Langkawi Island Ocean Marathon

Distance: 42km
Pace: 8'28"/km 05:55:23
Date: 21 April 2013
Time: 4.30 am
Location: Awana Porto Malai, Langkawi. Kedah

To think that on my 28th birthday in 2012, I treated myself to a backpacking adventure in Langkawi. Part of the adventure included running 17km at 11 am. Man, it was a hot one. It was my wish to run a marathon in Langkawi but from the reviews of seasoned runners, it seemed that Langkawi had a bad reputation for marathons. In the past, organizers had planned, postponed and cancelled off events without refunds etc, I heard but I can't be certain.

Well, suddenly there's a real marathon for me - right in Langkawi. If it wasn't a dream come true what do you call that? Again, I heard, that the run in Langkawi is in safe hands as it was organized by the organizer of River Jungle Marathon, the Marathon Shop. Magic happened and happens.

Flagged off at 4:30 am, running towards the airport, head tilted up, I was so mesmerized by the amount of stars there were in Langkawi. There were countless constellations - so romantic.

Before the race started, I heard a few persons saying that it wasn't an easy route. I had no idea what was in store for me. During the run, I met hills after hills - long stretch. At one point, a guy side, "This is already the peak anything after this is downwards." I couldn't be more relieved.

Well, very close to the finish, there was one more steep hill. My mind went berserk immediately. Then a famous running photographer ran beside me up that slope and told me, "Cannot stop until you reach finish. Cannot stop. Cannot stop." You have no idea how big a difference those words were to me. Thank you.

The pretty medal. Volkswagen for the win!

My lucky number in Langkawi!

In the wee hours, we reported at the starting line.

Finishing! Damn it. I finished it! The mad and endless hills.

Yes, for all the runners out there. There's every reason to be proud.

Indeed, Keep Calm and Lari Marathon. There's nothing better than this.

New friends found. Runners are always friendly and full of joy.

A cute guy. One of the friends we meet on the road. :) We run everywhere, yeah!

It was my 28th birthday when I came here with Chris. Reminiscing great times.

The famous Cenang Beach during sunset. I can't get enough of you.

Look at the amount of stuff my cousin made me buy.

The beautiful place that was my refuge during my time in Langkawi. 

This trip to Langkawi had been a very blessed one. See you again, Langkawi.
Felt so good to meet a dear old friend again after so many years.

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Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013

February 28, 2013 - Registration

Not always the utmost confident person and all these running feel new to me especially where marathons are concerned. Sometimes my level of spontaneity is so high and living the Just Do It attitude - I don't really think of consequences of the things I do.

Here's a day when I wonder if I'm running too much. What's too much really? I consulted my best friends.

It was solved faster than I ever dreamed.

On seeking second opinion.

So I registered! The heart wants what I want.

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YOMA Yangon International Marathon 2013

The long awaited certificate is finally here.

Doing sub 5 in my second full marathon is still unbelievable to me. It could be a one time magic in my life. For this, I shall always treasure this little piece of goodness.

Believe in magic!

Yippie! Here's the certificate.


Finally arrived in Yangon! First time! Still remember spending a night at the LCCT sleeping on the cold airport floor. It was a warm feeling to know that almost half the passengers in the flight were runners. I was surrounded by runners front and back and side.


At the racepack collection centre.


And the running buddies.


On the morning of the run, we met the emcees of the marathon.


Met random runners that would who knows one day be friends.


Those moments when we feel patriotic.


Right at the finish, I was asked to pose for the camera. Still stunned from the pain and sweat and heat of Yangon.


And then immediately ushered to 100 Plus for another photo. Here's a not-so-stunned smile.


Yippie! With the blessings of Shwe Dagon Temple in the background. I completed with flying colours!

Another group pic with everyone.

New friend found.

Happy Penangites in Yangon.

Awesome threesome! 

Another new friend found.

Alas~ time to rest and go travelling.

I have to say that the best way to know a place is to travel on foot and feel the earth. 42km is really quite a significant distance. What made Yangon so uniquely Yangon? It is a place like no other. On first impression, the weather was awesome for me at least for the first 30km. It was so chilly in the morning that I missed the winter in China.

On a second note, it was full of dust and quite a lot of cars at certain part of the route.

Those aside, the people were really warm, they even gave us cheers and high fives and the run was so well organized. 

Finally, I couldn't help but sing, "and I think to myself, what a wonderful world."

Signing off, with lots of love and joy.

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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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