Break week...

This week is break week for Fifth Ray's Running programme. It feels very different this week... Apart from being able to sleep in a little more on Tuesday and tomorrow, my mind can take a break. I think most people don't quite understand what a coach goes through day in day out during training season. During training season, most coaches have their minds constantly 'racing' to see how you can assist one of your athletes or runners to perform better or bring them to the next level. It's almost a 24/7 job. It can be a fairly stressful job if you allow it to engulf you.

I must admit that I feel 'free' this week... Not that I was ever tied down, it's just free from the intense feeling of responsibility. That sense of responsibility and to be constantly on the go is much less this week. Don't get me wrong... I am not becoming irresponsible either. hahaha... It's just that this week I get to focus on myself and on my own training without having to worry about someone else's. I am sure most coaches feel the same. This week I get to focus on myself and my own schedule. When and where I... ME!.. would like to run. Basically, taking this week very casually and enjoying the moment. Will be all ready and energized for Term II next week!

Since it is break week, the Fifth Ray runners will all be hanging out at the Supper Club this Friday with the crew of 91.3FM. We were invited by The Married Men and crew to join them for 'Must Drink Friday'. The theme is outrageously orange. I thought how appropriate as the corporate color for Fifth Ray is Orange =o) Catch you if you're gonna be there too!

What motivates you to exercise?

I know for a fact that a number of you do read my blog. And each time I check my blog, I do look forward to comments from you. However, I've hardly see any =o( *sob*sob* hahaha.... This entry is for you to put down your reasons that motivates you to exercise. Your reasons could inspire someone else to get started on exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle!

I'll start... For me, I've always seen it as a gift I have been given to be able to exercise. To have my body being able to do all the physical activities I will it to. It's amazing what our body is capable of doing when we take care of it. Keeping it fit and healthy. Being able to put on a pair of shoes and head out for a run on any given day is a gift and I am just using the gift I have been given. What about you? Hear from you soon.

Only YOU can push yourself

Over the years, I find that no matter how 'tough' a training programme is designed to be, the outcome and benefits reaped from the programme is entirely up to the individual. What do I mean by this? How effective a programme is is very much dependent on how willing individuals are in pushing themselves and getting the most out of the session. If they maintain their focus and have the will to get the most out of the session, they will push themselves to their own limits. No excuses given nor the need to be comfortable. Basically, it is about toughing it out. It is to be in the in the zone and simply to do their very best. No distractions! If we constantly keep that mindset, I think we will be amazed at how much we can achieve and accomplish!

Morning Run...

Thank you very much for all who came to join Rod Monteiro and I for a run this morning at East Coast Park. It was a great way to start our morning. Most of the runners ran between 12-20km. Everyone was very focused in completing the distance they had set their minds on and they ran it well. Excellent effort everyone! Rest well and nourish well now... We look forward to running with you again in the near future.

Managing A to Z...

Amidst folding my newly created Fifth Ray brochures, I thought I'll blog these thoughts. The newly created and designed Fifth Ray brochures are my latest pride and joy. This is actually my first attempt to have an official brochure put together for all the programmes provided by Fifth Ray. With no designing or copy-writing background, it naturally took me a while to have it put together. Looking at it I would dare say I did a pretty decent job. hahaha.... Do feel free to give me your comments and inputs when you do pick up one of our brochures. It's alright... You can be honest =o) I can held the truth!

As I was folding the brochures, it brought back a conversation I had with one of my adult runners several weeks ago. She commented that she liked the Fifth Ray website (Phew!) and asked me who designs and maintains it? I went... Errr.... ME? However, I did verify that I got a website designer to do the basic layout and pages for me. After which I go in to spruce up the pages and information provided. She was really surprised! And I don't blame her... hahaha... Who would think that I would be capable of something like that. Several years ago, I won't have dreamed of doing some of the things I have accomplished today.

She went on to ask where I do I find the time and energy to do all that I do and even find time to sleep? Honestly, it was something I've never really thought about. I enjoy and love what I do so I do what is necessary to get the business going. I am currently managing everything from A to Z for the company. I do get the odd help here and there but basically I have to get my hands in on everything that Fifth Ray provides for all our clients. I guess when you are passionate about what you do, nothing really frazzles you =o) You keep going and going to simply to be the best that you can be.

It's always nice to have help to manage the running of a business. But I don't mind doing what I do now. I have learnt so much in the last few years. The amount of time and effort put into the business is nothing compared to what I have gained in my own personal growth and development. Things like designing a website, marketing our programmes, etc. are things I would not have experienced if not for my decision to set up Fifth Ray. It's a knowing that there are things in life that you can only gain through experiencing the journey.

Having said all that, I would of course welcome with open arms the day that I can just focus on creating and designing the Fifth Ray programmes for adults and children. And Fifth Ray will have capable individuals running the different departments to manage things like marketing and promotions, accounting, sponsorship, etc. The day will come =o)

"When you believe I-can-do-it, the how-to-do-it develops" ~Anonymous~

The Joy of Running...

Everyone has a reason or two that keeps us going. It's always easier to think that the person running next to us is in 'bliss' whenever they hit the track or the road. On the contrary, I think most of us do fight negative thoughts or some would call it 'demons' constantly within our mind. It's just that some of us verbalize it more than others. And some let it get them down more than others. It's all about how you deal with the negativity and not allow yourself to become a 'victim' of such thoughts.

I've learnt to 'delete' those thoughts that do not serve me from my mind. The better I become at Mastering the art of deleting those negative thoughts, the better I am at serving myself to be the best that I can be. Sometimes, it's also about being tough with self when we wallow in our own self-pity (or excuses!). When the going gets tough, I've often look towards others for inspiration. You'll be surprised that when you truly open your eyes to see, you will spot someone out there trying their best regardless of the outcome/results. It is the effort and attitude that defines their journey. So we really don't have an excuse...

Personally, I've had my own highs and lows with running too in the last two years. Last year was a particularly difficult year as I got injured a few times. Running was a challenge, but it was even more difficult when I was so far from where I used to be. It was really tough for the mind to deal with. Very quickly I had to learn that it's about managing myself and being patient to 'nurse' self back. Each time when the running gets tough or trying, I would take myself back to when I was a little girl. I loved running as a child (still do) to feel the wind against my face and the rush I would get from all the running. I can remember the big smiley grin I would have on my face so contented... The simple innocence of loving the present moment.

Life will constantly present us with challenges so that we can grow... A wise man once said "Welcome Adversities". Enjoy and be thankful for the present moment as when the moment has passed, it is something we can never take back or replay.

"In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with the present time." ~ Leonardo da Vinci ~

With Every Compliment... There is always a complain?

We can never please everyone, can we? Particularly students who do not get the grades they want. Just when I received a great compliment from a very dedicated and diligent student who truly understands the journey of learning, I get a complain email from a student who is pretty much at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Students who do not understand the learning objectives of the class after one semester, is truly lost. They will also try to 'teach' the lecturer how they should be grading and marking assignments. Of course, it is to suit their needs, needless to say.

Over the years, I have learnt that there will always be students who will only be please with you or speaks the world of you when you give them the grades they want, even if the quality of their work is way off the mark. There is never a point self-reflection to evaluate the quality of their own work and see if it is really up to standard. Very quickly students will always turn around and point the finger at the lecturer to say that it is his/her fault. Really is it?

If one or more students from the very same class is able to produce good quality work then there is really no excuse for everyone else not to. Students are often very selective in what they hear, they only choose to hear what they want to. Then they will turn the tables around and say that they were not told. Interesting?

I have had many students (not only undergraduates but Masters students alike) who think that just because they attend your lessons (which is doing me a great favor, mind you!) it is a given that they will pass or receive a grade THEY THINK THEY DESERVE. Interesting isn't it?

Over the years, I've learnt that praises and compliments are a nice to have. But as a lecturer, teacher or coach, I have a job to deliver with integrity and principles. And not to sugar coat to create a delusional world for someone else. Reality can sometimes be harsh but at least they will hopefully 'wake up' and see things for truly what they are.

Surprised Compliment!

I received an unexpected call from one of the students that I have been lecturing to at NTU this semester (Jan-April 2010). Last night was my last lecture with the class. She asked if she could drop by the centre to speak with me. She arrived in the evening and I showed her around the centre. We had a really good chat. Towards the end of our conversation, she asked if I would continue lecturing at at the University. I told her I wasn't sure as it depended if I am asked to do so again. Her response really surprised me. She actually told me that she had envisioned for all her classes to be taught the same way I did. She said that she totally enjoyed attending my class and hoped that I will teach her again. It was the nicest compliment I've ever gotten about my lecturing. She continued to say that she hopes that I will teach her again in her third or forth year where she has to start choosing her major.

It was heartening to know that I've inspired someone through my teaching. Like I was once told by my very wise professor... It doesn't matter how many students there are in the class as long as you are able to instill and create a sparkle in the eyes of one of those students, you have lectured well. Today made me realise that I had managed to create a sparkle in the eyes of this young lady. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to inspire someone.

So next time, be it when you are lecturing, teaching, or even talking to someone... Be mindful as it could be your opportunity to inspire or motivate =o)

Updates!!

So sorry for having not posted in more than a week. It's been a really packed week. So I'll keep you posted briefly on what's been happening.

Firstly... Congratulations to our very own Fifth Ray Runner, Adeline Yong, for completing 129km of the 218 round Singapore run last week. To top it off, she was named the first female ultra-marathon runner to cover 129km in the Singapore Guinness Book of records. We are all very proud of her!

Secondly... We concluded our Perth Run-Fit Training Camp. It was wonderful. The weather was perfect and the location was magnificent. During the conduct of the camp, I managed to do some running myself. It sure brought back memories on why I got started on running and am doing what I do. It just reinforced the beauty of running for me. We trained at most of the places where I used to do my own run sessions many many years ago. It was lovely to be running under clear blue skies, clean sandy beaches, amidst majestic trees, soft lashes grass fields, and more. A place where anyone would want to get started on running too.

Thirdly... It was amazing to have one of the children I've been working shout 'Auntie' and ran up to me to be carried when he saw me along the corridor of the centre. Why is this moment so special? It is because this is the same child who would not want to have anything to do with me about a month or so ago. Which made it difficult for me to work with him and help him. We have had a few good moments the last few weeks too but this week was the icing on the cake. He now trusts me enough to be running up to me like he did. I am very excited to take him to the next level in his development.

I know the updates are brief. Hopefully, I've managed to cover most of the highlights for the week. Happy Easter! Take good care.