MBD 2017: A non-competitive event worth joining.

Fun runs such as Milo Breakfast Day is a family and friends affair. Year after year, it keeps getting bigger despite being a non-competitive event. In fact, the slots in Putrajaya were always sold out in less than 24 hours after it is launched! (I was not ashamed to admit that one of those person who sat in front of the laptop, constantly refreshing the registration page).

So, what’s so great about this event? The endless flow of Milo, of course! Somehow, it will never taste the same as how we make it by ourselves at home, and I wonder what do they mix in that drink to make it taste so good! I think I had more than 3 cups through out the event, because it was really addictive.

Everyone is running towards the Milo lorry!

Everyone is running towards the Milo lorry!

Picture was taken at a different event, but the Milo lorry is still the same!

Picture was taken at a different event, but my love for Milo lorry is still the same!

Aside from the non-stop eating and drinking, here’s why I think why you should join a non-competitive event occasionally:

  • It is a fun run. As the name implies, it is FUN! Don’t stress about the crowd, the timing, the gear, the nutrition, etc.
  • It is a great platform to introduce beginner runners. Once the beginners realize that running is an enjoyable process, they will eventually sign up for a more serious event.
  • It is a healthy way to bond with friends or do a family activity. Fun run encourages group or family participations. So instead of hanging out at the mall or in front of the tv, why not go out and move about?

So if you need to take a break from chasing after PBs, just kick back and socialize, or take your kids for a healthy activity, a fun run such as this is worth joining.

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Read about my last Milo Breakfast Day here, 2015 edition.

Natura Run 2016

Today I woke up, dressed up, and laced up as usual for the Natura Run 2016. Nothing fancy, it was just a 15km run, just like any other run on any Sunday. However at 5km into the race I realised that my body was not cooperating. I knew that I wasn’t going to call it a day yet. Instead of hitching a ride on the patrolling ambulance, I decided to cut the run short by going into the 10km route instead. I guess I wasn’t ready to run to my fullest ability – I needed more time to recover from last week’s ultramarathon.

IMG_293110km instead of 15km. That’s all for today, folks.

This run has been receiving bad press and complaints since the first day of the race kit collection. The awkward size of the race t-shirt, delayed flagging-off by 30 minutes, no prizes for podium finishers, last minute route changes, no goody bag or freebies, no timing chip on the race bib…and which charity organization does the proceeds go to again??? At RM65, this run was not cheap. Nobody had high expectations- they just want their money’s worth.

 

IMG_2929This was all that I got for today, plus water, a packet of bread, and a banana.

 

Negative comments aside, let’s focus on the brighter side of the race today: The weather was pleasant because it rained yesterday, the route was scenic because we passed by a park with a vast lake. There was a calm, meditative, and stress-free feeling while running through that route. On top of that, there was ample parking space, enough water stations, free ice-cold Milo and cereal at the finishing line, supportive crowd and running community, and the volunteers were friendly and helpful.

 

IMG_2937Positive vibes despite negative comments about the event. I guess It takes more than a badly organized event to crush these people’s spirits.

 

Every race or event will have its plus and minus points. But in the end, all that matters is our passion for running and good sportsmanship.

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.