Tag Archives: night run

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

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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!

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

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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!
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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

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

Enjoying the view #2

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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

Ending the night by bumping into a familiar face

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An event will be incomplete without a group photo with them

Short vs Long Run. Which works for you?

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Ever wonder if short or long run is better for you? After a weekend of long runs, and many months of short runs prior to that, here are my findings:

  1. Short runs are good to improve speed
    Frequent short runs are good. Go intense if you want to be fueled by carbs, but go easy if you want to be fueled by fat. Balance your running schedule between running fast and going easy. Running fast or intensely  puts stress on your muscles, but in a good way as it pushes you to improve. Running at easy pace is relaxing on your muscles – much needed in your routine
  2. Push to your limits at long runs occasionally
    You get to improve endurance at long runs. Try run within good heart rates and balance between improving timing and distance. To me, both short and long runs must go hand in hand.
  3. Let your body recover well
    Short or long, fast or slow, make sure your body recovers well. Your body needs to rest and take time off. Here’s a recovery plan for half and full marathon. Let your muscles heal and energy restored.

MY STORY OF LONG RUNS BACK TO BACK

My week ended with much sore and pain after a 12 km and 21 km run back to back. I am a recreational runner who runs for fitness. I hardly go for competitive races for various reasons, but last weekend I did two long distance runs.

Normally, I would run 5 km on average 5 times a week as my focus the past months was to improve speed. Three days before the back to back long runs, I trained and ran 12 km within 1 hr 17 mins. I was happy with the speed but not happy with the after effect on my knee. I felt acute pain on right knee.

When I was running fast and injured my knee after

When I was running fast and injured right knee after.

I rested for 3 days and went to the 12 km and 21 km weekend runs with least expectations – not being able to run at all.  l didn’t want to miss MHWH Night Run by AIA Vitality 12km run at MAEPS so I tried my luck, joined the crowd and started running slowly.

Surprisingly, there was no pain. So, I kept running and increased speed along the way. I finished with no injury at 01:39:02, and felt I should prepare for the PJ Half Marathon, the morning after. At the PJ Half Marathon, I ran slowly the first 5 km and increased speed as I felt no pain on my knee. But the hills, especially along the last 3 km were killers. My pelvic started to become stiff and I was not able to run faster. I completed 21 km within official time 2:43:50. Not my personal best, but thankful for sure!

Elevation Nightmare PJ Half Marathon

My pace & elevation at PJ Half Marathon 2017

The soreness and pain went away quickly and I now realised I should have a better training plan that combines short and long runs to avoid injuries and to improve performance and endurance. No last minute long distance training after this.

All well and done, my knees are fine. Now, here are some captured moment!

  1. MHWH Night Run by AIA Vitality  : 22nd July 2017
MHWH Night Run by AIA Vitality Pacers

MHWH Night Run by AIA Vitality  21km Pacers

Nadia Noi the 21km Pacer

With Nadia Noi the 21km Pacer

After 12km MHWH Night Run 2017

It was Nuha’s first 12km run.

2. PJ Half Marathon : 23rd July 2017

Intan Suraya after a back to back 21km, 12km and 21km runs

Amazing Intan Suraya ran 21km, 12km and 21km runs over the weekend!

More than 4000 half marathon runners

More than 4000 half marathon runners waiting for flagoff

Nashata Runners

WIth Intan Siza – the Nashata Runner. Picture by ActionPixMalaysia

Looking forward to improve training and run better at my next half marathon! A mix of both short and long runs that is!

WIN & Run the MHWH Night Run by AIA Vitality!

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runLess hot + night fresh air + burns fat = Satisfaction.

Just exactly what people are looking forward for a fun exercise. Lucky Night Run by AIA Vitality never ends. Here’s what they offers to you this 22nd July @ Putrajaya. More information and updates about the run can be found here.

You can WIN Prizes easily by participating in MY BEST RUNNING ATTIRE CONTEST

Men's Health Women's Health Night Run by AIA Vitality

Men’s Health Women’s Health Night Run by AIA Vitality

We are giving away 2 * 12km running tickets for you & 2 * Raazgloves & 2 * Nashata Tote Bags  worth RM236. How can you win these prizes? It is easy, really :

  • Simply post a creative photo or video of you running in your best running attire on facebook or instagram, and share with us why you love it. Tag your friends who would be interested to run with you at the MHWH Night Run should you win the prizes.
  • Don’t forget to add these hashtags so that we could find you #myBestRunningAttire #AIAVitality and #nashataChallenge in your caption
  • Competition ends 4th June and we will contact winners 5th June. You will then have 2 days to register for the run.

This year, the run has more categories for a wholesome  family-run that includes the young runners. There is a 700 meter run for children ages 7-11 years and we can expect to see young ones dashing in these categories.

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) and 3km run for 12-16 years old.

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MHWH Night Run by AIAI Vitality Shirt and Medal

MHWH Night Run by AIAI Vitality Shirt and Medal

The #nashatarunners had great running experiences at previous MHWH Night Runs. We have paced and participated the runs in Penang, Putrajaya and Johor over the years and below are the reviews:

BLAST from the past:

Amie will be pacing again this year! (on the right) Good luck for your exams Nahsuhah (on the left)

Amie will be pacing again this year! (on the right) Good luck on your exams Nahsuhah (on the left). Nahsuhah, a meds student in Sarawak will be missing the run this time.

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.

Some Night Running Tips :

So wait no more and share and Join MY BEST RUNNING ATTIRE CONTEST and win those prizes

If you don’t race, you pace!

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As the official pacer for Ice Watch Run 2016, my task list for the night was simple: make sure my balloon does not pop or get blown away, maintain a pace of 7:30min/km through out 10km, and keep up the positive spirit, and watch out for other runners along the way. We were not assigned a timing target, and were advised by the organizers to take our time to regroup at the water station if necessary. Plus, there was no timing chip attached to the number bib too.

7:30min/km pacers at your service!

7:30min/km pacers at your service!

Very early in the race we were approached by a few runners who were aiming for a PB – an uncle said that he has been running in several events, so he really wanted to maintain the 7:30min/km pace with us. We tried our best to maintain at the assigned pace, but due to the size of the crowd my pacing group was breaking up. We had to pause to regroup. So we urged the pack that followed us who wanted to set a new PB to follow the 7:00min/km pacers instead.

We were the last group of pacer before the sweepers, so we were among the last ones. At this point, the crowd consisted of;

The “Newbies” – the first timers. They have no running strategy or stamina, just the pure will to run. You can recognize them by their irregular walk-run-sprint-sprint-burn out-walk pace , or

The “Funbies” – regular runners who just run for “fun”. You can recognize them by their ability to maintain a steady but slow pace, or

The “Confusies” – if you are not a Newbie or a Funbie yet you are still running at 7:30min/km, then I have no words for you. You fall into this category.

Based on the mix of runners as aforementioned, the vibe of the crowd was more relaxed. Most participants were just strolling and chatting. Clearly, no one were aiming for any PB anymore – they just want to finish the race. The uncle who first approached us earlier had speeded ahead. Most of the runners that tagged along with us were starting to grunt, saying that we were going way too fast although my watch was already approaching 7:45min/km. I sensed that the pack running with us was starting to feel demotivated. However, we had to keep up with the task given and forged ahead with the assigned pace. To give the crowd some boost, we cheered along the way, cracked a few silly jokes, and turned on some music (Clearly, we take our job as pacers very very very seriously!)

We arrived at the finishing line greeted by the impromptu cheer zone that was created by faster pacing groups who arrived earlier than us. They gave us high-fives and congratulatory pat on the back. This gave the runners the final push to sprint towards the finishing line. I was happy to see the crowd that I was pacing to finish strong with smiles on their faces, and that gave me the greatest satisfaction as a pacer for that night. I was grateful for the opportunity given, and I would love to pace again in the future.

Did any of these good-looking pacers greeted you at the finishing line?

If good-looking pacers at the finishing line does not motivating you to sprint, I don’t know what will.

I knew that I have done my best as a pacer when I see fellow runners smiling

I knew that I have done my best as a pacer when I see fellow runners smiling

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner

Run for Vitality @ the MHWH Night Run

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The Nashata Runners made their second running debut at the Men’s Health Women’s Health Night Run by AIAVitality yesterday in Putrajaya. The first was in Penang.  This time, we had a few runners running 12 km and 21 km while Nur Nahsuhah and Amie Kurtenbach paced the 21 km run.

Alhamdulillah : Nashata Runners Finished Happy & Strong

Alhamdulillah : Nashata Runners Finished Happy & Strong

Selamat Lari Raya

We had our little gathering before the run – a post Eid Celebration. We got a brownie cake specially made by Marathon Baker.  It was super duper yummeh, rich, chocolaty, Nutella frosting – everybody loved it.

Selamat Lari Raya

Less guilt eating a cake by Marathon Baker the Energy Bar Specialist

We shared the cake with others. The cake didn’t hurt our run, all of us – except the busy pacers had our share loving the cake!

Raya Cake Marathon Baker

Sharing the Raya Cake with Other Runners

Nashata Runners – The Pacers

Nahsuhah and Amie were the official pacers at the run. Nahsuhah was one of the official pacers at the Penang MHWH Night Run so she was pretty ok to shoulder the responsibilities. Amie was a little bit nervous as it was her first experience, but she did well.

MHWH Night Run by AIAVitality 21km Pacers

MHWH Night Run by AIAVitality 21km Pacers

Many pacers’s balloons popped along the way, unfortunately. Perhaps, they could wear a bib displaying pace timing on their backs as a back up measures in the future. Both enjoyed pacing, taking turns with other pacers from various running teams to drink and rest and catch up so that the other runners stayed on track and achieve running goals that night.

“Such a nice experience to run as an official pacer HM 2:40.. Monitoring the pace, cheering and motivating the runners are part of the responsibilities. One guy who just recovered from his dengue fever waited at the finishing line and thanked me for pacing him. He managed to finish the run at 2:39.. That moment made me really happy”, shared Amie. 

Official Pacers MHWH Night Run

Official Pacers MHWH Night Run : We dressed them up in yellow Iman Hijab so that runners could easily spot them

Running in the Rain 

At 6 pm, it started to rain heavily at Putrajaya, and everyone involved in the run was giving heads up via whatsapp about coming in late due to jams in town.  I didn’t want to get my shoes wet before running so I tried not to walking around on wet grounds much.  A lot of people were late for the run due to the downpour.  When the 21 km flagged off at 8 pm sharp, many were still running towards the starting point through the gates.

Starting Off

Can you Run Faster in a Cool Weather?

It was drizzling a bit till the first 2 km. I enjoyed the run because it was cool. It was my kind of a weather to run well. After the first 5 km, I felt both my right shoes and sock were damped –  a little discomfort but I kept running.

Just like the run in Penang, the traffic control was good; there were cones allocated along the highway giving a lot of space for runners to run and overtake each other. There were ambulances patrolling along the route and paramedics team was busy assisting runners with cramps at a few stops. One stretch was quite dark when the road lights went off due to circuit malfunction and we saw sparks of fire coming out from the lamp post on the other side of the road. If you plan to run at the MHWH Night Run in Johor, make sure you go to the toilet before the run as there were no mobile toilets along 21km in Penang and Putrajaya.

It was fun & rewarding for me as I get to run with my husband and brother. We ran together throughout the race, overtaking but not far from each other at times. My timing improved and I ran with zero injury – so I am happy.

My Hubby, Bro & I

My Hubby, Bro & I

Azlina, or better known as Along started off her 21 km late but she passed by us very fast and finished strong. She was amazing!

Along and Amie did their first Full Marathon together in 2015

Along and Amie did their first Full Marathon together in 2015

Veteran Runners & Newbies

A mix of new and veteran runners; Intan Suraya, Eda, Zabrina, Sarah and Najmi ran 12 km at 830 pm.

Intan Suraya, the modest veteran Runner

Intan Suraya, the Modest Veteran Marathon Runner, turned 42 recently

Newly Wed Running Couple

Eda & Borhan – The Newly Wed Running Couple is Back on the Scene

Sarah & Najmi : Exciting Times for Newbies

Exciting Times for Newbies like Sarah & Najmi

Every run offers unique experiences – that’s what make running a race meaningful. I look forward for the next MHWH Night Run in Johor for sure. #progressivemuslimah #positivityiscontagious

Viper Arena 2016

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If your idea of having fun on Saturday midnight is running an obstacle race, then Viper Arena is the right race for you. Since Viper Challenge was introduced, there have been various versions of obstacle races done by Viper, and Viper Arena was one of them. It is a shorter version of the original Viper Challenge (only 7km instead of 20km), set in a stadium (so it means no mud/water obstacles), but nevertheless still as tough and not to be messed with! Not to mention the very late flag off time, so the challenge also lies in trying to stay awake and fight the sleepiness.

IMG_3308IMG_3313We (literally) ran wild on a Saturday night!

True to it’s motto “Leave No One Behind”, most of it’s obstacles are designed to be completed as a team. The scale of the obstacle is huge, you would think it’s designed for giants. You will always need an extra pair of hands to pull you up because the obstacles are too high and you can reach up enough, or an encouraging cheer when it gets tough. All of those upper body training were starting to pay off, but I still need to work harder because I could not even complete the monkey bars.

IMG_3270“Leave No One Behind” taped onto my wrist, just in case if I need the reminder.

Processed with VSCO with a6 presetCompression arm sleeves from Nashata so my hands can move freely and maneuver easily.

However, we spent way to much time waiting for our turn at the obstacle. I lost count the number of times I yawned while wondering will it finally be my turn. In my honest opinion, the waiting time will reduced significantly if they provide several levels of difficulty for the same obstacle, or implement a penalty system just like in Spartan Race, or have timing chips, so people are pressured to complete the course faster.

IMG_3314We reached the halfway mark. This calls for a celebratory selfie inside the stadium!

One of our team members had to catch a red-eye flight, and I was getting lethargic from waiting in line for too long. So we had to split into 2 teams so some of us could take their own time and run at their own pace. Despite the short course, we completed the 7km + 15 obstacles in 3 hours as precious time was wasted with standing in line. This was one of those races that I was glad there was no timing chips!

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

AIA Malaysia Presents the Largest Night Run Series

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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

 

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

penang

 

Date: July 30, 2016

Starting point: Dataran Putrajaya, Presint 3

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Date: January 7, 2017

Starting point: To be announced

johor

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.

MHWH Medal

 

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.

Running Shirt

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

 

The Weekend Runner: Men’s Health Women’s Health (MHWH) Night Run

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When it comes to running I am more of a morning person than a night person, because I think I perform better when I am still fresh out of bed. However, I could not pass up the opportunity to join a night run. So last Saturday I was in Putrajaya for the Men’s Health Women’s Health (MHWH) Night Run for the 12 km category.

I did not prepare much, as I was still sore from last week’s Viper Challenge. Earlier in the week I did 30 minutes of brisk walking, then a few light 5 km runs. On the day of the race I took a power nap for 15-30 minutes, and a heavy lunch 4 hours prior to flag-off time.

It was drizzling slightly but a little bit of rain did not hamper our spirits. Overall, the race went smoothly. The flag-off venue was right across the Tunku Mizan Mosque, so after prayers there was no need to rush to get to the starting line. Plenty of parking space too, as long you get to the venue at least 1 hour before starting time. Running in Putrajaya was a breeze, as the road is smooth and there is minimal elevation. I completed the race in 90 minutes, which is my personal best so far.

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Finisher medal close up. Love the colours!

 

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Plenty of freebies too! Check out the 1 month deodorant, soap, and lotion supply!

 

I had a great time, and this event might just be a yearly thing for me if they decide to do it again next year.

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner,

Ainaa.