Tag: adv

IJM Half Marathon 2016 – Run! Run! Run!

Running

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You’ve signed up for it! You’ve logged the training miles! You have beat your personal best! You have ran and trained even when you did not want to:- and now…..all these preparation will pay off with race day quickly approaching. Whether this is your first race, or your last, taking on a race can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.

Here are some helpful tips that will help you to maximize the enjoyment when you are running the miles and make IJM Half Marathon stress free!

MONDAY

Walk or cross train for 30 to 60 minutes. Run or drive the course and review a map of it online.Familiarizing yourself with the hills, turns, and final stretch helps you plan your strategy.

TUESDAY

Run easy for 30 minutes. Do 2 or 3 one-minute accelerations to wake up your legs.

WEDNESDAY

Spend 30 minutes cross-training to channel nervous energy. Organize logistics. Know how to get to the event, when to arrive and where to park.

THURSDAY

Run for 30 minutes and visualize running strong to the finish….Read motivational runner’s stories (ehem…..like mine…) it will inspire you!

FRIDAY

Walk for 30 minutes. Mentally rehearse your race-day plan. Visualize lining up, starting slowly and using your run/ walk strategy from the beginning.

SATURDAY

Go for a 20 minute walk, then chill out. Get organized; Set your alarm; lay out your running gear, fluid, and snacks, pin the bib number; lace the timing chip; and prep your breakfast.

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RACE DAY

Warm up by walking to the starting line and spend the first mile of the race easing into your pace. Remember to look around and soak up the Good Vibes!

HAVE A GREAT RUN @ IJM HALF MARATHON, SEREMBAN 2, NEGERI SEMBILAN!

HSN 21KM- I Can & I Will-Watch me!

Running

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Hari Sukan Negara 2016, 8th October 2016 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur

fb_img_1470210555708.jpgI don’t really know what happened to me? But I had this CRAZY idea to run a half marathon. Have you ever heard of “YOLO”….yes, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! Sooo, that is why, running a half marathon is on my bucket list!

I told my husband about this…he gave me “the look”…like as if I was out of my bonkers……But I told him, that I need some extra “me” time, and I started training and running. Then, the confusion I felt when I heard runners talking about long runs, race pace, tempo runs, intervals, and fuel belts. How and when was I supposed to hydrate? What is GU? I need to consume calories while I am running??? WHAT? WHAT?

Then came the day, I approached the organisers of HSN21KM- Hari Sukan Negara which will be held on the 8th October and they agreed and made me one of their official blogger and I am about to embark my very first history making moment- My first 21 KM Half marathon! I am still very emotional about the whole thing. I literally cried after corresponding with this awesome event organiser, I was scared and nervous , and beyond excited! Could I run 10 KM? Could I run 12 KM? Could I run 21 KM? Surely I could not run 21 KM without stopping! I was mad at myself thinking I could!

This morning, while I was running 7 KM, every runner talks to herself during runs and I had to tell myself to shut up! Just shut up!

I had to shut myself up and move past that self doubt! I had made this choice and there was no way I was quitting now. I tried to think of training for this 21 KM half marathon as a gift to myself. I was giving myself the gift of running a sport I actually love.

When I made the decision to train for HSN21KM half marathon you can be sure all that anxiety came along with a bunch of WHAT IFS………..

WHAT IF…..People laugh at me?

WHAT IF….I wimp out and quit?

WHAT IF…..I cry?

WHAT IF…..I am to slow?

WHAT IF….I come in last position or place?

WHAT IF…..I can’t finish the race?

BUT WHAT IF…………..I CAN???

So, my dear fellow runners..why don’t you join me on this journey and make the IMPOSSIBLE- POSSIBLE!!

Sign up now at http://www.hsn21km.com

 

 

IJM Rimbayu Run- All smiles during the miles!

Running

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I was really impressed with the route, seems to be a hidden gem in the city. I loved this run.The crowd, the course, the atmostphere- it is the full package! I would definitely recommend it as a “must run race!”

Setting double alarms…waking up at the crack of dawn……… ( Okay, rolled….grumbled angrily out of bed at 4am), analyzing every aspect of my bowel movements ( or lack thereof) stressing about the transportation, standing in line for porta potties….

These are all normal things we typically experience on race day!

Except…..IJM RIMBAYU- RUN WITH ME!

OMG!! We were late! The gun went off and we bolted out at the starting line..still…my energy was positive, intense and full of excitement!  5…..4……3…..Ohhh Crap!! I stepped in line behind a few runners and I move slowly towards the starting line, like pushing a stalled car..hoping and praying it will start! 2……1…….I crossed the starting line..my endomondo starts and the engine roars to life!

“Always race with confidence and believe in your training. The times will come, don’t chase times….chase other runners”- my wise hubby always says this to me….and it has become part of my mantra….LOL

I cruised along the flat ground, keeping my breathing in check and noting who was around me. I didn’t want to run alone and there were a few times I surged ahead simply to stay with a pack of runners, since the theme was RUN WITH ME-therefore, I ran with my new found friends…..

My original plan to take a laid back approach to this race and run just for fun. It was fun to see many running with their running buddies and friends. The race itself was rather congested at the start and my first mile was pretty slow, but eventually I fell into groove and had fun chatting during parts of the run. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Along the 7 Km, wah lah weiii……an obstacle!!  Tyre……..Tyre….Tyre ……it was pretty cool!

Speaking of cones and course markers, directions were extremely simple and it had really cool and awesome taglines along the miles. Arrows let us know we were always on the right track and a handful of volunteers  guided runners in the right direction while directing traffic and the a few key intersections.

I have nothing but AMAZING things to say about this race! The course was excellent, the support from friends and spectators was awesome, and the staff and volunteers were beyond amazing! The running T-Shirt (ADIDAS) was truly cool and RUN-tastic! And the bling….yeah, the medal…as always IJM never cease to amaze me……one of a kind!

We even had friends of “Chickaboo”, a mini petting zoo, awesome fun filled games on stage…Runners even had the chance to win some cash after the race! Woot woot! It was indeed a carnival atmosphere!

Overall, what an epic experience!  I will absolutely be back to run THE IJM RIMBAYU RUN- Run with me next year!

Passion, Glory or Insanity- Compressport 100 Malaysia Series

Running

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Yesterday, I went to a bookshop and asked the sales person if they had books on ultra trail running? He gave me a funny, weird look and responded…..”What is ultra trail running?” So, I briefly explained what is ultra trail running and ultra marathons are. He replied by saying- “Why-lah would anyone want to run a race longer than a standard marathon?” Honestly, I could not give him an answer because I didn’t know!

Hmmm…….So, It got me thinking, why does someone want to put their body through the agony of an ultra trail marathon?

Passion….???? Glory…….???? Insanity…….??????

Okay dokie, right away I am going to rule out insanity and go with Passion and Glory!

Runners fall in love with the idea of challenging themselves.I feel with the right and proper training ANYONE can run an ultra trail marathon!

Compressport 100 Asia Pacific Series brings you the amazing ULTRA TRAIL MARATHON- Combo Challenge. They will be offering two distance, 25 KM and 50 KM; and a team of 2 (2 X 50 KM)

The 50 Km PENANG series is amazing! Not only is the view breathtakingly beautiful, the elevation gain for this distance sums up to a shocking 2,800 meter! This is definitely a “to-die-for” route and the beauty that comes with it, makes each drop of sweat worth while.

The 50 Km SEMENYIH KL Series, is not for the weak. We challenge you to a whooping 1,900 meter in elevation on this ultra trail. No matter how gruesome and tough the route, “Penang” or “Semenyih” series may be, you will be rewarded with nature’s best! It is totally worth every ounce of sweat!

For more information please log on to http://www.compressport100.com

Kissed by smoke, hugged by sauce, licked by fire

Food

TGIBF (1 of 51)Some say it’s the best barbecue in Putrajaya…All I know is that I call it a bloody brilliant!

Barbecue hounds follow their noses. We know that where there’s smoke, there’s….errr…well hopefully not fire, but smoldering wood or charcoal slowly making meat marvelous! So the fumes that hit you when you step out of your car at Tuscany “Thank Goodness It’s Barbecue Fridays”-T.G.I.B.F, augur well.

We were ushered by a sweet and talented lady,Ms Lydia Mae Hendroff, The Assistant Director of Marketing to partake in a Italian Barbecue prepared by Putrajaya Marriott Hotel’s best chefs, the enjoyment those chefs derived from the beautiful evening. Their antics and laughter made the serene setting, seemingly infinite table and each exquiste dishes all the more memorable.

Italian-style barbecue isn’t about slapping something on a grill and then removing it a few minutes later.It involves smoking meat over heat from a wood or charcoal-burning fire for a period of time.

You line up outside next to the pits and make your way to the grill-heated serving station, where chefs with alarmingly good knife skills slice up your meat! It’s richly smoky, tender and juicy, with a savory dark-brown bark. Be sure to ask for the “moist” brisket, euphemism for a “nice and fatty”. Unless your cardiologist is with you, I’d avoid the lean, which is drier and a lot less tasty.

TGIBF (46 of 51)Bite down into some of the juicest ribs, chicken, briskets, tenderloin and seafood around the closest family-style barbecue. Warning:- “Hot” means “Holy moly hot”! bring your appetite and be prepare to leave satisfied.

Large strands of tender sirloin were pink, with a sign of smokering and a deep-brown crust. The flavour made sauce unnecessary, the ultimate sign of good barbecue. A few end pieces of dark-brown bark were scattered throughout, all full of flavor and crisp without being burnt.

 

Features a wide selection of cheese, desserts and well start with the salad and antipasto bar, which showcases chef’s creation such as beef carpaccio, caprese salad, prawns, beef, lamb and roasted vegetables. There’s seafood on ice too!

Oh yes, the pizza!……Well rest assured, these pizzas stand in and out-of-the-way and is no mere gimmick: This is good quality wood-fired pizza made from a properly salted, fermented dough that gets a lightly charred and crisp exterior that crackles audibly as it gives way to its soft crumb, it has the prerequisite smoky aroma and slightly charred crust. The sauce and the filling were commendable as well.

THE LIFE OF “PIE”

I’d been eyeing in advance of my visit, despite having gorged myself on cakes and pies only a few days before- the thought pies and crepes stuffed with chocolate and blueberries was too good to pass up. Pies have such a rustic appeal to them that there is no way anyone can resist them!

So, get together with your family and friends on Friday evening for a barbecue at Tuscany Putrajaya Marriott Hotel. Tuscany tempts you with the sights, sounds and smells of Italian cuisine and culture emanating from the restaurant. T.G.I.B.F is devoted to producing the best-tasting barbecue they possibly can, and they won’t sacrifice that quality to feed more customers.

You’ve got to try to believe it.

Price RM110nett per adult and RM67nett per child. Tuscany Italian Restaurant Operating Hours are Monday to Saturday for dinner from 6.30pm to 10.00pm. Closed of Sunday. For more information, please contact 03-8949 8888 ext 1366

 

Run with me- on my side and by my side

Running

There’s only one thing better than running and that’s running with friends.

I’ll rewind the clock a bit to those that don’t know my story…..slightly overweight (chubby cheeks and a butt like Beyonce-LOL, I wish), mother of three kids, probably going through a mid-life crises, takes up running to de-stress and escape from the stresses of life, but loving life and loving every minute of it!

Hmmm…..running can be a very solitary affair and sometimes there’s nothing better than just lacing up and going out for a run, but it can be awfully lonely at times. That’s why I cherish every time I get to run with someone else.

I’ve found running connects me with friends in ways going for coffee doesn’t. It’s almost as soon as we head out on a run, walls come down and we’re able to talk about so many things. You know the phrase “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?” Well, running is similar! Those time spent talking about life and problems and everything and nothing, are scared……

It’s the best kind of therapy!

To make this even more awesome….( I know….how could this get any better?!!) Well, IJM Rimbayu Run- Run with me- says it all!

Wouldn’t it be awesome! Running with a buddy…So I’d like to invite you to join me- Come lah and “RUN WITH ME”-Rimbayu Run 2016, 31 July at the ARC, Bandar Rimbayu.

This race is all about friendship and fun. Will you come and run with me???

For more information pacerssport.com

 

Ramadhan- Sharing is caring

Running

In this holy month of Ramadhan, it is a time for reflection, fasting and penance. As a mother of three wonderful children, our tagline has always been “sharing is caring”.

Last Saturday, 16 June, I was privileged to share this auspicious day with more than 40 children from Yayasan Kebajikan Anak- Anak Yatim Piatu Port Dickson for a Majlis Berbuka Puasa function which was graciously held at Thistle Hotel, Port Dickson. For many of them, it was their first time, first experience breaking fast in a posh environment – a hotel and there was great excitement when they were ushered to a garden dinner set up. Their faces lit up like light bulbs, sounds of laughter everwhere, happy faces all around and some in tears.

The guest of honor, YB Dato’ Tun Haji Hairuddin Abu Bakar, Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan, ADUN Kawasan Bagan Pinang, also present was the charming and gracious Mr Camille Thiry- The GM of Thistle Hotel, Port Dickson and my good friend Puan Azlina Ahmad, Boongah Events, made the night even more special and meaningful.

The dinner set up was pretty awesome, in a garden with many tents, over looking the sea…ahhhh…the view…For a moment I thought I was in a wrong venue, I thought I was in a garden wedding…..LOL

The ambiance was pleasant with antique lamps on each tables. Thistle Hotel Port Dickson had rolled out a delectable Buffet spread in conjuction with Ramadhan. Thistle Hotel Port Dickson and team geared and served the Anak- Anak Yatim Piatu with offerings from our heritage this being called “Ramadhan Warisan”. It offered a unique blend of tradisional Malay cuisine infused with local and Mediterranean flavours such as Daging Rendang, Ayam Panggang, Sambal Udang, Laksa, TomYam and among others. In deed, the menu brought back tasty dishes that reminded me of good old meals from the kampung together with the lagend favourites dishes such as Ayam Masak Kari, Asam Laksa, Penang Laksa and Ikan Goreng. It was indeed a scrumptious dining, sharing and caring experience that I will never forget.

Thank you Boongah Events and Thistle Hotel Port Dickson for this Majlis Berbuka Puasa event in conjuction with a time when all Malaysians gather their families, friends and the less fortunate to celebrate love and friendships.

INTO THE WOODS NIGHT TRAIL

Running

fb_img_1466005472034.jpgSomething happens to you when you are out into the woods or forest alone..Ohhhh, did I mention that it’s dark and it’s in the night? Hmmm, the nearest people or runners 2 KM away in each direction, and having spent every ounce of physical and mental energy available in your reserves. The complete silence/ the sound of the woods or forest envelope you, your senses are heightened and alert, and you loose your sense of time, of place……hmmmmm…you start to hallucinate…..”Annabelle! Annabelle! She is right behind of you!! Run for your life……Other times you are keenly aware of your surroundings,” Bugs! Bugs! It’s alive! It’s alive! EEEEEeeekkk…..

Trail running isn’t intimidating. It does not mean you have to run a 21 KM, go vegan and eat protein diets all day long, and or maybe grow a beard (ehhem….although beards are scientifically proven to make men run 14.2% faster). Trail running is simply about being out in the nature, placing one foot in front of the other, and repeating for as long you feel like.

So why should you consider trail running? If you are a trail runner, I do not need to preach to the converted about the joys and thrills of getting outside! There are many reasons, but most notably is that it can open up a whole new world to you! More so than hiking, trail running can get you to new trails, vistas and summits you have never seen..INTO THE WOODS NIGHT TRAIL and beyond…….!!

wp-1466006103677.jpgThere is a freedom and connection to nature on the trail that you simply cannot replicate anywhere else. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to do a run on a trail, stop whatever you are doing and get yourself signed up for INTO THE WOODS- Night Trail run by Compressport now at https:// thenextstep.events on the 1st October at Semenyih Eco Venture Resort & Recreation.

You won’t be sorry but you will fall in love, promise!

A run to remember…Shamrock Run 2016

Running

img-20160229-wa0002.jpgIt was time to kick start the back to back runs!! I’d arrived at Taman Botani, Putrajaya ridiculously early and after collecting my racekit, my hubby and I walked around in the darkness but we were pretty amazed with the surroundings such as a beautiful lake, trees and flowers and waiting about for everyone else to arrive. The weather was nice and cool!

Since this was a non-competative run, I didn’t spend any time warming up. I even had doubts whether I could run all the way and so I adopted the thoughts…”take one step at a time” approach.

Flag off was on time. We even sang our National Anthem, The Negaraku. A quick briefing is followed by somebody then the horns goes off that I only realised it’s time to run because everyone suddenly sprints off…..whoopss- I suppose I’d better get moving….

Off we go along a beautiful path….Then we dodge over the grass and into a tunnel, and then up and around, down and up. Hills! Does any runner like them? I know I don’t! Then came the killer climb at Taman Herba. I could hear other runners moan and groan about the hills during the climb. then the tune from the movie “The sound of music”..The hills are alive……came into my thoughts! Anyway, it was a non competative run so I took as the uphill is the work interval and the down hill is the recovery period. What’s more, during the hill runs, my hill-tackling mentor, my hubby adviced me..he said, “the key point is gravity-Just look at what’s right in front of you and run..Take baby steps”, he said But his “baby steps” were actually like Dinosaur steps to me….LOL!

Taman Botani, Putrajaya is truly a hidden gem! Oh these parks! These forested trails! I melt when i even think of them now..It was very hilly and tough to run but so gorgeous it’s worth it! I felt compelled to stop for some photos.

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There’s no other feeling quite like becoming part of the wild excitement and crazy crowd who were all there for the Shamrock Run. Many were dress in green outfits, running and celebrating in style side by side with both friends and strangers. It was indeed a carnival atmostphere. The weather was perfect! The organisers were a bunch of friendly and awesome people! I even managed to take a photograph with His Execellency

Eamon Hickey, The Irish Ambassador to Malaysia.

Overall, Kudos to Mr Hafidz Kosai, The President of Malaysian Irish Alumni Association and his awesome pawsome team for a fun, exciting and challenging 10km Shamrock Run Malaysia 2016!

“Beidh me ar ais”- I will be back!