Team Supreme

I am supposed to be in bed now but an inner voice is bugging me again. Tonight I just came from one of my self-imposed Saintly Tuesday sessions and our discussion leader Ardy Roberto was talking about this book called Law of Recognition. The central thesis of this book is that everything you need in life is already given to you, merely awaiting your recognition of it. Ok, got it, I think I wrote something to that effect in my year-end blog post "Running Away, Running Home". If I recall rightly, I wrote something like "For a moment we ran away so we can realize the blessings we already have at home." But Ardy said the book has more. We are supposed to have a life's assignment. What? Isn't that high school stuff? Sounds like Purpose-driven Life which was so years ago.

I hate taking notes so I did not get the exact whole list, but we are supposed to recognize our assignment by several factors. We are supposed to be assigned to administer to a group of people. Our true calling may bring us grief and suffering. A geographical posting will have to be defined. If we are posted in a group, task or location that rejects us, we may need to shake off its dust and find our calling somewhere else. The calling will be strong and brimming with passion.

As Ardy enumerates all of the above, my mind zooms back to 2008 year-end when I began to set 2009 fitness goals. At that time I was thinking whether I should have a blog vision/mission (VMOS). Having moved from one bank to another, I am now a veteran of corporate VMOS. I was so influenced I made one for my dog breeding, showing and grooming endeavors. Should I make one for this blog? Nah, I said then. I am no corporation needing a VMOS, so I tucked away all those thoughts in the recesses of my memory.

Well tonight Ardy unknowingly fished my VMOS thoughts from my pool of memories, and these darn thoughts won't let me sleep unless I wrote about them. I have about a handful of other blog topics awaiting their time to be written, but this particular set of thoughts insist that they be served first. And so I am releasing them.


To write about what I feel and learn, as direct and honest as I experience them, as I undertake my swim, bike and run adventures.

To be attuned to the Divine voice that will lead me to my next adventure, direct how I am supposed to play it, prod me to share my experience, and give me words that best convey the essence of my adventures.

To stay true to my values and calling, notwithstanding the challenges ahead.


Ok, done, can I sleep now?....Wait a minute. Between You and me, how come this assignment seems so one-sided. I know You are one powerful God, but must You twist my arm to have it Your way. It appears like You are the Director and I am just a pawn, (ok, the lead actor) in this morality play. I thought I have free will. My God, this is my blog, can't You at least make me write it the way I want it.

(God lovingly stares at me but says nothing).

Ok, You can be the Director. Can I at least claim the role of scriptwriter?

(God smiles patiently)

Ok You write the Book of Life, but grant me at least the Best Actor award. An Oscar nomination may suffice.

(God smiles again)

Ok I get it. One last set of questions: Am I really supposed to be painfully honest and truthful? Can I spice up my stories a bit? Must I broadcast even my blunders? Won't I appear weak and inept? Won't I get misinterpreted? Won't people make a mockery of me? Do I always have to be goody-goody? Can I be nasty at times? Can I snap back at malicious people?

God said: I gave you enough intelligence to allow you to answer your own questions. I prefer that you poke fun at yourself rather than others. Glorify me by showing that being good is "way cooler" than being nasty. Being nasty is easy. If you think you are smart, then this challenge should be easy. Make your God look cool.

Parang mahirap yata 'yon, God. Gawin mo na lang akong cute, instead of smart.

God continued: I give you runner's high, swimmer's built, cyclist's power and the endurance of a triathlete. I give you adventures you will never forget, and move you through highs and lows of ecstasy. I give you opportunity to enrich your life as well as those of others. These should be reward enough for any inconvenience faced. I trust we have a fair deal. So move on - swim, bike and run - then write My stories. You are part of my Team Supreme.

Heroes and Idols

What makes an athlete a hero?

On January 1, 2009, sprinter and world-record holder Usain Bolt was named by the International Sports Press Association as 2008 Male Athlete of the Year, besting swimmer and record-holding Olympian Michael Phelps by a slim margin. To be honest, I was surprised by the declaration. How can the man touted to be the best Olympian ever, winning a historic eight-gold haul, lose to a celebrated runner with three golds? I thought Phelps' lofty place in sports history was assured, but what gave way? Yes I am a swimmer by heart and a runner second, but I remain bewildered about the decision.

I tried to replay in my mind the Olympic events. Early on, Phelps was piling gold medal after gold medal on the eight events he was in. He almost missed the chance to make Olympic history in the swim medley and at one time swam last 100meters of butterfly blinded with water in his goggles, but he and his team almost miraculously triumphed. Former Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe, Phelps' idol, initially thought the younger swimmer would find it hard to win eight golds, but Phelps used Thorpe's words as motivation, even pinning the words on his locker. Thorpe had this to say after the historic win: "I'm really proud of him not just because he won eight golds. Rather, it's how much he has grown up matured into a great human being."

To his coach, Phelps was "unbelievably kind-hearted". To his teammates, he was Gomer, a good-natured, country boy in The Andy Griffith Show. Phelps battled Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as a child. In the pool he found redemption, an outlet for that almost boundless energy. Speedo gave him a million dollars for his Olympic feat; Phelps used the money to start a foundation that helps children find the redemption he had through swimming. I suppose these make Phelps my hero. He made me believe I too can overcome my limitations. Outside of the pool he is just another Michael. Off-land he admits to being clumsy. But these just make the other Michaels and me believe that we too can be great.

I then replayed Usain Bolt's winning moments. Bolt's performance on the last days of the Olympic was electrifying to say the least. He is quite a persona, a media darling who is naturally charming and knows how to ham it up to the crowds and the cameras. His 100meter dash time of 9.69 is stupefying. Why, he even slowed a bit towards the end! Almost single-handedly, he brought back the glory days of track and field. The crowd and the press loved him. I suppose that's why he won the title Male Athlete of the Year from the international press.

There is just one fly in Bolt's ointment - a pebble you may say on his golden Puma shoes. While I admire his almost superhuman physical prowess, I am a little disturbed by his antics at the final stretch. Was it exuberance or arrogance? I don't know. I do not know him that well. I just know him by his public persona as reflected in videos and write-ups. Olympic medalist Kriss Akabussi construed Bolt's chest slapping before the finish line as showboating. International Olympic Committee President Jacque Rogge viewed the act as disrespectful. Bolt said he wasn't bragging, that he was just happy. A Jamaican government minister said, "We have to see it in the glory of their moment and give it to them. We have to allow the personality of youth to express itself."

Bolt has the gift, no doubt about it. Many times in his career, that gift was all he relied on. But we are blessed differently and not everyone will have Bolt's gift. As I stare in awe in the magnificence of his gift, I try hard to partake and take something with me from that gift.

This brings me back to my original query: What makes an athlete a hero? Clearly, Phelps and Bolts are stars basking in their athletic fame. With their legions of fans, they are certified sports idols. Are they heroes? Is display of almost unbelievable physical abilities enough, or do we expect more from athletes we choose to proclaim as heroes?

I am reminded of esteemed but lesser known sports idols - ultramarathoner and triathlete David Goggins and marathoner Haile Gebrselassie. Goggins says it simply: "I am nobody special. Let's be perfectly clear...I don't like to run. I don't like to swim. I don't like to bike. I do this to raise money for children of soldiers killed in combat..." RunnersWorld has this to say about one of its 2008 Heroes Haile, "Yet what makes Gebrselassie compelling is not simply his outlandish speed and endurance, but a personality infused with humility, self-assurance, an awareness of his place in the sport, and a sense of social responsibility." In his own words, Haile explains, "Ten or 15 years ago, I only thought of myself. Now I am thinking of my country. When you employ people, you have a responsibility. You are like a father of many kids. You have to do things properly."


Photos, quotes and facts were taken from Wikipedia and Runner's World online.

When Process is More Important Than Outcome

I have been in the corporate world for more than a decade now. As someone who appraises performance and whose own performance is also appraised, I now fully well the importance of outcomes. Companies ultimately live (or die) based on how well they live up to their mission of providing goods or services. The importance of outcomes is ingrained in managerial concepts of Management By Objectives (MBO) and Key Result Areas (KRAs). As an appraiser of myself and others, I generally go by outcomes. Bulk of the grade is based on results. One only gets plus points for ingenuity or creativity employed in the process, or gets deducted for inefficiency or unacceptability of methods followed to achieve results.

As I made my goals for 2009 I questioned myself: What exactly do I get or intend to get from all these physical pursuits? Am I here to test my capability to finish all these types of races (marathon, duathlon, aquathlon, triathlon)? Do I want to swim, bike and run faster? Do I want to be more fit? Do I want to gain new friends? Do I want to influence others? Do I want to save the world? Is sports the answer to world peace?

As I dig deeper I realize these things I have been doing have never been really about SMART outcomes (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bounded). It is a good thing my life is not a profit-run enterprise! Yes I was elated that I finally and officially conquered the New Balance 25K Powerrace, but what I remember fondly from that race is not my finish time or line, but how I ran and finished it. I would always remember how at km18 I finally realized I truly love running - loving her for what she is and not what she can offer. As I reviewed my 10K times, I realize it was not really about the actual minutes, but more about the effort and meaning I attached to the pursuit of those times. An inner voice is claiming I only say these things because I have yet to break my 10K goal of sub-60minutes.

The truth is in my grander scheme of things the finishes and times are only milestones in the journey of a lifetime. When I enjoy and have faith in the process, the outcomes will manifest themselves along the way as rewards and affirmation of the greatness of my journey. If there is one outcome I intend to achieve, it is to embark on as many trips as I can, enjoy the scenery and the exchanges, and be able to write stories about these experiences. I hope in the process my life and those of others are enriched. Enjoy the ride!

Running Away, Running Home

Year 2008 was the year when I finally fell in love with running. As the year closes, I try to look back and ponder on this love. While I am happy to love running at the primal level - where the interplay of muscles, heart and lungs and the release of endorphins are almost akin to lovemaking - I am most grateful to the way running engages my mind. As I tried to remember my 2008 running moments, I realized I was happiest during my long runs. The act of running goaded by my surroundings would bring fond memories of childhood games, high school adventures, college crushes, graduate school misdemeanors, friends gained through work or sports, and a lifetime of shared family experience.

I thought by venturing out and hitting the roads I was running away from mundane issues at work or home. I realized I was running away and alone only for a while so I can find the strength and renewed enthusiasm to deal with life. I run away so I can clear my mind and rediscover my ability to face issues straight-on. I run away so I can appreciate what I miss back home. Running is not an escape after-all. It is rediscovery of the blessings you already have.

So for 2009 I intend to live through more adventures and foster new and deeper relationships. As I excitedly venture out for a run and head home, I shall relish all these freshly minted memories. With all the long runs I intend to do, I better squeeze more from life and upload into my brain megabytes of memories I can playback.

Happy New Year, my fellow runners in life. Together we shall discover the thrill of the trail and participate in the greatest race on earth - our very own lives!

Girls in Pony Tails

(Best of 2008: More Women Running)

-

From the corner of my eye I see her

Slender girl prancing on moving machine

Clad in capri and sleeveless top

Bouncing hair on pony tail.

-o-

On the road I behold her

Goddess of the Road on pony tail

Long limbs like a gazelle's

Strides smooth as a whisper.

-o-

On cyberspace I see her

Woman of substance and strength

Her stories regale us all

She with her charm and pony tail.

-o-

Every now and then I think of her

Artistic soul on pony tail

On races I sometimes see her

Someday I will get to know her.

-

My Left Foot

I never liked shoes. Maybe because I feel my feet are bound in them. Maybe because their soles tend to wear out so fast and unevenly. Or maybe because I am unhappy with my feet.

When I was a kid my slippers would wear out in perfect circles below my heels. Growing up, I suffered through tough leather soles that restricted my natural foot motion. I have since ditched the leathers in favor of rubber, and my feet have never been happier.

I was clad in one such rubber-soled surf sandals when I had a moment of epiphany. For weeks I have been puzzling on why my left heel hurts after a fast run. I already use a wide running shoe designed for stabilizing overpronators like me. I have consciously changed my foot strike by landing on the balls (mid-to-forefoot) of my feet and giving my knees a slight bent for further dissipation of strike force. Why is there still a pressure-sensitive, coin-sized area of pain in my left heel? And why is my other heel not similarly bothered?

As I strolled on the grass and pondered on my heel problem, I spontaneously tried to walk with a forefoot strike using my surfer sandals. I was surprised by what I discovered. While my right foot did a strong, fluid, forefoot strike, my left foot had extreme difficulty. Nanoseconds after my left forefoot touched the ground, whatever little foot arch I have seemed to collapse. I found it hard to carry my entire weight on my left forefoot! While I can pose like a one-legged crane with my arched right midfoot, I would arch with difficulty on my left foot and my unbalanced self would land on my left heel. Half the time I am running, my left heel bears the brunt of my whole weight. I suppose by adaptation my left leg can manage the weight during steady runs, but at a faster tempo, the strike force multiplies my mass with acceleration.

So the root of my problem is my feet again. It explains a lot of things - why I hate running, why I never like shoes, why I could not be fast and why I doubt I will ever run fast. With a foot like that, how am I suppose to run a marathon?

By sheer will and God's grace I suppose. I looked at my two legs for affirmation. I remember them thin and bowed when I was a kid. By exercise I supposed they straightened, or at least appeared to be straight. The calves are bigger than average though. Maybe that was nature's way of compensating. Perhaps I can still teach my left foot to rise above its imperfection.

There Are No Bad Runs

There are no bad runs, only bad responses.

This thought pierced my mind as I read Colossians 1:17 (He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together) As Mikee our study leader read on, my mind wandered back to Mall of Asia, Sunday morning of the Animo Run. Memories of dissatisfaction, although now dulled, resurfaced. Yes there were problems at race start. Yes, things did not go as I envisioned them. Yes, I did try hard to shake-off the initial disappointment. Yes, my morning did end well as I completed my impromptu run-bike-run. So why is Paul sermoning me like I am some Colossian?

Haven't I thanked God for my imperfect legs and ugly feet that allow me to run, when I passed by His church on my bike? Haven't I prayed for family, friends and country? Haven't I dedicated my next triathlon to Him? Paul said I forgot about the Supremacy of Christ. He said I was so into this running and biking thing that everything was about my personal happiness and convenience. That I grumble like a bratty child when things do not go my way! Paul continued: There had been and would always be great races and simple runs. And because Christ is before all things and in Him all things hold together, there are no bad runs. Learn to accept setbacks, stop grumbling, and be the appreciative child He wanted you to be. Now do well in the race you promised Him!