Author: Christine Wong

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!

Whether you’re trying to get your family healthy, limit screen time or just looking to spend time with your children, the solution can be as simple as running. Not only can your children benefit from the regular physical and emotional challenges.

The KL Possible Run which will be held March 11 2017 at Padang Merbok!
My Hubby, children and I will be joining the 3 km family fun run. Why join the KL Possible Run 2017, well, it’s the examination week for the kids and the best way to have some fun and relax as well as de-stress is some awesome fun and family bonding too! To me, running is not just about the miles or achieving the best possible time. For kids, we need variety and fun attitude for them to enjoy and de-stress.

Hope to see all of you there at the KL Possible Run regardless of the personal best you’re trying to achieve or the marathon you’re training for, the runs you take with your child are about the two of you.

Take advantage of this time to learn about your son or daughter and what motivates them to achieve their own goals. It may even reinvigorate your own running regimen.

Make the Im-possible………Possible! KL Possible Run 2017

Last Sunday, March 5 2017, my daughter and I participated in the Malaysia Women Marathon. Why is it so popular? Maybe because it
has all the categories from a full marathon 42 km, a half marathon 21 km, 10 km, 6 km fun run and also the Columbia Kids run 2.5 km. I think it’s because of all those reasons!

It was one of those mornings I actually had to wake up earlier than I should just to eat breakfast and have time to digest before the race. However, this race was special….why? Because I ran with my 14th year old daughter Anjali Wong Rajoo for the Malaysia Women Marathon.

On race morning, we were all up nice and early. We were there an hour before the race started-plenty of time. Anjali and I met Siew Kiem, changed our T-shirts ( oversized T-shirts!) and put on our bibs and we walked towards the starting point. (Which was about 2 km). The volunteers were perky and helpful, the DJ had music blaring and everyone seemed to be having fun even though the flag off for 10 and 6 km hadn’t started.

At 6.00 am, the officials announced that there will be a warm up session by the Curve. Then at 6.33 am (3 minute delayed due to the excitement and hyped of the warm up session by the Curve) the 10 km were off. As usual, it was pretty crowded at the start, but I was able to settle into a decent pace after about half a mile.

The race starts and finishes at the Stadium Shah Alam, we started running up a steep hill which took us towards Persiaran D’ Kayangan roundabout. The course did not disappoint. It had it all: Steep hills, winding downhills, loose rocks, mud, sharp turns and loopy loops. The crowd support/cheerleaders was pretty minimal since I assume most people were waiting to cheer for the marathoners (totally understood!), but I loved the drum boys they had out there at the 2 km.

I read a little about the course description prior but I was not prepared for what followed in 2 km through 7 km, hills and lots of them. 2 km met us with a long, gradual ascent that I thought would never end, then a joyous downhill, followed by a steep incline. This went on and on….However, it was nice to care more about my mother and daughter bonding time, instead of keeping pace thoughout the race. We made some awesome, funfilled memories, laughed until our sides ached and got some really great pictures too.

The 10 km course was the 5 km course looped twice. Many 10 km were basically fun runners – to what I have noticed, many did not go through the 5 km check point. Ohhhh, then at the 7 km distance a familiar voice called out…Helloooooo, mummy.. It was simply fantastic! It was my girl, Anjali caught up with me and we even managed to take a selfie.

The course was pretty hilly all the way. Somewhere between 5 km was the check point and the turn around for the 10 km and this is where there was a little problem. The water station was located too near the check point, many 10 km runners almost took the 21 km route- there were no marshalls to direct runners. Several runners went the wrong way and many just stood there for a minute or two thoroughly confused.

The best thing about this race was, we were not focused on the finish line but rather we appreciated the run itself. The hype, the runners (98% women) and the emotions!

There was a huge crush of people after the crossing line as runners filed by to claim their medals (only to discover that the line was for apples and bananas) and it was literally like herding cattle. The organisers do have to consider how a bottleneck venue will perform with as many entrants as there were. It was a bit of a mess as runners (VERY) slowly shuffled and pushed to claim their snacks, water, apples and bananes. A few minutes later, there was an annoucement informing all finishers to collect their medals located at the basement of the Stadium….!! Urrggghhhh….Proper instructions or more volunteers to guide the finishers- next year please!

Overall, it was a good race and well run. The only suggestions I would like to make is work on the turn around directions and medal and goodies distributions.

To me:- Running isn’t about speed, running isn’t about PR’s and running isn’t about how far you go…..Running is a process and one that I should enjoy by allowing myself to go on a journey…and I did it…It was an awesome journey with my daughter, running the Malaysia Women Marathon 2017!  Every runner has a story!! What’s yours???? See you next year!

A hip, cozy spot in Seremban Two, Uptown Avenue, The Narayana- Tea stall is the perfect place for anything from a casual lunch/dinner to a family outing, friendly business meeting or alternative to the been-there-done-that date.

For a sumptuous North and South Indian Cuisine with Asian flavours that tantalizes your taste buds, Narayana-Tea stall is your answer!

The restaurant is easy to miss, but its rather bland exterior gives way to an attractive-almost luxurious-dining room inside. Dimly lit, very clean and comfortable, the restaurant features a spacious dining room. It offers good service and fine food with a menu that features recipes from both north and south India. Serving mouth watering dishes with a crew of experienced staff. Quality food and prompt service. Excellent customer service from the start till the end-leaves customers with nothing less than a feeling of pure satisfaction.

On a Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm that we visited, the place was jammed but our table was reserved. There’s a good buzz in the room.

We were then served a huge variety of food……Fish Pokoda-tender pieces of boneless fish are marinated in yogurt and lemon juice, and then dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried. The pieces of fish were flaky and tasty.

Paneer pakoda- Features homemade Indian semi-soft cubes of cheese stuffed with mint sauce, which are dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried. I enjoyed its subtle complexities.

Fish cutlets- more like a fish ball, this is minced ‘ikan tenggiri’ meat that is then fried. Soft with very light crisp, this was interesting.

Mysore mutton- Mysore is named after a city in India that also sores this signature dish. I find it quite dry but good curry and spice flavours. From my understanding, the Indians’ preference is for dryer dishes, this is a hit to all customers.

Thosai- is like a crisp and thin pancakes made of a rice and Urad dal batter. Enjoyed them hot and crisp with chutney and sambhar.

Vadas are deep fried savory doughnuts- it is really tasty and goes well and best with the ‘Masala Tea’- Narayana’s signature Tea.

Nasi Lemak- it’s rich coconut rice, Basmati rice is used to give a loose and fluffy texture, the grain also has a nutty flavour that goes well with coconut milk. It is complete with all the side dishes on offer, fried egg/half boiled egg, ikan bilis and sambal, for a full hearty meal. The stir-fried sambal has enough kick and sweetness to tame the taste buds.

At Narayana- Tea stall, think traditional Indian with a new twist! Think hip! Think fresh! Think creative yet casual. Because that’s what it’s all about- here, they believe these fun little dishes are truly the best food has to offer! But you’ll also find signature Indian curries and the most popular entrees for those days that call for classic comfort.

Narayana’s motto is “taste above all”. They make it a point to use fresh, healthy,authentic ingredients-every day and in every dish. Add in a few signature cooking secrets and a whole lot of love and that’s the Narayana- Tea stall difference!

Don’t just take my word for it! Very hospitable people, you will definetly not walk out of Narayana-Tea stall without feeling as stuffed as a turkey! I will be back for more!

To me, race day is a funny thing. It can be the source of your greatest triumph or the cause of your deepest sorrows! It can make you love yourself and hate yourself at the same time.

What makes this race unique is that it starts late in the night.

It all begins with race kit collection. Hubby went to collect it at Damen Mall, Subang Jaya. It was a brisk and no hassle at all. Race pack collection was smooth. When hubby returned home with the race kit, I put together my race day outfit. It really helps the pre-race anxiety out and ready to go. Otherwise, I’m inevitably running around the house on race day like a madwoman looking for a rouge sock or my favourite sports pants etc.

This race was different. Why? It was my first 21 km ‘midnight’ half marathon in Shah Alam. To make matters even more exciting, I had a food review at 3.30pm on race day. I broke all the running rules, tried new yummy-li-cious Indian Cuisine, drank a cup of ‘masala tea’ and two and the half glasses of ‘awesomeness’ chocolate and vanilla milkshake………..OMG! CARBO OVERLOADED!

As always, mum and dad had the kids over at their home for the weekend. What would I do without my awesome parents? Probably go bonkers! Thank you, mum and dad for always being there for us.

Before leaving the home, I checked the weather forecast, it said heavy showers and thunderstorm from 12am until 5am. Oh! Oh! So, I set and tune my mind…”It’s gonna be a wet and rainy run”! When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, right?

We reached the race venue an hour before flagged off. A pretty good location and ample of parking space.However, we noticed it wasn’t secured, none the less we took the risk to park by the road side next to some shop lots. Many runner’s feedback informed that, their cars were broken into and they had to lodge police reports due to broken wind shields,stolen laptops, cash and money. We hope that the organisers will consider a safer parking environment with RELA or security, in future.

Now let’s get back to my race review, I had the urge to go for my routine ‘porta portie’. When I got to ‘porta portie’….OMG! The line was so long and when I checked my Garmin watch, it was 20 minutes before flag off. Desperate times requires desperate measures. For some miracle, I managed to reach the starting line five minutes before flag off. The starting line was jam-packed. Hubby and I couldn’t even get into the corral. Gave hubby a quick kiss and wished him good luck and we were off! I think it took me about two minutes to cross the start after the gun. When the official was counting down……..3……2……1…….GO! Flashes of light! Flashes of light! NOOOOO..it was not the flashes of lights from the camera but instead  flashes of lighting streaked menacingly in the distance and the skies were as dark as the depths of Arkham. And the rain came…

Thankfully, I was prepared mentally for rainy and wet weather but never imagined in this type of thunder storm. At 2 km, it rained cats and dogs. A few runners decided to take shelter at the bus stops. I just kept going…My mind kept saying…’just keep swimming…..just keep swimming’ from Finding Nemo…LOL

The first mile felt like it passed in an instant. I was feeling emotional…why? One more bucket list- achieved! A half marathon at night in the heavy down pour!  Woot woot! I also just think the energy of races are so special and I love to see running bring so many people together to share such a positive common goal! The world needs a lot more of that!

Those of you who have run this Shah Alam Half Marathon would know just how challenging and demanding it is with the rolling terrain and killer incline stretch from 16 km to 19 km. The first few km of this race are pretty chill as they featured a staight route a lot of downhills. This is a huge tease to ALL-THE-HILLS that you have to run to get back at the 16 km to the 19 km at the finish. No matter how you slice it and dice it, you are going uphill to get back.

The number of cars were growing even though it was almost 1am. Traffic slowed down when we, the runners, approached and waited patiently when stopped by the traffic police while waiting for runners to passed by the busy roundabouts and junctions.

On the otherhand, I think runners really need to improve our running etiquette. Most of the time, I observed runners took up the middle of the lane, not sure because of the water and puddles or rain drops that keep hitting our faces. Some crossed the roads without considering his/her own safety. Organisers cannot ensure our safety at all time and it’s up to us to look after ourselves. Running safely is a habit not a privilege.

Then the race moved on to a notorious route..it’s rolling elevation, reached 2 km there was no sign of the water station, I could hear some runners complaining. However, the first water station was at the 4 km.

In the first 5 km, it was still raining. At 7 km onwards, saw my pace dropped a little..I kept going! I even had the chance to say ‘terima kasih’- thank you to the police traffic that was on duty. The ‘cheer’ squads were kinda demotivating. They were kinda pathetic.

At the 16 km, the next water station- yay, I was so thirsty and wanted to refuel but to my disappointment, the volunteers just kept shouting and telling the runners- ‘air habis! air habis’! No more water- keep running…….OMG! Disaster…..

Had to keep going, by this time, my wet shoes and socks gave me blisters, I could feel the the sharp pain …Kept pushing myself…kept going! No pain, No gain….right?

The sleep deprivation started cropping up. I was seriously battling from wanting to just stop and curl up along some quiet conner of the road and just sleep! The mind was completely numb by this point that if you asked me my name, I wouldn’t be able to answer you.

Then, at around 18 km, came the dreaded steep elevation again, I walked the whole 1 km. I have to admit that my heart felt like exploding and reached it’s max! The race took us towards the industrial area, passed Nestle Factory, UITM, Hospital Shah Alam, Cinemax, Tesco roundabout, the route was unfamiliar to me.

Had a twist to the route, where instead of taking the main road to the finish line, we made a turn about 500 meters and headed to the finish line. With a tight lipped smile on my face onwards I crossed the finish line and all the life’s endless possibilities awaited me. The legs were tired, blistered in pain but the mind was sharp…

RAN OUT OF MEDALS? After crossing the finish line, I didn’t spot anyone handling out the medals (keep in mind it’s dark at this point too) The girls manning it told me and some other runners they had run out! Many runners were coming up and asking for their medals and being told the same thing. When I informed them that I am a blogger and blogging about this run,  In a flash light, a few packs of medals were distributed to the finishers. Dear organiser, Please look into this matter seriously! Runners sign up and pay for the run, medals, T-shirts, goodies etc, they expect to get what they have earned and achieved!

Not every race is going to be the best race of your running career, not every lift is going to be your strongest and not every class is going to boast your best performance. That’s not suprising, that’s just life! But if you can still seek joy from the moment you are in- if you can laugh at yourself (or at least make a funny face for the camera while in all your pain)- you’re going to come out of it ahead and better for it! It’s not wasted time, it’s am “I’ll get ’em next time!”

Overall position no 49 clocked 3 hours and 22 minutes. But really, what an epic experience.Will I be back next year??? Maybe…….and if I do, I will be singing…..THE HILLS ARE ALIVE….MY RACE, MY PACE, MY MEDAL- The Race for the champions- Shah Alam Half Marathon 2017