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.

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

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

Tips to Look Good while running

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

On your mark! Get set! Go!

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

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

• Women runners, hear them roar!  by Azrul  Mohd Khalib on MalayMailOnline 
• MWM by Ainaa the weekend runner