I rode 75K in the morning, and ran unshod (with VFF) for about 10K. In between, I collected my race-kit for next week’s Duathlon. I met friends from Crazy2Tri as well Ironman finishers Victor Chan and Teryn Tham. I encouraged my Crazy2Tri to consider using High5 sports nutrition pack that was on introductory promotion. The science is that you can absorb up to 60 grammes of carbohydrates in a 2:1 mixture of glucose to fructose, instead of 30g! For $25, we received the Marathon Race Pack with 12 sachets of drink mixes and gels. I first saw this pack at the Berlin Marathon. On its cover are three triathletes, including regular podium/Kona finisher John Hill, who I met through Coach at IMWA last year. Our individual race waves are 11, 12 and 13 and it will take place near midday next Sunday. It should be an interesting day to race; I assure you a complete race report with photographs.

Working in Wicked Ways - Well, Sort Off

The first time I heard the word wicked differently was from my friend, Michael Hartley-Robinson’s son, Junior. Junior used the expression in abject amazement when I performed a magical illusion for him and his brother. That was when I realized that the word wicked had different meanings, that it need not be negative and nefarious in intent. Let your language serve you, and not just you serving the language. Lead in your language, or languish in despair over its complexities.

Wicked is a Broadway musical that was launched in 2004. Popular TV musical drama, GLEE featured this song as well as the original lead actresses Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The two also made cameo appearances in a few episodes of Season 1 of GLEE. Wicked is the precursor story of the two sister witches in The Wizard of Oz; the Wicked Witch of the North was good before she turned. I missed watching this musical on my last trip to New York, but endeavour to do so this year. The lead singers of this production were wicked! The range of vocals to achieve the song Defying Gravity requires serious vocal chops to deliver with conviction.

What have you done recently at work that was wickedly beneficial to your team? How many wickedly clever ideas have you proposed to your clients that made them pay generous attention? What have you done for your colleagues and clients, that made them sit up, and exclaim: ‘That’s wicked!’ 

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This morning’s swim, led by our fearless leader, Matt was not as wicked as I thought it would be; he had to head home after our morning dip to move house. An easy 4-lap or about 1.4K as the tide was receding in the lagoon. We followed that up with a 4.8K run at a fast pace, however not wicked enough. I did not spew mucous discharge from my respiratory system, although a very fit (and 5kg lighter) Vijch and ‘Barefoot Muaythai’ Lap Huan provided the motivation for me to increase my running cadence. It was a smaller group of swimmers since New Year’s Day, however we met new faces that may be new inclusions to our fortnightly open-water swims. I am hopeful that more will turn up as key races emerge.

Catalog of actual running shoes used by team.

Heavy hesitation before the run: crawl-pace to the start-line.

The pause that refreshes: Baring our body and soul about marathons and stuff.

Lacing up my Avia Avi-Stolz shoes: useful for trail runs and short road races.


Photo-credits of Sentosa Swim: Richard Leong

The Value of Applied Discipline

I learnt much about the practice of discipline in the military reserves. I appreciated the relevance of sticking to standard operating procedures (SOP), standards of performance, and sticking the plan. Later in my careers, I discovered that discipline involves meeting exhausting deadlines, streamlining work processes, and delivering follow up/follow through in sales and service.

In recent years, my sense of discipline extended to writing everyday, following a training regime for Ironman triathlons, working in close collaboration with strategic partners, and auditing my business processes and proposals.

Discipline involves waking up early to train when others are resting soundly at home. It includes making decisions that may be uncomfortable and unpleasant at times, however will reap a sense of achievement and accomplishment after doing it. 

****

I can finally rest, or rather, train and rest adequately after four days of continuous training workshops; my voice was somewhat strained after all that teaching facilitation. I found today to be especially memorable, facilitating a workshop on core values. We focused on excellence, a value that is associated with performance and quality.

Tomorrow morning, as the tide is highest at about 8.00am, I will swim about 6-8 laps with the TriFam squad in the lagoon. We will then follow this 2.2-3K swim up with a fast 4.5K run as a brick session. I am definitely looking forward to the workout and pleasant company. Sunday will be a long ride, so that will be the first long one after IMWA. My first duathlon will be a week from Sunday; it will be a good test of my fitness for 2011. I will run the Hong Kong Marathon in a month’s time, so smart training will be my specific focus of the next 30 days.

And the Hits Keep Coming!

Thank you for dropping by. Over the past week, we have had many visitors to this blog. I appreciate your interest, and hope you will visit occasionally. I believe that it has to do with our interviews with Kua Harn Wei and Wayne Kurtz – both well-known, world-class, Deca-Ironman finishers.

When I run unshod (‘barefoot’ in VFF), my feet turnover/frequency is higher. My feet hits the ground more often, however with shorter strides, and lower landing. Otherwise, my feet, ankles and knees will be subjected to massive stresses and strains. Although each foot has 26 bones, they experience the most activity and impact each day, supporting our full bodyweight.

I am attracted to the hits on television and radio. These are popular programs that warrant our attention. They usually attract a large viewing or listening audience. Musical hits stay on the Top-40 charts for many weeks, shifting in ranks and enhanced CD and iTunes download sales. One of the definitive hits of the 1980’s was Pat Benatar’s Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

Our heart goes out to Australians hit by the floods. We hope that things will recover and get better soon. We think constantly of our Australian friends, many we have gotten to know in Ironman Western Australia 2010.

As of today, the number of hits on Kua Harn Wei’s interview has reached 1,262, 643, 504, and 748 views respectively for Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, on RedSports.com. I hope that readers found it useful. I think that our endurance community is ready to explore multiple-formats for Ironman triathlons.

As a leader, how have your presentations impacted others? Does your message hit home after you introduce them at meetings? Are you a hit with your customers? Do they come back to you for more? How hard-hitting are your marketing campaigns? When somebody hits you unfairly, how hard do you hit back fairly? When was the last time you the gym, or the punching bag? Hit them with your best shot!

PASSIONATE ULTRA TRI-GUY (PART 2): Wayne Kurtz Interview

EV: How are you promoting the ultra-endurance lifestyle?

WK: Through my resources I built - RaceTwitch.com, Endurance Racing Report, RaceTwitch.tv, RacePeak.com (Coaching and Advisor site - launching January 30, 2011), and will be launching RaceTwitchreg.com (online Race Registration Company first quarter 2011).

WK: RaceTwitch.com is the online resource for the worldwide endurance racing community to evaluate and search for specific endurance related races in 12 specific disciplines. The uniqueness of RaceTwitch is that it will provide the registered user’s with complete feedback from specific user reviews, recommended races, “If you liked this endurance race, you might like one of the following races”, specific weekly race of the week updates, and live video feeds from the RaceTwitch.com Pro-Team from around the world.  The iPhone application of RaceTwitch.com provides a solution for athletes to find a specific race on a particular day within a geographic area while attending a race.  RaceTwitch.com aims to provide athletes with endurance racing options for multiple disciples and allowing the registered users to reveal the positives and negatives of individual race experiences.

EV: Tell us more about your new book, Beyond The Iron - A Training Guide to Ultra-Distance Triathlons. I understand it comes out this month.

WK: Yes, the book will be out the beginning of February and will be available on Amazon.com along with BeyondtheIron.com, www.3LPublishing.com websites.

EV: What is it like writing your book? What was your motivation for this book?

WK: It was a remarkable experience and my publisher, and Michelle Gamble Risley from 3L Publishing, have been an amazing partner! I learned a ton through the process and have three more books we will be working on together.

WK: Motivation to write the book - I found a lack of information available on how to train for an Ultra-Distance Triathlon. I wanted to fill that void with correct and insightful information direct from an athlete, coach and trainer who participated in these events. With all of my years of experience and my passion for the sport, I am uniquely qualified to help others with insight, guidance, knowledge, tips, tricks, and insight into training.

EV: If we mere mortals want to breathe the filtered and rarefied air of the multiple-Ironman triathlon, how can we start?

WK: First you can start with reading Beyond The Iron! Also, all the RaceTwitch resources/blog posts can be helpful for the education process. Also, feel free to email me questions to me at wayne.kurtz@racetwitch.com

EV: Kua Harn Wei is our only deca-Ironman. How did you both meet?

WK: I met Harn at a race many years ago in Levi, Quebec (Double Iron World Championships). We hit it off immediately and then became friends after seeing each other many times at races! Hopefully we can see in other in Mexico this year for the DECA.

EV: You have three websites/blogs. How is each different as a resource?

WK: RaceTwitch.com is listed above, Racepeak.com - Comprehensive Advisor/Q&A Resource for athletes, Endurance Racing Report - was created to spotlight endurance sports races throughout the world and supplement the comprehensive “one stop shop” endurance race directory and athlete review resource: RaceTwitch.com. Regardless of the race you are training for: running, triathlon, cycling, cross country ski, kayak/canoe race, adventure race, etc. there are many questions that need to be answered in the evaluation process. RaceTwitchreg.com - our comprehensive unique online race registration resource for race Directors. RaceTwitch.com iPhone application - can be downloaded from iTunes and has the entire RaceTwitch.com resource while traveling.

EV: Tell us more about the free application on your website.

WK: RaceTwitch is completely free and users can search for races. If they register, they receive our newsletter, they can add race reviews, and find out about races.

EV: How can our readers contact you?

WK: Email is best: wayne.kurtz@racetwitch.com, skype ‘wayne.kurtz’, or Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/racetwitch. If they go to the RaceTwitch.com homepage, there are links to connect with me directly through all social media outlets.  Then we can arrange mutually convenient times to speak over the phone.

BIOGRAPHY

Name: Wayne Kurtz
Age: 43
Family: My Greek Goddess wife - Jan
Years doing triathlons: 25
Music: Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, and of course, Led Zeppelin
Favourite event: Deca-Iron
Favourite bicycle: My Felt DA Time Trial bike and Specialized Tarmac for the Deca-Iron
Favourite running shoes: Newton Running Shoes
Favourite nutritional support: Hammer Nutrition
Likes: Passionate people
Dislikes: Negative people

PASSIONATE ULTRA TRI-GUY (PART 1): Wayne Kurtz Interview

‘Wayne is a high-powered corporate achiever who has the rare ability to transfer his high-octave motivation to ultra triathlon. Come to think of it, to compete and complete an ultra, you need nothing less than the most powerful of motivation - the fire in the gut! Wayne's methodological race preparations, willingness to share, friendly disposition and humble nature make him an ideal ambassador of ultra triathlons.’ ~ KUA HARN WEI, SINGAPORE’S ONLY DECA-IRONMAN FINISHER

The notion of doing an Ironman triathlon astounds many. Co-founder of Ironman triathlons, John Collins explained: ‘Swim 2.4 miles, Cycle 112 miles, then run a full marathon – brag for life!’ Life’s biggest challenges are not for the foolish or the foolhardy, yet those who attempt and complete them emerge reassured and recognised for their achievements. Now, do the DECA and it positions you in the rarified stratosphere of insanity or unbridled adventurism.

A Deca-Ironman triathlon (DECA) is, essentially, an Ironman triathlon TIMES 10. That means, the participant of this race swims 38K first, then follows up with 1,800K of cycling, and caps it off with a 420K run. In the past, the format was to complete one Ironman triathlon a day for 10 days. Each race must be completed within 24 hours, failure to do so resulting in disqualification – a very painful situation to be in. The least, aggregate timing taken yields the eventual winner.

WAYNE KURTZ hails from Wexford, PA, USA. I first heard about him through Singapore’s only Deca-Ironman (DECA) finisher, Kua Harn Wei. I stumbled upon Wayne through his tweets, and that’s where I made the connection proper, with him, on Twitter.

An avid reader, Wayne’s favourite books focus more on positive thinking, relationships and leadership - traits necessary for his long endurance races, and its rich experiences and amazing but narrow field of athletes. Wayne is a leader in his field, and as an author his new book Beyond The Iron - A Training Guide to Ultra-Distance Triathlons will be launched this month. His passion being endurance racing, he competes and has completed specifically in ultra-distances including the Double, Triple, Quintuple and DECA.

Enrico Varella: Congratulations on your recent racing achievements! You did well on your DECA. Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. You could not have been a formerly overweight, chain-smoking, workaholic. Tell us a bit about yourself before becoming a serious ultra-endurance athlete.

Wayne Kurtz: My passion for triathlons and endurance sports started in 1985 while in college. I was a swimmer by background and remember asking my mother when she came to visit me at college to drive out to a five-mile running course in the college town. I just decided to buy some New Balance running shoes (only ran with sports, not track or cross-country running) and that was the beginning. A few months later, I was home for a few days and was at the local golf course and saw an entry form for a Bud Light Triathlon in my hometown county park in Pittsburgh. So, after painting my grandmother’s house and doing some other odd jobs, I saved up enough money for my Centurion racing bike. I still recall the conversation with my parents where I said, 'Well now I have my bike, which is the major expense, and the majority of my costs are now gone.'

WK: Well, as we have seen over the last 25 years, new technology, time-trial bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes, clip-less pedals, aero-bars, aero-wheels, wetsuits, so many pairs of running shoes, all the clothing for each season, etc. made my statement to my parents inaccurate to say the least! In my mind, however, spending the money, over the years, has been a worthwhile lifestyle investment — and triathlons have been my passion ever since. My parents, sister and my lovely bride, Jan has a few classic quotes about me, and among them are: ‘Wayne beats to his own drum.’ and, ‘Was Wayne dropped on his head when he was a baby?’ I hear this a lot now, especially with competing in Ultra-triathlons.

WK: Twenty-five years later and hundreds of endurance races in many different sports, traveling all over North America and Europe, and meeting lifelong friends has been an absolutely amazing experience. I still get nervous at the start of a marathon, ultra-running race, triathlon, snowshoe race, adventure race, cycling race, etc. — and that’s what keeps it so fresh and fun for me.

EV: What is your sporting background?

WK: I am a swimmer by background. 

EV: What got you started on endurance sports?

WK: Being competitive in sports for all my life, after college there was a void and I picked up the sport of triathlon.

EV: What was it like racing the DECA last year?

WK: This past year was the continuous version of the DECA (each year switches from a 1 Ironman per day format to the continuous). The 24-mile swim, 1120-mile bike, 262-mile was the format this past year. The weather was hot during the day for the bike and run which switched my strategy and I did most of my sleeping during the day to get out of the heat.  The race was significantly harder in my opinion than the one-per-day Ironman format last year.  

EV: Why the DECA format?

WK: This race is my favorite mainly because of the mental challenge to keep on going.   Mentally, there is nothing like it in any of my 100's of races of I competed in over the last 25 years.

EV: What do you enjoy most about racing?

WK: The competitive nature of the event and, of course, being able to use my greatest strength - which is my mental strength come race day. I train my mind daily just like my body in my normal training.

EV: How long do you take to prepare for an Ironman, and DECA?

WK: For an Ironman I can get myself ready to race it hard in about 8-10 weeks. The DECA is a longer buildup with a series of Double-Iron, 100-mile and 24-hour running races throughout the race season to get prepared for the race. It is months of training and racing.

EV: Phew! I am tired after hearing all that. What is your preparation for the DECA like?

WK: A normal week for me consists of around 20 hours. This includes swimming, biking, running, functional/strength training. I spend about another 15 hours per week with my mental training process. My key workouts (all highlighted in the training plans within Beyond The Iron) include weekly 10-12 hour all night workouts to get my body, mind and sleep deprivation - ready for the DECA.

 Photo-Credits: Wayne Kurtz, Endurance RacingReport.com

Developing Business Acumen & Business Sense

Are you excited about Mondays? Or, are you exited by the notion that the workweek begins today and you have to plough and slough through today? If you say ‘TGIF’, you may be missing the point. Why suffer?

Aren’t you proud that you have a job? Are you in your profession of choice? Do you mostly enjoy what you do? If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you may have to review your priorities in your life.

Business acumen and business sense are useful skills to possess, whether you are self-employed or running your employer’s business. Whether you are a sales professional, marketer or business development manager you will need to rely on thinking and intuitive abilities in building and sustaining a business. In my research with successful businesspeople and entrepreneurs, I have found these patterns of excellence that can enhance these two competencies.

1)    Why are you in business? (How does it benefit another person?)

2)    You must enjoy doing business or it would be meaningless.

3)    Start a business with an idea, dream or passion, not an economic need.

4)    You can only learn and appreciate business by doing business, and making mistakes (and you certainly will).

5)    Expect to work longer hours in your first year of starting a business (develop a large bank of energy).

6)    Business acumen is a quality you develop on the job, through time.

7)    Develop an appreciation and understanding of finance (read Balance Sheets, Profit & Loss Sheets)

8)    Have a plan, and execute the plan! (‘Screw it. Just do it.’ ~ Sir Richard Branson)

9)    Have a working philosophy (clear credo, values, beliefs and operating principles) of how you work with others, and the type of work you intend to do.

Avoid doing business because it is a beautiful idea. 90 percent of Small Businesses do not make it after the first year, and it gets even harder in the second year. Inspiration must meet perspiration, as stressed by Thomas Edison.

Congratulations to my friend, DESMOND PEH of JUST EDUCATION HOLDINGS for winning Entrepreneur of the Year for 2010! As Chairman and CEO of this valued brand, a chain of 16 tuition centres, he has built a culture of education, personal pursuits and positivism. I cannot express fully how I am proud that we have been friends for years and benefitted from his generous sharing of tacit experiences and wisdom. He was selected by ROTARY-ASME as one, among, 15 business-leaders shortlisted for the award. 

*****

I am excited to announce that my interview with DECA-Ironman, WAYNE KURTZ will appear tomorrow and Wednesday. He, too, built his business while making endless loops on the bicycle track. Talk about clarity of thought! Stay tuned for really good stuff!

Cyclists Who Give Us a Bad Name

This morning, I relented and allowed my circadian rhythm to dictate my time to awake. I was scheduled to meet a rag-tag team of riders at 7.00am. I would then follow the lead for a 60-90K ride. After much preamble and preparation, I found myself at the start-line after 9.30am. I did a 15K loop around the Changi International Airport before I bumped into the trio of enthusiastic riders comprising Clifford, Tee and Matthew. I caught up with them, had a mild chat, mostly being teased by Clifford (mostly because he and Matthew were riding on their spanking new Specialised Transition frame and aero-helmets: very Macca-esque!). We parted ways shortly as the three of them were headed for some emergency breakfast after their near, century-ride.

I continued for another two loops; tough going in because of the strong headwind, and easier on the return leg because of the noticeable tailwind. At the end of my second loop, I emerged damp after a few rogue rain clouds, and merged into a pack of roadies (including furious-pedaling mountain-bikers). This large and motley pack of about 25-30 riders, traveling at moderate pace, was enjoying the sail effect afforded by a tailwind.

One rider – playing shepherd from the back - decided that he would move from the rear, of the left-most lane, to grab a pinch of the right lane. The original, one self-designated, lane for riding became a dictatorial domination of two lanes. I could have overtaken the whole pack if I accelerated for a short distance, but I intuitively chose not to. A fast approaching convertible, realizing how futile it was to patiently and optimistically wait for the relinquishing of this outer lane, decided to go around the pack. This meant that he had to borrow a piece of the opposite lane across the road. In effect, it was not a smart move of the devil-may-care antics of these roadies.

I was shocked by their irresponsible behavior, which demonstrated little regard for motorists and fellow riders. Earlier this week, a lorry hit two military officers; one cyclist died, and another suffered serious injuries; Matthew knew the deceased rider and so did Robson Phan (who I raced the Annual Beer Run with). The irony was, they were both wearing jerseys that promoted safe cycling. It was a sad and tragic start to this year; seems like the verdict is out for cyclist-motorist harmony. This afternoon, my friend, Hui Koon blogged about how errant motorists irk him.

Leaders need to learn how to be diligent, discerning and decisive (proposed by Gary Yardley & Jan Kelly); certainly, as cyclists on the road we have to exercise these options instead of succumbing to group pressure and behaving inappropriately. Do the right thing! Exercise caution, patience, alertness, concentration and carefulness. I never trust the motorist to give me way – I hope that he/she does – yet, I will make way for their safe passage, in return of my safer return. After being knocked down by a taxi last February, I have become paranoid about oncoming traffic behind me. It is just as well, for I am mindful still that I am sharing/borrowing the road for my recreational needs.

Riders – do share the roads, and please spare yourself from careless and silly behaviors. Be proactive. Take the initiative. Be smart. Be a leader of your own journey.

Success: Book Smart or Street Smart?

Billionaire-TV celebrity, Donald Trump based his award-winning series The Apprentice on the premise of the nature-nurture debate. Will the ultimate apprentice he selects prove that street smartness triumphs over academic intelligence? That’s where the politics plays out in the challenges and dysfunctional team dynamics. Having business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, is relevant as a staff as it is an entrepreneur.

For new readers directed from REDSPORT.SG, here is an essay that may, perhaps, be useful for undergraduates and working mid-lifers who are seriously contemplating a career change or reconfiguration. When we creatively extract life lessons from abstract topics like sports, we may discover more than meets the eye. Here are some useful lessons that you can use to prepare yourself for your future employ.

1)    Have a plan. Make it clear for you. Make a life-chart that is large, colourful and noticeable. Anthony Robbins wrote his first plan behind a roadmap- a map upon a map! Stick pictures of places you wish to visit, and things you’d like to have. Add a Bucket-List wile you are it.

2)    Write up a SWOT Analysis of your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Update this regularly as you become more knowledgeable and skillful. The idea is to become strong, empowered and re-inventive, so as to stay relevant in the marketplace for as long as you desire.

3)    Build your Personal Branding. What are your values, beliefs, preferences, prejudices and perceptions about people, work and recreation? How do you build your credibility? How do you build your reputation that stands you out, with distinction and your signature moves?

4)    Learn and apply your skills. Develop mastery in some skills. Exceed yourself. Test your skills daily. Take on a measurable challenge. Chinese undergraduates run a marathon to have an edge towards qualifying for the top universities. Train for your job interviews. Answer questions clearly with no hesitation. Learn independence. Learn to assemble a DIY cupboard, replace a light-bulb, wash your sports-gear, sun your shoes (before it pongs) or cook a simple meal for yourself.

5)    Attempt and attain dynamic work-life balance. Eventually, this will make way for work-life choice (a term popularized by ex-GE CEO Jack Welch) as priorities shift and change.

6)    Develop your soft-skills. Be persuasive. Be influential. Lead. Be a leader. Assume responsibly key leadership positions in university or the polytechnic.

7)    Surround yourself with experts. We stand on the shoulders of giants! Learn from the old and young. Be curious. Discover your ignorance and ingenuity. Value discipline. Discipline means doing the chores, and enjoying the process however mundane it may be.

8)    You will make mistakes! Nobody’s perfect. There are enough fallen leaders to remind us of the fallacies of leadership. Value your values. Walk your talk, and be consistent. How you bounce back from failure is your resilience. Snap back, re-focus and get back on track.

9)    Either you lead, or follow. The choice is available at all times. You can be a servant and a leader. Lead and serve. Lead to serve. Be in the service of your team. Serve them well. If you won’t lead, treat people humanely well, at least.

Feel free to comment if you need clarification. Have a good weekend!

When You Need Help, Seek The Experts

‘Who you gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS!’ ~ Theme song

We don’t have all the answers, thus we ask questions. Questions give us focus and a sense of purpose. Open-ended questions allow us to comprehend. Close-ended questions allow us to verify, validate and consolidate. We may not fully understand many things, although we say we do. What does understanding something mean to you? Does having the head knowledge mean you understand? When you say you know, does that mean you also understand? If you know, can you apply your knowledge (as skills) confidently?

These questions may be vexing, yet we ask them to comprehend, appreciate, learn, and understand matters. Our curiosity underlies our ability to examine, investigate, check, research, discover, learn, ponder, and consider. Adventurers are driven by a sense of curiosity and the need to discover. Our maritime forefathers demonstrated that when they set sail for the New World with some getting utterly lost and disorientated. Some were purported to have sailed off the edge of the world!

Experts have more than knowledge. They also possess tacit experience and tacit wisdom. They are regarded as experts because they know more, have expertise, and can make recommendations based on their area of specialty and passion. Experts can help us think and do outside the box. Thus, the roles of coach and mentor have their relevance in both the corporate world as it does with our community, family and our friends.

How open and broad-minded are you to professional advice? How well do you take feedback? When was the last time you sought an expert? Do you have a coach for your endurance sport? Learn and lead. Learn to lead. 

***

Yesterday evening, I decided to go for an easy run, as the sky dimmed prematurely with looming grey clouds. It was raining predictably for a few consecutive evenings. I ran two sets with a 5-minute break between them: 11K at 4:35 pace, and 10K for 4:55 pace. It was faster than I expected; I almost had a PB in training for my 11K, however missed out slightly. Nevertheless, I will aim to hold my 21K at about 4:30 pace, consistently for a PB at the Singapore 70.3 in March. That’s the plan, man!

I was running with another runner, and we kept each other company for about 8K. I overtook him twice, and he overtook me once when I took a drink at the 17K mark. Whoever he is, thanks buddy for the race-like conditions. My Facebook posting of my training session drew many useful comments – thank you, my friends! With my new age group, my qualifying time for the Boston Marathon will be 3:30. Looks like my goal is several minutes within reach (3:37:06 at Berlin in September on a cold and rainy day), although I would love to still achieve a 3:20 within a year. I will surround myself with experts, and back to planning my performance goals with my Coach! The Hong Kong Marathon awaits me after Chinese New Year.