Month: May 2016

My partner in crime Yun Ling

For me, one of the most amazing thing behind any run, race or marathon is everything gets left behind……your background, your job, your age, your gender. None of it is relevant! Running is an open sport for all, it does not matter if you have a lot or little of money, whether you have a university qualification or a dropped out from school, all you need is a pair of running shoes and a passion for running….

For many of us, we use running as a way to chill out or de-stress, a way to declutter what may be going on in our lives. Running can make it a very personal time, a time for a little gossip or a little rant about something annoying us, we talk and we share (before, during and after) the run. Therefore, I always feel very privileged to be part of that space and energy, to be allowed and invited by the organisers to write stories and to spend that special time with them out on the run!

IJM Rimbayu Run With Me 2016- let’s run together-gather lah!Hmmm…we see each other going through all emotions when running. We sometimes see each other at our lowest- the killer hill at 7 KM when you are doing 12 KM, the run where you forgot to fuel properly and you hit the wall, the run where everything hurts and all you want to do is cry…..etc….However, this is where it gets good because……through these tough times, our running friends provide the best support! We share our last tissue, give away our last drop of energy drink, provide encouraging words, a smile…..We are in it together and together we motivate and inspire each other.

If you are lucky enough to have great running friends or “sole mates/sisters” like I do, I challenge you to join IJM Rimbayu Run With Me and have an extra mile on this run together-gather!

If you are new to running……the exciting part is that I believe you will soon be making new friends! This is where your challenge comes! Be brave and take the first step, go and ask your office mates, that neighbour, that person you sort of know, who you have seen going out for a little run……Let’s go together-gather for IJM Rimbayu Run With Me 2016.

It may seem a daunting prospect but go and pull up those running socks, lace up, take a deep breath and let’s go sign up now!

You never know who you might meet and the friendships you will make along the way!

Running by the beach sounds so romantic, doesn’t it? The sun glints off the water, the sounds of crashing waves….Yeah right! Sure, running by the beach is idyllic, but it isn’t all movie-montage stuff..Why just take my word for it? Be there or be square!

So, you signed up for the PD Coast Run which will be held on 4 June 2016! Congratulations! On making an excellent choice! It is going to be a great race. But maybe right now, some of you runners may be thinking, what the heck was I thinking registering for this race?

If you are having that moment, then you need to write this down……Go ahead and I will wait….Go and get one of those sticky note-it things.Hmmmmmm……okay, cool..you are back! LOL…..Here’s what you need to write down:

1. It is called “Larian Pantai & Seribu Senyuman” what more can you asked for? All smiles after all the miles..LOL
2. Run for a cause- Bank Rakyat has sponsored 20 children from “Yayasan Anak-Anak Yatim Daerah PD”, they will be participating in the 8 KM run
3. Woot….woot……Virtual Run- You can also run this race anywhere and anytime and a special token will be given during the post dinner.
4. Carnival atmosphere- Thank you! Thank you! Terima Kasih! To all sponsors such as MILO, REVIVE Isotonik Drink, PD Food truck, PD thistle Hotel etc.

Running is truly about routine, consistency and persistence. Show up and get it done and you will improve. Do it even when you don’t feel like doing it! Don’t think about the next run, just RUN THIS RUN! You will have some good runs and some bad runs. You won’t feel well, or you will be tired. But every run, if you open yourself  up to the notion, will surely teach you something. In fact, there really are no bad runs. It is just a learning opportunity when it doesn’t go according to plan.

So, if this is your first race, just keep lacing up, if you are recovering from an injury, be kind to yourself and if this race is a new distance for you, know that training will help you get you where you want to be. This race will be an amazing experience!

As a runner, your greatest asset- or sometimes enemy, is your brain! What you think and feel on and off the road also has a tremendous influence over how you perform once you lace them up on race day!

I may not be running as much as I would like but I feel that my life is still one big running adventure.

Sometimes on your journey, you will come to a cross road where there will be multiple paths for you to choose. Sometimes these paths, you have no idea what is ahead! It can be pretty scary, if you ask me…..Anyhow, all you can do is only trust your gut and continue veering to the left or just run blindly forward and hope and pray that it is the right choice! The journey is yours to take!

After weeks upon running for seemingly no reason whatsoever…. I finally have a race to look forward to The Bagan Lalang Beach Run , 29 May 2016.

So dear runners, do not let the speed bumps and detours discourage you, because when you accomplish what you set out to do, the feeling is great!