Resuscitate Yourself From Your 'Dead Years'

Have you experienced 'The Dead Years'?

I describe this period, lasting from months to years, as time away from your passions and interests. For instance, you may experience dead years from your pursuits like exercise or novel writing due to a busy work schedule, family obligations, or prolonged study. I learnt of this term from talented and clever magician, Allan Ackerman in his book 'Las Vegas Kardma'.

I experienced my dead years in magic - electing not to perform for three years, and occasionally in public (to my students). However, I did continue to practise my Art from time to time. Having said that, when I practised, I fully committed myself to my task of learning or revising my material.

We do experience 'down time' in our lives, and when cleverly planned and integrated, we recover  from fatigue and potential burnout. If unplanned and unaware about it, it can rob us of precious time, resources and connectivity with others.

It is fine to take the occasional break (away from the mundane and predictable), however be mindful of the imminent and immediate future. How can we turn our restful period into the next restless period? This is merely a 'punctuated moment' in our schedule (called 'life'), and we need to string the 'words into a sentence', or we will be sentenced into stasis and inertia. Explore new ways to do the same thing. Find new joy or discipline in our habits. Or, better still, create new patterns of behavior and live life in fruitful ways. Creativity can be described as new perspectives or new ways of looking at the same thing.

Leadership Lessons: Recall your dead years. How long did it last? How did move past them, and moved forwards? When do you decide to slow things down and re-prioritise? What did you learn from periods of forced rest or hiatus?

Boston Marathon 2014: Boston Strong Race Report

Boston, Massachusetts, 21 April 2014: Today, I achieved a new milestone in my athletic career having completed the prestigious Boston Marathon. It was a culmination of 10 years of training, and three years of visioning. I crossed the line, in high spirits, fatigued legs, and diminished speed in 3:48. For three hours and over-48 minutes, I ran past one million spectators, more than a dozen towns and locales, and major landmarks.

In 2011, I missed earning an entry in the 2012 edition (116th year) because I had a fallow margin of one minute. I earned my first Boston Qualifying (BQ) time of 3:29:59 in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in February. Interestingly, many well-intentioned friends suggested that the hilly course in Hong Kong would forbid me from earning a Personal Best (PB) easily. I prevailed, and it was not easy but I gratefully received my BQ timing (less than 3:30) in July 2013. This time, I ran it at 3:16 (how apt for a biblical passage), which was far better than what I fared in 2011, with 3:32. In 2012, I raced the Berlin Marathon in September in a dismal 4:00, after recuperating from a hairline toe fracture incurred before Ironman Switzerland (which I hobbled painfully to completion). I learnt abject lessons from my two months of a forced diet of no-running, and only riding and swimming. 

I arrived on Thursday in Boston, after passing through Frankfurt and New York City. I had taught two workshops over-3 days before so I was pleased to travel the extended distance on Singapore Airlines. My lounge privileges allowed me to shower, and enjoy warm food and beverages (and a wine/beer) during transit. During that time, I was contemplating whether to race as a celebration, or to run a hard race. My friend, Celene Loo suggested that I enjoy the race thoroughly since I had suitably qualified, and to immerse myself in the Boston Experience. I laid that plan latently, electing to 'go with the flow' of my intuition, and pace of fellow runners around me.

The race-fair was three-days long, highlighted by my early-arrival in an already long, snake-like queue for race-kit collection. I treasured my Runner's Passport, which included race-information, entry coupons for Pre-Race Dinner and Post-Race Party. There was much to see, and collect (insoles, organic muesli, the special race-only Samuel Adams Boston Lager '26.2', energy drinks, and much more) from the exhibitor booths - and I returned on Day 2 to attend the touching talk by The Hoyts. Never have I seen so many standing ovations and enthusiastic applause for two of endurance sports most-enduring father-son teams. This was their swan-song for the Boston Marathon, as it is taking its toll and toil on the senior of the pair. 

Race Morning: I was up at 4.30pm and out the door by 6.00pm. We took the crowded (but orderly) train to Cropley Square, whereby (after a comfort-stop) we were ushered up into buses to be ferried to the start-point at Hopkinton. The emotion in the bus was mainly apprehension, excitement and a sense of pride. We had arrived, and time to complete the race, collect our medals, and bask in the afterglow of accomplishment.

It took an hour, and we arrived at the car-park whereby we were led by the friendly volunteers into the gathering-area. Runners were assigned specific pen-numbers and wave-numbers (based on our qualification times). The elite runners were flagged off first, followed by the fastest qualifiers.

I must say that the race was a bit of a blur, after the usual pre-race preamble and scramble. There was no rush to jockey for a good start position. The race-bib with the integrated-chip determined our final time. When I was flagged off, it was boisterous and rowdy in a good way, ushered by residents of Hopkinton. It was cheerful, happy and hopeful. Along the way, I smiled (abundantly), gave high-five slaps to children (I felt bad I missed a few of them), got kissed (and kissed - on the cheek, of course) the Wellesley College Girls (an all-girl, liberal arts, college) who were a pleasant distraction and utter attraction at Mile 13 (before Heartbreak Hill met us), Heartbreak Hill (more a series of undulating roads stretching for five miles until Boston College), and the spectator-lined streets for all of 42 kilometres. Between these scenic and jubilant accounts, were the well-manned aid-stations that were highly considerate and caring to all (including I, who tended to stand beside them to consume my water, CrampFix salt-tablets and Hammer Nutrition Perpeteum/gels) runners. We were well taken care of, and I would not fault anyone. The residents in the towns were also extensions of the volunteers, offering wet-sponges, refreshments, and encouragement. 

To summarise my experience: Boston was strong, and its spirit was Stronger! 

I raced, I suffered, as I approached the finish-line. The last one kilometre was tough as 'my mind was willing, but my legs were weak'. However, my meek jog strengthened to a plausible gallop as I increased my stride-length. For one fleeting moment, I was reminded of the vicious act of violence last year, as I approached the grandstand, packed readily with officials, first-responders, spectators, families and VIPs. 

It was merely a shadow of past that would not be repeated today, or on any other day. This was a day that runners united, a city braved its grief and losses, and emerged victorious. The most poignant line I recall somebody tell me was: 'Thank you for saving our city!' I was dumbfounded to hear that, as I stifled my emotions, but honoured for playing a small part in a bigger piece of the cosmic equation. I was compelled to thank everyone I met (who seem to revel in congratulating us finishers) and reciprocate their hospitality. I felt like a celebrity racing the half-Ironman in Cebu!

I crossed the line at Boylston Street in about 3:48. As I crossed the line, it felt like my first marathon and Ironman triathlon completions. One's sense of fatigue was erased by the sense of euphoria, achievement and accomplishment. A heady concoction of emotions mixed with realisation that I had achieved large and empowering, alongside 32,000 of my fellow brothers/sisters in marathon.

I was led in, by enthusiastic and congratulating volunteers to receive my thermal sheet, race-medal, and post-race refreshments. My face felt flushed with excitement, although technically, my race was over. I walked besides many participants (now christened by the Boston Strong Experience) who, now, were my friends-for-life, united by one unique experience cherished only by this peculiar fondness for this distance and activity.

I connected with two journalists from Channel NewsAsia; Dr Derek Li (who did 2:42 at this race) arranged for this opportunity, which I coordinated with editor in Singapore, and ended up doing the interview alone. Although I enjoyed the post-race recognition, I felt my experience would have been enhanced with the presence of team-mates, Derek, Jenny Huang (who did 3:30) and Blade Runner Shariff. Nevertheless, it was what it was and I ddi my best - in one, take - to capture the essence of the Boston Strong Experience. I received much positive response from this piece when it was broadcasted a day after. I cringed at my post-race attire, as I felt chilly in the windy 16 degrees Celcius conditions. It was my virgin foray into compression-socks, encouraged by the cold.

Overall, I enjoyed my first Boston Marathon/Boston Strong tremendously. I was pleased with my approach, enjoyed most aspects of my experience and promised to return in 2016. I hope to earn it through a more-challenging PB of 3 hours, and less. I have a grand plan ahead of me, and I hope to achieve it within a year, so as to attend the 120th edition of this historical race.
*Photo-credits: Melina Chan & Marathon Photos*
*Sponsors: CrampFix, On Shoes, Jabra*

Switching Trains of Thoughts

It has been three weeks worth of recovery and recuperation. Racing three major races (two Ironman-distance triathlons and one marathon) was a test and assessment in capability and limitations. So, that chapter is completed and I have chalked up new achievements, ticked off a few things from my Bucket List, and added to my resume of accomplishments.

Now, I have switched gears and sense of purpose back to my other passionate pursuit: designing and performing magic. I was a semi-professional magician (magical entertainer) up to two years ago, where I focused on my endurance, multi-sports journey. After a hiatus of a few years, where I did not actively perform magic (but still studied it), I have returned. Few people knew that my project after I left full-employment were two performing assignments in a hotel Japan. I realised that I could earn a decent livelihood as a performer, however it would be, nonetheless, challenging of I treated it as a lucrative hobby. To do well, I realised, I had to commit to my profession fully and completely. There was little compromise to personal and professional excellence.

This evening, I was the first performer in my magic club - International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 115 (IBM 115, Singapore) and I performed a version of an mind-reading illusion I have thought about recently. The last time I performed it, was about three years ago.  The nice thing about entertaining fellow magicians is that we can keep our mistakes behind closed doors. However, when we perform for a paying audience, we cannot afford to make mistakes that are noticeable. Professional performers are paid healthy remunerations for our skills, performing abilities, and entertainment abilities. When we are not performing, the performer is studying, practising, rehearsing and improving on his acts.

To paraphrase a successful magician, 'You are paying for 20 years of preparation!'

As Colin Key, a finalist in America's Got Talent said: 'We practise all these difficult sleight of hand magic, but you don't get to see it!' If only audiences can appreciate the hundreds of hours put into designing an act, routine or trick we may be valued more than 'tricksters'. Ironically, magic survives on preserving these 'secret's, because once revealed the value of the illusion becomes diminished.

However, we practise magic not because it is fun (it is), but because we thrive on being artists. An artist lives to express himself through his Art, so that the Art emerges through this symbiosis of performer and impact of the act. Art may involve a degree of suffering, but as most artist can attest, the suffering is part of the journey and worth getting there. 

I am looking forward to sharing these moments of astonishment with you. If you meet me, ask me, and I may share my moments that may take our breath away. 

Enjoy the magical moments in your life.

Behind An Interview (Boston Strong)

What goes on behind an interview? I am interviewed here by Channel NewsAsia (CNA) after my completion of 118th Boston Marathon (Boston Strong). I was among 16 Singaporeans who attended this edition, with about 32,000 runners and over-1 million spectators who lined from Hopkinton to Cropley Square. The interview was featured the following evening on the 10.00pm news highlights. The two journalists, Nick and Patrice, worked as a team - one in front of the camera; the other, behind it. Essentially, I was interviewed as to why I decided to attend Boston Strong. My responses were thus: Firstly, the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest marathon, and the 'holy grail' of marathons. Secondly, we had assurance and reassurances months before the event. Lastly, the support by the city and first-responders were overwhelmingly strong.

Given another attainment of a personal best (PR) timing, I would surely return for another shot in a future edition of the 42.195km race.

Updates on Endurance Races 2014

Screen capture from Channel News Asia

I have, finally, concluded my trilogy of endurance races within seven weeks!

Since March, I have completed Ironman New Zealand, Ironman Melbourne (Asia-Pacific Championships), and the Boston Marathon. The last of these, Boston Strong was held on Monday, 21 April. It was my first experience in IM Melbourne and Boston Marathon. Incidentally, all three races were held under chilly conditions, where I either shivered or experienced hypothermia. Not fun at all, disappointing in my results, but deeply memorable for finishing.

My body is undergoing recovery and recuperation, as this is the first time I have squeezed so many A-races in such a short period of time. I was still limping on the fourth day after my 3:48:43 Boston finish (top-50 percent). This suggests that my body has been tapped into, quite deeply and I would need to heal fully before my next foray into endurance racing in August (Ironman 70.3 Cebu).

Dr Jason Tan posted this compilation of screen-shots from the Ironmen feature (credit: Channel NewsAsia)

Incidentally, I have appeared recently on interviews on the regional television broadcasts of Channel News Asia. Last night's interview on 'Ironmen' caps my involvement with the media. The first was a sound-bite on my observations on safety in local cycling races. The second, occurred immediately after my crossing the line at Boston Marathon 2014, where I was featured in a two-minute clip. I shared my reasons for doing the 118th edition of the world's oldest marathon, and concerns about safety. The third and last piece, was on Ironman and Ultra-Triathlons which featured Deca-Ironman Dr Kua Harn Wei, Triple-Deca Ironman Wayne Kurtz, and I. It has been a fun month filled with media experiences and a revised bucket list which includes: a double-Ironman distance race, a fund-raising marathon, and marathons in Greece and The Dead Sea.

My reports on the three races will follow soon.

Got My Boston Passport: Boston Stronger!

I, finally, received my Boston Passport in the mail. I was, probably, the last one on my team (Singapore) to get my ticket of assurance.

This is my first attempt at Boston Marathon, my second in the World Major Series and I hope to finish in a decent time. However, I will not be bludgeoning myself silly to get a personal best timing as the course is tougher, with elevations and a likely colder climate. Parts of the north of New York is still cold, and I am not friendly with cold climes. 

I did three 10km runs last week, and yesterday a 21km run (at a comfortable 1:55 pace). I have lost significant speed, and if I am at all close to last December's fitness (at the Singapore Marathon 2013, minus the muscle strain injury), I would be very pleased. Otherwise, it will be a comfortable attempt to finish sub-4 hours.

Already I know that two Singaporeans - physically-challenged athletes - will not be going. I wish them all the best for a future showing. Meanwhile, I still have work to do: to recover fully from two Ironman triathlon completions in March and have enough to have a solid experience with thousands of amazing and better marathoners.

18 Ironman Triathlons and Counting...

Nine years of racing in marathons and Ironman triathlons, and these are some of the medals I have amassed. These include 16 out of 18 Ironman medals, two Ironman 70.3 world championships, one Ironman world championships, and medals from completed the Berlin Marathon, and Gold Coast Marathon. I am thinking about #19 and #20. It could be a full Ironman-distance triathlon, or a Double-Ironman, or 3-day Ultraman race.

Only Boston Marathon awaits me on 22 April...

An Evening With Deca-Ironmen

On Monday evening, I hosted a sharing session with Deca-Ironman Dr Kua Harn Wei, and Triple-Deca-Ironman Wayne Kurtz. Held at the Hotel Bayview, Bencoolen Street, about 30 friends of or local triathlon community attended. A Triple-Deca comprises 30 Ironman-distance triathlons held one-a-day over 30 days.

(From left to right): Harn Wei, Enrico & Wayne 

I opened the session with introductions of the luminaries in the room:

Dex Tai who completed three Ironman triathlons over three weekends in Europe
Oldest Singaporean marathoner to complete Boston Marathon, Kor Hong Fatt
Wilson Low, adventure-racing coach who completed all world champions over the Ironman, half-Ironman, and X-Terra distances
Teryn Tham, who is one of the few females to have completed 12 Ironman triathlons
Tan Eng Boon, ultra-marathoner who completed a race in Nepal

 Intense concentration and purposeful attention.

 The emcee entertains with preambles and introductions.

We interviewed both speakers earlier in 2010 and 2011. Each of them shared their experiences doing ultra-triathlon distances, which drew laughter, awe and admiration. Harn Wei is, currently, on the management committee of the IUTA. The academic from the National University of Singapore is well regarded as a role model for endurance athletes. Wayne is a serial entrepreneur and astute business opportunist with an eye for the extraordinary and unique, from commodities to real estate to financial planning.

We had an enjoyable session, with keen interests in our two guest speakers and the notion of multiple formats for endurance, multi-sport, events. The Q&A segment explored sleep deprivation training, motivation, mental conditioning, nutrition, recuperation and formats of racing.

Photo-credits: RICHARD LEONG, Relish Photography

Risks That Affects Decisions

A bout of hypothermia cost me to have a terribly poor finish in my marathon leg of a recent Ironman. I must have expended additional calories from loss of heat from my head, as well as my body. Upon emerging from the lake, I was breathing deeper as I felt cold. My muscles felt tight and I had to move 400m up a slope to the Transition 1 area. I was assisted by a gentlemen volunteer, who noticed my shivering and difficulty in putting on my gloves and riding-top. In my haste and confusion, I unzipped the sleeve off instead of its main opening access. We took a while to zip it back on. When the medical assistants asked how I was, I replied that I needed calories and I would be aright. I must have been pale and it concerned them. After taking my pulse, they concluded that I could continue with the race.
Having decided that I had to be conservative with my energy, or risk cramping, premature fatigue, or injury I decided to ride my first 45km at an easy pace. The first of two climbs up Napier Road, was a gradual ascent and I shifted to a lower gear. I merely spun my way up, and not exert too much intensity.
I decided to load up on my calories every 20-25 minutes for the first two hours. If I lost more heat, I would drain my reserves and sap my energy. 180km of the two-loop ride would dip into my stored glycogen, which I would need for the 42.195km marathon. I made six pit-stops at the portable-toilets, losing up to 3-4 minutes for each deliberate stop. I was hydrated however the chilly winds induced diuresis, which mean I had to urinate once every hour. I used these compulsory stops to fuel up, drinking my bidon of Perpeteum (Hammer Nutrition) and Cramp Fix electrolyte tablets.

I ran my first 14km loop, walked most of the second, and half-and-half for my final loop of the undulating run course. It was what it was, and I had to bear with my condition. These 'down moments' helped to consolidate my thoughts and strategy. I put on my hoodie, so as to keep my head warm. Each walk up the slope (saves the legs) gave me time to assert my next move: walk or jog. No stopping was allowed except aid-stations. I shifted my hardships towards the volunteers, and thanked them for their care and consideration. They were out there just as long as we were.
All in all, it was a hard day at the office. These many decisions I made allowed me to completed my race, albeit in a disappointing time. I appreciated a finish than a DNF score, so my cumulative decisions were well made, to focus on the main goal instead of an ideal set of performance goals.

Ironman New Zealand 2014

These were the final moments of my 17th Ironman finish...much to reflect and ponder on.

My fifth, successful foray at Ironman New Zealand, yielded a challenging race and my poorest finishing time. I suffered symptoms of early hypothermia so that made Transition 1 longer. I received medical attention, and pulse checks suggested that I could carry on, after I assured them that I would consume calories on the way out of the changing-tent. I did just that, whilst they gave me an extended observation, seeing me out from the aid-station.

I had a decent swim time, easing into a nice rhythm and pace. The two-loop ride leg was made more challenging with a fast, downhill decent for the first 45km, and a slower ascending return leg. Headwinds were prevalent on the second 45km stretch. This would zap the legs and tap on energy reserves on the second loop. This year, I took six pee-stops at aid-stations (with some queuing) as I played it conservatively with more fluids, more calories and CrampFix (my electrolyte solution). I warded off some potential (cold) cramps, and finished my ride with relief. I suspected that my marathon would be a make-or-break proposition.

The three-loop (undulating) course was achieved as such: I jogged the first 14km, walked most of the second loop, and did a run/walk combination on my last. For a few occasions, my mind questioned the validity and relevance of completing this cold course, powered with a chilly breeze. 

What began as a cold morning start (7 degrees Celcius ambient temperature, and 17-18 degrees Celcius water condition), warmed up into the mid-20's. However, I believed I dipped too much into my 'box of matches' and drained my glycogen and mental reserves. I had exhausted myself prematurely, but regained some control at the end. On my third day or rest, I recovered well to walk steadily with little residual soreness.

Overall, I had a memorable 30th anniversary of Ironman NZ in Lake Taupo.
*Photo-Credits/Video-Credits: Melina Chan*