Why the Malaysia ? Women ? Marathon is so Special

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

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.

Gorgeous Geek Speakers

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

Pusat Budaya Wanita Selangor

Attentive ladies from Pusat Budaya Wanita Selangor

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

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

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. ?

Sarah & Nazura from Nashata

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 Hashim & I after 10km Run

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

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

Fara Fauzana & running fans

Maslina & friend - 21km finisher

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

Siti all drenched after the 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 are the MWM 2017

Runners have most creative POSES. This by Maslina Muhamad

Emmy the Active Mom

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

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

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

mwm2017_f

run children run

Prizes to be WON

Medal for Running Children

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!

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

MWM '17 participating partners and sponsors!

MWM ’17 participating partners and sponsors!

I heart MWM

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

Hooda Racerback MWM 2017

Road Closure

MWM 2017 Road Closure Map-01

MWM 2017 Road Closure Map-01

roadclosureannouncement1
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


Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/143258/malaysia-risk-becoming-chubby-nation

Celebrating Womanhood : We Pledge To Help Women Achieve Their Fitness Goals

We celebrate the glory of womanhood everyday. But every year on the 8th March, we celebrate the International Women’s Day. In Malaysia, we celebrate fitness for woman at the Malaysia Women Marathon on the 6th March 2016. There is also Penang Zumba Carnival 2016 happening a day earlier, 5th March 2016, at the Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang.

In supporting the International Women’s Day, here’s what the people at Nashata are going to do:

1. SPECIAL OFFERS
celebrating womanhood

At the store front, we are offering ultra products for fit ladies up to 50% discount. This includes the heather tops, mumtaz hijab and amin extended hijab. The special prices are valid from now until 13th March 2016. Also available at MWM Expo on the 4th & 5th March at Rimbayu.

Here are some suggested tops that go well with the MWM running tee.

Mix and Match : Run in Style

Mix and Match : Run in Style

2. OUR PLEDGE : To Help Women Achieve Their Fitness Goals

This year we are sponsoring 8 runners from Malaysia & Singapore to run the Full Marathon (42 km) at MWM. These are ladies and pacer from various backgrounds and ages but with a common determination to run. Here are the reasons why running a full marathon is important to these awesome runners and how running has helped them in their career and daily life.

  • Ainaa Samsudin, a business analyst
    I run full marathon to challenge myself. Besides building physical strength, I am also training my willpower and mental limits to prove to myself that sometimes it’s just mind over matter. My personal goal at MWM is to finish within the cut off time. Running has helped me in my career by improving how I prioritize and manage time. I learn what is really important to me and I build a schedule to achieve my goals. The corporate world and running scene in Malaysia are not very big and these 2 fields tend to overlap so it’s helpful to have the same interest.

    Azlina & Aina During LSD Training Together

    Azlina & Aina During LSD Training Together

  • Azlina Idris , a full time mom
    I love to challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone. To train for a Full Marathon (FM) is not an easy task; it takes sacrifice, determination and physical and mental strength. Becoming a marathoner has been one of my most proudest moment, aside from being a wife and a mom.
    My goal at MWM is to achieve a Personal Best (PB) would be great but seeing how this will be my first FM running with my husband, the main goal would be for both of us to complete the run with no injuries and have fun while doing so.
    Running has given me a sense of balance. When everything seems a little too much, I go out for a run and the problem/issues suddenly doesn’t seem so daunting. I only wish I had discovered the joys of running when I was still working; maybe I wouldn’t have been so stressed all the time. But better late than never!
  • Nur Nahsuhah Binti Zainal Abdin, a medic student
    I love running simply because I love being challenged. When you run 42km with your own time limit, actually you are challenge yourself to do things beyond your limits and it gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction when you achieve it. This has always teaches me to not give up in every single thing I do and to always believe in myself. Nothing is impossible. The one that can limit you is YOU. Running FM for 5 to 6 hours is not easy and harder in  hot sun..but, what that I learn along the journey is worth the heat. I enjoy  running long hours while being entertained with favourite songs ; it cheers me up in bucket of sweats. MWM is such a great event as it is conducted with much convenience for ladies who want to participate in running events. I would like to complete my run below 5 hours at upcoming MWM. Other than that I would like to be a good example to hijabist ladies, that running modestly will never affect your performance..yup, never. Running never fails to release all those stresses I have to deal with in my  hectic life as a med student. I feel much better after a run. It has helped me to be more confident, positive in many aspects of life and it has widen my network. Running always teaches me to be myself, to be me and stay me. I urge other ladies to set your goals, lace up your shoes, smile proudly to yourself and start running! Because..it does change you in positive way.
Be Inspired by Nahsuhah

Nahsuhah runs 70km a week

 

3. Fashion Tips specially for Sports Fashionista at MWM 2016

Nashata will be at the MWM Expo 4-5th March. Come look for us at Rimbayu.

At 2:15pm, 4th March we are having a 30 mins Fashion Tips specially for Sports Fashionista at the MWM Expo. We will share about how to dress comfortably yet flattering enough for you to run marathon confidently. Other than that we will be sharing some tips on how to pose and look good for photoshoots while running. Intan Suraya who will be running at the MWM always look good in front of the camera. Find out how she does it!

Intan Suraya running at Pink Ultra 50

Intan Suraya ALWAYS looking great! At the Pink Ultra 50

 

Happy International Women’s Day girls!

 

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!