Category: Running

What is the most important thing that you did today? Maybe you took care of your family, tried your best at work (you know you always do!), or helped a friend. Can any of you say that you helped save a life today? And that it took only about half an hour of your time? Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to truly make a difference to those who are in need.

Last weekend, My hubby and I had the opportunity to be part of a Blood Donation “Save a life campaign” which was held at Seremban Prima on the 22 and 23 August 2020 with collaboration of the Rotary Club of Seremban, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar and Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan branch. More than 300 blood donors came forward to make this blood donation campaign a success!

More than 44,000 people need blood donations every day! Although science and medical management are advancing, there is NO substitute for blood that is necessary for transfusions and more. The only way to obtain the blood vital to saving people’s lives, is from donators just like you.

So now that we’ve talked about the WHY, let’s talk about the WHAT. What is involved in donating blood?
You must first meet a few basic health requirements in order to be eligible. You must be in good health (you are not fighting a cold or feeling poorly that day), are at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 49kg. When you arrive at your donation appointment or the blood drive you may participate in, you will be put through a brief medical history, followed by a brief health screening.

You will have your pulse, blood pressure, weight and temperature checked. So you basically get a mini-physical for free! Some tips to ensure a smooth donation are to drink extra fluids to maintain adequate hydration, about 16 ounces before the donation, and eat a healthy meal that is not high in fats. You should always try to eat an iron rich diet that includes foods such as leafy vegetables, beans, fish, poultry and red meat. If you have low iron levels in your blood, you will not be able to donate.

After the donation, which only takes about 10 minutes, you will be given a light refreshment and relax for a few minutes. Eight weeks later you are able to return and do it again!

One single blood donation is separated into three different parts, and is able to help up to 3 people. Think about how many lives you can help save, if you began to donate blood once or twice a year, and continue as you are able.

So, what are you waiting for?

GET FIT, GET HEALTHY! The theme of today’s Zumba event, a collaboration with Seremban Prima and PRO A3 FITNESS. As we work together through the recovery from Coronavirus, we encourage you stay active and start exercising!

Here are a few key reasons why you should sign up for the next FREE Zumba session:

• It helps your lungs recovery during and after illness
• It helps your arms and legs stay strong
• Improves your mental health

Zumba is one of the most popular exercise crazes in current years, and with precise reason! There are many fitness benefits of zumba, which include its potential to burn calories, work out the whole body, enhance the metabolism, increase endurance, raise mood, aid coordination, and enhance confidence.

Last Saturday, 08082020, team PRO A3 Fitness with the collaboration of Seremban Prima, held a “FREE” Zumba Session in Seremban Prima, center court at 11.00am to 12noon with a total of 100 participants. Participants and walk-in customers and the public began to arrive as early as 10am to book their slots due to strict SOP by the management of Seremban Prima. We were all required to used our face mask before and after the event, a temperature checked before entering the premises and then straight to the designated slots with markings of one meter psychical distance. For all those who registered were given a FREE T-shirt sponsored by PRO A3 Fitness, a goodie bag, a cap and free flow of cool and chilled lemonade and drinks sponsored by Seremban Prima.

Yes, most people can dance Zumba. Both men and women, children, adults and the elderly and people of all races, fitness levels, dance backgrounds (or the lack of) all around the world enjoy Zumba classes. Absolute beginners can either challenge themselves by throwing themselves into the deep end with the normal Zumba session or learn the different basic steps and choreographies of the dances and different rhythms in the Zumba For Beginners classes. Most students will learn fast enough to enjoy a good class and have a fun, effective workout within a few classes. The key is to keep moving to keep FIT, have FUN and  look FABULOUS!

See you on the 19 September 2020 at 11am, Seremban Prima for another fantastic, awesome and happening 1 Hour FREE Zumba!

 

The Holy Month of Ramadan usually sees Malaysians buying their favourite meals from bazaars or breaking fast at Hotels offering special festive buffets. Although that will not be possible right now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still get delicious classics.

Thistle Hotel Port Dickson has curated Iftar meal sets you can order—that will be delivered to you so you can feast at home with your loved ones. This year’s Ramadan may prove to be different than every other year but let’s make the best of it while we can. Especially when your favourite hotel, Thistle Hotel, PD is now offering delivery right to your doorstep.

You know those mornings when you wake up craving for fragrant coconut rice, sweet and spicy homemade sambal, and crispy anchovies? Well, Crave is your go-to not only because it’s the Original Nasi Lemak by Thistle Hotel Port Dickson, but also because they get every component right.

Their exquisite sets such as Set Nasi Dagang, Set Masak Lemak, Set Asam Pedas, Set Nasi Ayam, Set Nasi Arab, Set Western— which are the supersized versions of their famous Sets— are now available for takeaway. Get ready for all your favourite sides including Nasi kukus, Basmati rice, fish fillet, ikan bilis, homemade sambal, bergedil, sambal eggs, sambal ikan kering and more, plus your choice of either Curry Chicken, Beef Rendang or Mutton Rendang.

 

The Western Set serves up rich and nutritious mash potato that makes you feel warm and cosy on a rainy day. For a dose of Vitamin C, we recommend the Tangy Tomato with Basil. Seafood lovers will be thrilled with its Fish Finger which is made together with fresh, sweet buttered vegetables, a creamy sweet pastry prepared with delicious pudding, is a strong crowd favourite.

Indulge in their set meals, which pair a choice of dessert with tantalising options to suit various taste buds. For a more substantial meal, order the Flatbread set which comes with your choice of flatbread, while those craving for a lighter meal can go for the Salad set, which comes with your choice of half salad. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert Set provides a sweet ending to your meal.

Fill up on much-needed heart and brain-boosting Omega-3 with lip-smacking BBQ Menu, Kuih manis, kuih pedas sets as well.

Ayam Percik

Choice of chicken thigh or chicken breast, served with nasi minyak and acar nenas. The chicken is so tender, slathered in a kick-ass spicy percik sauce. So good!

Ikan bakar (Grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf)
There are a few types of fish to choose from, including stingray and seabass, as well as squid, lamb shoulder, chicken and beef steak. My personal favourite is the stingray, eaten with the spicy soy sauce. Served with white rice and mini dodol.

Kerabu Mangga
A refreshing young mango salad dressed with cili padi, shallots, coriander, lime juice, vinegar and peanuts. The perfect accompaniment to the buka puasa feast.

Choose from a wide selection of a la carte dishes (suitable for two to three people) including satay, Roti John, Kerabu Ulam, Kambing Bakar, beef Rendang and don’t forget to feast on local specialties like Ayam Masak Merah, Kerabu Manga with Ikan Bilis and Ayam Golek Berempah.

Since families are not able to balik kampung and savour their annual family dishes during buka puasa and Raya, Thistle Hotel, Port Dickson has got you covered. They’ve crafted special Ramadan menus infused with rich local flavours and plenty of nostalgia, and you can now enjoy them through food delivery, takeaways, or pick-ups.

The culinary masterminds at Thistle Hotel Port Dickson are dishing out a variety of traditional family set meals that you can order for delivery or takeaway from April 24 until May 23 to celebrate your Ramadan at home.

Savor the exquisite delights and revive the traditions of the Holy Month of Ramadan with your family and friends.

To know today’s menu for take away box,

Here are the simple steps to order:-

1. Call 06-648 2828 or 012-777 2983 to place your orders and provide your delivery address, name, contact number and preferred time of delivery

2. Make payment to the Hotel’s Hong Leong Bank account – PD Resort Sdn Bhd (30000028628)

3. Snap the receipt after payment has been made and send it to 012-777 2983 through whatsapp

4. Food will be prepared and delivered accordingly.

5. Enjoy your meal 🙂

The current Covid-19 pandemic sure has uprooted the daily lives of many runners. And although most large races that were set to take place this year have been postponed or canceled, many runners are still eager and willing to get outside for their workouts, especially if it’s the only time they go outside all day.

Don’t let the virus get you down and make the historic “Stay at home challenge 3 KM Run” part of your self-quarantine routine. While we are practising social distancing and staying indoors, don’t forget to stay active. You can run, jog or walk anytime and anywhere. ( At home/indoors/garden/porch etc)

“HOPE SUPPORT, NEED SUPPORT, DO SUPPORT FOR A GOOD DEED!”

The battle against Covid-19 rages on. All around the world, responsible citizens are doing their part by staying home to flatten the curve. For runners, this is a small sacrifice we must make. And so, here’s a shout out to all runners to get up, run and take this challenge. You can run on your treadmill, in your porch along your house, in your garden, around the kitchen table etc.

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!

Distance: 3 KM

Registration period: Now- 10th June 2020

Run/Upload results period: Now-24 June 2020

Venue: Anywhere (Safe to run)

Category/Fee: RM20 (excluded courier fee)

Entitlement: Event T-shirt, E-Certificate and sling bag (ULTRON)

GUIDE LINES:

STEP 1: Register

STEP 2: Run & Record using app example Pacer, Racerunner, Strava etc (You can run anywhere/ You can run in multiple segments)

STEP 3: Upload results to the event page

STEP 4: Wait and receive finisher award!

Swapping the pounding pavements for plush carpets doesn’t sound all too bad does it? The stairs don’t limit you to only ‘step-up, step-down’ exercises either, get creative.

Once you feel like a ‘stair-exercise master’- run and exercise for an extra challenge.

To participate and register go to http://t2u.asia/e/18271

 

The half marathon is a running event with a distance of 21,097.5 metres.

The Putrajaya and Cyberjaya race route was not at all flat as most runners would think. Its rolling hills and the occasional up and down the bridges under humid hot weather could take a toll on a runner.

The venue at Persiaran Flora was a long stretch of road, maybe longer than the whole stretch of Dataran Merdeka. It was an appropriate venue to hold that size of an event with various tents (for goodies collection, sponsors’ booth, refreshment, etc) were set-up at both sides of the road. Parking space was ample while many latecomers just parked their vehicles by the roadside of the deserted Cyberjaya. The start for the full marathon was nothing big, just a simple one.

I experienced a whole range of emotions! In the morning I was completely hyper. I felt both nervous and ecstatic at the same time.

Walking to the race took about 5 minutes. We parked at the designated parking area for runners, walked about 5 minutes from the starting point and were greeted with literally hundreds/thousands of people.

You know the drill…wait in line for port-a-potty, do your thing, get in corral and wait. That’s exactly what we did.

Standing there at the starting line was an overwhelming experience. There were 5,000 people ready to run. It was still dark.

Looking straight ahead all you could see was the “countdown” to the start. The organisers got a band of “Bollywood” drums to kick-start the event. My heart was beating so fast. The music was playing, energy was soaring. Some were crying, others were laughing, some were still “membawang” and still others were just mentally preparing themselves as well!

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1….

And we were off!

I paced myself well and just kept moving.

The first sector was to run around the central district of Cyberjaya’s business hub. Was a little pack but enough to navigate through the runners.

I was also really impressed by how the race directors managed the crowds. Setting up race fencing was a great way to reduce the massive wave of people who would likely have occurred if they hadn’t. The start line was pretty narrow, and shoots you up a short, curved hill in the first quarter-mile. It would have been mayhem of pace failures if they didn’t think smart — and I’m glad they did.

I always aim for the inside to avoid getting boxed in. This time, that meant running right next to moving traffic, some of which was aggressively driving past the race, probably annoyed they had been slowed down. Certain parts of the route were dark and the street lights were not lit. Certain stretches of the lane was pretty dark but was lucky the road was mostly in good conditions. For the elite or fast runners, it was quite dangerous running at this route, only cones were placed by the side. Runners safety were at risk!

There were times throughout the race when I wanted to cry just because I was so happy! I’m not saying that the whole 21 kilometer was such a breeze that I was on Cloud 9 the whole time. What I am saying is that there I was -doing it – really doing it. I did it for me – for the me I am now and for the me that I hope to be better and stronger!  I did it for everyone who could not be out there running. I was so thankful. I felt so blessed. And so when the hills got tough for me, I just fought them right back!

I don’t remember much except running towards the water and then through a few residential streets where one woman in her tutu’s came and over took some runners and yelled “it’s a beautiful day for a run!” Like it was some casual run we were all out for. I laughed. It also felt very crowded around these miles. I tried to conserve my energy and not weave. My time is evident of being held up a little by the crowds.

Hit the 10K right around 55:00 (Signages and markers were barely helpful. It only tells you from every mile marker to go straight, to turn left, turn right.) I was just running and not knowing the distance…not as easy as it sounds when all your energy is going into moving your legs) and was feeling pretty good. The energy was awesome from the crowds.

Around the 15KM there were people standing with bananas, holding them out for us to grab. I decided I better grab one since the saying goes, there is always the first time for everything! I held it in my hand like a baton. I just tasted it. Somehow that taste helped me get through.

Was merged back again with the full marathoners and I think the 12KM runners too. But was lucky it didn’t clog up the running path as the roads were wide enough to cater for everyone. The only thing I missed was the food stations. It was heaven on earth. It made me so hungry…. but I just kept on moving. At that point, I was ready to be done. I started to pick up the pace. I could feel that my knees were going to be an “achin’ unit.” AND THEN…..the roaring and cheering was heard. I knew the end was there. For about the last  700meters I felt as though I was i n the Olympics. There was Red Carpet. A straight shot. A sprint. Thousands of people on both sides of you…..just seconds away – loud music, cheering, speakers – my last all….everything I had….Crossing the TWINCITY HALF MARATHON Finish Line!

It’s an amazing experience to set off with so many people who all have the same goal. It took me a while adjust to running in a crowd, but the running itself went quite well for most of the race. I found the last 5 kilometres very difficult. There was so much going through my mind. Besides being physically demanding, running a half marathon is also mentally challenging. I kept thinking,   “I can’t go on. I have to stop and walk for a while.”. But when I saw how many people were overtaking me, my inner dialogue changed to  “Run Chrisy, run! Everyone is overtaking you!”  This kind of self-talk is constantly going through your head.  It’s an amazing experience to run with so many people at the same time, but the truth is you have to run all 21 kilometres on your own.

As I sit here and typed this review, I am actually truly amazed at what I have accomplished. I am so thankful for my body. It is pretty freaking amazing. It’s crazy how you can run miles and miles if you put your mind to it. And that’s what I have learned through this whole experience. Long distance running is all mental. If you really really want something, you can do it. We are all capable of so much and I am so glad I was able to see exactly what that looks like for me. The biggest takeaway for me though is that when it comes down to it, mentality is everything. Your body is capable of doing extraordinary things, and you can’t let a negative mindset take hold. Perseverance, belief in yourself, and the fortitude to finish, no matter the distance or day, is all that matter.

So my advice: If you have any desire whatsoever to run a half or full marathon, do it. Just sign up! That way you have something to work towards and look forward too.

India is defined by its authentic traditions and food forms part of the rich Indian culture. Here at Narayana Tea Stall, they would like to take you back to their roots and show you the authentic colours of India through their warm hospitality, fresh ingredients and delightful cuisines bursting with flavours. Select your journey from their scrumptious medley of street food from various states of India such as Dahi Puri, Vada Pav, Amritsari Chole with Stuffed Bhatura, Methi Pakoda, and many more.

There’s something comforting about eating comfort food – ‘Food for the Soul’ they say – as it evokes tender memories of meals prepared by our mothers or even grandmothers.

 In their kitchen, they take simple dishes and transform them into exotic cuisines by adding a touch of finesse to their delicacies prepared by chefs hailing from India. Tantalize your taste buds with our assortment of rustic spices and relish an ethnic fine dining experience like no other at NARAYANA TEA STALL, Sri Sendayan. 

Opening in the newest eating locale called  Narayana Tea Stall, tucked in Sri Sendayan – Seremban’s exclusive and opulent neighbourhood – Narayana Tea Stall is bound to entice your taste buds and create a unique dining experience. The restaurant which boasts authentic Indian cuisine aims to take customers on a culinary journey through one of the of the most colourful sub-continents in the world.

 Ambience

While Narayana Tea Stall saw a relatively quiet opening, word seems to have gotten out in the interim, as I popped in on a weekday at 11am to a full restaurant The interiors are striking with cinematic allusions to Marvels’s famous Heroes, featuring a centrepiece of auspicious tree and soon a water fountain, perhaps….., casting a sentimental feeling and moody glow on the spacious dining room.

The elongated space is divided into a few sections and seats a total of 100 diners. Newly whitewashed walls and deep grey trim temper gleaming white and black tile floors and beautiful overhead lighting. Indian art adorns the walls and twanging strings of traditional and at times modern up beat music set the mood.

The chef, Krishna, who has been with Narayana Tea Stall for many years (branch in S2, Uptown) has many years of experience and has the passion and love for what he has been doing for years.“His cooking is very clean and delicious,” Ravee says. “He keeps an eye on everything and wants the ingredients and preparation to be a certain way.”

The menu is heavy on appetizers and chaat (savory snacks), thali specials (sampler plates), tandoori clay oven specials, and curries and naan (Indian bread) with toppings.

Chicken fritters, or pakoras, are battered with house garbanzo bean flour batter. These are a parent’s answer for the fussy child who has not veered from recognizable Malaysian flavors. The lively herby mint and sweet tamarind dipping sauces and the slivered cucumber garnish add welcoming zing and freshness for palettes wishing for a flavor boost.

Pieces of half chicken, brushed by paprika and baked in a tandoor clay oven, arrives on a platter and is overlaid with curry-hued slices of onion and wedges of lemon . The yogurt- and spice-marinated legs and thighs are buttery and tender, having been given the advantage of deep cuts sliced into the meat that become flavor-catching crevices. Light charring adds smokiness.

Vegetarians have ample choices — potatoes, cauliflower and peas cooked in a tomato-based curry sauce (aloo matar gobi); a combination of ginger, garlic, tomato, spices and coconut milk (mushroom masala), and vegetarian coconut curry. The latter binds together potato, cauliflower, bell peppers, peas, carrots and broccoli in thick, creamy coconut, garlic and ginger white sauce that’s perfect for swiping with the naan.

The plain naan is perfectly adequate on its own, but add in red and green onion and Indian spices or smother it with warm, shimmering pesto and, although it might lose some of its airiness, it’s hard to resist.

Biriyani dishes resemble stir-fry and are dominated by rice. Choose chicken with a confident kick of spice, lamb, prawns or vegetarian. Raiti (yogurt, carrot, cucumber and house-made spice) comes as a condiment and is a refreshing compliment.

Ms Sobana has been devotedly running her restaurants for a long time. She brings a steady following for filling and fully flavored cuisine and efficient, accommodating service. She also prides herself on her commitment to giving back to her community through charity organizations, school fundraisers, thanksgiving meals etc.

HARIYALI CHICKEN TIKKA

Crispy fried spinach leaves coated with thin batter, mixed with chopped vegetables, different chutneys and drizzled with yoghurt

PANEER TIKKA

Delectable pieces of marinated cottage cheese mixed with spices and pickles and slowly barbequed in a tandoor and skewered with roasted peppers and onions

TANDOORI CHICKEN

Specially marinated chicken with a combination of special Indian herbs and spices, roasted in tandoor

CHICKEN TIKKA

Boneless marinated chicken slow grilled in tandoor and skewered with roasted peppers and onions

The menu, as you might expect, is a sort of greatest hits assemblage of the most popular Indian dishes. The tandoori chicken is bright red and butter-tender, with the meaty heft of the charred flesh balanced out by a tangle of barely cooked sweet, white onions. For a dish that’s often cursed to be dried to a chewy, wood-chip texture by the heat of the clay oven it’s cooked in, Narayana’s version is impressively moist, retaining a slight tanginess from the yogurt that marinated the meat. The saag paneer’s cheese cubes have a nice elastic bounce, the perfect foil to the creamy blanket of pureed spinach and onion that they float in, with a mild spiciness that cuts through the fat, like a dressed-up version of the creamed spinach that used to be de rigueur in every high-class steakhouse. And the butter chicken is impossibly soft, pillowy meat absorbing the pool of creamy, buttery tomato sauce that tastes almost like a smokier penne alla vodka, the perfect accompaniment to their fresh-cooked, crispy-edged naan, whose spongy interior makes the ideal tool for sopping up all these saucy plates.

Narayana Tea Stall is a restaurant that feels like home.

Narayana Tea Stall presents a special breakfast, lunch, teatime and dinner for folks, so foodie where are you? Diners at Narayana Tea Stall will demand you to have a plate full of your favourites without missing out on any! Then this weekend, cancel all your appointments and grab a delectable North Indian cuisine!

Narayana Tea Stall, No 230, Sendayan Merchant Square.

For for information, please contact 06-7923684 or http://www.facebook.com/narayateastall.

Business Hour: Weekdays 8.30am to 10.30pm

 weekend & Public holiday 8.30am to 10.45pm

Not sure about you, but as one of the most exciting holidays of the year looms closer, I’ve been gearing up for joyful days filled with laughter, cheer, and the most delicious feasts of the year! It won’t be a Christmas fete without an appropriate feast.

A traditional celebration begins at home, but there’s no reason why you can’t end the year with a bang at Royale Chulan, Seremban, Christmas buffets are to be expected at this time and Royale Chulan, Seremban has got you covered. It is going all out this Christmas, spreading cheer from the moment you walk through the lobby. Gingerbread house, Santa’s mailbox, and even his sleigh will be on display throughout the entire month of December. Be sure to also head to Asiatique Restaurant. This buffet spread offers both local and international cuisine, including roast turkey and lamb.

Celebrate the most magical time of the year with a festive-themed buffet showcasing authentic specialties, including Christmas favourites. Held at Asiatique Restaurant, the hotel’s Coffee House, the Christmas Eve buffet is bound to spice up your festive spirit. Expect delights such as Deep fried Tiger Prawns with golden oats and Herb Crusted Lamb Rack with Lemon infused Lamb juice, Roasted Turkey with Cranberry and Giblet Sauce, Baked Rib Eye with Mustard and Black Pepper Sauce, Roast Rack Lamb with Middle East Spices and Cinnamon Infused juice, Deep fried Baby Garoupa with Thai King Sauce, Japanese Fried Rice, and Turkey Casserole among others.

If you’re looking for a hearty feast, Royale Chulan Seremban, the hotel’s Coffee House is the place to go. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner buffet includes seafood on ice, chicken terrine, smoked duck breast, an assortment of sushi, a selection of cheese, Irish lamb stew, among many other choices. There will also be a carving station featuring roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing and roasted lamb leg with rosemary sauce, noodle counter, seafood on ice, pasta station and many more.

Put a fire in your belly and let it smoulder in your memory – we’re introducing the star of Christmas feasts this year – the Roasted Turkey & Roasted Beef. Smoked to perfection, it is an attempt by the hotel to introduce something new this year apart from the traditional turkey. I’ve gotta say, I am really excited for you to try this one. Other highlights at the buffet include the Deepfried tiger prawns with golden oats, crusted salmon with pomegranate couscous and the slow-braised sticky beef ribs with root vegetables. Are you drooling yet? Make a reservation so you won’t miss out by contacting +606 766 6666 ext 6272 or http://www.royalechulan.com

Christmastime is here—or as we like to call it, the most wonderful time of the year.

Twinkles and sparkles, charm and wonder – Christmas is here! Feel the magic in the air, spreading enchanting experiences with their host of festive activities.

Brr, it’s cold in… Seremban, Malaysia? Don’t hold off your mulled wine just yet, you read that right. Enjoying the snow in our tropical city may seem as unattainable as our diet plan for Christmas but it’s actually possible.

Shoppers and tourists will be treated to an experience of a lifetime as Seremban Prima filled the mall with white fluffy snow. This marked the start of the mall’s “ snow rush show” experience which will be held at the lobby concourse area from today, 30^th November until Christmas day, 25^th December at 7.00pm. Since the mall brought this unique “snow rush show” experience in 2018, it has become a key attraction for both tourists and locals to look forward to during the festive season in Seremban.

They are really psyched up for this. It truly gets magical when the snow falls during Blizzard Time “The snow Rush Show”.

As you journey from the Entrance into the mall, behold more than forty snowmen made out of recycled items will be waiting to greet you to evoke and warm your fuzzy little hearts and bring smiles, joy and laughter.

To further enhance the shopping experience at Seremban Prima, a variety of other activities and performances will also be held throughout the celebration period. This includes the PJ Mask Coloring Contest (Free entry), Doraemon Figurine Clay Painting (with purchase above RM20 in any participating outlets) Christmas Carolling and Musical Performances, Singing and Talent Competition, and the most sparkling treat of it all – magical “snow rush show” at the concourse Lobby of Seremban Prima Mall.

There will be plenty of Christmas activities, stage shows and performances that you should not miss out! Partake in numerous craft workshops, Christmas carols and many more activities that Seremban Prima have in store for you! For more information, please check out the Facebook page Seremban Prima or call 06-764 8282.

Running a marathon isn’t about being fast or having raw talent, it’s about putting in hard work and having the grit to get through it.

I wish I could tell you that I had the most wonderful half marathon and that it was exactly the cathartic physical experience I needed, and I had the runner’s high I’ve only ever fantasized about, but I can’t. I have to be honest. I didn’t do as well as I wanted to. In fact, I failed in almost every way. But I finished, and that was enough to make me proud. Finishing the race was an incredible accomplishment, especially after what I went through to get there.

I don’t have any excuses. I was completely unprepared. I had been overly confident. Even after the race, I had trouble accepting exactly how difficult it really is to run 21km. I hadn’t trained well enough, not to mention, I let race-day adrenaline get the best of me.

My favourite part about racing is shockingly, not the running part but the habits form before and after the races that makes me feel like I am part of a tribe of sorts. A tribe of crazy people who wake up at 2am to run as fast as I can for a certain distance, all to receive a medal. 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.

“Run the race because you love to run, not because you want to achieve something!”

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2019, a bitter sweet half marathon that will last a life time. Days and weeks into the biggest, boldest KL Marathon, our country Malaysia was hit with the haze crisis. Runners were uncertain if the race was on or cancelled. Most runners, including me were lacked of training and motivation level was surely not at our very best!

Hubby and I reached Dataran Merdeka at 5am. It was like a big carnival. All the runners were rushing in towards the start point from every possible direction. A bird’s eye view of that would have looked like gazillion of blue smurfs streams (of runners) flowing and merging into the sea. (The start point).

At the starting line, after the countdown, I ducked down to checked and to retie my laces the way you tug the seatbelt before the roller coaster jerks to life! And there was a horn blast and the crowd of 38K surged. Ten minutes later, I crossed the line under a blare of music, confetti and cheering gave way to the steady rhythm of footfalls and breathing.

At 5km I had found a steady pace that felt good- a little faster that I had planned but not ridiculously so. I didn’t think about what lay ahead, only each step in front of me.

Someone once told me, she knew running wasn’t fun because you never see smiling runners. Though I was surrounded by a serious-faced mob, I thought I had probably never been in the midst of such uniform happiness. Our faces were serious, our minds focused but our bodies, every one of them, were smiling. If you are wondering just how it is exactly that a body can smile, you will have to run a half marathon to find out.

The race route had brought runners through KL, passing through many of the city’s iconic landmarks along the way too. So it was a nice, scenic tour of KL on foot. The roads were fully closed and the organisers truly prioritise runners’ safety. For the first 5km the group I was running in stayed more or less together. A few people passed me. I passed a few people. We were all finding our own pace to run.

I was particularly impressed with the amount of manpower/traffic police invested to make sure there was help when needed. It was enjoyable to run on the road that we drive on everyday. The route led us to KL City Centre, KL Tower, National Museum and of course Merdeka Square. This 21km route also covers hills and highway giving runners a very good variety of views and city elevations to enjoy!

Many runners stopped and performed their obligation. It was a nice touch, where many Muslim friends prayed by the road side. The water stations were well organised and the set up was really well this time around. Water at every stops and Isotonic every alternate. Medical assistance and help were present with sponging stations as well. Many bins were placed for runners to dispose the paper cup and all. But the mentality of runners are still not matured enough to understand that the bins are for them to disposed their rubbish.

Another highlight that I truly enjoyed about SCKLM was that there had been musicians positioned at a few locations along the route – to encourage runners to keep on pressing on. Hearing their musical instruments playing, really was motivating and gave me energy to continue when I was tired.

I cruised along the flat ground, keeping my breathing in check. Traffic control was excellent. Arrows and signages lets us know we were always on the right track and marshals guided runners in the right direction while directing traffic and a few key intersections.

The last 3km was a struggle. On a positive note, I was so touched by all the cheers from passing runners. It made me feel awesome even though I was struggling! I appreciate each and everyone of them and I apologised I did not cheer back, I did in spirit! This is a huge tease to ALL- the hills that you have to run to get back at the 18 to 20km and to the finish. No matter how you slice and dice it (quite lumpy, but not in a torturous way). I hit the 19km, from here I played a run walk game, Run at a fastest pace, walk a bit, run a little, walk a bit. Legs throbbing a little, ankles hurting a little and head aching a little. Though my immediate concern was hunger..LOL

One thing that I have learned though racing in the past is that counting down to the finish is bad way to race, especially, in a long race. With that in mind, I set my body on cruise control and settle in for a long flight.

Uh oh…..just one more km to go, I feel my legs start to cramp, I’m worried because I can already hear the music and emcee and I don’t want to be the girl with “chicken noodle soup” legs at the end that can’t make it to the finish line. Plus, Kudos and a big shout out and thank you to all the official and non-official/volunteer Photographers! Without you, there won’t be any memories to keep and treasure! THANK YOU! It’s time to hedge, I started to walk, I decided that finishing with style is much more important than 5 extra minutes (LOL). I could hear the finish. It was a cruel sensation-my mind buzzing with the sights of Merdeka Square and the crowd cheering, singing and clapping, the experience, the pain and what I’d achieved.

At the finishing line, we were given our medals, there were food trucks, free drinks, lots of goodies. It was a good run and fantastic event. But then, unforeseen things and circumstances happens much like life, there’s always something that you cannot plan or expect. A few car windows were smashed and broken into, cash and valuables were stolen. We were also shocked by the news that a car ploughed into the cones and rammed into a few runners near (MMR2). When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you. Let it destroy you or you can let it strengthen you. I hope and pray that our fellow runners recover soon and I hope and pray that someday, security for the public will be more efficient during the running events.

The strangest thing happened at the race. While I was running, I focused less on the finish line. I started appreciating the run itself. Many of life’s regrets come when we look back and realised we were so focused on reaching the destination that we forget to appreciate the journey. Don’t get me wrong, at every stage in life, we should be growing and moving towards a goal! But unless you stop to appreciate where you are, you’ll wind up missing the whole experience! Life’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon!

(p/s: If you are wondering, why no photographs? For the first time ever, I did everything which I have never done in any half marathons before such as no HP, stopped at all water stations, stopped at the porta-portie, ate bananas, played with water..)

Honestly, after watching and reading so much about the Bangkok Midnight Marathon, I wanted to give it a try! Seeing so many people at all ages and at all fitness levels made it seem more within the realm of possibility.

It sounded like a blast, and I knew my body would be capable of at least walking 21KM, if the whole running thing didn’t pan out along the course. Ultimately, I wanted to prove to myself that I was up to the challenge, and could succeed at the half-marathon.

Even though I’ve run enough half marathons to know my body can handle the distance, I always have a bit of a nagging voice in my head that says, What if I can’t? I mean, who doesn’t feel a little anxiety when they’re about to run a race? There is absolutely no shame in walking—some run coaches even recommend taking walk breaks to get a better time—but the truth is, I’m competitive and sometimes hard on myself. I want to run the whole thing, get a personal record every single time, and finish feeling like a million bucks. Possible? No. But that doesn’t stop me from thinking it.

This time, knowing that I was not totally prepared and didn’t follow my prerace routines and it made me really anxious. I usually know what to expect, but this time, anything could happen. My time was not going to be my best, and that was kind of hard to swallow.

Regardless, I still got myself up the morning of the race and mentally prepared myself to run. And I’m glad I did: I learned an important lesson and the race was a success—despite a few minor roadblocks.

BEFORE RACE DAY

The day and night before the race, I was filled with nerves. To help those nerves, Hubby and I focused on having a relaxing day/evening, eating right, hydrating, and getting sleep. We had a Thai foot massage, listened to music, ate a smaller, carb-heavy dinner- tom yam was on the menu, drank a glass of water every 1-2 hours, and went to bed at 9:00 pm because I was planning to wake up at 1:00 am the next morning. My suggestion is to aim for 6-7 hours of sleep so you’re alert and ready to go. I also focused on thinking positively! I kept reassuring myself that I was going to kick ass the next day, regardless or whether or not I believed it to be true. Sometimes you really just have to be your own hype squad.

Race Day

I had ALL sorts of doubts and worries on race day. Some thoughts that went through my mind the morning of the race were…

“What if I run super slow and do horribly?”

“What if I have to go to the bathroom mid-race?”

“What if I’m late to the race or can’t find it?”

“What if I get injured?”

Here’s how I dealt with those worries.

First of all, I TRUSTED MY BODY. I knew I had been training for this half marathon for over two months and I trusted my physical capabilities and that consistency I had worked hard for.

Second of all, I trusted my MIND. I trusted the mental stamina I had built up throughout training. I knew that no matter how good/bad of a race I had, I would do my best to happily accept the result instead of dwell on it. After all, at the end of the day, it’s just one race.

Third, I made sure I was eating right the morning of the race. At the end of the day, however, you can’t control your digestive system. That’s why they have bathrooms along the course! Don’t eat anything you aren’t used to. Stick to the basics. And HYDRATE.

I planned ahead. I read the race emails, knew where it was, planned to arrive at least an hour early to account for getting lost or any sort of other potential holdup. You’re better safe than sorry. And don’t be scared to ask for directions! Chances are, there are people in the area or other racers that can direct you to where you need to be!

I focused on staying calm. Breathing. At the end of the day, I realized it’s only a few hours of my life. I stayed confident, calm, and did my best.

I realized no one is judging me but myself. I believed in myself and what I was capable of doing.

Waking up on race day at 1 a.m. was a challenge in itself. Needless to say, I did not sleep very well. I probably fell asleep about 10:30 pm. I woke up at 1 am and when I could not fall back asleep, I made the decision to get up, take a shower and mentally get in this game.

It really is ALL mental.. your legs will keep going (most of the time), it’s just your brain that gets in the way.

We left the hotel at 2.00am. Hubby and I walked to the race venue. There were lots of photographers everywhere. We spent almost half an hour, posing for pictures. Then, hubby and I went to our own starting pen. Standing there at the starting line was an overwhelming experience. There were 16,000 people ready to run. It was still dark. The only lights were the ones that lit up for the course. Looking straight ahead all you could see was the “countdown” to the start. My heart was beating. The music was playing, energy was soaring. Some were crying, others were laughing and still others were just mentally preparing themselves as well!

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1….

And we were off!

I paced myself well and just kept moving. The views were unreal.

There were times throughout the race when I wanted to cry just because I was so happy! I’m not saying that the whole 21KM was such a breeze that I was on Cloud 9 the whole time. What I am saying is that there I was -doing it – really doing it. I did it for me.

This is a funny time where you are not really sure who is in front of you and who is behind. The next 5KM, I actually got a decent pace going, I overtook a few runners. The organisers did a good job, roads and routes were well condone, marshals were on standby and traffic police were placed at every traffic lights and junctions.

This is the BEST, such a beautiful morning, the weather was great and the pace feels so easy. Life is so amazing, enjoyed the views of Bangkok City- The city of angels and the breeze felt so good! I was extremely glad that there were sufficient hydration points and medical assistance. Running on the streets of Bangkok had a different kind of feeling.

I hit 10KM, and my legs felt like concrete. I was not expecting to feel so tired so early, but also, after all that walking, I really didn’t know what to expect of my body. The course is an out-and-back for the first 6KM, and when I started to see people turning around and running back toward me, I felt like they were so far ahead. I’ve never felt so tuckered out so early on in a race.

While this definitely wasn’t my fastest half marathon, it certainly wasn’t my worst. And I learned that sometimes, that’s just going to be the case.

With this Bangkok Midnight race, I tried to keep reminding myself, You’re running this for fun. Just enjoy it. There’s no reason to push yourself. It helped, but only to a certain extent. Was I nervous the night before the race? Yes. Did I worry I was going to hurt myself because I didn’t feel properly trained? Yes. Like everyone else in the world, I hate feeling unprepared—especially for races, because even people who are 100-percent trained end up flopping on the course. Sometimes I have good runs and sometimes I have bad runs, but the important thing to remember is that I really do like to run.

Making it to 12KM non-stop was a pretty big deal, as that was the furthest I had ever run without stopping. I was feeling pretty awesome at that point (the so-called “runner’s high” was kicking in), and I wasn’t experiencing any pain or aches in my body. Feeding off everyone’s else’s uplifting energy, I was determined to push myself to keep going. I wouldn’t stop until I absolutely needed.

At around 15KM, I started hurting……or maybe getting tired is the better way to put it. But I went through a checklist in my mind- are my shins ok, yeah! Side cramps, nope! So I kept going. The route was nice and flat. The streets and roads were well-lit and traffic control was really amazing.

Once I hit 16KM, I tried to remind myself I only had a 5KM left to do. No sweat! I do a 5KM daily in the gym, that didn’t really worked. I was already super exhausted and my feet hurt. But I Still kept at it. At about the 17KM, I gave in an walked some more..I walked about 1KM or maybe a bit more, I wanted to be able to run to the finish so I was trying to preserve some energy. And then I saw it, in the distance…….the end! It look SO.FAR.AWAY. I can do this.. JUST GO! FINISH! And finish, I did! I threw my hands up in the air , like I just don’t care, as I crossed the finish. I got my awesome medal and my finisher T-shirt and my legs felt like dead. But I just ran a half marathon, for someone who running does not come easy for, I was (am) unbelievably proud of myself!

I became a runner who wasn’t training for any particular race. Running was just something I did. People would ask me what I was training for and I would reply “life”! My hubby was the dose of maturity I needed to run long distances. He helped foster my self-belief, resist the urge to surge and above all RUN RUN RUN! With gratitude and appreciation, Mr Alan for giving hubby and I this opportunity to run Bangkok Midnight Marathon 2019!

Running is an adventure that has produced beautiful lessons, truths involving friendships an incredible amount of dedication and courage!