RIFLE RANGE BOY

Everybody has their own whims and fancies. We all have their idiosyncrasies. Somehow deep inside, we feel that we got to where we are because of what and how we did it. We must have done something right. That gives us the assurance that all things in life would turn out the way we want if it were done that particular way. And it would definitely turn sour if it were not done so. We all have our superstitions, and it gives us the conviction that everything will be alright if performed in such ritualistic manner. Nobody knows or can explain the sciences behind such an endeavour, but we do it anyway. What if something goes wrong? The stakes are too high to risk to engage in such a gamble. I was in the company of some friends. We had decided to finally meet up after numerous failed attempts to get together due to pressing work engagements. What better time and place to meet than at a local sports’ restaurant with a giant screen display of the week’s big English League football game. The ...

Pain? Just a perception? D4447 - That is the number of my running bib in the recently concluded pre marathon run of 30km. Somebody who is highly superstitious or particularly particular about numbers and if you are a Malaysian Chinese, you would have your version of interpretation. From the experience of mixing and growing up with superstition, my take on this number is like this. Generally the number 4 (sei, si) is shunned as it sounds similar to death in most Chinese dialects. 8 (pat, fatt) is desirable for its symmetrical appearance and its sound akin to prosperity. 7 is okay too as it signifies something complete like how 7 days complete a week. Detractors will also argue that one justify their claim by looking only at what they want to see. Well, the way I see it, the racing number denotes how my Back to Basics 30km run went. Deterrence started with a bruised knee sustained two weeks before the race. Dried concrete on the training tarmac sent me sliding on my kne...