Just when you think you can’t get enough of hilly routes…

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Weekend Runner

His & Hers – Me in Ultra Top while our 2:10 pacer is in Luke Top

When Sis Eliza (founder of Nashata.com) asked me if I would like to join Men’s Health Women’s Health (MHWH) Night Run 2017, I said YES in a heartbeat. I joined the 12km category this time, compared to 21km at the Johor edition because I had plans to run PJ Half Marathon the following morning (Kids, don’t try this back-to-back event thingy at home!) but however, that plan did not materialize because I had a family event.

This is not my first MHWH event. I have been a fan of this event since 2015, and it has expanded ever since. Why MHWH Night Run is one of my favourite running event:

Generous contests and giveaway. AIA Vitality and MHWH chanelled plenty of free slots through various groups and organizations, and luckily Nashata was one of them.
Exhibition seem to be one of the highlight of the event. Plenty of lounging spots for supporters to just chill and enjoy the night. There were plenty of food trucks too
I love the fun, party-like vibe to the event. Meriah!

Pacers need to fuel up too! Image courtesy of Kyserun Krew

I had no ambitions to renew my personal best (PB) once the organizers announced that they changed the venue to MARDI Maeps. I had experiences running there previously, and it is known for the rolling hills compared to their original route at Putrajaya. Hence, my aim was to just keep going and don’t give in the the hills – just run to enjoy the view, and that’s precisely what I did.

For example:

Enjoying the view #1

I did not detour to see what they had inside, but the cute statues did catch my eyes

Enjoying the view #2

The half marathoners had to go in a loop twice, hence this screen was very useful to keep count if they have completed the second loop

And the rest was too dark to be captured. I knew MARDI Maeps has some pretty calming countryside views in the day; you can see horses running around and some cows grazing. However since it was night time and insufficient lighting even the roads became hard to see. Oh well, at least I can’t properly see the rolling hills ahead of me until I started to ascend it.

When I reached the finishing line at around 10pm the crowd was still buzzing and there was no signs of slowing down. We tried several food trucks however I was already exhausted from running, I did not walk around the exhibition area. Eventually, it was time to go back. I went home with a full belly and only good memories about this event, and hope to run for another MHWH event again in the future.

Ending the night by bumping into a familiar face

An event will be incomplete without a group photo with them

UEM Charity Run 2016

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Weekend Runner

I give credit to my mum for encouraging us to join this event. She found it through the internet, and announced that she would like run in the 3km Family Fun Run category with her friends and my sister. I agreed to it too. But after seeing how excited her group was about the event, I figured that she has plenty of support and company. Plus, I knew that she can run longer than 3km because she works out regularly. So I ‘upgraded’ myself to the 12km category instead.

Team Mama

The event was a huge turnout because it’s not everyday that one of the busiest highways in Malaysia gets blocked and closed just for a running event. Usually, the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) was jammed with cars and vehicles but this morning, it was full of runners. All categories and distances can safely run on the road without any traffic. Despite the high number of runners, the highway was wide with 4 lanes, so no one was knocked over and fast sprinters can easily maneuver through the crowd. There was even enough space to set up sufficient water stations, sponging stations, and portable toilets along the way.

The starting line and finishing line. Is there an express lane for slow runners like me?

Jumping for joy at the same spot when I felt miserable about being stuck in a traffic jam.

The massive turnout for the event

Running instead of driving on a road that I travel through almost everyday gave me a new sense of appreciation for the route. I have never realized that the wide, open road against the backdrop of dawn was very picturesque. We just ran and ran into the first ray of sunlight. How could I have missed that despite driving through this road almost every day? Now, I agree that sometimes all we need is to slow down, look around to discover that there is beauty around us, and how perfect God’s creations are. I have never realized the slight elevation of the highway too while driving in the comfort of my car. It was challenging, but it wasn’t a killer. We were rewarded with an equally long stretch of downhill. I just leaned my body forward, and let gravity do its work.

In the end I did not run my fastest 12km, so I did not take home a new personal best (PB) record. However, I did went home feeling grateful and energized, with a better appreciation of my surroundings.

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

AIA Malaysia Presents the Largest Night Run Series

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Sarah Razif

Can’t have enough for just one run? Well, big surprise for you!

Men’s Health Women’s Health Night Run by AIA Vitality offers you three night runs in Penang, Putrajaya and Johor. Here we are announcing you the running events details.

The age limit of the running events is 18 and above that consists of three categories. For true runners you can join the competitive run (12km and 21km), while for the beginners who’s interested in running just for a start, you can join the fun run (5km).

You can appreciate darkness and the beauty of the sky and sound of nocturnal animals while running at night

Why Night Run?

Night run offers a different running experience, be it temperature, humidity and heat level. If you want to experience a different running atmosphere, try night run as you would be running together with a group of people instead of alone
You can appreciate darkness and the beauty of the sky and sound of nocturnal animals while running at night
Running at night keeps you away from UV rays. Over exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer and damage your eyes. So if you plan to run for long hours and sensitive to the sun, night runs may work for you.

Review & Tips for Night Run

The weekendrunner review on Men’s Health Women’s Health (MHWH) Night Run 2015
6 Tips for Safe Night Runs
Tips untuk Larian Malam yang Selamat. (in Malay)

Below is the summary of the events.

Event Summary

First Night Run – 2nd April 2016 Penang (Saturday)

Second Night Run – 30 July 2016 Putrajaya (Saturday)

Third Night Run – 7 January 2017 Johor (Saturday)

Date: April 2, 2016

Starting point: Queensbay Mall

Date: July 30, 2016

Starting point: Dataran Putrajaya, Presint 3

Date: January 7, 2017

Starting point: To be announced

RACE KITS

Race kit consists of runners T-Shirt, a number bib attached with timing chip, safety pins and race guides (if any).

The theme color for the Penang, Putrajaya & Johor Night Runs are orange, red and blue respectively.

Runners who do complete all three runs will also be rewarded with a unique “trifecta” medal – a three-in-one medal that clips together – as a special memento to commemorate the experience and achievement.

Quickly register before the registration close for the all the three locations. The run in Penang will be held on 2 April 2016. The flag-off will be at 8pm and the starting point will be at Queensbay Mall in George Town, Penang.

So, what are you waiting for? Register here now!

First Half Marathon – For Wimpy Legs

Posted on December 24, 2014 by eliza noordin

The first experience is always memorable. So here’s my story running first half marathon.

My wimpy legs

I have always been a swimmer as swimming has low impact on my legs. Running was never my thing due to my weak legs since young. I would fall on my knees when I jumped to catch a ball when I was young. I was neither an athlete, nor a sportswoman, and I was always the first from the back to reach the finishing lines at school runs. I did no proud for my house.

I continued to swimming and in-line skate when I was out of school, during university days and till today, I enjoy both. However, I got to know the beautiful running community in Malaysia mid 2013, and started running. I thought I should try after without much training, or rather 2 months preparation, my family and I managed to climb Mount Kinabalu in January 2013. We were slow but surely reached Low’s Peak (the highest peak at Mount Kinabalu). It was not easy, but not impossible.

Why Run Now?

I thought of giving it a try since there is no pressure to be super good, now that I am not at school. Although it is still a competitive sports, I could be myself and train at my own pace and improve. I could still try despite my limitations and no one would brush me aside for not being good enough. So I started running when I have time. From 3 km to 5 km to 10 km and 12 km. I do not join running groups as I don’t have the luxury of time due to many many other commitments in hands. I train when I can steal the time, be it at night or early in the morning. Most of the time, unplanned, hence – alone 3 times on weekdays and every Saturday and Sunday for average of 5 km each run. Reality is – I need to train and collect mileage. There is no short cut for that!

I get a lot of support from friends and family. My daughters and husband run with me. It serves as quality and healthy time for the family. My cousin and friends who are avid marathon runners happily agree to pace me for my first half marathon. I have never ran or train more than 12 km. But due to time constraint, I gave it a try at the Cyberjaya Twin City Marathon on the 21st December 2014. Eda Fatimawati and Intan Suraya gave me loads of encouragement and tips before the run. Karen Loh the founder of Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) has always been supporting my intent to run a full marathon in 2015 by introducing me to running groups and giving me loads of encouragement. So does Lini Kazim, the iron lady. The undivided support from the running community is simply amazing.

Classy Looking Medal, Nice kan?

How did the 1st Run Go?

At 5am, Eda, Intan and I started running from Persiaran Flora, Cyberjaya. The first 5 km was good, and both Eda and Intan said with the pace we were going at 7 min/km, we could finish in 2.5 hour. I was just aiming to finish, but upon hearing that remark, I thought I should finish below 3 hours. The next 6 km was alright despite running uphill twice at Cyberheights and along the Cyberjaya/Putrajaya intersection. After a 5 min subuh prayer at 12 km, my energy level went down. It was close to 7am and I was afraid of the sun. Somehow sunshine and my energy level never correlates. Plus, I have never ran more than 12 km before.

FInding Reason to Slow Down, so I took Eda & Intan’s pic at km 17

My legs were heavier and I was not able to push the same pace as the first 12km. I kept looking at my watch and knew it would be hard to reach soon since my pelvic bone was stiff. I kept telling myself – “I don’t want to get injured”. So I took it slow; ran and stopped a few times. Having to run with friends was fun. The route was rather plain, so a lil laugh and jokes with girlfriends helped. Eda (Nashata Fitness Evangelist) and Intan (Model of Nashata) ran effortlessly and that motivated me to be effortless too. But of course with much TRY. They were not pushing me rather, going at my pace.

It was a cool day, yet the sunshine tired me further..

When we were about 20 meter away from the finishing line, the timing was 2:57… and I was happy. We reached the finishing line at 2:58:05. We were greeted by my daughters and brother who completed their 5km fun run earlier. Dizzy and dehydrated, I took a sit and had my favourite drink.

Us – upon reaching finishing line. YAY!

I wouldn’t have made it under 3 hour without Eda and Intan. I was happy to have ran with these fabulous ladies. We made it as a team and no one was injured during and after the run.

My first 21km was a NUDGE to train more and harder. I have less than 3 months to train for my first 42km. It looks like I have to train 3 times harder.

With Max Lim RunwitMe, Intan and Eda

So, What are the Health Benefits?

To me,

Running has definitely improved my eating habits. I tend to eat lesser and more fruits. My body naturally wants better food intake
I drink more water to stay hydrated
I have improved my stamina and strength. My legs are a lot stronger now – no longer wimpy. So I am happy! I shall #runstrong!

Nashata is one of the sponsors at Cyberjaya Putrajaya Twincity Run

Nashata was one of the sponsors at Cyberjaya Putrajaya Twincity Run

Nashata

Empowering Active Lifestyle

Tag Archives: 21km