Lata Medang for first-timers

What is Lata Medang?

  • For the uninitiated (like me), Lata Medang is a popular trekking site in Selangor, about 1 hour away from the city. The waterfall is the main attraction. The track to the waterfall is about 5km of undulating but easy terrain. There is no technical ascending or descending. It is also the entry point to another famous hiking spot called Bukit Kutu.

Where is Lata Medang?

  • The nearest landmark will be Kampung Pertak. When you drive from Kuala Kubuh Bharu to Fraser’s Hill, you will see just after Selangor Reservoir, a side road leading to Kampung Pertak.

What do I need to pack?

  • A change of clothes. There is a small hut at the parking lot to change after swimming at the waterfall. But there are no toilet facilities.
  • Sufficient drinking water. Food is optional as the track is easy. But it will be nice to have some light refreshment after swimming.
  • Trail/hiking shoes is not required as the route is easy, but it will be helpful if you have one.

Last advise for first-timers?

  • Get here early. By getting here early you can avoid over-crowding the picnic site and swimming area too.
    • This place is very popular among hikers as the route is also connected to Bukit Kutu.
    • It is advisable to arrive at the parking lot before 8am to avoid the crowd. Most crowds will come after 10am.
  • Safety First.
    • The rocks at the waterfall are slippery and the water current can be strong at times. Look out and follow the warning signs.

From Myvi to Ultra-marathoner – Cycling Everywhere For 1 Year.

My name is Renee, but online I go by Fit Aussie Sista, and you guessed it, I am Australian. I have pledged to not set foot inside a car for a full year for a charity called World Bicycle Relief. They gift bicycles to children and healthcare workers, including midwives that get around via foot. Owning a bike gifts them back their time. It also improves education rates and healthcare. Many of the people receiving bikes are girls and women, which is why I love them so much! I was also inspired to reduce my carbon footprint and do my bit for the planet.

Australia, particular the outer suburbs of Brisbane, is much like other car centric nations like Malaysia. Life is busy and cities are designed for cars to dominate. I am a teacher, a wife with two busy sons. I also love to run ultra-marathons and cross train with cycling and the gym. My life was full before this challenge, so you can imagine this has been a stretch so far! I have been car free so far for ten weeks, riding roughly 280-300 km’s a week, running about 40- 50km a week, and completing my regular gym sessions. Don’t forget the household, employment and my son’s sports activities as well. During the yearlong challenge, I hope to raise enough money for 100 bikes. At $195 AUD that is about $19 500, or roughly $55 000 Malay Ringgit.

What I do sounds exhausting just reading it aloud, but I wasn’t always this active. Although I was the sporty girl in high school and selected sports captain, life started to get in the way in my 20’s. I married and had two children and got on with work. In 2015 I got a job at an international school, and moved to Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia opened up a world of hot weekends spent in shopping malls, roti chanai and tea tarik along with every other delicious treat it had to offer. With the stress of work, highways, my trusted MyVi, and cheap delicious food on my doorstep my fitness faded and the kilograms started to pile on. Living near Bukit Jalil Park I spent many a Saturday morning watching joggers and walkers sweat it out as I casually meandered through.

In Australia I had used the lack of Muslimah or modest active wear as an excuse or barrier to not participate in activities, although I knew I had skill and drive from my youth if I could just activate it. But after spending time in the park I knew that Malaysia had an active wear brand, I just had to find it. Towards the end of my contract, and 2016 I found Nashata, packed it in my back and headed back home to Australia.

With nothing but our suitcases I knew I wanted to design a new life. I decided to buy a bike that I could use as a form of transportation rather than for fun. That is when I found cargo-bikes and my love of cycling evolved. I later fell pregnant and was excited, alhamdulliah. But after 14 weeks of a rough pregnancy I lost the baby. I started to get depressed, but a friend pulled me out of it by asking me to go for a jog with her. Running gave me something to focus on. I fixated on improving my times and it was from there I got addicted to the adrenaline of exercise again.

After everything, I am thankful that I found Nashata and my love of exercise again. It helps me to stay balanced and calm. I am a better mother, employee and Muslim because of it. Now, in 2020, I have taken on my biggest challenge yet in the hope of making a small change in the world. Practically, due to my busy schedule I am going through multiple outfit changes, but Nashata has my back! I particularly love their Amin Sports Hijab, Hooda Ellipse hijabs, and the Ultra and Azza tops. These products have got me through many a race, and hopefully the year of training and cycling. In the future I hope to head overseas, hopefully back to Malaysia for one of the amazing Ultra Races on offer!

I would really appreciate it if you could support me on my journey by checking out my weekly YouTube updates on my channel Fit Aussie Sista and @fit_aussie_sista on Instagram. It is through the power of social media we can show the world that we can be taken seriously as athletes and active, passionate members of society. Of course, I would also appreciate if you could support a fellow sister and donate at the following link.

Renee- Fit Aussie Sista

How to Choose the Right Sports Hijab for Trail Run

How is trail running different from road running? Do you need to wear a different type of sports hijab? What are the considerations when you shop for trail run sports hijab? Here are some tips and sharing for you.

Be visible on the trail  – EZ Tunes Sports Hijab by Nashata

Three Main Differences Between Road and Trail Runs

  1. Trail run takes you onto different types of terrain, paths and weather. You may have to run in between trees and shrubs with sharp twigs sticking out from different angles, across a river, under fallen branches or trees, over slippery rocks and tree roots, and many more unexpected conditions. For your safety and comfort, you need to wear a snug fit, all weather sports hijab.
  2. Trail runs are longer, not just n distance but also duration. Typically, it takes almost two times longer than road running for the same distance. For example, if it is takes 30 minutes for you to run 5km on road, it may take you almost an hour to complete the same distance on trail. Furthermore, with elevations, you will sweat more, so, be prepared to get drenched. Trail runs are long hours and you may need to run with many mandatory items  like hydration bag, headlamps and others. Therefore, you’d need to wear sports hijab that is breathable, lightweight and preferably multi-functional. An example of multi-function is that the sports hijab can be used as towel or wristband, like the Raazglove headwear
  3. Trail run offers you unexpected conditions. You may be running alone, surrounded by nature that looks the same throughout your run. With slightest mistake of a turn, although not far, you may find yourself lost. You do not need camouflage effect when you run in trail. It is important to wear outfits that are  visible so that others can easily see you.

Six considerations when you choose trail run sports hijab:

  1. Snug fit – design that snugs nicely onto your head, neck and body to avoid any garment gets stick to twigs, branches or trapped in between items. Avoid shawl or headwear that floats in the air.

    Snug Fit Headwear – Raazglove by Nashata

  2. All weather  – The fabric of the sports hijab need to suit many types of weather – hot and humid, cold and rain, windy and foggy.
  3. Lightweight and breathable – With the elevation and long hours, you need to make sure your sports hijab is lightweight, breathable and fast drying.

    Lightweight and breathable – Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab

  4. *Visible – this is a nice to have factor. Choose headwear that is visible and if you plan to run in the dark, having reflective elements on headwear is useful
  5. *Multi-functional – this is another nice to have consideration. The more functions the headwear has for you, the better – so that you can run light.
  6. *Durable – Choose breathable yet strong fabric that can withstand harsh weather and rough conditions can last longer.

    * indicates nice to have.

The table below evaluates nine sports hijab of Nashata that is functional for trail run. The Raazglove headwear and the Iman sports hijab are the top two, followed by Raazniq headwear, Amina Sports Hijab, Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab and Crop Toplectic. There is an ample selection for you to choose from based on your preferences.

No Sports Hijab Snug fit All- weather Breathable, lightweight *Durable *Multi- functional
1 Raazglove
2 Iman Sports Hijab  √  √
3 Amina Sports Hijab  √
4  Raazniq
5 Crop Toplectic
6 Hooda Ellipse
7 Hooda Racerback
8 EZ Tunes  √
9 Mumtaz Tunes Extended

Run safe, protect your head and keep comfy at your trail runs!

Durable Trail Running Outfit

Sports Hijab for Young Teens and Adolescence

Sports Hijab for Young Teens and Adolescence
Get RM30 Cash Back & Get Active

 

Cyberjaya, Friday, 24 January 2020 – Nashata in its efforts to promote and encourage the younger generation to be more comfortable and active in sports, is giving RM30 cash back for customers who purchase Nashata Junior products at Nashata.com throughout Feb 2020. The cash back is valid at Nashata.com until April 2020.

Cash Back Voucher

After six years of empowering modest women to enjoy their active lifestyles, now Nashata introduces Nashata Junior that extends a new range of sports hijabs specially designed for girls. This is to support girls ages 10 to 16 years old to be more energetic and active adolescents.

 

The first three releases of Nashata Junior are for performance sports, and versatile in design and use : Hooda Ellipse Junior Sports Hijab, Hooda Fishtail Sports Hijab and Crop Toplectic Junior. They are designed for girls ages ten to sixteen and suitable for track and field, swimming, water sports and court sports like basketball, netball, volleyball and futsal. They are made of breathable and lightweight fabric weighing from 90 gram – 120 gram depending on the design and sizes.

 

The Hooda Sports Hijab range is the signature of Nashata’s products since its release for adults in 2016. Till today, it is well-received by athletes and fit hijabis due to its innovative non-flipping, long and secure designs.  While Crop Toplectic is a two-in-one long sleeves sports top with head-gear attached, suitable to be worn under school or team’s short sleeves or sleeveless t-shirt. A favourite of many competitive runners, with the Crop Toplectic, you do not need to wear separate pieces of arm sleeves and sports hijab. The seamless concept and design just work well with any outer shirts. The price range for Nashata Junior products are from RM59 – RM79.

 

“There is no one sports hijab that can fit all types of sports activities and dressing preferences. Some hijab wearers prefer their headscarf tucked in and some prefer wide and long chest coverage. We have been researching and testing sports hijab for growing up girls close to a year now by working with teachers at Islamic schools and parents in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore and find these three designs offer comfort and versatility for them, and approved by parents and teachers,” said Eliza Noordin, the founder of Nashata.

 

Late last year, Nashata produced a custom-made sportswear, that includes the Hooda Fishtail Sports Hijab for an annual girls’ camp for a school in Melbourne. The students fully dressed in Nashata performed archery, rafting, rope gliding and performed team building activities. The organizer from the school shared that the outfits were perfect. The outfits got wet and dried quickly although the day was cloudy with intermittent drizzles.

Arissa Batrisyia is the Nashata’s first Junior model. A versatile athlete since early age, now at 10 years old, she is active in running, taekwando, swimming and football.  She represents her school at Majlis Sukan Sekolah Daerah (MSSD) Track & Field, competes in more than ten national level taekwando competitions since 2018 and represents her school for Air Asia KL Junior League. Arissa is also a part of the Mini Squad team at the Swimming Academy, Bukit Jalil since she was five.

Arissa Swimming in Hooda Fishtail Sports Hijab

 

Arissa was discovered through a competition held by Nashata in August last year. There were many athletic and talented contestants ages seven to ten took part in Nashata Kids’ competition. Other than Arissa, the other three shortlisted contestants were artistic gymnast Elif Filza Nur Shaffik, multi-sports athlete Mishel Zaiti Mohd Salehin and rhythmic gymnast Puteri Nur Sufia Schasya Mohamad Fahmi.  Five judges comprising from sports model, fitness trainers, physical education teacher and modest activewear designer from Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America casted their votes independently based on poses, sports skills, accolades and self-confidence and Arissa won the competition based on the highest score.

 

“Before I was known as Nashata kid model in November 2019, I am already using Nashata Hooda Ellipse sports hijab for MSSD track & field in Feb 2019, and football tournament. I have been wearing it for my training. I like wearing Nashata sports hijab because it’s not flapping while I am running,” shared Arissa who also feedbacks on design to Nashata team.

Stay Energetic with Nashata Junior

A fit mom raises a fit family, indeed. A mother’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and the education level of the mother are among two of the three factors that predict obesity on an adolescence. The research by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute also indicated that a child’s BMI, especially from age 6-7 years onwards is one of the factors that predict whether a healthy weight child will be overweight or obese. Therefore, it is important for parents to support a child’s sports interests by spending more time, energy and money to train, compete and maintaining good eating habits.

 

“I personally own a few items from Nashata and my favourite one, if I have to choose one, would be the Hooda Sports Hijab. Despite wearing loose swimwear, I feel more confident and modest when wearing this vest hijab on top of the swimming gear for any water activities,” said Arissa’s mother, Puan Asni Che Abd Aziz who is a lawyer and an active mother too.

 

In supporting young hijabis to Get Active, improve sports performance and to enjoy activities comfortably, Nashata not only giving back RM30 for purchases of Nashata Junior products but also will include tops, pants and swimwear in March 2020.

 

 

For more information and updates on Nashata, please visit:

Facebook     : https://www.facebook.com/nashatadotcom

Twitter          : http://twitter.com/nashatadotcom

Youtube       : https://www.youtube.com/user/nashatadotcom

Instagram    :https://www.instagram.com/nashatadotcom/
                        https://www.instagram.com/nashatastore/

Website        : https://shop.nashata.com/en/

### End ###

About Nashata (nashata.com)

Nashata is the world’s no. 1 modest activewear for women. The philosophy behind Nashata designs evolves around giving comfort, choice and confidence.

Nashata designs, produces and sells a wide range enduring and functional activewear. This includes hijabs, tops, bottoms, swimwear and various innovative original designs to accommodate modest women and teenager’s active lifestyle.

The products of Nashata are designed and tested by active ladies since 2013. The people at Nashata pick the best quality and suitable fabric to produce classic and environmentally conscious active wears.

Release issued on behalf of Nashata Lifestyle Sdn. Bhd.

For more information, please contact Intan Suraya at intansuraya@nashata.com +6012-3112489.

Press material and pictures downloadable @ http://bit.ly/2vbgm20

 

I LEFT MY LEG ON THE HIGHWAY – SUNDAY NIGHT AT BESRAYA HIGHWAY CHALLENGE

This was my first attempt running the Besraya Highway Challenge. I was unable to join  the first and second edition (2017 & 2018), because I made prior commitments for other races. The 3rd edition was different from the first two because it was held at night (1st and 2nd was held in the morning)

It was easy for participants to get to the event side as they can take the LRT. However, I went by car and parked at the VIVA shopping mall. Soon after I parked my car, I followed the crowd heading for the highway that lead us to the starting point.

walking to the race site..freedom to walk without any cars..nak baring tengah jalan pun boleh.. 🙂

There were three categories at the race 26 km, 13 km and relay. All categories started at the Loke Yew Toll Plaza. The 26 km participants were flagged off at 9.15 pm and the 13 km category participants were flag off at 9.40 pm. Due to technical problems, there was a slight delay from the original schedule.

Flag off 26km categories

I’m familiar with this highway because I used to drive on it to get to my previous office. I had never realized that the easy drive was much challenging when I run on it.  The road was a bit hilly, up and down and I had to run through several bends and u-turns. I was mentally challenged when I had to go through the u-turn because I had to see other runners passing by. It made me feel a bit depressed.  I started talking to myself –  “Where is the turning point and how far is it?”
As I passed the turning point, I smiled at the runner on the side and thought if they had the same thought as I did earlier. Hahahah! 🙂

How far to turning point? (mental epidermic) :)))

Dragging the feet, at KM8

There were 3 U-turns that I had to deal with. At the 6th kilometer, the 1st runner of the 26km men’s race passed me for his 2nd loop. Just imagine how cool he was. And here I was – running around dragging my feet, thinking 13km was too far. Haha!

Signage was placed at every kilometer. Every water stations served chilled mineral water and isotonic drinks.  There was ample paramedics throughout the run and they were very helpful.

big signage, visible from far. I was lucky I meet the signage once ..hehe..

 

Many water stations with mineral water and isotonic drink

I felt grateful as I was reaching back to Loke Yew Toll Plaza to finish the run; without any cars and not to pay the toll fees!!!!  I was thankful for running the 13km category only. As for the 26k runners, they needed to run another loop. Yeyy habis lari!!!

Semangat merdeka! We were wearing Malaysia Hijab. I was (right) wearing Hooda Ellipse Malaysia by nashata.com

Finisher 13KM medal

Congratulations to all finishers!

Hijabi Alert – Wear Patriotism This August

Nationalisma Serumpun is the concept of this Special Edition of Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab. Three ASEAN countries – Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia celebrate their Independence or National Day in August every year.

Singapore marks its Independence Day on the 9th August, Indonesia the 22nd August while Malaysia on the 31st August.

Nashata releases these country-themed Hooda Sports Hijabs to celebrate Independence and Merdeka Day as well as to give an option for athletes to wear your country-themed sports hijab when you race and compete.

The concept of the design is to include important elements of each country – the national flower, iconic architecture and the flag of each country.

The price is RM89/SGD30/ IDR302k and it comes in size M and L.

1. The Singapore Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab features the

  • Orchid and
  • Merlion

Click here for more info

Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab Singapore

2. The Indonesia Hooda Ellipse embodies:

  • Melati Putih or Jasminum Sambac,
  • The National Monument,
  • Rumah Gadang of Minangkabau and
  • The Grand Mosque of Bandung

You can purchase at it here

Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab Indonesia

 3. The Malaysia Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab features the :

  • Bunga Raya or Hibiscus,
  • The skyline of Kuala Lumpur

Visit product page for more

Hooda Ellipse Malaysia – New design released 29th July 2019

The version below was released initially and changed to the above design on the 29th July. The change was made due to feedback received by our customers – requesting the Malaysia design to be simplified. We are sorry about the inconveniences this may have caused you. We will contact those who have ordered based on the old design on changes.

Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab Malaysia – initial design which will not be produced

 

Runners, These Are Some Important Stretches to Include In Your Routine

Salam Sisters,

I pray that your Ramadan and your Eid was full of blessings, family time and prayers.
InshAllah all of your prayers will be answered and your wishes will be granted.

Now that Eid is done, it is time to go back on track with our exercise routine.
Nashata has a great runners community. I wanted to share this quick video to help you with your stretching routine to keep you injury free and keep your legs running pain free inshAllah.

Let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to see a specific video.

Keep it Healthy,
Nura

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUsbESlS1mUp-2veiEc1iew

Legs/Hips stretch – Good for Acheiving Splits

Salam Sisters,

This is a quick 9 min stretch for the legs and hips.
Take advantage during Ramadan and do it when you can. It will help kick away any stagnant feelings in your muscles.
If you want better results, try to hold each pose for 30 sec to one minute. 

Let me know if you have any questions or if you want any specific workout videos.

Peace and Love
Nura

Use Code “Nura” for a 10% discount on any Nashata products <3 

FullBody Workout – 4 Sets – NO Equipment Needed

Salam Sisters,

Here is a new video in the NO Equipment Series.
Today it No Equipment FULLBODY Workout.
All you need is your energy and some space.

How to use this video?
I have 4 sets of full body workout out. Pick which ones you want to do and repeat each move 10-15 times. Then repeat them 3 times.

Workout Outfits Details: 

Sports Hijab:
– Hooda Ellipse in Black

Modest Sports Tops: 
– Ultra Top II in Pink
– Ultra Hoodie Gen in Gold and White
– Zipper Hoodie in Grey

Leggings: 
– Riada Training Pants II
– Riada Sweat Pants II

Use Code “NURA’ for 10% discount from Nashata.com 

Keep It Healthy,
Nura

20 Legs Workout – No Equipment Needed (Indoors or Outdoors)

Salam Sisters,

Here is a new video in the NO Equipment Series.
Today it No Equipment Legs Workout.
You can do som of these just sitting infront of the TV, literally!
All you need is your energy and some space.

How to use this video?
Pick 5 of the workouts in the video, repeat each move 10 to 15 times, then do 3 sets of all.

Workout Outfits Details: 

Sports Hijab:
– Hooda Hijab in Beige
– Raazglove in Black
– Mumtaz Lite sports Hijab in Maroon
– Amin Extended Sports Hijab in Maroon

Modest Sports Tops: 
– Ultra Top Galaxy Collection II in Beige
– Azza Topletic in Navy
– Azza Topletic in Black
– Azza Topletic in White

Leggings: 
– Fitness Leggings
– Dual Colored stirrup high waist
– High waist fitness in maroon
– Stirrup high Waist in Black

Use Code “NURA’ for 10% discount from Nashata.com 

Keep It Healthy
Nura