The EXPO, The Race @ Malaysia Women Marathon 2016

The Malaysia Women Marathon is an event all running girls should look forward to because it is full of awesomeness. This year, the 3-day Awesomeness (4-6th March) started with a 2-day expo at Bandar Rimbayu, followed by the race at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam.

DAY 1 : EXPO

The weather was really hot. You could sweat just sitting doing nothing.

All the vendors were ready setting up their stuffs for sale at 10am. Nashata booth offered the same discounts as available online, except for Raazgloves which were going for RM10 only at MWM!. We were lucky to have a booth next to Marathon Baker, and they were super friendly. We bought a lot of chocolate brownies from them and their drinks were very nice too.

As expected, the crowd wasn’t that many on the first day. Most who came were volunteers and MWM runners who came to pick up their race kits. Many left with many race kits in hands as they picked up race kits for group members and friends.  We received a lot of visits from our beloved customers and friends. Here’s one with Hana who came to purchase from us.

Nashata Customers are Awesome!

The organiser lined up a series of talk covering several topics on fitness and fashion shows. Nashata shared about Fashion Tips for Sports Fashionista on Friday, 5th March 2016 2pm.

 

Fashion Tips for Sports Fashionista

Fashion Tips for Sports Fashionista

Here are a couple of slides among the ones that we shared on what to wear, what color to choose, how to look good while running.

 

Working out fashion tips

Working out fashion tips

Tips to Look Good while running

Tips to Look Good while running

The props at the Expo was vibrant and colorful! This is only one of them.

Quite Retro Huh?

Quite Retro don’t you think?

Hooda Sports Hijab was available for fitting so many came to try it out and place orders.

Hooda Sports Hijab

Hooda Sports Hijab

 

Day 2 : Expo 

On the second day, ie, 6th March, Datuk Marina Chin was among the honorable speakers for the Women Dialogue Session on Empowering Women Through Sports. She is indeed THE lady in sports. She was a national track queen, who later coached young athletes. She ran 100 – 400 meter hurdles and won seven gold medals at the SEA Games in the 1970s. Marathon and tracks are no different. They require running, training, strong legs, determination and good diet. Her passion in sports shines till today as she is now the Chef de Mission to 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017 under the Olympic Council of Malaysia. At the Expo, she spoke about her passion in sports and that her career in sports never fade away after winning the SEA Games as she continued to coach athletes after she pursued studies in the US. She also reminded parents to allow children to choose what they want to pursue in life and not push unrealized dreams into children.

 

Freda Lui, Datuk Marina Chin, Stephanie Case & Sue Obrien

from Left : Freda Lui, Datuk Marina Chin, Stephanie Case & Sue Obrien

 

The session was moderated by Freda Lui, the producer at BFM 89.9, also a runner. I left the session feeling blessed. I am blessed because I can exercise my rights to perform fitness activities at peace in Malaysia. In certain country, you can only train by running up and down the stairs. It is unheard off, but it happens. Stephanie Case, the founder of charity FreetoRun is an  ultra runner and she lives in Gaza. She helps girls and women in conflict-affected communities to do sports.  Now – that is passion, empowering & amazing. Hence the reason why – I will not miss sharing sessions at MWM in the future!

I was lucky to be seated next to Datuk Marina Chin at lunch. I missed the memo, busy, was called in later, came in late and Alhamdulillah – sheer luck placed me next to her. Datuk Marina is tall, motherly, gentle and BEAUTIFUL. Just look at her posing with  Dato’ Beatrice Nirmala, Mrs. Malaysia 2007, another beauty who does not age.

Dato Beatrice Nirmala & Datuk Marina Chin

Staying Fit Could be the Secret to stay beautiful like Dato Beatrice Nirmala & Datuk Marina Chin

The Curves sponsored workout session right before the Dialogue Session. Despite the heat and humidity, many joined the workout at the back. The second day was indeed a busy day. We were visited by loyal customers like Roziana Harun and performing runner like Edan Shah. We enjoy having conversations with runners and customers because we learn a lot from each other. Edan is the 3rd fastest marathoner In Malaysia with timing of (2:41:43)  as ranked by the Malaysia Athletics Federation

Roziana Harun, Edan Shah & Friend

Edan Shah & Hijabi Marathon Runners

Day 3 : The Race

I was not able to run due to dehydration and my right knee was still hurting, but the Nashata runners (Intan Suraya, Eda Fatimawati, Nur Nahsuhah, Azlina & Pacer, Efah, Aina) ran their heart out that morning. The girls registered for full marathon (42 km)  and one did half marathon (21 km). Sadly, this year, the girls are not too happy with their run. Reasons aside, one gave the idea about running 5 km fun run at the next MWM. I think it is an awesome idea. Just look at all the happy faces of the runners at the 5 km and 10 km! We should fun run then!

 

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On your mark! Get set! Go!

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Happy with what you wear will make your day no matter how tired you get

It is heart-warming to learn the main sponsor and associates wore Nashata for the fun run. Only at MWM, you get such support & sisterhood. My special thanks goes to Karen Loh who put her heart and soul in making MWM beyond a running event. Only this iron lady & team can pull such a dazzling run! So girls, miss not the MWM next year!

Datin Seri Shamsida Tahari, Puan Noorul & YB Daroyah in Nashata

Datin Seri Shamsida Tahari, Puan Noorul & YB Daroyah

If you want to learn about runners’ experiences at MWM, here’s a list:

 

Malaysia Women Marathon

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.

IMG_3061 IMG_3060An 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.

IMG_3067Excited 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.

 

IMG_3064The last few hundred metres push. Believe me, I wasn’t smiling if it wasn’t for the camera.

IMG_3068Spotted 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 2nd 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!

IMG_3069Full marathon and half marathon finishers.

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

What’s Cooking at MWM 2016?

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

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

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.

2016 MWM Event singlet

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

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, the Pacer MWM 2015

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)

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

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!