Managing Oneself

Taken from Harvard Business Review:

"Do not try to change yourself - you are unlikely to succeed. But work hard to improve the way you perform. And try not to take on work you cannot perform or will only perform poorly."

.

Contrary to the Conventional Teaching that we should to work hard on our weaknesses. If we work hard on our weaknesses, we would only become mediocre. If we work hard on our strength, we could become stars.

Kukup Trip & Chennai Trip

Kukup Trip with Friends

.

Simple Lodging, BBQ Dinner, Board Games, Mahjong, Sunset, Kelong, Karaoke

It was a simple yet very enjoyable weekend get-together.

.

.

Chennai - Radisson Beach Resort

.

Asia Longest Swimming Pool, 5-Star Beach Resort, Good Restaurant Food, Comfortable Hotel Room, Business Discussion, On Company Expense

.

.

.

While it was great to stay in nice hotel and eat good food, I definitely prefer the Kukup trip more than the overseas business trip. It is good to have physical comfort, but it is not that important and I definitely choose to hang-out with my friends anytime.

.

That's the limitation of money.

Money cannot buy happiness.

Thank You Dr Goh Keng Swee

Dr Goh Keng Swee

(1918-2010)

.

A tribute to Dr Goh for all his contribution and dedication to Singapore.

Unfortunately, I did not know much about Dr Goh until I watched an 1-hour documentary about him. Singaporeans are really fortunate to have such a dedicated and great leader like him. I take back my word in my previous post that there is no leader in Singapore whom I look up to.

.

When I travel in 3rd world countries, I always grateful that I was born in Singapore. Alot of credits should go to Dr Goh. He lived a great life, and there is nothing to be sad about his departure.

.

Thank You Dr Goh.

Travel: Boon's Japan Trip

My Japan Trip

A Dialogue

Source: Powerpoint & Jewish Rabbi's Blog -

.

A brief dialogue between a Brazilian Christian Theologist Leonardo Boff and the Dalai Lama.

In a round table discussion about religion and freedom which Leonardo Boff ('LB') and Dalai Lama ('DL') were participating at recess.

.

LB asked DL "Your Holiness, what is the best religion?"

.

LB thought DL would say "Tibetan Buddhism" or "The Oriental Religion, much older than Christianity".

DL smiled and looked into LB's eyes replied "The best religion is the one that gets you closer to God. It is the one that makes you a better person."

.

LB challenged DL "What is it that makes me a better person?"

DL responded:

"Whatever makes you

more compassionate,

more sensible,

more detached,

more loving,

more humanitarian,

more responsible,

more ethical."

.

"The religion that will do that for you is the best religion."

.

"I am not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you are religious or not. What really is important to me is your behaviour in front of your peers, family, work, community, and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and thoughts."

.

"The law of action and reaction (aka Karma) is not exclusively for physics. It is also of human relations. If I act with goodness, I will receive goodness. If I act with evil, I will get evil.What our grandparents told us is the pure truth. You will always have what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny. It is a matter of opinion."

.

"Take care of your Thoughts because they become Words.

Take care of your Words because they become Actions.

Take care of your Actions because they become Habits.

Take care of your Habits because they will form your Character.

Take care of your Character because it will form your Destiny,

and your Destiny will be your Life."

.

"There is no religion higher than THE Truth."

Rain - Korean SuperStar

I have never heard a song or watched a movie by Rain. In fact, I am never a fan of Japanese Pop or Korean Pop culture, but i know that Rain is very popular. Last night, I was about to sleep and I saw this documentary on the Discovery Channel about Rain - it was so interesting and touching that I was glued to it.

.

Below are the highlights of the 1hour long documentary:

.

I was really inspired by Rain.... He was living in poverty - being hungry, slept on the street, rejected by many companies. Yet, he did not give up, and with his talent and really really HARDWORK, he realised his dream to become a superstar. That is SHEER determination and hardwork.

.

There was one story shared by his producer that was really sad:
This happened while Rain was preparing his first album. One day, Rain approached his producer for help - Rain's mother was sick. The producer drove Rain back home and found his mother who was suffering from Diabetes sleeping on the cold floor of a small apartment in winter. There was no heating facilities!!! The producer was so mad at Rain for not sharing his problem. The producer drove Rain's mother to the biggest hospital in Seoul for treatment. Unfortunately, Rain's mother passed away before his first album was released.
.
Source: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1955294/bio
During Rain's time as a trainee, his family was living in poverty and his mother was becoming increasingly ill due to lack of money for medicine. Rain drove himself hard in order to prove himself ready to make his debut, but did not achieve success in time to save her life. She died from complications of diabetes a year before his debut. This event had a huge impact on Rain. He has said in interviews that he regrets having had conflict with her over skipping school to go to dance practice, and that he believes she is in heaven where she can see him. He says that a major motivation in his life is to make her proud and he still visits her grave before embarking on each new project.
.
.
.
After this documentary, I see Rain as more than an entertainer - He is an inspiration for many young people from disadvantaged background.
RESPECT!!!

Simplifying Life... Quality matters more.

Simple Living in Eastern Tibet

.

.

.

Every Weekend, I am doing some work in preparation for house-moving. I would recycle all the items that I do not need anymore. As I was looking through my stuffs, I realized that I used to derive a lot of satisfaction buying and owning a lot of items, which are now quite useless to me.

.

For example: Books

I read my first book when I was 9 years-old. Yes, No kidding. My parents never bought any books for me to read and I struggled with my studies when I was in primary school. It was not their fault, as they were trying their best to make ends meet. When I was young, I disliked the experience of visiting a library as I would literally feel giddy and restless. That’s excluding those time I played 'hide and seek' in the school library. Haha...

.

As for my studies, my strength has always been in Mathematics and Science (especially Physics), and I don’t really like languages (including Chinese) and Humanity subjects (especially English Literature). For the first twenty years of my life, I read a few books only.

.

I only started reading when I was in the Army (19 year old), as I had too much free at night in the Army Camp. That was the time I understood why people enjoy reading. I started to buy books and derived a lot of satisfaction displaying them on my book-shelf. I was foolish to think that I am knowledgeable or educated just because I “conquered” those books.

.

I have forgotten most of the content of the books. And it does not really matter. I realized that I only need to keep a FEW GOOD books, and I can do without the rest. I started to donate my books to the library or friends, as books are meant to be read, and not sitting on the shelf collecting dust.

.

I felt happier to know that I have less books, and happy to know that I only kept those books that inspire and motivate me.

.

.

This applies to other stuffs as well. Recycling my clothes, DVDs, Magazines, Gifts...

I do not need all the DVDs & CDs, I just need those that can inspire or motivate me. I do not need all the clothes, I just need those that I feel is nice and comfortable. I do not need to keep all the gifts and souvenirs, I just need those that have significant meanings in my life.

.

I had wasted so much money & time buying so many useless things. However, it is part of growing up and learning. When I was young, I did not have a lot of things. And when I grew older and have a little spending power, I got satisfaction from owning things. Now, I am still happy to buy nice things, but I am aware that the joy is temporary and fleeting.

.

Some people may never understand it.

I am sure one of my very good friends won’t.

.

I derive happiness and pleasure in simplifying my life, knowing that I do not need so much physical possessions to be happy, knowing that my self-worth is beyond these superficial things and knowing that the things that TRULY matters in life are invisible to the eyes.

.

I will continue to simplify and keep only the quality stuffs. =)

.

Life is a cycle.

I came with nothing.

I owned something temporarily.

I will go with nothing.

That's the impermanence of life.

.

One of my favourite Quotes:

"The essential things in life are seen not with the eyes, but with the heart."

- The Little Prince

Music of my life....

As I was moving house soon, I decided to pack the old CDs that were collecting dusts on the shelf. Each CD reminded me of the different phases of my life and I could see how I changed over the years.

.

I told myself that I should not be too attached to any physical possession, but looking at these CDs, they are part of my life. They bring back precious memories to me.... telling me the story of my past. 

 .

Armageddon Soundtrack - Caught the movie with my Spice Gang (JC friends) in 1998. Club Hits 1998 - Quite into Techno music & dance like Ah-beng in CANTO. Retro Music - Went to Mambo Jumbo @ Zouk the first time in 1998. Jay Chou - My China & Tibet Trip in 2005. Faye Wong - Queued up to 2hrs just to purchase this CD with my best friend back in 1997. Forever Gold - Quite into Oldies when I was in Army in 1999. Madonna's Ray of Light - I like her be'cos of this album. The BEST so far. Madonna's Confession - Blasted this music with frustration almost everyday while I was driving back from work in 2006. Spice Girl - Just remindered me of my JC days. Beattles - My Army Days. Bryan Adam - Oldest CD in my collection - 1991. Norah Jones - Sunset & days spent @ San Francisco Bay Area. Ally Mcbeal - Dancing Baby! Enya, Inspirational Music & Enigma - Into New Age Music during Army Days

.

Who cares about all these stories?

 These CDs are precious to me, but it would be worthless to others. This applies to many things in life - like the things I kept - letters, presents, journals, photos, education certificates... these are all worthless when I am gone. 

.

If my house is caught on Fire and all these items are burnt, how would I feel? Should I keep them? Will they continue to bring happiness to my life? Are they just burden? Are memories really that precious? Should I be too attached to my past, my identity and my possessions? 

.

Many years from now, nobody will know my existence. This blog will not be around. Everything that I owned will be turned into dust.

.

So..  what's next?

Quote

"For as long as space endures

And for as long as living beings remain,

Until then may I, too, abide

To dispel the misery of the world."

- Shantideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva

Travel: Phuket Trip (31st March - 3rd April 2010)

This is Boon.

I am most comfortable when I am in my slipper.

.

.

.

Waiting Happily @ Lobby of Burasari Hotel

.

It is a boutique hotel which is featured as one of the special hotels of the world.

It is quite good (location, service, deco) and the price is reasonable. I would recommend my friends to stay there.

. 

The Room...

Yesh, there is a see-through bathroom.

The interesting thing is that the blind is controlled outside the bathroom, hence, putting the person in the bathroom in a more vulnerable position. haha....

.

.

.

Self-Reflection

.

.

.

Good Breakfast.

We were enjoying ourselves. =)

.

.

.

Day-Bed on the balcony of the room

.

.

.

Patong Beach

.

.

.

Time for Suntanning!

.

.

.

Relax Relax.

.

There were a few topless ladies - One Granny with Sagging Breasts strolling slowly with confidence (While her figure was not exactly nice, but I was impressed by her self-confidence).

.

.

.

Next Day: Diving

Diving with http://www.thailand-divers.com/

.

The previous day, I went to a few dive shops and chose the most expensive one- 4635baht (S$203) for a full-day trip with 3 dives to Phi Phi Don. The rationale was simple: Other shops was operated by Thai people and the price was slightly cheaper only. And this operator is endorsed by the National Geographic.

.

.

.

Lower Deck

Upper Deck

.

.

.

.

Diving with R again.

The last time R dived was back in Sep'02, when we were 2nd-year undergraduate & took the open-water diving course together. Hahaha...

.

It was the most comfortable dive trip I ever had. There was free supply of COLD can drinks and water, food and fruits, coffee, milo, tea...  The lunch was simple, yet very delicious. If you wanna suntan or enjoy the wind, you can go to the upper deck. If you wanna have air-conditioned room, go the the lower deck. Well, most people stay in the upper deck.

.

I did not need to bring anything or assemble my equipment (unlike my previous dive trips). I just went to the lower deck, put on the equipment and jump into the sea. After each dive, I just left the equipment on the lower deck, and the Thai crew would just change my tank for the next dive. It was so good!!!

.

The dive-masters were professional and they came from different parts of the world. My dive-master was a 20-year Swedish dude, and there were only 3 of us attached to him. That is a good ratio (normally, it is 1 dive-master to 6pax).

.

Freedom!!!

Awww....

.

.

.

Jumping Shoot

(The fellow diver must thinking I was mad!)

.

.

.

Island near Ko Phi Phi Don

.

.

I did not see any big fishes, but I saw my first sea-snake (which was more venomous than any land snakes)!!! No big creatures, but the underwater "landscape" is Beautiful.... =)

.

.

On the second dive site, there were alot of translucent pink/white jellyfish near the surface of the water. While I was ascending to the surface, it was a beautiful sight to see so many jellyfish dancing and moving gracefully. However, there was a price a pay for such a beautiful sight. We were all stung by the jellyfishes when we were floating at the surface. It was not a pleasant experience, nevertheless, it was a new experience. 

.

Happy

.

.

.

Bangla Street in Phuket.

This picture captured the nightlife of Phuket - Chaotic, Sleezy, Loud, Colourful...

.

.

.

Colours

.

.

.

Thai-inspired Jumping Shoot @ Patong

after a good Thai Massage

.

.

.

SEAFOOD Dinner!!!

It tasted really good.... It was opened by a Greek man who had a Thai girlfriend/wife.

.

.

. 

Patong Area

Shopping Time!!

.

.

.

T-Shirts

.

.

.

HE was feeling green,

But it was a great short trip for me.

Thanks HF, LY, K & R for being such a great company.

I am just lucky....

I met HY (Nepal Travelmate) just now, and we were talking about our friends in Nepal. Then, I remembered that Jeevan (one of our porters) called me a couple weeks ago, I did not pick up as I was busy at work and I forgot to call him back. 

.

On the way home, I was thinking about Jeevan's current situation - He should be in the beautiful but freezing Himalayas now. He might be waiting patiently at Lukla airport for any available job as porter. As a porter, there is no job security - he does not know if he will get a job for the next few days. If he is lucky, he will get a job and he would be carrying the luggage of trekkers for 14days, hopefully, the trekkers would tip him well at the end. If he is not feeling well, he cannot go on medical leave. May be he might continue to be a porter for next 10 years if he is still fit and healthy, but what will happen if he fall sick or get old?

.

I am on a high spirit today, as I am flying to Phuket tomorrow for a short holiday. I will be diving, staying in nice hotel by the beach, eating good food, getting Thai massage etc... When I think of Jeevan, I started to feel the unfairness of life. I am not wealthy, but I have seen quite abit of the world and life is comfortable. Life has been good.

.

If I am in Jeevan's shoe, could I break out of the poverty cycle? Unlikely, I would be helpless, and it takes alot of effort.

What have I done to deserve all these good things in life? I don't know. 

Am I very smart? Not really.

Am I very hardworking? Not really.

Am I lucky? Yes.

I am just lucky, and I am feeling grateful for it.

.

 I am not just thinking about Jeevan, but also other wonderful people I have met while traveling.

May be in the eyes of many people, I am already living in paradise.

.

.

. 

From Top-left-clockwise:

Jeevan's Golden Teeth; Group Jumping shoot; Acting cool; Dancing to Nepali Music in a Pub @ 2800m; Playing "Heart Attack".

.

We did not treat him as a porter,but as a friend. We invited them (Guides & Porters) to eat together, to play games together and shared the chocolate & sunblock with them. We really had so much fun. At the last day, Jeevan was wiping away tears when we bid farewell.

.

Not sure if we will meet again.

Knowing that he is a good person, I sure hope my friend find happiness and peace in life.

=)

RIP Ben Mok - Cyclist

Taken from: http://cyclinginsingapore.blogspot.com/2010/03/rip-benjamin-mok.html

ONE of two cyclists knocked down in Clementi on Sunday night by a suspected drink-driver died in hospital yesterday from head injuries. Freelance writer Benjamin Mok Chee Kong, 35, never regained consciousness after the accident. ..... A close friend, Mr Nic Mok, 23, said the cyclist was very particular about road safety and had always insisted on wearing full safety gear such as helmet and gloves, and having front and rear lights when on the road. 'I was distraught when I heard the news. It was shocking because he is usually very cautious,' he added.

.

.

.

+++

.

I was really sadden to read this news. I do not know Ben Mok, but being a fellow cyclist, I could understand the danger of cycling in Singapore. Despite being cautious and mindful of the traffic rule, cycling on Singapore Road is still dangerous. There are just too many reckless and inconsiderate drivers around.

.

I never cycle at night, as there are too many f**king irresponsible drunk drivers around. Ben Mok had a bright future ahead, apparently he was going back to US to do his Phd. It is such a waste.
His blog: http://pedaldamnit.blogspot.com/
Memorial Link: http://www.benmokpedalon.com/

.

Please do not drink and drive.

.
Life is so impermanent and unpredictable.

May he rest in peace.

2010 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon

Yes, I have done it.

I did not finish in a good time, but I have completed it and I am happy about it.

.

One year ago during 2009 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon, I was practicing my swim (around 1km) at Queenstown Swimming Complex, and I said to my friends that it was quite crazy to do half-ironman. I am a weak swimmer, I bought my bike 1 year ago, and I am an average runner. It was a daunting task for me, but with some trainings & perseverance, it is a good feeling to know that I can do it too.

.

My Preparation

.

Transition Area

.

Race Statistics:

• Of the 1,396 entries for the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore, there are 465 Singaporeans and 1,018 athletes representing 60 other countries.

• A total of 61 nations are represented with Hong Kong, Australia, the UK and US, and Japan, Philippines, Malaysia and the UAE very strong in numbers.

• 86% of the field are male with 14% female.

• The most popular age group category for both women is 35-39 (33 women) and 40-44 for men with 272 competitors.

• The oldest competitors are Japan’s Kazuharu Tsujii (Male 74 years) and Australia’s Pamela Williams (Female 57 years)

• The youngest competitors are Singapore’s Siew Mei Chan (Female - 22 years) and Tiong Han Yeo ( Male -20 years)

• There are a record number of 95 teams also introducing competitors to the incredible Ironman 70.3 distance in 2010

..

The Race:

Prior to the race, I told myself that I would not push myself too hard, if necessary, I would definitely stop. I just wanted to participate and feel the energy. I was in the sea for a short swim to warm-up, and when I saw the speculator sunrise, I was really happy and glad to be alive.

.

The Elites getting read for swim - Cowie on the Right.

(Taken from Lee T*** FB w/o permission)

.

Swim-

To see the World Class Triathletes in action, was so cool. When my age category flag-off, I was one of the last few people to enter the water. I swam at my own rhythm, and decided not to push myself hard. I completed my 1.9km swim in 47mins and felt good about the swim. It was a good start.

.

Cycling across Benjamin Shears Bridge

(Taken from: http://hooky3659.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/aviva-ironman-70-3-singapore-2010/)

Cycle-

I took my time to get ready for the 90km cycling (3 loops). After I exited the transition area and started paddling, it was quite bumpy on a smooth road. I knew something was wrong. I got off the bike, checked my chain etc... everything seems to be working. I started to paddle again, but it was still bumpy and I knew that I could not continue like this. I got off again to realise that I got a FLAT tyre!

.

To make things worse, I have never change a flat tyre before, even though I have the Kit. To make even worse, it was the rear tyre that was flat, which meant that it would be more difficult to change. A lot of participants were cycling passed me. I was quite pissed off, as I am already a weak cyclist and this was happening to me. I tried to change it, but to no avail. A passerby (foreign worker) came to assist me to change as well, but after 5-10 minutes of trying, I knew that there was no way we could change the flat tyre.

.

Fortunately, I was 500m away from the transition area. I pushed my bike back to the transition area and found Shimano Bike Mechanic to fix it for me. It was not easy for them too!!! After 15mins, they fixed my tyre and I was ready to go. In total, I wasted around 26mins because of this flat tyre. The transition area was completely empty when I left, and it was very demoralising. I was the second last person leaving the transition area, as another guy was still repairing his broken bike chain.

.

The first lap (30km) was fine, and the highlight was when the elites raced passed me. I saw the number bid 0001 – Craig Alexander (The Reigning Ironman World Champion). I was cycling beside a world champion for a split second = Happiness. They must be in their 3rd lap already. For the second lap (60km), I was a bit demoralized to think that everybody was their third lap already. The last lap (90km) was quite tiring and to cycle across the Benjamin Shears Bridge for the 5th & 6th time was painful – there were people getting off their bike to push it. The positive aspect was that I hardly see anybody and I must say that it was quite a cool experience to have the whole expressway with the city view to myself. More importantly, it was the first time that I overtook people. Finally, I am not the last one!

.

Craig Alexander - Bid No. 0001

(Taken from C*** FB w/o permission also)

Run-

I was really happy to get off the roadie and start running. I did not push myself too hard, as I could feel the strain on my heart and I just wanted to be safe. The afternoon heat was killing me, and thankfully, the sky was overcastted after my first 7km lap. The 21km seemed to be endless, and I was always looking forward to the next water point to cool myself. Around 2km before the finishing line, I was getting a bit emotional when I knew that I was going to finish the race, and thinking that I had seriously thought of not participating in the race.

.

Total Time: 7hr 24min.
(Position: 843 out of 951 finishers)

.

Rough Breakdown:

1.9km Swim  47min

Transition 1 6min

Bike Repair  26min

90km Cycle  3hr 30min

Transition 2  4min

21km Run 2hr 29min

.

It is the BEST event that I ever participated. It was expensive though – S$375 for registration, excluding other expenses (bike servicing, bike accessories, supplements, taxi transportation etc..). But it is worth every cents. Below are the highlights:

1. Spectacular Morning Sunrise

2. Seeing the Elites in Action

3. Cycling across Benjamin Shears Bridge

4. Participating in the biggest 70.3 ironman in Asia

5. Craig Alexander cycled beside me (for a brief moment)

6. Feeling emotional and grateful that I completed the race
7. Wonderful Participants and Volunteers cheering for slow finishers like me

8. Participating with a group of wonderful friends. (Prior to the race, 2 of them got serious food poisoning – vomiting and bad bad diarrhoea, doctor recommended them not to participate, and they completed it. Respect!!!)

Lastly,

9. Really grateful to be alive.

.

Full Ironman next? May be, May be Not...

I think I better see a Cardiologist first to have a peace of mind.

=)

Movie: Up in the Air

.

There are 2 things in the movie that struck accord with me.

.

The First Thing:

While travelling for business was nice, dining in nice restaurant and staying in beautiful hotel, and the best part, not paying a single dime from my own pocket. The thing I enjoyed the most was walking in solitude during the cold night in a foreign land. It was quite therapeutic and very conducive for self-reflection. However, it could be extremely lonely to be in the hotel room – I felt emptiness in a nice hotel room. I would rather in any rowdy Kopitiam drinking a cheap glass of teh-peng with my friends or family. I realised that the human element (warmth) is definitely more important than any physical possession or indulgence.

.

The Second Thing:

Too many people are too attached to their jobs. They take their identities from their jobs, and their lives revolve around their jobs. Their sense of self are lost when they are retrenched. That’s sad. Imagine if you are at your deathbed, would you be thinking about your achievements at work? The revenue you had generated for your company? The projects/launches that you had implemented successfully? I certainly would not think of any work, monetary or academic achievements. Those things are irrelevant in the face of death. I will think of the precious moments spent with my family, friends and nice people. I will think of the beautiful world that I have seen and experienced. I will think if my existence makes this world a slightly better place.

.

I shared this story before: My friend’s colleague was working for DBS Bank for more than 20 years, and was retrenched. She packed her belongings that day when she received the news, and the next day, her record was removed from the company intranet. 20 over years of hard work and youth, yet, no trace of her was left. Nobody in the company will talk about her contributions. Soon, she will be forgotten by the company. I realised that nobody is indispensable in the company, and that should be the way for the company to operate effectively. While work is important, it is never the reason. Money is never the reason too.

.

I have been jobless for 7 month before. It was a difficult period, but I was not in depression. I lost self-confidence and doubted my ability. I was afraid to meet people. My identity was dependent on external factor, which was foolish. It was an invaluable experience, as when some of my friends were out of job, I told them that I understand their feeling. I really do. Hence, I felt that it is unwise to be so attached to a job. So what if you are unemployed? Still the same person, just having more free time to do things that you enjoy!

.

Not sure if I can say the same thing if I am jobless again. Will let you know.

=)

1 Week more to Aviva Half-Ironman

This is the tapering week and I love it... my body can finally rest & recover at last!

.

Last Week's Training:

Mon: Rest

Tues: 3km Swim (1hr 13min)

Wed: 25km Run (2hr 33min)

Thurs: 1.2hr Cycle & 4km Run

Fri: Rest

Sat: 9km Run (instead of 25km, as body was really tired)

Sun: 90km Cycle & 5km Run (4hr)

.

I spent 10-11hours exercising last week.

The best thing - No irregular heartbeat detected.

I should be able to complete the race.

=)

Lessons from the recent episode

I felt that I was over-reacting to the irregular heartbeat (Heart Skipping a Beat). The GP that I visited advised me not to participate. I got a second opinion from a doctor, provided details on my heart history, and she felt that it should be normal.

.

My heartbeat is perfectly normal now. I have done marathon and Olympic Distance Triathlon, and I did not face any heart problems. I have decided to participate the Aviva Half-Ironman in 2 weeks time. Will not push myself too hard especially if I do not feel well, and would stop if necessary. It is my own race.

Thanks for all the concerns!

.

+++

These are some of the things I learned from this episode:

.

1. There are many things in life beyond my control, as long as I have given my best I should be happy, and be at peace with it. Do not need to get frustrated, as I know I have tried my best. Success is knowing that I have done my best given my limitations and constraints.

. 

2. Enjoying the Journey is more important than Reaching the Destination. As I might never reach the destination, and quite often, the Journey is more interesting than the Destination.

.

3. Stop thinking about "Why me?"

Last year, I did not reach Kalapatthar during the Everest Base Camp Hike because of Altitude Sickness. I was wondering "Why Me?". Today, I asked myself this question again. It is a useless question! Just accept it and MOVE ON.

.

4. Death is not a statistics.

I was reading articles about fit and healthy triathletes who died, mainly due to cardiac/heart related problem. These are real healthy fit people, and i could be part of the statistics. Death is REAL... It is a totally different experience when I am able to visualise my death, and not looking at it from a dettached point of view. 

.

5. Good to have friends, as always. =)

.

+++

.

I guess every triathlete has their own story.

Everytime I asked myself: Is it worth it?

I am not ready for this Aviva Half-ironman, and this is my short story:

.

2nd Aug'09: Completed my first OD Triathlon

.

31st Aug'09: Had a fall during cycling and fractured my wrist.

.

Sep'09: Out of action & went traveling to Perth

.

Oct/Nov 09: Went Nepal for 3 weeks (fell sick, and recovered 2 weeks after coming back)

.

Dec'09: Struggled to run 5km & decided to skip StandChart Marathon.

.

Last Week of Dec'09: Tried Cycling again after 3 months (fell down again with minor scratches). I wanted to throw away my cycling shoes & clips, but I told myself that I should not be defeated by stupid clips.

.

2nd Jan'10: Struggled to keep up with RF during the 40km cycle (1st time after the fall).

.

Jan'10: Having been Cycling with guards - having phobia of cycling & falling.

.

28th Jan'10: Decided to sign up Aviva Half-Ironman. RF decides to skip and do OSIM OD Triathlon instead.

.

Feb'10: Sick for 10days during CNY & fitness deteriorated. =(

.

19th Feb'10: Swam with RF, who mentioned that he was surprised that I signed up for Aviva HIM, considering that I was struggling with 40km cycle a month ago.

.

27th Feb'10 (Sat): 18km Run - 1hr 58mins (Struggled)

28th Feb'10 (Sun): 85km Cycle - 3hr 24min (Struggled too)

1st Mar'10 (Mon): Rest

2nd Mar'10 (Tues): 22km Run - 2hr 14min

3rd Mar'10 (Wed): 3km Swim - 1hr 13min

4th Mar'10 (Thurs): 1hr Cycle, 4km Run & 30mins Weights

5th Mar'10 (Fri): Rest

6th Mar'10 (Sat): 22km Run - 2hr 28min (Stuggled & The sun was killing me)

7th Mar'09: 90km Cycle & 4km Run - 4hours (Struggling as well)

Irregular heartbeats detected.

.

I think I am overestimating my abilities & I am not that young anymore. I am not ready for Aviva Half-Ironman. May be the irregular heartbeat is telling me not to stress myself too hard. Last few training sessions had been PAINFUL.

Will I look back to think that I am foolish?

I just know that Life is not about seeing it from hindsight, but living the moment.

=)