Author: Christine Wong

One of the worst feelings in the world is to walk up to your car after you have completed a half or full marathon or a fun run and see shattered glass all around where your window used to be. Having your personal belongings stolen out of your vehicle can make you feel violated and vulnerable. There is no way to completely stop anyone from breaking into your car, but here are some tips to help prevent car break-ins during your races and marathons:-

TIPS FOR RUNNERS:-

1.  When you signed up for a race, ensure you park at the designated parking space which the event organisers has assigned to the participants. If you have to pay a certain amount of fee, just do it! Better be safe than sorry!
2. When you go for your race- NEVER EVER carry or bring cash or any valuable items with you.(If you have to, stick money or a credit card into your pocket or shoe;( just in case, you might need it)
3. NEVER EVER leave laptops, cash, mobile phones or any valuable items or documents in your car.
4. Always, Always park your vehicle at bright litted areas and ensure that there is security guards or cctv.
5. If you have to bring your personal belongings, leave it at the luggage/baggage counter provided by the event organisers.

TIPS FOR ORGANISERS:-

1. As runners and participants, we put our trust and faith in your event, please kindly ensure safety and security for all your runners and participants not only on road running but for their cars and vehicles as well. When you assigned a designated car park for the event, ensure it is protected and looked after by your staff or RELA or Polis Bantuan. There’s been many cases of car break-ins during races and marathons and it is becoming worst week by week!
2. We, the runners pay a certain amount of fee to support and participate in your running event, all we asked from the organisers:-

• Safe running conditions on roads/trails
• Ensure RELA/Marshalls/ traffic police are on duty from the start of the event until the end
• Assign RELA/Staff to look and guard the runners vehicles until event is over (especially during the night runs/trails and marathons)
• Hire additional manpower or set up a safety committee

Car break-ins, window smashing of vehicles, theft are on the rise! Do not allow these criminals to strike again! Please beef up the security!

As the saying goes….”Sepandai-pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya akan jatuh ke tanah juga”! Dear Runners and event organisers, Let’s work hand in hand to prevent and put a stop to these crimes!

Running is that time you have all to yourself, isn’t it? It’s the ultimate “me” time, when you can be at one with nature and get away from it all, when you can reflect on life’s important matters or even when you can push your body to the absolute limit in glorious, miserable solitude.

Well, deciding to join a running club is one of the best things that any runner, whatever level, can do! That’s what I did! I joined the KLCC Runners Group! The club rocks and its super duper awesome!

I had the chance to speak to Matthew Barsing, KLCC Runners Group leader over a cuppa coffee at Trader’s Hotel overlooking the sensational KLCC park. Matthew shared his hopes, dreams, goals and his passion and he told me, “we all run for different reasons, whether it’s to lose weight, keep passably fit or in some cases, to enter and maybe even win and be a podium winner in races. But KLCC Runners Group- whatever the motivation for lacing up the trainers and hitting the roads and trails, there’s a compelling reason why being a member of KLCC Runners Group can help make running even better. KLCC Runners Group values relationships and connecting people to do sports together is our mission.”

Here’s some reasons why running and joining KLCC Runners Group can be beneficial for you:-

1. You get to make new friends and meet new people
2. You stay motivated with your trainings and exercise
3. You get to share your knowledge of running with the other runners in the group
4. You learn new things and secrets about running from others
5. You are constantly challenged to run faster and farther.

In conjunction of KLCC Runners Group’s 1st Anniversary, come join us for the 1st anniversary run- what an awesome way to celebrate- Running with the stars @ Sunsuria City, Sepang on the 7th May from 6.30 to 9.30am. There will be a 5km and 7km non competitive run. For more information, please log in to myraceonline.com to register now!

KLCC Runners Group, which celebrated their first anniversary on May 1st have grown from only 1000 members to 25 000 members and held 83 free events. They also have their own #KLAPP app (on both Android and IOS) This app is awesome! Download it now and stay in the loop for news and views!

How can you be part of this running revolution? It’s as simple and easy as ABC- just “like” KLCC Runners Group at https://m.facebook.com/klccrunners

HAPPY FEET! HAPPY ME! HAPPY RUNNING!

A running buddy is more than just someone who runs next to you. A running buddy is someone who pushes you, motivates you and supports you through all the joys and struggles of running.I am blessed because I have those “SOLE – MATES” in my life.

Mile after mile, she’s always willing to go the distance, understanding you on a different level- She is my “sole-mate”….who???

What made Score Run 2017 extra special? I had the chance to run with Siew Kiem, my “Sole-sista” for the last run in Malaysia before she leaves to Myanmar to stay and work with her hubby dearest, Terence.

The race started at 5.30am, the 21km flag off was on time! About 5000 runners participated for the 21KM Half Marathon. Not only these awesome runners “conquered ths city”, these awesome runners even “conquered the hills” in the city! The route was really a challenging, hilly route for the 21 KM Half Marathon. All I can say is…No pain, No gain!

Just before the 12 KM flag off, I messaged Siew Kiem, wished her happy running and see her after the race…Off we went at sharp 6.00am!

The route for 12 KM was good. It was a thrill to be running in the city- the heart of the city center, passing through iconic buildings, running on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, smack in the middle of KL City! In deed, what an experience! It really felt that “we came, we saw, we conquered”- Veni, Vidi, Vici” Woot woot…..

Distance markers were well placed, water stations were plenty and were very well organised. Marshals did an awesome job, as promised by the organisers eventhough there were three different events that was held on the same day. However, event organisers assured that Score Run runners would be given priority. KUDOS and WELL DONE! We ran and we truly had an amazing jouney/ route- I even had the chance to passed by my old office building, Wisma Genting- where Siew Kiem and I first met in Resorts World Berhad- marketing department ……20 years ago!! OMG!! We have been friends and sole sistas for that long!!  Well, here are some main differences between spending time with Siew Kiem and hanging out with other friends:-

1. Friends support you – Running buddies (Siew Kiem) run with you
2. Friends wonder why you are going to run 21KM Half Marathon- Running buddies (Siew Kiem) will high-five and revel in your accomplishment
3. Friends will follow your race destinations – Running buddies (Siew Kiem) will run a destination race with you!

Siew Kiem..her 1st 10KM run

This race, The Score Run- was truly amazing! It was a challenge for the 21 KM Half Marathon runners, it was an awesome experience for the 12 KM runners and a truly fun filled run for the 6 KM runners. There were people there of all levels, the elite runners, “The King of hills” runners, sole mates-sole sistas, fun runners with kids and strollers, it was in deed ” A happening” Score Run 2017!

There is a special bond that I have formed with my sole-sista, Siew Kiem, an unspoken connection between us that is seldom reproduced with others. Her presence adds a unique spark to any run and an extraordinary feeling of friendship and understanding. We know each other’s strenght and weaknesses and when to provide encouragement and constructive critism. I will miss her but I look forward to running with her once again.

So, call up some friends and start planning for the next Score Run 2018. I am sure you too will find a running buddy, sole-mate/sole sista- YOU WON’T REGRET IT!

I ran because I can…Why? I’ll rewind the clock abit, to those that don’t know my story…….hmmm…slightly overweight (chubby cheeks and a big butt) some friends woud call me a potato- I was once best friend’s with Mr Couch Potato,  you see….., mother of three children, probably going through a mid-life crisis, takes up running to escape from the stresses of life, but loving every minute of it!

What running has taught me:-

Patience-every runner wants to be a sprinter and on every run, there is the desire to burst away from the starting block. Running has taught me to be patient, to hold back and have a measured approach that will see me get to the finish line in all aspects of life!

Friendship- runners are universally friendly. Whether it is 4.00am  (doing hills) or 8.00pm (night runs), runners always say hello. It might only be a nod, a smile, but there is always recognition and respect for fellow runner that always lifts your spirits!

Teamwork- Although many of us run solo, whenever I join a new running group or turn up at a race, nobody ever feels isolated or abandoned. People/runners approach each other and make each one feels warm and welcome!

Support- whenever I struggle or waiver, there is always someone (most of the time- my better half, my hubby dearest) to inspire, motivate amd keep me going. It might be a cheer squad from the event organiser, a stranger calling my name or my “sole sisters”, telling me to run up that hill, to conquer the city, but I always know that I am not alone.

Hope- Not just the “I hope this is the last KM” type of hope but knowing that you are faster, stronger and better than the next great run (or hill) won’t be the end of you!

Happiness-maybe it is the endorphins but for me it’s the feeling of air in my lungs and the sweat on my brow.

Running isn’t just an activity I do to keep fit. It is a way to de-stress, escape my worries, to bond, to test my limits and to catch up with my friends.

Happy feet…..Happy me!

See you on Sunday at the The Score Run- Conquer the city at Berjaya Time Square.

There’s nothing like running somewhere peaceful, somewhere we can get lost in thought and find a little solace in our otherwise busy days.

Here’s 3 things that runners love doing:-
1. RUNNING
2. TALKING ABOUT RUNNING
3. TRICKING THEIR FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND RANDOM STRANGERS INTO RUNNING

LOL….I see you laughing, you are laughing because you know that it is true! We have all done it!!

The kids aren’t around, your boss isn’t standing over you, it’s just you, your running shoes and the road!

I am proud to share with you that the IJM Land Half Marathon is back! It will be held on the 13 August 2017 and yes yes!!! And I am also proud to tell you that it’s my home town..woot woot! SEREMBAN! It will start from 6.00am to 11.00am and the event venue will be at Dataran Centrio, Seremban 2 (Opposite Mydin Mall). And the best part of this race…….21km half marathon finishers will receive their 21km half marathon finisher T-shirt! hooray…!Not only that, this race is more than just a race- why? Because part of the contribution goes to Pertubuhan Hospice Negeri Sembilan (HOSPICE) and Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association (MDLA).

To prepare, just lace up your running shoes and go…it doesn’t matter how fast you go, your pace, your race! So whether you are setting a goal for a new you or a goal to be part of something bigger than yourself, RUN! Sign up now for IJM Land Half Marathon 207-This race is a wonderful way to begin a fitness journey in a meaningful way. Not only will you achieve your fitness goals and earn a great sense of empowerment and accomplishment, but you will also be giving back and helping others in process.

RUN TOGETHER, BOND STRONGER!

Sign up now at http://www.ijmlandrun.com

As the darkness creeps into the evenings, a head torch becomes an essential piece of kit. Escape from civilization and step into the darkness!

I am proud to share with you, that I have conquered my fears and I survived my first night trail run- Petzl Night Trail Run 2017 which was held at Taman Rimba Alam, Putrajaya.

We arrived two hours earlier to grab a quick dinner. Then we were off to Taman Rimba Alam, Putrajaya only to be like a headless chicken, driving in circles looking for the start venue. We came across other ‘lost’ runners looking for the start venue too..There were no signages or arrows to show us the directions…Urrghh…To make matters worst, it began  to rain-not just rain but it was raining cats and dogs! Flashes of lightning and continuous thunder. Finally, I decided to logged into Facebook to look and search for any updates and the information was a last minute changed of venue to the Nexus International School area. We thanked our lucky stars, that we managed to get a nice parking spot and we waited in the car….and waited….and waited……and waited….for the rain to stop….but it did not! Then at 8.30pm, we decided to make ourselves ‘waterproof’ and walked in the rain to the start venue. Finally, there was an announcement, the race will go on….and it will be flagged off at 9pm….Could it be divine intervention or maybe you could call it a miracle…..sharp 9pm, the rain just stopped!

At 8.30pm, we were led by two awesome ladies with a warm up Zumba session. I really had a fun time dancing, jumping and yeah baby..It’s Zumba time! Then at sharp 9.00pm the 13 km was finally flagged off. The race wasn’t crowded, about 1200 runners. My heart was beating like a drum…butterflies in my tummy…..THIS IS IT! My mind said….My first night trail run…..What’s it gonna be like? So many random thoughts in my mind then……….Bang…we were flagged off! I immediately head down the hill towards the entrance of the jungle….Ohhhh…..I ran about the hall way down before cutting cross and then back up the hill. I can proudly say I conquered the hill! My legs were burning by the 2 km and I struggled but I did it!

I was slow and steady. We ran across small muddy rivers. It was an awesome experience! Never in my life, I would imagine running and playing in mud…Back home, I will be the one- yelling from the top of my lungs at my kids telling them not to play with mud……but I did it! And I proudly can say….I faced my fears!

The best part of it all was the experience! It made me be a stronger and fearless person! Why? Hmmmmm….I wore the wrong shoes! I wore my lucky road running shoes….Yeah…lesson learnt! When you run a trail run…..you need trail shoes! DUH! Anyway, the trail runners were just so awesome! Each time I fell, many runners came to my rescue! At one point of time, going down hill on a small waterfall-mud gushing waters, I had to grabbed plants and tree branches and at times, crawl on my hands and knees and grabbed tree roots….(Spider man action or maybe more like cicak man action) It was a hilarious sight and luckily there were no photographers at that particular time for evidence- if not, I would have won the best action drama category, that night! But what really touched me the most was the attitude and passion of the trail runners- they were so ever ready to lend a helping hand and to rescue a damsel in distress! LOL!

Running in the woods made me realized it was indeed a night without limits! Running, walking, hiking and at times crawling and oh yes, sliding and skiing- thanks to my lucky road running shoes in the dark- woot woot! I HAVE CONQUERED MY FEARS!

Not knowing how I would fare for the whole race, I did not attack the course as much as I could have..(Or should I say- The course/trail attacked me) LOL.. My main focus was to just finish the trail run. I kept reminding myself to keep breathing steady (That I am not gonna get murdered or killed by a zombie in the dark) that I need to save energy on the uphills, so I can run stronger on the flats and hard on the downhills and finish the race and go home!

Then, suddenly in a weird creepy feeling, something happened to me…LOL..thoughts of when you are out in the forest alone in the dark, complete silence/ the sound of the forest envelops you, your senses heightened and alert and you lose your sense of time…..of place……you start to hallucinate, then it starts…weird, scary thoughts starts creeping in my mind….A killer clown! Behind you! Annabella is right beside you! RUN! RUN! Run for you life! RUN FOREST RUN! Other times I am keenly aware of my surroundings, BUGS! BUGS! SLUGS! SLUGS! nooooooo wait! FROGS! FROGS! It’s alive! It’s alive! Nahhhhhhhh…Run Chrisy! Just run Chrisy! Run and just finish this night trail run!

At some point after my diversion, I came across the 13 km runners, which was an interesting case for me because for some reason it made me hike/walked/crawled and ran a little faster. Entering downhill portions, finding passing lanes was a lot of fun, as was zig zagging around the trails and blasting through mud.

Yes, there was mud! Lots of it, the course overall was muddy and wet due to the heavy down pour which made the Petzl Night Trail Run even more AWESOME! Wearing compression socks was a good idea in a way as mud flew up my leg but my feet was intact..phew…but it kept me going…when the going gets tough…the tough gets going! In a very strange and weird way, the trail kept going and going and goin…to me it seemed endless…but it felt right at home!LOL….Finally, I reached the finishing line with the time 1 hour and 25 minutes (garmin watch) and the distance trackked at 7.7 km….woahhhhhhhhh…..For a first timer……

All I can say is, I LOVED IT! I can’t tell you how much all of that-interesting, lower impact trails, along with the challenging terrain, was exactly what a road runner like me wanted! (NOT!) Trail running as I did during this trail run used some of the same concepts but with huge twists that made it so interesting for me!

Overall, it was an awesome experience- water stations were well manned, volunteers did a tremendous awesome pawsome work despite the heavy rain, markers and directions were well placed, the terrain and route was simply amazing!

Thank you for making my first Night Trail Run an amazing journey and a memorable moment to treasure. Will I be back next year……???Oh yes, you can count on it….!

As you walked into the restaurant, you might be a little confused….The restaurant’s set up makes you feel that you are no longer in Malaysia but somewhere in the Middle East. The interiors are fairly basic and not naturally ambient, it’s not surprising that the venue prefers to focus on the cuisine rather than the decor. “Excellence is not a skill, but an attitude” is reflected in the food and service at Belqis Restaurant.

With the chef armed with years of experience from Yemen, the restaurant promises to serve authentic Arabian food.

Many of the dishes come in platters, of two people and more, enough to feed the whole family. A very common picture of Arabian dining that comes into our mind is of large cluster of people sitting around the table, with generous amount of rice topped with perhaps a whole lamb.

Their Biryanis, notably the most popular dish, are of particular merit and well worth their reputation. However, they also offer a popular selection of starters and kebabs. The “wannabe” authentic Arabic ambiance of the restaurant compliments the cuisine on offer, primarily a selection of tastefully presented and well-made Middle East delicacies. The large-portioned and reasonably priced Biryanis, vegetarian or grilled dishes are a must and so is their popular mixed grill selection, where diners will receive a generous and delicious combination of lamb and chicken, served with tasty sides and fries.

Just don’t take my word for it, Try it! Restoran Belqis, No 165, Jalan S2 B22, Pusat Dagangan Centrio

or contact 066014002 or 0122913170

Saturday morning started at 4am, with coffee, hot milo and with some peanut butter sandwiches and 3 sleepy kids but they were super excited!

The race was held at Padong Merbok. We arrived Padang Merbok an hour before the race start and got our bibs and T-shirts. Met the awesome race director- Former SEA GAMES runner Mr Ganesan. He was extremely busy but always had a smile on his face and always so ever ready to assist in anyway he could.

What a striking sea of orange! We waited for the officials to flag off the 10 km runners, which was on time! It was an awesome start. The race also had tremendous support from the KLCC runners group that came together as one to make this race even more a successful one. A total of 320 members joined this race. Thank you, Mr Matthew Barsing ! KUDOS KLCC RUNNERS!

Few minutes later, the 3 km family fun run was flagged off. The race started with no issues,heading into a very slight incline. Amisha, aged 12 and Avinash, aged 10, ran so fast thanks to their adrenaline..They were running towards the path that leads to a small hilly upslope, my hubby was running with Anjali, aged 14 and me….I checked the race route carefully the day before and I knew this was included! It is not my favourite part of the race, good thing is that this was right at the beginning of the race, fresh legs to do the upslope.

There were several water and electrolye stations along the 10 km course with lots of volunteers manning those stations as well as in between, at every turn and cross over point. All the volunteers were ethusiastic with lots of cheering, words of encouragement and reporting on placing. It was a beautiful day running (or should I say- running after my kids) The route was hilly and with lots of modest rolling hills.

A well organised small scale race. I thought that it was a smooth race with well placed distance markers at each KM, adequate water point for such short distance race, and enough volunteers stationed at different parts of the race to guide runners along.

It was so nice to care more about our quality time, family bonding time instead of keeping pace throughout the race. It was a fun little event, too bad that more people and families didn’t show up but I am hoping that if KL Possible Run do it again next year, the word will get out! This race event had awesome and amazing timing by the 10 km runners such as 33 min and 22 seconds….Just simply amazing!

Once completed, finishers were given a nice, well detailed sturdy medal that says, “Everyone can run”- love the tagline! There were plenty of refreshments and snacks from sponsors such as Milo, 100 Plus, Brooks etc.

We will be back! Super well organized, lots of great features, a nice hilly route (Nice?? More like killer hills….LOL) Fun for the family. This event was fantastic. Everything about this is great amd these sentiments were shared by many running friends, families and people I met on the day! We will be back!