Nashata #hijabirunners at SCKLM 2019

In a couple of weeks the Standard Charted KL Marathon (SCKLM) will be back again. It is the biggest running event in Malaysia and the most anticipated marathon by runners from Malaysia and overseas. The event is held annually since 1989. It starts on 29th of September in Kuala Lumpur this year, with an estimated forty thousand participants.There are several categoriest: Full Marathon (FM) with a distance of 42.2km, Half Marathon(HM), with a distance of 21km, 10km and 5km.

We are very excited for this event this year as Nashata celebrates hijabi runners who are taking up the challenge be it the first time or repeatedly running a marathon. Here are the nine hijabi runners who will be running the FM at the SCKLM, InsyaAllah. Three of them will be running their very first full marathon and the other six – repeated marathon runners.

Meet the nine of the Nashata Runners who will be running the FM at #SCKLM2019.

1.  FARHATI

Farhati started running in year 2018. She loves running as she finds it as a free prescription for happy hormones. She is finisher of eight Half Marathon and she will be running her 1st Full Marathon at SCKLM 2019. She ran her personal best for 5KM and completed her recent Half Marathon in Nashata Sports Robe 

“Since it’ll be my very first FM, I hope that I would be able to survive it”, says Farhati

#prayforfarhati

She runs in Nashata : Sports Robe, Ultra Top and Hooda Sports Hijab

2.  INTAN SIZA

Intan Siza is a mother of two kids. An active lady since young, Intan started running in 2014. She loves running and stays active to catch up with her kids’ energy and also to gain back her stamina. She will be running her 5th Full Marathon at the SCKLM2019 and has finished running 50km races twice.

She said “This 5th FM will mean a lot to me because I will run together with my friend for her Virgin FM as a birthday gift for her. I will support her to finish the race within the cut of time”.

She runs in Nashata Ultra Top, Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab & Fitness Leggings

3.  INTAN SURAYA

Intan Suraya is a veteran marathon and ultra runner. She started running at 33 and has been running over a decade. Other than running she supports and helps many runners too. SCKLM2019 would be her 12th Full Marathon and her 9th year running at the SCKLM. She runs to maintain her body weight, improve stamina and to stay fit and healthy.

“I am prepared and training hard for this event, I would like to finish the race before the cut of time but if I can break my personal best, it’s a bonus for me”, shares Intan who tries not to miss running at SCKLM.

She runs in Nashata Head to toe all the time

4.  LAILI MARDZIAH

Due to blood sugar test that indicates pre-diabetic condition, Laili chooses to practice a healthy lifestyle. So in 2018, she started running and will be running her first Full Marathon at the SCKLM2019.

“I am a very busy mom and running is the best workout for me. I can run alone, anytime and anywhere without involved with any team, it’s just myself for me time. SCKLM 2019 is very meaningful to me, because this would be my 1st Full Marathon. I will try my best to finish the race within the cut of time without any injuries”, says Laili.

She runs in Nashata Ellipse Sports Hijab

5. NOR BAIZATUL AKMAL

Nor Baizatul Akmal or better known as Apeng is a Ultramarathoner,  a six times finisher of 100km category.  She started running in 2011.  At first, she ran to lose weight, keep healthy and be fit.  Nowadays, she wants to challenge herself to run long distances races. 

“I wish to complete my FM at SCKLM 2019 within the cut of time since it’s been a while since the last time I race a full marathon”.

She runs in Nashata Ultra Tops

6.  NUR AZYAN

Nur Azyan is a mother of a lovely girl, loves to run for weight loss and  to keep her healthy and fit.  She said “When I run with my friends, I get some ‘me-time’ for myself away from work and home stresses”  She loves to challenge herself and for now her longest distance is 90km, and planning to achieve 100km races.

“SCKLM is very meaningful to me because my 1st race event was at SCKLM 2010 in 5km fun run category,  I broke my virgin full marathon at SCKLM 2011, and my still-holding personal best record for FM is at SCKLM 2012. SCKLM 2019 will be my 8th FM, I will try my best to finish the race within the cut of time without any injuries.”

She runs in Nashata Ultra Tops, Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab, Crop Top

7.  SITI NOR ALIZA

Siti Nor Aliza is a mother of two daughters. She started running in 2014.  She loves to run as a way to stay fit and healthy and to inspire all mothers out there. “In my opinion, every mother should always be healthy and fit to look after their children. So, as a mother, we need to find time to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle”. 

“I broke my virgin full marathon last year at Malaysia Women Marathon but for SCKLM 2019, it would be my 1st full marathon as I signed up for half marathon category previous year.  I will try my best to complete the race within the cut of time without any injuries”, Aliza shares excitedly.

She runs in Nashata Ultra Tops, Hooda Ellipse and Riada Salasa Pants

8.  SYARIZA

Syariza, started running in 2017.  She loves running to maintain her body weight. She said “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams”

InsyaAllah, she will break her virgin full marathon at SCKLM 2019.

Celebrating my 42nd birthday on the day by successfully completing the 42km run. It will be the best birthday gift that I could give to myself”, says Syariza

She runs in Nashata Leia Top, Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab and Riada Salasa Pants

9.  ZAMZAMIAH

Zamzamiah, started running in late 2014. She also loves trail run and hiking to challenge herself. An ultramarathoner and finisher 100km in few races, she says “I dare to challenge myself and push myself beyond the limit. We are all the same, but the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. If I can do it, so do you !”

She added, “Achieving a Personal Best timing is always a bonus for me. I hope I’m in the best form to run in SCKLM2019 with no injury and that I will be able to smile towards the finishing line. Apart from that, I look forward to see more competitive hijabi runners in SCKLM2019.”

She runs in Nashata Ultra Tops, Hooda Ellipse and Racerback Sports Hijab and Compression Skirt Pants

 

For those who will be running – All the best for your run and enjoy it.
If you see #NashataRunners and any other runners, smile and say hello. All runners are awesome!  So do support and cheer each other for trying the best and for finishing the race with alhamdulillah. See you on the 29th September 2019.

Follow #nashatarunners on Instagram to follow their updates

SCKLM Infographics

The Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2019 (SCKLM2019) is now approximately 43 days away, which is equivalent to 1,032 hours or 61,920 mins or 3,715,200 seconds. This will be the 11th edition of SCKLM and it will be the largest edition yet with over 40,000 participants converging on Dataran Merdeka over the 28-29 September weekend. If those numbers don’t get your heart pumping with renewed enthusiasm and anticipation for the premier distance running event in the country, maybe these Infographics telling the SCKLM story in numbers will do the trick! At the very least, we hope this will pique your curiosity in understanding the enormity of what SCKLM entails to the thousands of people who participate and work to ensure the iconic event is a resounding success for all!

SCKLM 2019 in a nutshell

SCKLM 2019 Infograph

 

 

Ballot Entry Info for Standard Charted KL Marathon 2019

Due to overwhelming response by loyal runners from previous Standard Charted KL Marathon (SCKLM), there is a reduced number of slots available for public registration. There are a total of over 10,000 slots available across all categories and in order to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity of getting a race slot, public registrations for the SCKLM 2019 will be in the form of a ballot. This is also to ensure those who are interested to participate are not affected by network congestion or poor internet connections. Therefore, the balloting period will ensure that every applicant has an equal opportunity of earning a race slot.

Runners will be able to cast their ballots from 10.00am, 13 February 2019 to 11.59pm 19 February 2019. Ballot selection will be completely random and computerised, and will be activated by YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Minister of Youth and Sports on 22 February 2019. Successful applicants will then be notified by email and will have until 5 March to complete registration by making payment. Each person is only allowed one ballot entry.

So, runners – you have ample time to register now and do check your emails during this period 22nd – 24th February to get the ballot results. All the best!

To register, visit SCKLM website at https://www.kl-marathon.com/

SCKLM 2019 Ballot

Standard Chartered KL Marathon will be held on 28 and 29 September 2019 at Dataran Merdeka

Standard Chartered Extends KL Marathon Title Sponsorship

Fabulous news for runners! We can look forward to another four years of wonderful racing experience at the KL Marathon. Dirigo Events and Standard Chartered Malaysia announced a four-year extension to their title sponsorship agreement, taking the biggest run in Malaysia with the Standard Chartered KL Marathon through year 2022. The 2019 edition of the highly anticipated event will take place on 28 and 29 September and is expected to draw over 38,000 participants.

Standard Chartered has been the title sponsor of the event since 2009 and celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the bank’s involvement at this year’s event in April. The Standard Chartered KL Marathon’s (SCKLM) 10th Anniversary saw its biggest participation yet with 38,000 participants competing in 10km, Half and Full Marathon distances, with a 5km Fun Run and 1km and 3km Kids categories. The 10th Anniversary event also saw SCKLM being held over two days for the first time to cater to the growing number of runners, and this will continue in the next edition of the race.

Rainer Biemans and Abrar. A. Anwar exchanging the sponsorship documents

“We are extremely pleased to be extending our association with this wonderful sporting event and delighted that we will be able to continue inspiring Malaysians to lead healthy, productive lives,” said Abrar A. Anwar, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia at a signing ceremony held today. “Over the last 10 years, SCKLM has grown to become the premier running event in Malaysia, bringing together participants from every state within the country and from over 70 countries. This is largely due to Dirigo’s excellent organisation of the event and we are happy to resume this successful partnership to take this event to even greater heights,” added Abrar.

The 2019 edition of SCKLM will also see the inclusion of new, as well as returning sponsors. SCKLM welcomes Under Armour and Banana Boat as first-time sponsors of the event. Seiko resumes its long-standing sponsorship while 100 Plus returns as beverage sponsor for the next 4 years.

“We are really happy to have secured our title and major sponsors for the 2019 edition of SCKLM well ahead of the event, which gives us ample time to plan and maximise the sponsorship agenda of our partners,” said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of SCKLM and Director of Dirigo Events.

So mark your calendar and let’s not miss the run in 2019. Need convincing? Checkout our past experience running the Standard Charted KL Marathon.

 

Get updates on SCKLM at their social sites below:

Facebook       : http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon
 Twitter            : www.twitter.com/SCKLmarathon
 Instagram       : https://instagram.com/SCKLmarathon
 Website          : www.kl-marathon.com

 

 

SCKLM: Suraus for Muslim Runners

Standard Chartered KL Marathon is only a few days left and we want you to go through the smoothest experience you’ve ever had. This time round we would like to help all the muslims to feel at ease performing prayers during the running period.

Here are the routes provided by the organizer:

Half Marathon Route Map

For half marathon, the suggested prayer area is located at the side road of the Lebuhraya Duta – Ulu Kelang (DUKE) when you’ve reached 11km, slightly after you pass the water station. Though there is only one surau suggested here, there are also few mosque along the road.

The first mosque you’ll pass through is the Masjid Jamek before you hit 1km running. After 14km running, you’ll meet another mosque Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan. If you can make it on time, at the end of the route, you’ll see the last mosque which is Masjid Negara.

 

Full Marathon Route Map

As for Full Marathon, more suraus are suggested here. The first surau you’re going to pass is at 14km running (close to Tabung Haji & water station). Then, you’ll see a surau by the road side of Jalan Ampang after 15km run. After Kompleks Sukan Datuk Keramat and LRT Jelatek you’ll find another surau located at the road side of Jalan Jelatek. At 19km run, the surau is located close to the checkpoint by the road of Jalan Setiawangsa. The last surau that is suggested for marathoner is close to the checkpoint is at the DUKE road, that is after 26km running.

Just to inform, the mosque available near the route is the same as what the half marathoner will pass: Masjid Jamek, Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan and Masjid Negara.

Few tips on prayer guidance:

  1. Don’t forget your prayers even when you’re running
  2. Jangan lupa solat walaupun bersukan berjam-jam! (in bahasa Malaysia)

Hope this helps! Share it with others so they can also schedule their prayers early before the run! 🙂

SCKLM’s 10TH ANNIVERSARY SET TO SIZZLE!

Top Malaysian Runner’s Gather Pace Before The Big Event

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2018: The 10th Anniversary of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon (SCKLM) is expected to be a hotly contested event in several categories. The Malaysian Men’s Full Marathon category in particular will see intense competition amongst several Malaysians who have been posting increasingly fast times in the lead up to Malaysia’s premier running event. The Full Marathon Open category and the Malaysian Women’s Full Marathon category are also expected to be hard fought affairs. We at Nashata supports female runners to woman up. It is a tough battle to even run, what more to win. But there is #NOEXCUSE not to try harder and push the boundaries.

SCKLM2018’s Malaysian Men’s Full Marathon category will see an intriguing battle between a few runners in particular, namely Muhaizar Mohamad, Leo Tan, Nik Fakaruddin and Ow Yong Jin Kuang. Muhaizar, Leo and Nik recently competed in the Tokyo Marathon and finished spectacularly by breaking their own personal bests. Leo Tan, who is an engineer based in Taiwan, was the first to finish and beat his previous personal best of 2:28:19, also posted in Tokyo last year, by recording a blistering 2:25:28, which is unofficially the new national record.
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Muhaizar, in his first attempt at an overseas marathon also performed admirably despite not being able to travel early to Tokyo to acclimatise and having to run in close to freezing temperatures for the first time in his life. The Armed Forces personnel also bettered his own previous best of 2:31:52 which was posted at the KL S.E.A. Games 2017 and which earned him Malaysia’s first medal in the Marathon for over 44 years. Muhaizar finished the Tokyo Marathon in 2:27:21, which was also faster than the previous national record.
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Nik Fakaruddin, Muhaizar’s colleague in the Armed Forces and training partner, also smashed his previous personal best by almost 10 minutes to post 2:31:01 in his first attempt at an overseas marathon. Ow, who finished in third place behind Muhaizar and Leo at SCKLM2017, could also spring a surprise as his preparation for SCKLM2018 would have been unhindered as compared to the other three runners who ran in the Tokyo Marathon just a few weeks ago. All four runners are in with a shout of claiming victory at SCKLM2018 and the running community will be eagerly waiting to see who emerges as the 2018 Malaysian Men’s Full Marathon champion.
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“In fact, all top 10 finishers of the Malaysian Men’s Full Marathon category at SCKLM2017 will be back this year” said Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events and Project Director of SCKLM 2018. “I’m really happy that the fastest marathon runners in Malaysia all look to participate and perform well in SCKLM to see who is the best in Malaysia. The level of quality that we have locally is showing signs of advancement with Muhaizar and Leo’s rivalry in particular creating great interest and encouragement among local runners,” he added.

A couple of other categories at SCKLM2018 will also be generating a lot of interest come Race Day. The Men’s Full Marathon Open category is also expected to see stiff competition between five-time consecutive SCKLM champion Kennedy Kiproo Lilan and the person who upstaged him last year to win, Cosmas Matolo Muteti. Both will be back this year and Kennedy will be eager to reclaim his title from Cosmas.
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The Malaysian Women’s Full Marathon category will also see a challenger to perennial champion and national record holder Yuan Yufang. Annie Yee, another Malaysian who performed well at the Tokyo Marathon by posting a personal best of 3:15:00 is expected to give multiple winner Yufang a run for her money this time around and a new champion might yet be crowned this year. Loh Chooi Fern, who finished second behind Yufang in 2017 will also be running this year and hoping to do one better at SCKLM2018. And finally, all eyes will be on the Malaysian Women’s Half Marathon category, where Sheela Samivellu, two-time SCKLM winner and national record holder, will be gunning to see if she can better her own mark of 1:24:44, previously set at SCKLM2016.
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“We’re expecting a really competitive SCKLM2018 with a few categories expected to see strong competition between the top contenders, which bodes well for the continued success and relevance of SCKLM,” said Rainer. “It is heartening to note that these runners want to take part in SCKLM because they want to compete against the best, and on a fully certified course. On our part, we will do our best to create the best conditions possible for such contests to take place,” he continued.

Many runners are intrigued to join this huge event and Nashata founder, Eliza Noordin is no exception to that. “I am a slow runner but there’s no excuse for me to not be a part of this exciting run.” Eliza and other women runners like Intan Suraya and Nahsuhah are helping other runners by sharing their tips about running, food, health and routes on Standard Chartered Malaysia Instagram page. These women help to empower women to give their best in spite of their gender. The Standard Chartered KL Marathon has grown to become the premier running event in Malaysia that draws thousands of local and international runners to the country whilst firmly establishing Malaysia in the global running calendar. The 2018 10th Anniversary edition will be the largest yet with more than 38,000 runners taking part, and will once again see sponsorship from Title Sponsor Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, along with Brooks, Lucozade, Seiko and Pacific Regency.

For more information and updates on SCKLM, please visit:

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon
Twitter : www.twitter.com/SCKLmarathon
Instagram : https://instagram.com/SCKLmarathon
Website : www.kl-marathon.com

Meet the Pacers for the 10th Standard Charted KL Marathon

Someone at the media session asked me – What is a pacer? Why pacer is important for a marathon? A pacer at a marathon helps runners to finish within desired times. Typically, there are pacers for the full and half marathon. They not only run together with runners with the timing balloons or identifiers, but also motivate runners throughout these long runs. They bring runners back to finishing line.

The 5 lady pacers

Standard Charted KL Marathon (SCKLM) celebrates its 10th Anniversary with 38,000 runners who filled up the spots within 10 hours after registration opened. Yes the slots sell like hot cakes as SCKLM is the most popular and biggest running event in Malaysia, with 10,000 registered runners for full marathon and 11,000 half marathon.

What is your reason?

SCKLM started having pacers in 2010 with 14 pacers, and some of them continue to pace till today. Two of them are Malcalm Chew and Kelvin Ng, with the later keep coming back to pace as a way to contribute to the development of running in Malaysia.

This year, there are 5 lady pacers among the 29 Official Pacers.  One of them is Tini and she is well-known for her speed and wittiness. Everybody runs for a reason and as for the first time half marathon pacer, Munitaran Sundramtakes, being a pacer is his way to give back to the community.

The seasoned and new Pacers with their coordinator

SCKLM 2018 will be held at the Dataran Merdeka on the 8th April. So runners, have a target, train diligently, know and follow your pacer at the run! The pacers are ready, are you?

Follow the Pacer

The SCKLM is organised by Dirigo Events and SCKLM has not only gather runners from all over Malaysia but also over 70 countries.

Gloria Ng from Dirigo Events has been running SCKLM for many years. Kudos to her and team!

 

 

The Kuching Marathon when I no longer run with my legs

Yesterday, I ran the Kuching Marathon for the second time. It is one of my favourite homeground running events that I never miss.

At the REPC..I'm very excited to run soon!

At the REPC..Looking very excited to run!

What’s exciting about the run was that I did a back to back full marathon (FM). A week before, I ran a full marathon (42.195km) at the Standard Charted Kuala Lumpur Marathon better known as SCKLM.  My goal was to  finish BOTH marathons without injury and I did it! Hoyeahh!

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Hoyeahh! I finished strong after back to back FM.


After coming back from SCKLM, I was very busy attending classes and lectures. Honestly, a week before the Kuching Marathon I didn’t run much, only carbo-loading and hydrating myself well. I believed that all I needed was a good rest and to continue loading myself with carbs since there was only a week gap before the Kuching Marathon.

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I couldn’t wait to arrive at the finish line,..but before that let’s take a pic first!

I was glad that the number of participants at the Kuching Marathon increased this year. Yayy! Here’s the breakdown:

  • 5km – 2200
  • 10km – 1897
  • 21km – 2343
  • 42km – 1658
    (info from KPD Kuching)

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It was almost time to flag off,..and everybody was soo excited!

The full marathon flagged off at 2am. I liked it early because first  – no sunburn and second – the weather would not be not that hot. I was hoping to finish the run before 8 am.

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Yayy! Aina was back hometown for this event! Run Aina run!

The route was almost flat with some not-so-hilly, and long, never ending road. I started my first 10 km with paces ranging from 5.30 to 6.30 min per km and the timing for first 10 km was 59 min. For the next 11 km, my average pace dropped to 7 to 8.30 min per km, hence my timing was 2 hr 21 min for the first 21 km. Oh ya, I did spend 6-8 minutes for toilet stop at the Shell petrol station nearby. Hmm, how I wished that I didn’t stop.

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Running with energy for a selfie ;P The Nashata hoodie top keeps my head dry from morning dew

It was cold and humid, and was sure most of the runners performed best at their first 21 km. I then continued running until km 32. It was already 5.50 am and I stopped at the Petronas Petrol Station nearby for about 7-8 min to perform Fajr prayer.

By the time I started running back, it was already 6 am. If I really wanted go for sub 5, I only had about one hour left for my last 10 km. However, sub 1 for my last 10 km was probably impossible. I remained positive and changed my target to sub 5 hr 15 min, 1 min earlier from my timing at SCKLM – 5hr 16min.

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I like this pic very much! I look like an Olympians..teehee 😛 photo credit to DNA Sport 🙂

I kept telling myself, “just keep running, this suffering is almost at its end”

My last 5 km was really tough, as I was fighting with myself to complete within my target. I no longer ran with my legs, I ran with heart. I kept running, no matter how slow it was, at least I kept moving. I kept my pace within 9 to 10.30 km/min, and at that time, I could no longer feel my leg. All I could feel was my socks soaking in sweat, my big toes felt like being pressed, this and that…my only wish was that I could just walk.

Towards the finish line, there were a few cheering squats who kept entertaining the runners. I ran even faster towards my last 500 m., and yet that 500 m felt like 500 km. Arghh!

Finally, I finished my 10th Full Marathon strong at the Kuching Marathon in 5 hours 9 min.*drum rolls*.. Yayy, mission sub 5hr 15min accomplished and 7 minutes earlier from FM SCKLM. Alhamdullilah.

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My first time running in Amin Sports Hijab and I love it. I love the look and the feel. Yeahh! I made it! Forget the mile, and just remember the glory 😉

Overall, the traffic was well controlled and organised. However, the water stations had limited supply of  plain water and isotonic drink. Runners had to queue up and share cups to drink, to our inconvenience. My take home message is to bring small bottle at my next run. Should the organiser fail to provide enough water throughout the run, at least I have my own.

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Thank you guys for support 😉 and not to forget, Fatin finished her first run, a 10km within cut off time..congrats! *claps

Before I went back, I managed to meet up with some friends who flew in from Peninsular just to race. Ermm, not entirely, they flew in for Kek Lapis and Mee kolok too 😛

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Congrats Khairul (in black shirt) for doing his personal best for his HM. And others, congrats guys for finishing strong.

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This superman did a back to back too,..with an awesome timing ,..sub 4.30..congrats Mambo!

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My medical lecturer (in blue hijab) also ran this morning,..she’s did 5km but overmileage with 3km add on! Congrats Dr! Next time she should upgrade to 10km 😉

When someone tells you, ‘You can’t’, turn around and say, ‘Watch me!’ ….And the bragging continues ….. 😛

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We continued bragging,..because the suffer is astounding!

Before the moment ended, we celebrated our victory with…..tadaaa!

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Mee Kolok with FM finisher medal add-on!

Till then, we shall meet again in next post 🙂

Keep running and be inspired! кредитная карта онлайн заявка без справок

Because the struggle is real!

The Standard Charted KL Marathon is the biggest and the most famous running event in Malaysia. It is an event where all running communities gather and meet up. This year, I managed to join. Last year, it was cancelled due to the haze.

My flight from Kuching was at 5.30 pm and I touched down Kuala Lumpur 7 pm. It was 8 hours before the race. And I was nervous! Every Full Marathon always feel like my very first.

As early as 2 am, 2 hours before the race, thousands runners started to gather at Dataran Merdeka. We were all too excited for the race to start.

Let"s take wefie before run! yayy!

Let”s take wefie before run! yayy!

He managed to pace me for the first 21km ;) Thanks Hadi.

He managed to pace me for the first 21km 😉 Thanks Hadi.

Full marathon flagged off at 4am, and it was a long crowded queue at the starting line and the first 2 kilometers,it was just run easy pace since it was too crowded. I started to run at my own pace at kilometers 5 when people start to distance themselves.

I maintained my pace between 6 to 8 min/km until kilometres 21. By the Fajr time, I was already at Kilometres 16. It took 10 minutes to perform solah at the water station since we have to take turn. After the prayer, I continued to run. As I passed by the Duke and Akleh highways, the pace drop to 9 min/km. If you aim to finish sub 5.30, you can maintain this pace towards the end. Always watch out that the pacers for 5h 30 mins do not take over you.

Don't forget to smile at the camera!

Don’t forget to smile at the camera!

The water stations were available at almost every 3 km, provided with cold water and isotonic drink. It was very convenient for the runners because they could choose how frequent they needed to drink. As for me, I would drink although a sip at every water station. Water station is one of my motivations to run faster. I would try to run faster to reach the next water station.

Congrats Kak Eliza for doing PB in HM today! Keep it up!

Congrats Kak Eliza for doing PB in HM today! Keep it up!

Overall, the route was mainly Duke highway, Akleh highway and hilly route at Bukit Tunku at the last 6 km before the finish line. How I wish was wearing a pair of roller blades whenever I was close the finish line. The weather was too hot.

Am wearing Burgandy heather, pink Iman Hijab and Black Riada Pant from Nashata

I was wearing one of my favourite outfits – Burgundy heather, pink Iman Hijab and Black Riada Pant from Nashata

The finishing line is almost there! Never give up!

The finishing line is almost there! Never give up! Pic by : AKU, WONG

I managed to complete my 9th  Full Marathon in 5 hours 16 minutes with no injury. Alhamdullilah!

Yayy I make it!

Yayy I make it!

After the race, I was very pleased to meet some hijabi runners. Most of them just finished their HM. They finished strong too.

They are doing well today ;) Congrats guys!

They did well today 😉 Congrats guys!

Running events are where runners get to meet each other

Running events are where runners get to meet each other

This is my beautiful and strong Iranian friend,..she is doing 4 h 30 min in FM..congrats Reem!

This is my beautiful and strong Iranian friend,..she did 4 h 30 min for FM..congrats Reem!

I was very happy to see people running,..either young or old, skinny or obese,..they choose to run. Lets keep running and be inspired!

I flew back to Kuching at 3:15pm feeling accomplished.

Till we meet again 😉

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8 Simple Conversation Running Points for Non-Runners

Unsure what to ask your running friends after their weekend running event? Want to give encouragement but unsure what to say? Here are some talking points when you get to meet them.

Before that, here are some info about running events:

  1. A runner registers for a particular category. These are the common ones:
    1. Full Marathon / Marathon is 42.195 km.
      Remember : A marathon runner runs 42 km. Anything below this distance is not a marathon. 
    2. Half Marathon is 21 km
    3. 10 km run (not a marathon)
    4. 5 km run (not a marathon)
      There are trail run, ultra run – more than the distance of a full marathon and the list goes on. Ask your friend about the category.
  2. Every runner who finishes a run within cut-off time gets a medal. No medal for non-finishers. This is one of the reasons why finishing a run is important to runners.
  3. Prizes on the other hand are for top runners for each category. Every running event has different categories – at organizer’s discretion.

SIMPLE YET Pleasant Questions

  1. Where did you run?
    Some runners travel to run. They would participate in running events in different locations and cpuntries. This is because every running event offers different experiences ; climate, route, people, food and medal 
  2. How many km did you run?
    Find out how many kilometers(km) he or she runs. A runner typically chooses the distance he or she wishes. Anything below 42 km run is not a marathon, they are just runs. A marathon runner runs a 42 km run. However, he or she may run a half marathon, 10 km or full marathon to suit their training plan and fitness level.
  3. How was the run?
    Every run is different. Each run has different routes; some hilly, some flat and sometimes a mix of both. This affects the performance of the runner. The weather and temperature can affect performance too.
  4. Are you happy with your run ?
    Typically, runners who race have targets. They may be happy with performance and sometimes not. Sometimes, they can be happy to just finish the run without any injury.
  5. What is your Personal Best time for <a particular category>?
    Every runner wants to perform better in the category they register for. Personal Best (PB) time is a benchmark for runners to improve subsequent runs. Improving timing is important to them. 
  6. How many participants were at the run?’
    There are a lot of participants at a running event, in thousands and some in five digit figures. A lot of runners compete at a run and the level of their performances differ from one to another. Unless your friend is a fast runner, or competes in a not-so-established event, typical podium winners are the professionals runners. 

    Thousands of people waiting for flag off time for 21 km category

    Thousands of people waiting for flag off, 21 km category at the Standard Charted Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2016

  7. Who did you run with?
    A runner may have a running group or buddies he or she trains with. There are runners who run solo.

    Running events are where runners get to meet each other

    Running events are where running friends get to meet each other

  8. When is your next run?
    If you have a nice conversation with your running friend, you can end with a positive note – asking about next running event.

Or you could offer a pat of your friends back and say Well Done! or Congrats! or Recover Well!

Better if you could join your friend