A Botanical Garden Run

At 6am, there was this big round moon saying hello to me.

I finally manage to wake up at 5.30 am for a run. Sweet, I also managed to run slow slow for an hour and went for a scrumptious curry mee and Nescafe.

The best thing is that I would have a longer day.

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Christmas Runs in KL

This Christmas, I decided to take a bus to KL for a 4-day holiday. Of course, without a plan as usual. All I did was to ask my girl friend if she wanted to run and she agreed. Turned out, I was joining a running club for a run at Bukit Aman.

Here, I was first introduced to TPRC. I always find it amazing that my running friends are made from Central  to North (KL then Ipoh and finally Penang). Couple of months ago, I was introduced to two running clubs in Penang but it was really a first time to run with an actual group and again, groups are from KL. 

To my amazement, warm, uber friendly, energetic and helpful people. To top it all, the amount of food brought over for potluck - there was more food than people. Such warm spirit, I've never seen anywhere else.

The Group Shot

Day 2 in KL - 7km run at Bukit Aman

Day 1 in KL - 11km run with TPRC at Padang Merbok.

Nasi Lemak Tanglin is really awesome. Worth a try.

With a new friend found. :)

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Nike Lunar Glide 4 Shield

This is the best Christmas I've ever had in my life. In what I thought as a first actual holiday in KL, I ended up running for 3 mornings in a row. Met two sifus and a whole bunch of running friends. What more, I was given the gift that every runners would love - running shoes. The Nike Lunar Glide 4 Shield. It repels water and man, shall I say, with a wind breaker and this Shield, there's no fear when it comes to running in the rain.

What I love what this shoes is that it reflects light and glow. How lovely.

Thank you for a great gift. Never would I dream of having something so great. Really grateful.

New Toy: Nike Lunar Glide 4 Shield, beaming proud in the evening light

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Against the Wind Run

Running in the evening by Straits Quay. Do not be deceived, the wind was so strong, it was tough to run against the wind.

In preparation of the Yangon Marathon 2013, I started some trainings. What is supposed to be a one hour run a day turned out all right. I ran for 60 minutes - sort of - with some distractions while running like the strong wind and a dead tree and new shoes.

Looks like I need to get used to the cushion of the Nike Lunar Glide 4 since I have been on Skechers GoRun's minimalism. Running on Nike Lunar Glide 4 felt clumsy and I could hear the sound as my foot lands each time. All right, adjustment takes time. That said, the shoes feel really light and looks great to me.

This is probably the first time, I ever ran against such strong wind. I could smell the salty air and felt the humidity. It's a sign that the world changes every day. :)

Fully aware and alert!

Couldn't help feeling distracted by the sight of a dead tree.

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Pumping Up My Kicks

Nike+ Sportband in Yellow and Black Stripes. The Volt.

Grateful that this new Nike+ Sportband, an essential running buddy, comes along into my life. Time to gear up on my runs again after much rest.

Thank you to my friend who made it happen for me.

In my genuine state of gratefulness, I shall Run.

To the handsome Nike+ Sportband, let's take the road together.

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Yangon Marathon

A first visualization

Great news! It was an impulsive moment after lunch. Bought myself tickets to the Yangon Marathon on 27 January. It's hard to believe I am doing it all over again! Looks like it's a belated birthday present.

My biggest consolation is that I am finally breaking the curse of the solo traveller (to be fair it's fun travelling alone too). After travelling alone for the past 20 months, I can travel in a group now. It's true what the Holstee Manifesto says, "This is your life. Do what you love and do it often." To my surprise, friends are flocking in bringing me news that they will go with me. *star jumps and hurray!* I am sincerely grateful.

Here comes, Yangon!

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Penang Bridge International Marathon - 18 November 2012

Before the run, with Niza and friends

The goal for 2012 was clear - to attempt a full marathon. It was not without challenges. The first eight months of this year was full of pain, wounds and subsequent scars - literally and emotionally. 

On the bright side, I had insisted that pain back then was delusional that the dark clouds would eventually clear up for dawn to set in. 

Wow, I was terrified of the marathon. I didn't train enough, definitely did not log up to 30km a week. I can only say I managed to pull through.

This is truly a medal of honor, sweat and pain but it's all worth it. The joy is indescribable.

Tada! B01963 shall report to the starting line.

Huff puff, what a relief to cross the finish line.

Here we were posing with our medals at the finish line.

A photo with a guy in a banana suit! Lol.

Another group of friends whom I had breakfast with later in the day. We each had a different view of the run but couldn't help feeling blessed that we completed it safely.

Groupie shot with Kenny and Zet and friends.

The cert is here. First full marathon completed in 06:20:32.58.

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Runversation: On telling my family that I did a full marathon

I was too scared to tell my family that I was going to do a full marathon. First, the fear that they will stop me. Second, I wouldn't know what would happen.

After the run, I had a talk with my aunt:

D: You knew I ran on Sunday?
A: Yeah, I know.
D: Do you know that this run was different from other runs?
A: Yeah, I know.
D: What's the difference?
A: Oh, it's longer.

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Why I Love to Run?

There is none? I think so. :)

1. When I started out back in early 2011, I had such terrible stamina (hadn't run in 10 years), I slept so well after each run. I love it.
2. There were many reasons why I started running, one of it being, I got cheated and I was hurt. Running brought much happiness, it eventually cured a broken heart. I love it.
3. Running defines me, it makes me feel like myself all over again.
4. Running gives me a sense of freedom and most of all money can't buy.
5. I was working as a secretary and over time, by terms of career , I began to feel like I have no sense of achievement. I started running and it brought a new dimension of meaning to me.
6. I love to run because I also get to travel. There are few runs in Penang so it requires me to travel to Singapore, KL for runs. Eventually, I got to do the Bali Marathon and currently planning for Hangzhou International Marathon as well as Angkor Wat Half Marathon. Running takes me further than just 21km.

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What Fueled My Runs

The Fuel

On very rare occasions, I would have a pack of power gel. Due to the pressure of the first full marathon, I asked my two mentors on what to prepare. So one advised, "4 power gels and 1 power bar" and the other advised "5 power gels". On the same accord, they said, "consume one every hour".

Okay, point taken, the only place I know that sells these are GNC. So off I went.

It seemed like I had some choice confusion and didn't know what to buy. The Power Bar Energy gels is packed with 110 calories, cost the least, only RM7.50 each. Then there's the GU Energy Gel at RM8.00 - packed with 100 calories. Lastly, Accel Gel at RM8.90 also at 100 calories.

The helpful guy at GNC, tried to explain the differences of the 3 brands. One helps to hydrate better and the other has protein. (In my mind, heck care... just buy one each and try.)

I had 3 bananas before the run, was full to the throat. I only had my first power gel after 1.5 hours of run. There was a point when I tore off another power gel after 30 minutes instead of 1 hour. I had to run with a pack of opened gel in my hand.

Honestly, I don't even remember what is the difference between the gels now. When you are tired from running, everything tasted the same but make a huge difference in fuelling my run.

I never had the chance to eat up the Power Bar. It shall accompany me in the next run, I guess.

In conclusion, I am pretty sure everything played its role to help. From the water to 100 Plus to the toilet cubicles and soaked sponges and of course the gels. Where calories are concerned, to me, nothing beats bananas.

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10 Thoughts of My First Full Marathon

Event: Penang Bridge International Marathon

Date: 18 November 2012

Flag Off: 2 am

Completion: 6 hours 20 mins

Rank: 242/452

1. Like any virgins, I was scared to death but I am alive.
2. I wasn't alone in doing this. I started running back in February 2011 and I ran alone for the first 6 months. By the time I did my full marathon, I had many friends to run with me.
3. 42km is surprisingly, a run-able distance.
4. The last 5km was a true pain in the ass.
5. What got me going was my breathing. I bet I had never focused any harder in my life.
6. My medal, it finally felt like a medal of honor, of much sweat and pain and endurance.
7. I did not suffer much sore at all - surprisingly.
8. For the first time, I choked on my tears while running. I cried 3 times in the last 3 km.
9. Running a marathon doesn't make me an iron lady, it reaffirms that I am in every way flesh and blood. I have emotions, I felt pain, weariness but mostly, I have a big appetite. :)
10. It wasn't about the finish. It wasn't about the speed. It's about living my life to the fullest. Making meaning for myself and setting my worth and finding every reason to be grateful that I am alive and breathing. Loving a life worth living and overcoming the odds.

My certificate

Finished finally

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Rock to Rock Run 2012

The organizing committee of Rock to Rock Run 2012

The annual headache has come to yet another end. 

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Nike We Run KL 2012

This is my second year joining Nike We Run KL. I think Nike is one of the most exciting runs around, though I wish there is a longer distance offered and that registrations be open to genuine runners instead of opening the run to school kids first.

Yes, I owned KL. Ran on the city streets happily and I am *evil grins* glad that the whole city was jammed up because of runners. We, truly owned KL for a night.

Since most runs do not happen in Penang, my packs are always collected by friends and other fellow runners. I don't always have the luxury to feel my racepacks until a day before the event. Still, seeing the photos make me happy enough.

Me, at the starting line. 

It was still early but it was packed with people at the starting line.

That's me. One of those lucky days when I got to stay in Concorde Hotel KL.

Me again at the starting line.

A nice finisher tee but somehow preferred last year's tee which bears my name.

Tada! 1:02 is pretty much a lot of improvement from last year. Oh well, If only I had pushed harder, I was still pretty strong when finishing.

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Delta Eco Run 2012

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Adidas King of the Road 2012

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Agony of the Desired Timing

The true measure of a runner isn't in time, but rather in the effort it took along the way.

Coach Jenny Hadfield, Ask Coach Jenny blog, Runner's World.com

It was only yesterday that I thought of this issue - timing. People think that runners are cool because they run. Very often when I ask, "Do you think I can do a full marathon?" The answer I get is, "Sure you can la." Well, diplomatic answer. Guess only myself know what I go through in the process. Lol. I shouldn't ask to begin with because only myself would know if I can make it or not.

Of course, everyone can make it.

The bigger question is how would you like to finish?

STRONG!

Goals for Now

• 10 km in 1 hour
• 17km in 1 hour 55 mins
• 21km in 2 hour 30 mins

At least, that's how I wanted it. Guess I learned something today. I was obsessed with pace and have forgotten on the effort that should rightfully come from my end.

writing off,
wanting

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