Why the Malaysia ? Women ? Marathon is so Special

Posted on March 5, 2017 by eliza noordin

Whenever MWM is around the corner, I get both excited and agitated; excited to meet the runners and customers, and agitated because I wanted to run but uncertain if I could. I have to balance between spending time with my customers and running, both of which I enjoy.

Veteran Runner Intan Suraya finished her 10th full marathon strong. She never fails to run the marathon at MWM

Back to why the MWM is so special. It is beyond running. It is about enriching women to grow. This year, there were a two-day workshop plus a dialogue session on the 3rd and 4th March respectively, followed by the run on the 5th March. Here are the three things that happened at the MWM 2017. Be prepared to view loads of pictures. They tell the stories better ?

1. The Workshop & Dialogues
Women Empowerment Workshop, supported by Gorgeous Geeks on 3rd March (Friday)
About 50 ladies from Pusat Wanita Berdaya (PWB) Selangor attended the session on online marketing, personal branding and organic and halal cosmetic industry. Pusat Wanita Berdaya is a platform to encourage women of local communities to be actively involved in community works and also business related to empower their family economic background. Julia Koh, Azrina Naimuddin and I got to share our experiences. It was a good session; many took pictures of our sharing. If you are keen to know what I have shared, you can download my deck here. Details of the workshop can be found here.

Ladies from Gorgeous Geek ; Alecia Heng, Julia Koh & I

Attentive ladies from Pusat Budaya Wanita Selangor

Lyana and Farah – my running adik-adik TKCOGA just know how to have fun!

Women Dialogue Session on Gender Equality on 4th March (Saturday)
A panel of women and a man shared their thoughts about gender equality, by YB Zuraida Kamaruddin, Pn. Hajjah Noraida Yusof, Anas Alam Faizli and Freda Liu, moderated by Hazleen Aziz. Then many of us wrote & signed our pledges on the Wall of Gender Equality. My other half was supposed to sign with me, but he was away… so I signed for both.

Signing our Pledge on the Wall of Gender Equality

“We are equal but not the same” by Ritz & Eliza

To me, we both have equal rights but the rights are not the same. Our abilities are not the same either.

The ladies behind the MWM : YB Dr. Daroyah & Pn Noorul

Among the ever-supportive ladies behind MWM : YB Dr. Daroyah & Pn Noorul

2. The Expo

The expo coincided with the Race Kit collection days. It was where the sponsors like Nashata offer great bargains for runners. I have to applaud the staffs at Accapella Hotel Shah Alam for providing great hospitality. They were helpful and generous – offering good assistance at all times.

We released a few new products at our booth and many cool running items were marked down – so that the runners get value for money. Next time, we will get a bigger booth for a better shopping experience for you ladies. Thank you so much for your patience. ?

The girls who worked worked tirelessly the past 3 days – Sarah & Nazura

3. The Run
I wanted to run but agitated because I knew I would be tired prior to the race. I needed enough sleep, rest and well-hydrated to run. My plan to run from 42km, got knocked down to 21km and after setting up Nashata booth at 545am, I felt like trying my luck to run the 10km. So ask if I could run and got lucky. I was so delighted to get a bib to run. So off I went running at 630am from Stadium Shah Alam. It was a good day, a hilly route, and I have no complains except Alhamdulillah.

Lydia Hasim & I after 10km Run. We were overtaking each other and later finished together. Lydia is one of the first Malaysian duo who cycled Across Sahara last month, recognised by the Malaysia Book of Record

Rezeki on a Sunday morning. My Garmin watch was my timing chip. Finished within 1:07:38 +- 10 secs.

Happy to see Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir

#RunHappy. Vanida Imran, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir & Ivy Josiah ran happy with friends

Fara Fauzana & running fans

Maslina Muhamad & Azlina Abdullah looking great after their 21km run

Siti all drenched after the run

Alecia Heng & family ran the 6km category

The running Gorgeous Geek – Alecia Heng brought her family to run the 6km category

Dr Sarah Shamsuddin the Running Doctor wears Nashata leggings, skirt & sports hijab

Dashing Dr Sarah Shamsuddin, the MWM Running Doctor wears Nashata leggings, skirt & sports hijab

Runners have most creative POSES. This by Maslina Muhamad

Emmy is always in Sporting events with her children. Such a sporting supportive Mom. She wears Nashata Azza Toplectic

Karen Loh - The strong lady behind 5 consecutive years of MWM

Last but not least, Karen Loh – The strong classy lady behind 5 consecutive years of MWM. ??

There were more things to enjoy at the MWM like the flyyoga and children’s run. Check out Aina theweekendrunner’s post for her side of the story. She ran the 21 km half marathon.

If you missed this year’s MWM, try not to miss it in 2018. MWM 2017 is a wrap with Alhamdulillah. See you next year, InsyaAllah.

??Run Sister Run + ‍??Run Children Run @ ? MWM’17

Posted on February 14, 2017 by eliza noordin

I can’t believe the Malaysia Women Marathon is on its 5th wood anniversary already. MWM needs no introduction so let’s go through what’s new and exciting at MWM this year? MWM ’17 will be held on Sunday, 5th March at Stadium Shah Alam. Like previous years, there will be MWM Expo on Friday & Saturday, 3rd & 4th March at Dewan Meranti, Level 3, Accapella Suite Hotel, Shah Alam. It is also where you pick up your race kit.

MWM ’17

1. A Fit Mom Raises a Fit Family

Echoing that, on the 5th anniversary of MWM, now the children can run 2.5km or 5km as there will be Children’s Run by Columbia Asia Bukit Rimau. Children as young as 6 to 12 years old can participate in the 2.5km run, while teenagers age 13 – 15 can race at the 5km run. Running kid gets a running vest, bib, medal and cert for RM25 registration fees only. Children for 2.5km category will be running around Stadium Shah Alam. There are prizes to be won too! It is a good avenue to encourage active lifestyles among children and teenagers as recent studies conducted by the Nutrition Society of Malaysia reported that almost one third of kids ages 6 – 17 years old are overweight or obese.

If you are not running, you can bring your kids and introduce them the joy of running. You can register your children at MWM registration page

Prizes to be WON

Medal for Running Children

2. What about other categories?

Full Marathons – female and pacer (male allowed) RM110/person
Half Marathon – female and pacer (male allowed) RM95/person
10 km – female RM80/person
6 km – female (CLOSED)

Last date to register is 4th March, so you still have time, but don’t wait to long as you will have limited shirt sizes to choose from as the race day gets closer. Registration can be done at MWM registration page. Do follow their facebook page for event updates or changes.

Like previous years, Tourism Selangor is the key sponsor of MWM, and YB Elizabeth Wong graciously supports women in running and I hope she runs with the other ladies like previous years.

Karen Loh looking gracious and good always at the Press Conference today!

MWM ’17 participating partners and sponsors!

I heart MWM

3. Something Special by Nashata at MWM ’17
Just for MWM runners & fans, you can get Nashata Hooda Racerback Limited Edition in peach color from 15th Feb ’17 till the race day online at nashata.com or at Nashata store in Cyberjaya, MWM Expo or Race Day. Yes, we will have a booth at the Expo and Race Day. More new products will be revealed at introductory price as the date gets closer. Do check updates on our website and social sites.

Hooda Racerback MWM 2017

Road Closure

MWM 2017 Road Closure Map-01

Last year a few Nashata runners ran the full marathon and this year, we will be there too. Below are our stories, where you can get an idea of what to expect at MWM. InsyaAllah, we will see you there at Accapella Suite Hotel or Stadium Shah Alam 3-5 March 2017! Happy Training & Happy Running! ‍?? ?

What’s Cooking at MWM 2016?

Malaysia Women Marathon

Malaysia Women Marathon

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Weekend Runner

Did you know that until 1967, no women participated in a full marathon event? Katherine Switzer broke that record and signed up as a gender-neutral “K. Switzer” in Boston Marathon. When reporters realised she was a lady, she made headlines. She continued fighting to empower women in sports, and the rest is history. Imagine what would have happened if Katherine Switzer decided not to run! I am so glad that female-friendly races are becoming more common these days. Fast forward to 2016, inspired by Katherine Switzer’s legacy, I was honoured to run under Team Nashata in the full marathon category for Malaysia Women Marathon.

An opportunity to run with the ladies of Nashata? Why yes of course!

When the gun goes off at exactly 4.00am, it’s show time. Game face on, it is time for a second shot at completing a full marathon. This time, the challenge lies not in the distance, but in the cut off time. I have never completed a full marathon in 6 hours and 30 minutes. My personal best at 42km was during Pink Ultra when I clocked in just slightly under 7 hours. So shaving off 30 minutes will be a struggle.

Excited for pacer duties, boys?

Everything was fine and I was ahead of schedule up to the 30km check point. The last 10km was the hardest part, especially the highway route. The rolling hills along the LKSA highway, the heat, the emptiness…you can run for miles without bumping into anybody. The highway route felt like forever to complete. At this point, it was a battle between the mind and the body. Many people started walking, and I felt like I should start walking too. I was glad that I had my pacer with me. We didn’t talk much, but at least he was there to keep me company. He pushed me to continuously run, no matter how slow I went, which I tried to abide to (in protest!). In the end I ended up with the walk-run-walk-run cycle just like everyone else, and my pace fell dramatically towards the end. Not to mention the confusing signage and unclear direction from the marshall at the 38km, causing most participants to lose precious time hesitating which direction they should go.

Hunger was slowly settling in too. But I was surprised that the only food provided along the way was only bananas, apples, and pears. I was accustomed to seeing at least some biscuits, chips, ice-cream, or at least Coca-cola in most long distance events, so the lack of sweet and salty snacks spread was pretty surprising. Luckily, I had my energy gel with me, and my pacer bought along some protein drink mix.

The last few hundred metres push. Believe me, I wasn’t smiling if it wasn’t for the camera.

Spotted any of these cheer squad along the way? Boys, your macho level and manliness just went up a notch in those tutu skirts and pompoms!

I managed to conclude my 2^nd attempt at a full marathon in 6 hours and 33 minutes, exceeding the cut off time by 3 minutes. Now I wished that I listened to my pacer because he was right when he said “Hey no pain, no gain, girl!”. I have to train harder for my next full marathon in a few months time, because it is not fun being among the last ones to arrive!

Full marathon and half marathon finishers.

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

What’s Cooking at MWM 2016?

Posted on January 19, 2016 by eliza noordin

The Malaysia Women Marathon is back this March! This year Karen Loh, the Race Director welcomed the guests and media in an apron and long boots. Yes, Karen is full of surprises, so be prepared to get loads of them with classy feminine touches at the run!

Karen Loh in an apron and long boots : MWM 2016

The RUN

There are 4+1 categories at MWM 2016: 5km, 10km, 21km and 42.195 km. The other category is for charity where corporate companies can participate in a 3km race.

The date of the race is 6 March (Sunday) and the flag off venue is the same as previous years; Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam (GPS Coordinate: 3.07266, 101.515861). Race Kit Collection starts 4th March – 5th March at Bandar Rimbayu IJM Lands (GPS Coordinate : 2.941069, 101.54636). Make sure you use GPS coordinates as I couldn’t find Bandar Rimbayu IJM on Waze nor Google Maps.

Those who are running full marathon would start from Dataran Merdeka to Rimbayu and back to Dataran Merdeka. The roads to Bandar Rimbayu are ushered by lushes trees from rain trees to palm oil trees so do expect a nice cool run. Here are all the routes at a glance.

MWM 2016 Routes ; 5km, 10km, Half Marathon, Full Marathon

THE TOP

What I like about MWM this year is the long sleeves running tee. Yay, finally, a tee that suits our hot and sunny weather. Assuming you run a full marathon for 5 hours, you would be on the road till 9am. In Malaysia, after 730am, the morning sun can give you a sun burn. Unfortunately the long sleeves was just for press conference. For the run, you would get the running vest.

RUN SISTER RUN is the theme for this year and you get the print together with a gold emblem on the running tee.

MWM Running Shirt at Press Conference

THE PEOPLE

Not only there was the Queen of Marathon, Anand the Orange Man from Hooha was also at the Press Conference to give support !

I also bumped into Kelvin Ng, one of the male pacers at MWM 2015. I was following him towards the end of my run last year and I am thankful for having a witty pacer like him at MWM. I hope he paces again this March!

Kelvin Ng (on the right in skirt), the Pacer MWM 2015

I did my first full marathon at MWM 2015 and I encourage first timers to take the opportunity to push yourself to the next level at MWM because it is woman-friendly and super fun! You can read my experience at MWM last year here.

Karen Loh & Anand (Orange Man)

Do expect to see more diverse and fun runners at MWM. At the press conference, I was happy to meet Wen Li and Shirley Chan of Running Toones and 261 fearless group. I hope to connect you ladies with these passionate runners soon.

Shirley started to Draw the Running Toones

Shirley Chan started to Draw the Running Toones, How Cute!

RUN WITH US

Nashata sponsors a few seasoned and new runners for full marathon this year so don’t forget to look out for them. Please run with them too and let’s make the run more exciting for us girls!

Some of the runners are Intan Suraya, Eda Fatimawati, Efah the founder of WOW RUN, Azlina or widely knowns as Along, Aina the WeekendRunner, Mimi Abdul Rashid and Nahsuhah.

We will be at the racekit collection to feature our new innovative sports hijab so do drop by and check out our hot selling items & new collection – to be featured at MWM Expo!

Special Thanks to the Sponsors : Etiqa, Tourism Selangor, Rimbayu IJM, Garmin, KT Tape, Columbia & Newton

Lastly, a very special thanks to the sponsors and organiser for organizing MWM for the 4th time! Registration is still open so hurry and get your friends to run with you at MWM.MY. The early bird prices end 22nd January and they range from RM38 – RM98. Wait no more and register today!

Top Young Muslimah In Marathon

Posted on March 16, 2015 by eliza noordin

Nur Nahsuhah, a medical student, who flew in from Sibu, Sarawak for the Malaysia Women Full Marathon finished 7th for Emerald Category, and 48th position overall. A week prior to that, she finished top 2 at her virgin full marathon X12 Dark Run at Nexus Karambunai Resort & SPA, Kota Kinabalu. Her personal best time was at MWM : 4 hour 49 minutes, and this included a few minutes of Subuh praying time. Her run at MWM was 5 minutes faster than her first full marathon!

Nur Nahsuhah at MWM 2015

We got to know Nur Nahsuhah up-close and personal during MWM. She was all excited to meet other runners, most of whom she got to know via social network.

Nahsuhah, now 22, is the second child of seven siblings. She grew up in Taiping and later went to SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak. Since school, she enjoyed running long distance and participated in the school cross country runs. A hardworking girl, Nahsuhah scored all As for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and was awarded scholarship to study medicine at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). While at university, Nahsuhah always find time to run. She runs with her lecturer and sometimes alone.

WHEN DID RUNNING START?

Nahsuhah has been participating the running events since she was in school such as school Sports Day and Cross Country event. She began to slow down her participation on running events after she left the school but still does her training everyday to build her stamina. This continues despite her commitment on studying her foundation in medical course. She rose up and started participating in running events when she was in the first year of degree in medical school because this was where she owns her free time. Prior to her virgin full marathon she ran several half marathons and other runs mainly in Borneo. It’s amazing for a 22 year old lady to participate in running events. You’d typically see ladies mid-20s and above in running events. To Nahsuhah, running makes her happy.

3 THINGS THAT MOTIVATE HER TO RUN

She is motivated to run basically because she is in medical field of study. Here, she learns how disease can be spread, the pathophysiology of it, and majority depends on the eating diet and whether you are being active or not. Healthy lifestyle is something that should be compulsory in everyone’s life.
Besides, her passion on running has always driven her to run in whatever emotions. It could be when she’s sad, stress or even happy. The feeling when she sweats and achieved her running goal always excites her despite exhaustion.
The part on making her parents proud of what she is capable of; like scoring in academic and sports is what she aims for. She realised that her achievement on being a successful strong woman could be highlighted for other muslims in motivating them to stay healthy while being modest. It shows that muslimah does not need to wear tight and short clothes exposing their aura to win the race. She also mentioned,”Running is sunnah, isn’t it? Lets be blessed in whatever things we do because our goal is to enter Jannah, insyaAllah.”

TOP 3 THINGS THAT MAKE HER RUN WELL

Always go for training everyday or at least 5 times a week. Each session she always spend 30 to 45 minutes for 5 to 8km and only training for my long run during weekends, twice a month others only short run. Training keep her fit and make her confident to sign up the event.
Always take healthy food to keep her body doing well especially for an athlete, the food is very important. She always have her oat+raisin+milk for my breakfast, rice+vege +protein for lunch, and for dinner she will have wholemeal bread or biscuits with milk. She will make sure she drinks 3L of water everyday to keep her hydrated. In between meal she will have fruits as snacks.
Proper attire is utmost important especially if she’s doing long run. She said, “That’s why I choose Nashata. I love the fabric so much. I will sweat like buckets but my attire still feels light and comfy. It helps to shade off the sweat unlike cotton clothes, you will end up feel heavy and not comfortable”. She also said she likes the Nashata hijab too. It is simple, nice and keeps her looking good even after 3 to 5 hours run. And Nashata provides a lot of colour variation that can always match up with running event theme. Since she is a student she is trying to save up for more Nashata collections.

HER ATTIRE

Nahsuhah is very particular about her attire when she runs. She runs in Nashata Ultra Top and Riada Pants as they are modest, lightweight and comfortable for long distance running. She does not wear additional attire or gears to support her run. She only carries a phone to entertain her while running. That is how simple running for performance is for Nahsuhah!

Nahsuhah at her Runs

HER DIET

Since she spends a lot of time at the hospital, she eats what’s serve at the hospital. Most of the time, they are healthy food with little oil and a lot of soup. Even prior to that, while growing up Nahsuhah claims her mother discouraged snaking in between meals and did not allow having drinks with ice. With a father from navy background, Nahsuhah like her other siblings are trained to be disciplined and hardworking. They too are performing excellently in their studies. Her younger brother who sat SPM recently, also followed her footsteps scoring all As!

Soon to be doctor and a winning runner, Nahsuhah will soar high, InsyaAllah.

Virgin Full Marathon for the Wimpy Legs

Posted on March 12, 2015 by eliza noordin

The wimpy legs finally ran a full marathon. They ran the first half marathon December 21st 2014, at the Cyberjaya Twincity Marathon. The experience running first half marathon was shared separately on another post.

Time flies and 3 months after the first 21km run, the wimpy legs ran their first full marathon at the Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) 2015.

Why MWM?

MWM has been close to my heart as it was where I met Intan Suraya in March 2013. I still remember waking up early at 3am and driving to I-City Shah Alam where I was introduced to Intan, a hijabist runner. Eda Fatimawati introduced me to Intan as I wanted to find out how running in hijab was like. Intan was wearing a ‘bawal’ hijab back then and was very happy to share her experience briefly right before she ran the full marathon at MWM.

On March 15th, 2014, we launched Nashata at MWM 2014. We were also the title sponsor for the 5km Fun Run.

Later on October 8, 2014, I decided to run Full Marathon at MWM 2015. Although the longest distance I ran at that moment was 10 km, I just signed up for it and worked backwards.

Training

After my first Half Marathon, I was not able to train much as I was busy with work. The longest distance I ran was 17 km on 11th January with Eda and 16 km on the 3rd February. I was supposed to have ran 30 km twice by 15th Feb, but I didn’t. I was far behind with training.

I was added into a running support group managed by MWM and this is what the training plan was like.

: Full Marathon Training Plan

I was only able to collect mileage religiously back again after 16th February. At times, I ran alone at 9 pm and 5am even if I needed to.

Even so, the longest distance I ran was 17 km, which was on the 28th Feb, a week before MWM 2015. I did not collect enough mileage and was aiming to finish my run within 6 hours. Karen Loh, the MWM Race Director was kind to ask about my progress every week. She reminded me to run 30 km before the full marathon.

Note : Please do not follow my training record. It is not recommended at all.

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Last Run 28 Feb : 17 km only

What about my diet?

I was told to drink a lot water until my urine is clear at all times. So I did, with a lot of coke light and coke zero in between (that was not part of the dietary plan).The weather was dry and hot a week before the run, so it was super important to keep my body hydrated. I was told to eat healthy and to eat a lot of carbs a few days before the run. I took a lot of rice, bagels and fruits. I bought a few bagels two days before the run and kept eating them. I felt fat but I guess it was necessary.

Before the run, I had a bagel and a glass of milk and water. I prepared more food with me, which included hard boil eggs, banana, Yes, it was like preparing for a picnic.

Attire & Gears?

I wanted to run light so I wore my favorite Nashata skirt compression pants, blue ultra top and amin hijab. Initially I planned to bring along a visor as I was worried about the morning sun, but left it behind as i didn’t want to run with too many things with me. I didn’t wear hydration belt either as I was hoping to bump into many many water stations along the way. I brought 2 energy gels in my pocket and my phone (which I initially planned to leave).

The Run, the Race

Intan Suraya, Nur Nahsuhah and I arrived Dataran Merdeka, 5 minutes before flag off. Off my wimpy legs, running the first full marathon. My pace was 7.10 min/km for the first 10 km. The pace dropped to 7.45 min/km at 20 km, and continued to drop to 8 min / km at 28.5km. My challenge started after my pelvic stiffed 30 km onwards. My lower body movement was restricted. I was running non-stop most of the time but could not go fast. Throughout the run, I Dhikr. I was scared and needed help.

One of the marshals told me to drink salt water. Perhaps my body looked stiff. Indeed I drank a lot of salt water after that. I ran without feeling thirsty throughout the run. There were many water stations with choices of water, salt water and revive at all times. After my 21km, I took Revive and salt water at every stop. I consumed the energy gel provided at the water station and another from my pocket at 30 km.

I had no pacer, so I had to push myself as much as I could. I was right behind MWM’s 4 hr 30 mins pacers, then 5 hr and later 5 hr 30 mins pacers. It was at the last 8 km of the run, I could not cope with the pace and ran slowly. Moreover, it was getting hot. Then came the 6 hr pacers over taking me at 37 km.

Cheeky Pacers

That was when I tried to push harder. It was hard as my pelvic was ‘locked’. I even felt my hands were swinging faster than my legs. It must have looked really funny. At 39 km was when I saw my husband waiting for me by the road. His presence helped me to move faster.

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Dragging wimpy legs at 41 km

I reached the finishing line at 5 hr 49 mins with no injury. I was happy to see my family members waiting for me for many many hours. My legs are no longer wimpy but my pelvic needs some work. I experienced stiffness around my pelvic area both at half and full marathon. Even though the pain came a lot later at full marathon, but it is an area I need to improve. My overall pace was 8.27 mins/km.

Recovery

I suffered from zero injury and recovered within a day. It was painless compared to recovery from Mount Kinabalu climb. My legs were a bit sore for a day after the run. I had to stretch out my body for half a day after the run; no twist nor turn as there were also weak. I managed to run 4 km 2 days after MWM and 5 km 4 days after the run, and I was alrite.

International & National Full Marathon Standards

Based on Running USA, the average median finishing time for a full marathon for women is 4 hours 41 minutes, while in Asian countries like Malaysia, the median for women, based on the recent Malaysia Women Marathon is higher; 5 hours 40 minutes. Why the big gap ? We will have to find out. The would-be qualifying time for me at the New York Marathon for example is 3 hour 26 mins. My current timing is for age 70 years old and above.

Summary Full Marathon MWM 2015

But meanwhile, it was good to see more and more sisters running off late. The recent MWM brought together 298 full marathon runners internationally, mainly from Malaysia. Although there was a drop in terms of participation for full marathon and half marathon this year, we saw new and old faces participating in the run, mostly pushing themselves to tougher categories.

Here’s a picture of very happy runners who completed their full marathon that day. Wimpy legs would definitely run again, but next time around with stronger pelvic and more sisters together! If the wimpy legs can run a full marathon, so can others!

Sisters who ran their first Full Marathon at MWM. (except Intan Suraya who is an avid marathoner)

Pushing Your Limits on International Women’s Day

Posted on March 10, 2015 by eliza noordin

Happy International Women’s Day to our readers.

Did you do anything special on Women’s Day? Many sisters spent their day making their marks, pushing themselves to a different level on the 8th March 2015.

Here are 3 highlights of our fit sisters:

1. Two WINNING Full Marathons within a week for Nur Nahsuhah

Nahsuhah, a 22 medical student at UNIMAS Sarawak, completed her virgin Full Marathon (42.195km) on the 1st March 2015 at the X12 Dark Run, Nexus Karambunai Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. She finished top 2 for Women’s Open Category at 4 hour and 54 minutes. Seven days after her first full marathon, she competed at the Malaysia Women Marathon in Shah Alam, where she finished top 7 for Emerald Category. She improved her performance and finished within 4 hour and 49 minutes.

She flew into Shah Alam to brave through her second full marathons in a week! Isn’t that amazing!

Nur Nasuhah at X12 Dark Run & MWM 2015

2. Finishers at the Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM)

Full Marathon

10 sisters of Nashata, including Nahsuhah, Intan Suraya, Azlina, Arliza, Masnida and Azyan ran Full Marathon at MWM. Some of them are amazing women who ran their virgin marathon. It was an amazing experience as the run not only brought them together, but also strengthen the sisterhood among themselves. It takes a strong and determined person to run a marathon.

“Running might not be an enjoyable past time for me if it was not for Nashata running clothes. Comfortable and modest, just what a running muslimah needs.”, Azlina Idris (Along) virgin full marathon runner

MWM Finishers

Finishers & Pacers

Whatever the distance and category it may be, 5km, 10km and 21km all finishers and pacers are Winners! There were family members who ran together, friends from old school, university and workplace who decided to catch up and ran together. Eat, Sleep and Exercise – A healthy arrangement for girl get-together. Some paced their family and friends, some ran for the fun, and some cheered for each other till the finishing line.

Whatever the reason may be, it was definitely for the betterment of one’s body and soul!

Run Modestly, Run in Nashata!

3. An upgrade from Full Marathon to Ultra for Eda

What is next for those who have graduated from Full Marathon numerous time? Eda Fatimawati, Nashata’s Fitness Evangelist, who ran numerous full marathons ran her first ultra on Women’s Day! She ran and finished strong 50km at the TiTi100 Road Ultra Marathon.

Eda the Ultra Marathoner @ TITI100 Road Ultra Marathon

Our sisters have accomplished fitness to the next level on Women’s Day. CONGRATULATIONS!

Lastly, here’s a special pose by Intan Suraya when she ran full marathon at MWM!

: Intan Suraya, Running Happy at the Malaysia Women Marathon 2015 #womensday

Never Give Up Running : Dr. Rosmurni Ismail shares her Story

Posted on November 13, 2014 by eliza noordin

We are grateful to have wonderful customers and because of the support from our sisters and customers, we thrive to do better. We receive many feedback from our customers, and we truly appreciate them.

We are also touched and happy that some of you take the trouble to send us pictures, write to us and share your stories; to inspire other sisters to be active in sports and take better care of beautiful vessels Allah give us.

Here’s a story sent by Dr. Rosmurni who was the FIRST to finish 7 km fun at 38.4mins at the LOVE Subang Run 2014 on 9 November 2014.
To those who have challenges to find time to keep fit; You are not alone and you should not feel despair. Here’s her story, for the ummah.

Assalamualaikum,

I would like to share my experience with Nashata. I have been using the Nashata products for a few months back, can’t remember exactly. Oh yes! I purchased for the first time using Nashata coupon when I entered Malaysian Women’s Marathon (MWM) in March 2014. I saw the products displayed at the Dataran Merdeka Shah Alam and felt interested to try it out because of the modest muslimah design and suitable for outdoor activities(which I found rare to find).

So,I bought Amin Hijab and Riada Peplum Lite for my first purchase. Later on I repeated my order and bought Heather Ultra top for more performance & Iman Hijab. I have been wearing them since because they are so light and comfy, and most importantly they cover right. I plan to buy more and I would like to congratulate Nashata for producing quality and innovative products. I hope there will be more interesting products coming soon.

I was a runner in my schooldays and till today, I love running. When I entered University, I just ran for fun and couldn’t do much running due to time constraint. I started having a family upon graduation and work commitment piled up. That was when I stopped running. But after giving birth to my 3rd child in 2007 (my youngest child was 6 years old then), I saw an advertisement in the paper that there would be a Subang Jaya Run. I took my first attempt and I could run again after stopping for many years. I was very happy. It was a 7 km run and completed with a time of 47 mins. It was an awesome feeling and I started running constantly again and never look back.

However, Allah gave me a test, I had a miscarriage in 2008 and after a few months Allah gave me his blessings. I got pregnant with my 4th child and Alhamdulillah, I delivered my 4th child in 2009. Right after my postpartum period I started to be active again. Now, I am a constant runner despite being busy as a career woman, a wife to an excellent husband, a mother of four great children and lastly but not least as a daughter of an amazing mother.

So they say, Fit Parents Raise Fit kids. Congratulations to Dr. Rosmurni Ismail & family. 🙂 Here are her medals she collected since 2010. Keep going Dr. Rosmurni .

If you have stories to share, or feedback do write to us at contactus@nashata.com. We are happy to talk to you.

Semangat yang kuat! – Nur Azyan Yusof

Posted on October 23, 2014 by eliza noordin

Baru-baru ini kami sempat lagi menemuramah seorang pelari yang hampir berhenti berlari tetapi giat kembali dalam sukan kerana beberapa faktornya sendiri. Ikuti kisah beliau dan sebabnya :

1. Biodata Diri

Beliau di beri nama Nur Azyan Yusof atau nama mesranya lagi Yan @ Zyra. Gadis comel ini berumur 35 tahun dan masih bujang, tinggal di Shah Alam. Beliau memiliki Master of Science Computer di Universiti Malaya dan sekarang bekerja di Telekom Malaysia sebagai seorang pegawai eksekutif.

2. Sejak bila mula berlari dan apa yang membuatkan beliau aktif dalam sukan?

Sekitar tahun 2006, beliau mendapati berat badannya semakin naik dan terasa sangat sukar untuk mengekalkan berat badan. Beliau membuat keputusan untuk mula berlari di Standard Chartered KL Marathon (5km) pada tahun 2010. Oleh kerana sejarah kesihatan keluarga yang kurang baik dan ramai keluarganya memiliki penyakit obesiti serta penyakit 3 berangkai (jantung, diabetes, buah pinggang), beliau mengambil keputusan untuk mula berjinak dalam sukan untuk mengamalkan gaya hidup yang sihat walaupun pada asalnya beliau seorang ulat buku di sekolah. Beliau cuba mula berlari secara berperingkat dengan jarak yang paling dekat 5KM, 10KM, 21KM dan full marathon 41KM.

3. Mengapa berhenti berlari?

Beliau berkata, marathon ini memerlukan komitmen yang sangat tinggi. Sekurang-kurangnya perlu berlatih berlari dengan jarak 15KM – 20KM pada setiap hujung minggu. Manakala di hari biasa pula sepatutnya perlu berlatih 3 kali seminggu dengan jarak 5KM – 7KM. Di sebabkan beliau terlalu sibuk dengan hal kerja dan keluarga, beliau berehat seketika selama 2 tahun kerana tidak boleh fokus pada larian.

4. Kesan apabila berhenti berlari

Kesan yang paling kritikal adalah berat badan naik dengan mendadak. Selalunya selepas habis kerja beliau ada membuat aktiviti fizikal kerana baginya itu merupakan salah satu caranya untuk melepaskan stress dan tekanan kerja. Apabila berhenti, beliau lebih mudah marah dan murung. Beliau juga kadang kala menghadapi masalah susah untuk tidur pada waktu malam.

5. Siapa yang memberi dorongan? Ada mendapat tentangan dari mana-mana pihak?

Ramai kawan-kawan memberi sokongan dan dorongan. Cuma ibu bapanya tidak gemar beliau bersukan dengan berpakaian ketat walaupun memakai baju yang menutupi semuanya kerana masih mendedahkan aurat

6. Pencapaian terhebat dan target akan datang

Beliau berjaya menamatkan larian Full Marathon dengan set masa 5 jam 27 minit dan targetnya yang seterusnya untuk memecahkan rekod terbaru dalam larian full marathon akan datang dengan memakai pakaian yang lebih sopan dan menutup aurat

Testimonial beliau tentang produk Nashata :

” Pakaiannya labuh, longgar dan dibuat daripada material yang sport-oriented! Pakaian saya yang dulu pun bukan senang nak cari. Skirt pendek saya beli daripada tennis skirt. Arm-sleeve saya beli daripada golf sport. Semua saya campur-campur untuk dibawa berlari marathon. Bertuahnya sekarang, semua Nashata dah sediakan! Tak payah survey banyak kedai dah. Lengkap segalanya! “

7. Antara cadangan yang beliau utarakan untuk meningkatkan lagi produktiviti dan stamina seorang wanita untuk lebih cergas dan sihat

Lakukan aktiviti yang menggembirakan diri sendiri dan memperbanyakkan aktiviti sukan seperti badminton, berbasikal, zumba, yoga dan sebagainya. Beliau sangat gemar melakukan body combat kerana beliau terasa seolah-olah boleh melepaskan geram kerana kata beliau, tugas seorang wanita sangat berat dan mungkin menghadapi banyak masalah dan tekanan. Bagi menggalakkan lebih ramai kaum ibu dan isteri pula, beliau menyarankan berlari berkumpulan di adakan dengan satu (1) keluarga ikut turut serta.

8. Antara program-program larian yang beliau telah sertai :

(a) Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 (Half marathon)

(b) Malaysia Women Marathon 2013 (Half Marathon)

(d) Standard Chartered Singapore 2011 (Full Marathon)

(e) Newton Challenge 2012 (25km)

9. Perbezaan pemakaian dari segi latihan dan marathon

Semasa latihan : Baju biasa bergantung kepada jenis latihan yang di lakukan

Semasa marathon : Baju cepat kering, ringan, serap peluh, mampat, tidak terlalu labuh

10. Berapa minit beliau membuat latihan dan berapa kerap beliau lakukannya?

Hari biasa – 45minit ke 1 jam (3x seminggu)

Hujung minggu – 2 jam ke 2.30 jam (Larian jauh)

1 jam tambahan (Weight training, bodycombat, bodybalance)

2 hari pula diperuntukkan untuk berehat

Beliau ada menyusulkan cadangan lari sambil menolak stroller baby. How cute idea she have huh? Ramai orang tidak terfikir akannya dan mungkin idea ni menjadi seronok jika ada mana-mana pihak yang mencubanya di masa akan datang. Azyan seorang yang sangat kreatif dan sangat ceria. Terima kasih kerana kongsi segala pengalaman dan cerita yang menarik tentang anda bersama kami.

Dr. Shima Rashid – Keeping FIT is a strive but NOT impossible for a CAREER Mom

Posted on July 17, 2014 by eliza noordin

Dr. Shima is a surgeon who specializes in Ear Nose Throat (ENT) and mother of 4 young children. Within less than a year, she participated in many many runs. Here’s a brief on what drives her to keep FIT!

“I had my 4th baby just after Raya last year (August 2013) and I felt like I wasn’t losing weight. I had never really taken care of myself after my first baby anyway. Seemed like life and work got in the way! Although this was my 4th C-section, it was still hard to get back into the normal routine. I was very lethargic all the time. So when my baby was about 3 months, and having never ever run before, I taught myself to run, using certain applications on the smart phone. My first official run was the Bangi Fun Run, end of last year. With the support of friends and family, I found that I actually liked running and yes the weight was starting to fall off and the rest, they say, is history!”

YAY for Dr. Shima!

Here’s some sharing about Dr. Shima and her active lifestyle.

1) On this month of Ramadhan, do you do any exercise ?

I try to do some aerobics at home, but it is minimal as there are other ibadah that take up my time.

2) How do you feel when your weight is reduced and that you have achieved your certain target?

I feel great, of course, and more importantly I have learnt that there are no ‘short cuts’ when it comes to health. It is a type of investment – you need to put in time and effort to achieve good results.

3) What is your fitness target?

To achieve a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). And to maintain it!!

LOOK HOW MANY RUNS DR. SHIMA PARTICIPATED IN LESS THAN A YEAR!

4) How do you manage your time between work, family and fitness?

I usually workout after 8pm during weekdays and early mornings during weekends. The workout schedule may be ‘ruined’ due to a child’s illness, or being called to the hospital during On-Call. It is a challenge, but you do what you can.

5) Do your other family members have an active lifestyle? How old is your eldest and youngest child? Do you do any activities with them?

My husband plays futsal twice a week but he doesn’t fancy running. My eldest is 10 years old and my youngest is 11 months old. My older 2 children – Nazme who’s 10 and Effa who’s 8 – have started to want to join me in running events and so we train together during weekends. My 3rd one, Ezza who’s 4, wants to join too but she’s still has some growing up to do before she can.

Isn’t Dr. Shima awesome? Not only she has a HIGH self-discipline teaching herself to run and keeping up with it, she also shares her active lifestyle together with her children.

Dr. Shima like many other mothers, gets through her daily life by ‘doing what she can’ in taking care of the children and balancing career and health. Yes, there is no short cut. Fitness like anything else in life, requires EFFORT.

A big thanks to Dr. Shima Rashid who gives us many words of encouragement to build better products for modest women like her. She wears Nashata’s Ultra Top, Riada Tops, Amin and Iman Hijabs and Riada Active Pants. She has got them all!

Nashata

Empowering Active Lifestyle

Tag Archives: malaysia women marathon

Why the Malaysia ? Women ? Marathon is so Special

??Run Sister Run + ‍??Run Children Run @ ? MWM’17

Malaysia Women Marathon

What’s Cooking at MWM 2016?

The RUN

THE TOP

THE PEOPLE

RUN WITH US

Top Young Muslimah In Marathon

Virgin Full Marathon for the Wimpy Legs

Why MWM?

Training

What about my diet?

Attire & Gears?

The Run, the Race

Recovery

International & National Full Marathon Standards

Pushing Your Limits on International Women’s Day

1. Two WINNING Full Marathons within a week for Nur Nahsuhah

Full Marathon

Finishers & Pacers

3. An upgrade from Full Marathon to Ultra for Eda

Never Give Up Running : Dr. Rosmurni Ismail shares her Story

Semangat yang kuat! – Nur Azyan Yusof

Dr. Shima Rashid – Keeping FIT is a strive but NOT impossible for a CAREER Mom