Indelible Imprints on An Island

‘"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee’. ~ John Donne, ‘No Man is An Island’

It has been a difficult week for humans. The Acts of God wreaked its mighty havoc on an industrial giant called Japan. Watching the tragic scenes replayed on primetime television makes it very hard to stomach. Reality bites. Under crisis, people can and do band together to weather the storm. This is human drama at its best. Citizens have been described as stoically calm; they still queue in orderly fashion to make their purchase, and ethical practice still exists. Is it really calmness? Or, is this calm after the storm?

‘It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.’ ~ Albert Einstein

Elsewhere in the world, panic has reared its ugly head. Psychologically, we have been disturbed, or aroused out of our stupor. We are sending out messages without regard for its authenticity. Many are taking uncertain, and fearful, steps to ward off the unknown. Perhaps, the unknown is already predicted for humankind can be selfish or selfless when chaos prevails. Ignorance is to be feared. Fear is the ultimate ignorance.

‘If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.’ ~ Albert Einstein

When you run alone, are you entirely alone? Can one be alone, but never lonely? Ultramarathoners can appreciate this sensation and experience when they make their weary, tiny steps through the desolateness, darkness, and the cold. For them, the future is mere steps committed ahead of them. Thus, how can we make small steps into our future mired with confusion and calamity?

Perhaps there is something for you here. More mileage and speed - blended. Karno a.k.a. Dean Karnazes a.k.a. Ultramarathon Man is still running out there, somewhere. If a lone runner can provide hope for others, then the group of people bound by a common cause can create a beacon of hope and optimism for even more people. Small step. Large leap.

To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill: Let us celebrate mankind at our darkest hour. For it may be our finest hour. Let us send out our positive thoughts to the world, and do our small part in assisting others in a time of need. Athletes like Pete Jacobs are doing their part, giving up their coaching fees for charity. Next weekend, there is a charity 10K run. Perhaps you would be keen to participate? I received in the same mail the following details.



Details of the run:
Date:    27 March 2011 (SAT)Time:   08:00 - 12:00Venue: National University of Singapore Sports & Recreation Centre (SRC),
2 Sports Drive, S117561

Spanning the World Wide Web

I could not resist adapting the opening remarks of ABC’s Wide World of Sports for today’s title. That was one international television sports digest that I fed on for years, and which brought the Ironman triathlon to my attention.

I hope that you found my review of Guy Kawasaki’s ‘Enchantment’ useful. Here is an amusing and relevant podcast of the maestro of business marketing. He sounds like he loves his lifestyle and professions.

Since I could be a better swimmer, I tend to benefit from swim tips and feedback. Here are 10 tips for improving your swim time from the Triathlon Swim Coach. All good things come to those who wait…

Have you considered identifying high-potentials through your company’s talent show? HRBoosters provide a thesis on what we can adapt from television’s talent shows.

When hiring staff, which questions do you avoid? Obviously, in litigious societies, you learn to be paranoid about red flags. Rule of thumb: never ask what you wouldn’t ask yourself. What do you think of this article?

Where is the line to be discerned between being honest and expressing your values? If people allow themselves to be overly sensitive to questions, when do they demonstrate broad-mindedness, openness, trust, and respect for the individuals?

And just to add more concerns to the ever-mounting list of worries we have (and to deter overzealous Facebook members), here is a piece why we should concern ourselves with online security. And, by the way there is a spate of text message hoaxes circulating. There is a massive difference between a nuclear meltdown and a thermonuclear explosion. When we resend or re-tweet such messages, our good intentions may be misinterpreted for our ignorance. Now is the time to be more discerning and critical in our thinking.

Leaders: Live to learn. Live and learn.

The Great Switch-Around

‘I am woman – hear me roar!’ – HELEN REDDY

When it rains, it pours and dampens spirits and douses training plans. Much of outdoor-based, physical training is subject to the whims and fancies of Mother Nature. Monsoon seasons seem to have covertly merged and defied seasonal expectations.

Under such fickle meteorological conditions, we can apply the Switch-around Principle. Make the switch-around. Modify. Make do. Make up. You need not compromise too much on your plans when you have an A-race or qualifier looming.

Using SCAMMPERR as a creative problem-solving tool, you can Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Magnify, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse, and Rearrange. Here are some ideas to consider while switching around:

1)    Ride indoors on a trainer, or a stationary-bike at the gym. Do a spin class.

2)    Run on a treadmill, staircase, or in water.

3)    Swim instead. Give your joints a break and work your upper-body.

4)    Do a Circuit Training session. Work opposing muscle groups, i.e. Push/Pull combinations (push-ups/chin-ups, step-ups/abdominal raises).

5)    Do a core stability session (use a Medi-Ball, wobble-board, balance-disc, cables, Body-Blade, and bands).

6)    Train outdoors, however dress appropriately (winter-wear, rain-jackets, trail-shoes, energy gels, safety-lights) and slow down your speed on uneven and slippery surfaces. Avoid overly wet or soft surfaces.

7)    Take a nap. Have a rest day. Come back strong the next day.

Training life can be a b****. So, make that switch.

Race Report on the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

By David Chambers (an Expatriate and Ironman Triathlon Finisher)

I drove up from Dubai, a 1.5-hour trip. So I left home at 5.30am armed with coffee, bursting to see all the professionals. I haven't been a spectator in ages so was looking forward to it - hoping to learn.

It was beautiful conditions at the start, with a flat warm sea (why some wore wetsuits was only for a faster swim-time, I think). A nice two-loop rectangular course, nice sandy beach start, extremely well organized transition area. The transition changing-area was in tents with hangers for all bags (bloody good); nice mist-showers as you came up out of the water before transition. It seemed all very well thought through in an idyllic setting next to the Emirates Palace (7-star hotel costing a billion dollars and 1km long).

Good swim course for spectators, excellent toilet facilities, etc. A family of 5, mum dad and 3 kids did the sprint - all competing for bragging rights, no doubt.

The bike mount – boy, its great to watch and learn what NOT to do! It’s amazing how good we all think we are, then, even mounting the bike it looks like our first time. I noticed we all try to be too fancy, have the shoes fixed to the pedals and then can’t get them in. Dear, oh dear. Of course the girls do it so much better, nice and slow, enjoying the event and far less competitive than the lads. Go girls!

Oh, and everyone just gets to the mount-line and stops to mount - jam. A few thought it through and walked a bit further out, then mounted in clear space. Nice.

All traffic was closed for the bikes on super flat roads with a slight wind. Macca was well down the pecking order when exiting the water, unlike in Kona...

The transition from bike to run was about 3km away, up along the corniche, again fantastic facilities, cafes, toilets, food and toilets. A bit of a walk from spectators but a good time to mix with other supporters! I met Germans, Brits, Aussies, and the usual suspects. By about 9.00am, it started getting hot, perhaps 25-28 degrees Celcius: Nice breeze, low humidity.

The press! Wow. They were all out for a shot of the professionals, complete with helicopter and massive zoom lenses.

Now the excellent thing about this event was that the professionals started first, then the short course and the sprint, but they were all rocked into the bike transition together at about the same time. How’s this, running into transition with the pros? How cool, it was plenty big enough, and what an experience for the athletes. Plus with all the hype, every one gets out of the way and just watches in amazement.

The run course was dead flat, nice, but it was getting damn hot by mid day, they were saying 35 degrees. I met Brownie at a drinks station - What a great polite guy. Standing there - talking to those volunteers handing out the drinks. They asked, 'What would you like?' He said 'Oh, I'm just looking for some iced drink please.' - Yes, he said please. Professionals, sometimes, get a bad rap. Well, he was terrific! I congratulated him on his recent NZ triumph, figured he dropped out, and left him too it. He was way down off the bike, about 9 minutes, I think. At least he made it to the bike transition, unlike Macca. Go Kiwi!

I was most disappointed to miss Macca riding into transition - not sure what happened. A bloody legend! [Apparently, Macca had problems with one of his cleats – Editor]

This is truly an international race, extremely professionally run from what I could tell. I do believe some organizers can’t see the trees from the woods at events like these. T-shirts were 150AED, or about $US45 - from the cost of the whole event, its peanuts and they should work it out with 2XU to give them away! Is that not going to be great publicity? Certainly a drop in the bucket and excellent advertising!

Oh, and it was just dandy to see Faris Al Sultan hopping off the bike and almost pulling his swimming trunks out of his bum! Yuck.

Well next year I'll be up there racing, so will be able to give you a better report from an athlete’s perspective. But a great day, great event!

Train safe.

Photo credit: David Chambers, Canon EOS 550D

I Love the 1980’s

Welcome to your life.

There's no turning back.

Even while we sleep.

We will find you

Acting on your best behaviour

Turn your back on Mother Nature

Everybody wants to rule the world.

‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’, Songs From the Big Chair, by Tears for Fears.

Before Oakleys – the sunnies made famous by sportspeople including Lance Armstrong – we had Phil Oakley, who sang Together in Electric Dreams. MTV was born – with bad haircuts, and erratic editing for musical videos - with memorable music. The Berlin Wall was still up, and the Cold War was still on. Perestroika was not a brand of vodka yet, and loomed in the distant future. This was the Enlightened Eighties with its signature bad mullets and awful, titan-like shoulder-pads in jackets.

The mid-1980’s was a time of reckoning for me. It was my rites of passage to manhood, where I adorn camouflage and khaki as my preferred choice of fashion sense; I enjoyed running around in jungles! What helped me through officer cadet school were the songs of the 1980’s, mainly the British Invasion. From Hard Rock to Punk to New Wave to British Pop – music held its allure for me because of Original Soundtracks (OST) recordings, and the rage of Top of the Pops. Every week, the countdown from the Other Side of the Pond indicated the listening audience’s fickle fiefdom tastes for radio-friendly music.

My favourite songs included: Forever Young (Alphaville), Eye in the Sky (Alan Parson’s Project), Square Rooms (Al Corley), St. Elmo’s Fire, Don’t You Want Me (Human League), Love is Love (Culture Club), Gloria (Laura Branigan), Rock Me Amadeus (Falco), Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears) Purple Rain (Prince), and songs by Blondie, Kim Wilde, and the extensive list goes on. In retrospect, I may have had a thing for blondes [sic].

The 1980’s were a decade of decadence and delight. There was none of the hallucinatory haze of the 1960’s except for a musical cloud that engulfed us. The films of this decade were also definitive; consider the fact Tron was made by Disney in 1982. Sports films included Chariots of Fire, Breaking Away and American Flyers. Runners sported shoes by Adidas and Nike. I watched the Aussie amphibious Ironman film called Coolangata Gold, and my first brush with the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon coverage by ABC Wide World of Sports. And the precursor of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia was a film called Neverending Story by the director…and song by Limahl.

Check out the hits on YouTube.com. I hope that you can rediscover some of these timeless gems that I continue to enjoy.

*****

It is with heavy hearts that we read and watch news related to the devastating Quake in Japan. The most troubling reports revolve around nuclear reactor leaks. This is an opportunity for anti-nuclear lobbyists and green groups to bash alternative energy resources. Despite the potential dilution of radiation from using seawater to cool the reactors, the radiation will still be dispersed over a larger area.

It is sad to hear that the Kona Ironman site was destroyed by tsunami waves. I hope that it will not affect the outcome of October’s World Championships. The most notorious footage is a guy (who lost a slipper) who captured on video (on YouTube) with ‘live’ commentary the massive waves hitting Kona’s road and shops. He was courageously stupid, however we got to watch the raw footage. Stupid is as stupid does?

Stories of the Everyday Person

Initially, I wrote ‘Everyday Man’ and realized that it could be construed as being politically incorrect. I find it annoying that these standards of communication are not universal, nor serve their purpose in people openly expressing themselves. Instead, we continue to hide behind phrases and find excuses to keep quiet. I find it sad that we are perceived as being unassertive and non-opinionated.

Many of our readers are Everyday People. The person on the street! However, you may be hiding your other identity of the Weekend Warrior, or Elite Age-Grouper. If you show up to support, next Sunday’s Aviva Singapore 70.3 Ironman Triathlon will feature many of these participants: weekend versions of G.I Joes and G.I. Janes: their aliases being numbers in bold typeface, and swimming, riding and running to their own sense of achievements. Those who stand on the podium will have a shot at competing in the 70.3 World Championships in September in the new venue: Las Vegas.

How would you feel if you are requested to share your experiences and skills of your hobbies? Most of us excel in our hobbies, since these are stoked by our passion and effort. Even if you have not won a prize in competition, does that limit you from spreading your passion and ‘paying it forward’ to others? Will you listen closely to a natural and talented athlete, as you will somebody like yourself with similar goals and beginnings? If Mr Everyday Person succeeds and exceeds, why not pay heed to her?

In endurance sports, there are the elite age-groupers, and the elitist groups. Instead of being disenchanted about them, what about joining them or enlisting their expertise? I am sure that they would enjoy the recognition. Train with the best, and compete with the best. Go long. Go strong.

Enchantment: A Review of Guy Kawasaki’s Latest Book

Title: Enchantment (2011)

Author: Guy Kawasaki

Pages: 212, embossed hardcover copy with attractive dust-jacket, and accompanying photographs

Publisher: Penguin Group

If providing service is about delighting customers, then enchanting customers is its distant emotional cousin. The word enchantment is closely associated with magic, surprise, astonishment, curiosity and intrigue. Isn’t that what business should be about – the many indirect moments of truth? Innovation in products and services should consider the emotional impact and effect it has on the consumer, considering how the iPhone and iPad have made such a significant influence on our lives.

Despite his overarching reputation as the former-Chief Evangelist of Apple – he promoted with amazing marketing ambidexterity for Apple its Macintosh personal computer - Mr Kawasaki has firmly established himself as the business-owner’s guru, yet he still has more offerings in his bag of tricks. I enjoyed Guy’s ‘The Art of the Start’ - focused mainly on new business upstarts and startups - and how to, sensibly and ostensibly, sell and market products and services. I applied many of his ideas including adopting a Mensch-ian mindset, and closed a few business deals in the process. He insists that values matter, especially when you lead as a role model ('mensch').

This book has relevance to entrepreneurs and intra-preneurs, the latter being initiators of actions in the company. This time, he condenses his research of about 20 books and passes them through his entrepreneurial and marketing filters. He strongly integrates the landmark work of Robert Cialdini, and adapts the latter’s observed principles, and adeptly overlays it over a business fabric. Push & Pull Technology (in chapters 8 and 9 respectively) are about using Social Media 2.0 to further your cause. This he suggests that you do, through your tribes of evangelists, emphasizing the pertinent folds in the digital origami platform, which could unfold your business potential. One guarantee he makes is how to enchant your audience in the first five minutes of your presentation.

For a small book of about 200 pages, Mr Kawasaki has succeeded on several levels. Enchantment is not one of those books where you only read the preface, first and last chapters, and the rest filled with unexciting fillers. You can benefit from applying the principles from any chapter, immediately. Mr Kawasaki writes in his inimitable style with a unique sense of humour. You may be enchanted by his ideas as a venture capitalist, serial author, business consultant and a resume that is wide as it is deep (founder of Alltop.com, and has an honorary doctorate). This book is a good primer to explore his other books such as Rules of Revolutionaries. Simple concepts may be hard to implement; thus, common sense may be uncommon. Instead of becoming a convert, perhaps we can invert our wile and wistful ways of doing business towards a customized (versus customary) approach. Each chapter is supplemented with a success story of enchantment at work, and summarises the usefulness of the content. The numerous anecdotal references make this book content-rich and very readable. To reiterate a triphon, it is: content, content, and content. And this book piques your curiosity with its matter-dense content, without losing the plot.

Like the one-of-a-kind Kawasaki butterfly on his cover - derived from 250 submissions in a clever contest - by walking-his-talk, he subtly urges us to flap our action wings and flutter away to personal discoveries. I strongly recommend this magical book to you – of which mine will be dog-eared, underlined and heavily used soon - my mark of respect to an author.

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

Pushing Potential

When was the last time you nudged your potential? Potential – that elusive thing that is just out of your reach and that which raises your value and enhances your substance. Move from ‘what if?’ to ‘what could be’ to ‘what is’.

Pushing metal. Pushing back distractions and useless temptations. Pushing back against naysayers. Without pushes, we are less motivated to explore possibilities and our capabilities. Pushes need not be hard and harsh. They can be gentle and persuasive - working their magic in subtle ways.

How much have you challenged yourself recently? Have you considered enhancing your career, a change in working environment, being expatriated, working with new partners and alliances, or being self-employed? In your current employ, when was the last time you submitted an article to your corporate newsletter, pitched for a budget, given a recognition speech, or engaged actively in your company’s corporate social responsibility campaign?

Are you keen to run a sub-3 hour marathon? Former-national sailor and world champion, Dr Ben Tan achieved it a few years back at 40 years. The following article was sent by my tri-buddy, Richard Leong who recently completed the Tokyo Marathon. Seek your potential and rise to your next level of competence and mastery.

*****

Last night, after a short swim I rode with Andy at the ENR Tuesday ride. We did a moderate 55 minutes for 30K, with a persistent headwind. We then met up with the original ENR gang – SK, Ed, and Reeves - for supper at the lagoon hawker centre. This evening, I ran 11K at about 4:55 pace, which was reasonable after Sunday’s 150K ride in Malaysia. Because of forefoot running on my K-Swiss shoes, my calves are unusually sore. Tomorrow’s deep tissue massage should sort the kinks out. It has been more than a fortnight since my last marathon and I do need to seriously knead those tight leg muscles and spasms.

'Fox’ will be prescribing me a 16-week running program to get me close to a 3:15 timing for the Gold Coast Marathon in July. It is a simple but intense approach of three runs a week done on alternate days. I am looking forward to Coach’s program for me.

Company Retreats: A Move Forward or Backward?

Love it, or hate it – corporate retreats are an intrinsic part of organizations. What are the common objectives of such off-site events? Is it work, or planning for more work? In essence, it is aimed at:

1)    Conducting strategic planning session.

2)    Engaging in teambuilding events.

3)    Rallying support for impending initiatives.

4)    Gelling the team together.

In effect, the results vary widely. These purposes and intentions are sound and relevant, in principle. However, how do we engage the minds and hearts in this, usually, costly processes?

1)    Hold these retreats with a clear sense of purpose and agenda.

2)    Create a sense of enjoyment and occasion.

3)    Involve management, and encourage them to be a strong part of such events.

4)    Connect with every one of your staff: before, during, and after.

5)    Take the opportunity to make progress, take steps forward, and leave the past behind.

6)    This is not a chiding or lambasting session, so stick to the plan.

7)    Relate, resolve and respond to staff and their concerns.

8)    Stop being penny-wise, and pound-foolish.

The next time that you organize a company retreat, how would you approach it? Move forward, not backwards!