Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2016 - IT'S REDEMPTION TIME!

Voila! The best finisher medal for SCKLM 2016 edition...

This is the most anticipated running event in Malaysia. Especially after it had to be cancelled last year due to the extremely bad horrible haze. It was a good call by the organizer for the sake of runners' health and well being. I was there last year. It was really really bad on that early morning. Felt so suffocating and totally hazardous to run in these condition. Unless if you wanted to run with your N95 face mask on keke... You can read all about it HERE... :)

However things were different this year although it was reported that the weather was slightly hazy on that SCKLM week due to the hot and dry season. Thank goodness the haze went away just in time for SCKLM after several rainy thunderstorm days. 

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2016, or more known as SCKLM @ KL Marathon was like a Mecca for all Malaysian runners. Runners from all over Malaysia will come and join this event. It was more like a reunion of Malaysian runners regardless of their running groups. This was my 4th edition running in SCKLM after I did my HM in 2012 and FM (2013, 2014, 2015). Even running SCKLM was like a dream comes true for most of us Malaysian runners. Not everyday you can run along the AKLEH and DUKE highway that was closed completely on that  day only. For us runners ONLY... hehee... Plus they have generously extended the cutoff time to 7 hours with 4 checkpoints this year. Double yayyy for me slow runners. Hehee 

Collected my racekit in a jiffy...Smooth like a silk!

Went to the Race Expo that was held in Kenanga Wholesale Centre. Not a strategic venue due to the heavy traffic congestion going there. I wish they did it in the Merdeka Square underground or PWTC just like previous years. Thankfully I collected my racekit smoothly on that Friday lunch break and met several runners there. So many booths around. Stopped by to purchase my energy gels and a Rock Tape. 

Thank you Mis Fyd for this spectacular masterpiece... KLCC Twin Towers beanie!

Later after work, I rushed to collect my unique out of the world beanie hat from Ms. Rafidah Anum aka Mis Fid. It was my idea and wishlist to wear something so iconic, so close to our heart as a Malaysian. Looks like she nailed it again by designing the KLCC Twin Towers beanie hat, the tallest beanie that she had ever made so far. I could it swaying around as I tried wearing and running with it... Hahahaa.... It was an epic beanie ever! Thank you so much babe! Do check her Facebook (MisFydKrafts) for more of her creative masterpiece... 

Jadi Bidan Terjun wakil Marathon Baker untuk soft launch Semenyih Eco-Trail 2016 keke...

Fast forward to the Saturday. I drove to Semenyih to collect some homemade energy bars for my Marathon Bakers customers. Managed to represent Marathon Baker during the soft launch before I went to KL for the check in. The customers wanted to collect their energy bars in KL since they were in town for SCKLM. One of them came all the way from Sarawak to collect his order. Finallly I managed to deliver to all the loyal MB customers on Saturday. Thank you folks for your endless support.

Happy satisfied Marathon Baker loyal customers #MBbuddies... Thanks guys!

Last customer of the day... Thank you buddy!

After the last happy customer that came on that night, it's time for my early sleep. Thank goodness I slept like a baby on that night. Woke up. Felt a lil bit sluggish to wake early. Took a quick shower and prepped myself up for the race. Dashed to the starting line not far from my hotel to drop my bag. 

So disappointed with the bag deposit system for this year. Super duper slow. Note to myself - next time don't waste your time with the drop bag if not for the Marathon Baker energy bars ordered by my customers. Once everything was settled, went to the portaloo first before I entered the Pent 4 for sub 7 participants. Luckily I made it in time for the flagoff.

Credits to Se7en Chiam for this pic.... Super cool!

There were so many runners even from the last pent. I just took it easy and ran with the flow. It was a not so humid early morning. I bumped into Hisham along the way and sticked together like a Super Glu literally. Hohohi... I came across 6h30min pacers Evelyn and Irwan Anuar and intended to follow their balloons of course as far as I could. No harm trying, right? At least got some buffer time before the cutoff time right?

My plan was simple and easy. Just target to cross all four checkpoints before their respective cut-off time. Plus the most crucial part will be at KM31 (9.15am) where we had to receive the compulsory blue rubber band in order to collect the finisher medal and tee. So let the fun run began...

The first 10km was ok. Still manageable although there were times that my gastro system gave some upset signals. Oh man! I kept on going and hoped that was a false alarm and no 2nd poopy wave came along. please. Ran along the rolling AKLEH at wee hours was awesome. Felt like ages to reach the first u-turn point at the end of the AKLEH highway...

After KM16/17 it was getting stuffier, so I decided to ditch my KLCC Twin Towers beanie and turned it into my man purse to stuff in my handphone and RunBananaz and Mocha energy bites. Upon entering the dreadful DUKE we came across the 6h30min pacers again. A lot of the runners were following them actually. They did a great job by motivating and encouraging the runners. At some of the stretch they just walked especially going uphill and started running when we went downhill or flat road. 

KM21 was a success when we crossed it before 7.40am. Next we aimed to cross the KM31. Felt a bit mental running along the rolling DUKE. At some parts it felt like forever to reach KM31 and exit the DUKE. Finally felt so relieved to reach KM31 before the cutoff (9.15am) and received the rubber band. Yatta! Took a breather and posed here happily lah...

Muka manyak sinyum.. Thanks to Abam Hisham for taking this shot..

When we were running towards Jln Kuching and went up towards Bukit Tunku route, the two 6.30 pacers were increasing their paces up and I could not keep up with them... Hahaa, blame it on my lack of trainings....

We kept on moving whenever we saw the usual incline along Bukit Tunku and ran downhills too ao that we could reach the final CP at KM37 within the cut-off time. I just ran my heart out and pushed my limit too... Hahhaa... Felt like dying and we finally managed to cross the CP4 before 10.10am hohohi....

Happy faces despite the tormenting incline near Taman Botani Perdana hahaa... Credits to Rany Tan

The suffer fest was not over yet... I was running out of steam after KM37 and the final 5KM felt like 15KM to me... I felt like hitting the wall already as we had to endure the nasty incline towards Jalan Parlimen and when down towards Jalan Damansara. It was getting hot by then and steep route was not helping at all.... hahaa garing sude....

Suffering faces with the bloody heat & neverending route hahaa... Almost there!

Sikit lagik nih... Bertabahla jiwa raga kaki ku!

Yeahhh sikit lagik nak sampai nih... Credits to Amin Jaafar for this pic!

Very mental to reach the KTM Station building and the final 2KM felt like forever... Somehow I was freaking out when I saw 7hours pacer overtook me during the final 400m stretch. And I looked at my watch ans found out I was still within the cutoff time. Saw so many of my running friends were already waiting for us along this final stretch... Exchanged some high fives with them and deep down inside I knew I managed to cross the FL in 6h41min (nett time)... Thank goodness! Syukur, Alhamdulillah...

Finally... Syukur Alhamdulillah... Credits to SCKLM Official Photos...

The video of us during the final 400m or so towards the FL... Check it out the ambiance!

This year they've started to implement SCKLM Live Tracking Updates apps to keep track of all the participants. That's how some of my friends knew that I finished my run through the apps. It was so easy and convenient too.

After the run, it was nice meeting so many running friends, new and old... Took some selfies with them... Thanks folks!

Group Photo with all the runners... Congrats to all! Credits to Khidir Nordin for the pic!

Met Benz, Shahril Abd Rani and Izme Azzam after the run.... Many more actually... Hehee...

Yayyy I was being interviewed by my awesome running friend Izme Azzam... You can catch the FULL here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeUSgT77_us

Overall, it was a very well organized event. Still the best Marathon event in Malaysia, by far. Plenty of drinking water and isotonic drinks, bananas and energy gels for all the runners. Excellent traffic control at all the critical points. Portaloos were available along the course. Two mobile surau were provided for the Muslim runners. Love the event running vest and finisher tee too. Not forgetting the lovely finisher medal design with different lanyard colours for different distance.

 So, save your date for SCKLM 2017 folks! See you there on 21 May 2017... Let's training hard and smart! =D

 For more info, just log on to http://www.kl-marathon.com/

Toodles chuols!

The Bursa Bull Charge 2016 Route Review #Run4Others

Before run, let's take a group photo first shall we? Credits to Max Lim from Runwitme for this pic =D

Hello there fellow readers, allow me to quote some of the info from The Bursa Bull Charge 2016 official website itself, "After its second successful run in 2015 the Bursa Bull Charge is back and charged up to renew its claim as the best capital market run in Malaysia.

Last year more than 1,800 runners charged through the streets of Kuala Lumpur and raised a total of RM1.8 Million for charities whose causes include economic sustainability among disadvantaged communities, support for entrepreneurs and the improvement of financial literacy.

This year the Bursa Bull Charge will flood the streets with even more runners, more die-hard supporters, more colour, more energy and more positive rivalry as the marketplace comes together to run for others in the name of fostering a sustainable and inclusive marketplace. The run will follow Kuala Lumpur’s Capital Market Trail, a route through the Central Business District that passes the headquarters of many Capital Market players in our community, a reminder of the sustainability of our marketplace"

The starting line for The Bursa Bull Charge 2016 - the iconic Bull & Bear statue...

Not so recently I had the opportunity to join the 5km route review for the Bursa Bull Charge with other Bursa Malaysia staffs and several other well known bloggers. I was so excited because I never run this part of Kuala Lumpur yet. Thank you so much to the organizer for the invite. 

Official apparel for the event - Thanks to Brooks Running Malaysia - Love the dark green colour!

Besides than 5KM Corporate and Future Leaders Challenge, there are also 1.5KM CEO and 2.5KM Corporate and Future Leaders Challenge Relay category. Each category has a different route.

I was not really feeling well on that Saturday morning, 27 August. A bit runny nose and sore throat but I still can run and walk hehee... Dragged myself out of bed and voila! Arrived there a bit late around 7.10 am and I missed the group pre-run photo hohohi... Sigh...

The 5km route... There will be an arch at every 1 km with lots of entertainment and cheerleading squads along the way

Since I did not really remember the exact route, I just took a wild guess and went with my runner instincts. Strolled along Jln Raja Chulan and off I go towards the first km... I think I missed the first incline at the usual route there... Yikes! My bad However I managed to keep up and join the rest of the group running along Jln Raja Chulan towards Jln Sultan Ismail. There were so many things to see along the way... Ambank Building, Wisma HLA, Affin Bank, Wisma Genting, MIDF Tower, Wisma Dion and Wisma KFC were among the financial institutions spotted in this route. Once we were running along Jln Ampang you will pass by AIA Tower and it's already 3km. Another 2km to go and I ran towards Dang Wangi LRT, Telekom Museum and took a small lane going up the final incline to St John's Institution. Such a historic red and white school building. Right before I knew it we were running towards the start/finish line in front of the Bursa Malaysia... Yayyy! 

Jom kita makan - makan dulu.... Thank you organizer for the scrumptious breakfast!

Once we finished our run, we were spoiled by the organizer with a hearty breakfast buffet. Nasi lemak ayam berempah, it's hard to say no, right? Plus a super sinful home baked chocolate moist cake with generous amount of caramel as the dessert. Normally i'm not a cake person but Marathon Baker's cake is totally irresistable! Hohohi... 

The sinful indulgence - a masterpiece by Zet Marathon Baker herself... Super Yumm!

 Right before we went back home, we took a group picture together. Overall it was a good route. Mostly flat with only two run able inclines just to spice things up and served as a challenge for the speedsters. The weather was great on that Saturday morning. Overcast and pretty windy especially after the route review run. The main concern is running in the bustling city around 3pm onwards will definitely be scorching hot! Expect some heat element along the route, maybe it will be raining too? Just be prepared and hydrate yourself well before, during and after run too. There will be four Water Stations along the route, including at the venue. ORS and isotonic drinks are important too you know. Some of the stretch will be closed until 4.30 pm, so no worries folks!  

Group photo with all the social media team bloggers and Ms. Zet - Thanks to Mr Ariff Syafik for the pics

Wajiblah group selfie Team Marathon Baker dengan the lady boss herself. Pic Credits to Mr Ariff Syafik

I am so looking forward to join this run along with other participants and #run4others, especially those who are in need. It's all for a good cause after all. Don't forget to have fun and soak in the ambiance. Super excited for my first 5KM fun run! Yayyyy see ya there... Let's Get Ready To Charge!  

P/S: For more info, please feel free to visit their website http://bullcharge.bursamarketplace.com and follow their Twitter @BursaMKTPLC and Instagram @bursamktplc too You can also read other bloggers' review on the route  #JomKitaLari HERE, Marlina's HERE and Miera's HERE... =D

KL TOWER INTERNATIONAL TOWERTHON CHALLENGE 2016 ~ Stairs Galore!

My Fourth Year Counting 2058 Stairs In A Row.... Yayyy... =D

The Majestic Tower Of Hope

 It was quite a last minute decision to sign up for this event. Would not want to miss this year edition once the vest and finisher medal design were announced. Plus this year part of the registration fees will be donated to Yayasan Sejahtera Malaysia. That's why this year theme was Tower Of Hope. It's for the good cause. Me likey... #towerofhope

Visit www,menarakl.com.my for more updates and new promotion on offer.... 

During the soft launch of KL Tower International Towerthon 2016 - Courtesy of Max Lim from RUNWITME

Went to collect my racekit from my friend. Thanks buddy! I also went to KL Tower last Friday to collect on behalf of my friend. Quite a pre-workout for me by taking the stairs from below the hill. Hehee... Plus it was a hot afternoon. Drenched in sweat but I felt good.

I was actually pretty nervous to do this year's Towerthon because I did not do any stairs training, unlike previous years. Missed the trial "simulation" session too due having a mini reunion "bridal shower" with my MRSM friends. My last stairs training was back then at Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan in Langkawi hoho... Ah well just go with the flow... Remember, Aizat, it's a vertical run, just keep on moving, stop for a while to catch up my breath, never stop moving and stay alive! That's my pep talk to calm myself up.

During the race day, woke up lazily around 4.20am. Half heartedly preparing myself up and off I drove to KL Tower. Reached there by 5.35 am. Forgot to bring my Bunga Raya beanie (Sigh...), I only had Mee Udang Tumpah beanie by #MisFydKrafts with me inside my bonnet. That will do lah... Hantam sajalah...

Let The Game Begin!

Bumped into Shamroslee before we were being flagged off... So a selfie was mandatory =P

Went into the starting gantry for the 1st Wave. We were being flagged off circa 6.10++ am. The 1km uphill run was tough hahaa! Felt steeper... Blame it on myself for not doing hill + stairs training before hohoo 😝✌️🙈 . Walked a bit when I could feel sore on my ankle & calves. Then I continued running again when the route was flat towards the KL Tower entrance.

Run Aizat Run... Let's conquer this vertical run together! - Pic credits to Se7en Chiam

Up towards the escalator and I entered the stairs chamber. It's time to count the stairs. The first 4 floors was doable.. I took it like a warming up... Water Stations were being set up at every 4th floor. Plenty of isotonic drinks & mineral water for all participants.

 Had a sip at every WS and it was good time to take a breather here. I went near the industrial fan too. Felt much much colder and better.

Time for a break or two!

Braved myself and kept on climbing the dreadful stairs. Some parts were partially ventilated with cold air while other parts were felt like there's no oxygen left - vacuum much... @..@

Selfie with TH00 dulu hohohi! Playing tourist ehh...

Reached TH00, almost there... You know that you were almost there when you walked on that epoxy floors. Probably to prevent the staircase from being slippery wet due to sweats and vomit...  After a few more floors and voila! I crossed the finishing line at the top of KL Tower for the fourth year in a row under 46 minutes hahaaa!! Screw the timing.. Just enjoyed the tormenting vertical run =P

Victory! Thanks to Idayu Hamid for this finishing strong picture =D

Took the picture of this bling2 while waiting in the long queue... Kill the time!

 Received the cool bulky finisher medal. Did not waste any time on the top and we were being directed to the downstairs. Queued for a while and managed to get a lift down in no time. Being sweaty in a lift with full of runners. A bit stuffy suffocated hoho...

 Once I was out from KL Tower, received banana, Cool Rhino & had a few delicious refreshing icy cold drinks from Milo & Lemon Ice Tea. Waited for my running friends here to take photos and had a few chat.

The finisher medal design was cool and awesome...The running vest design by Brooks Running Malaysia was super cool too. I just love wearing red... It really pops out...

Hanging around there for a while and cheered for the ladies. The KL Towerthon crews were playing the traditional instruments such as drums and caklempong for the participants. The atmosphere was amazingly awesome!

Had a few cups of this chilled Lemon Ice Tea from Enrico's... Yumm! My favourite...

Had several cups of sinfully delicious cold Milo too... With Shamroslee of course... Thanks bro for the pic!

Some of the meals for your breakfast after the vertical run...

Kambing Golek anyone? Looks super tempting for me... Gulped!

Oh, there were also several food trucks and stalls selling a range of yummy-licious food and beverages around the venue. This was in conjunction with KL Tower Food Festival 2016 which was being held for two days during the weekend, from 8 am to 6 pm. Finger food like pancakes, burrito, churros and even grilled lamb were served at a affordable prices.

 Later, it's time to take photos with all my new and familiar suspects, as usual.... Hehee... Nice to meet all of you there and it was great to finally catch up with each of you guys.

Took some photos with Ultra Joll, Muhammad Amin and Gjull from Kuching, Sarawak ... Congrats chuols!!!

Marathonbaker Ambassadors Duo - Me & Abam Sado Ariff Syafik

Thanks babe Ezu Mizu for coming and supporting the runners....

Bersama abam2 Idola + Ultra + FRC in the house...

After hanging out for a while, I just took a stroll down the hill and snapped some pictures along the way. Met Yusrad and Kamarul there.

Posing with the iconic 421 metre (515 m above sea level) KL Tower at the background... Spellbinding! Oh before I forgot, since it's Kuala Lumpur Tower's 20th Anniversary, Enjoy 20% Off to Observation Deck, Sky Deck or All Parks. Just Show your purple items when you visit us on the 20th day of the month. I just love PURPLE! No wonder this year finisher medal and larnyard were all in PURPLE... It's Purple-Licious y'`all!

For more information, please call 03-2020 5444 and visit their Facebook at Official Menara KL Facebook

After finishing KL Tower, I went to Lake Garden for my long run. Really need the mileage because I haven't run that much this month. Did two loops in Lake Garden and I went up the stairs towards Bird Park - Butterfly Park - Islamic Museum of Art - National Mosque - Merdeka Square - Lake Garden. All in all I clocked 20.14km including the mileage 2km up and down Bukit Nanas. Considered it as my heat training for the upcoming hot fun in the sun run by the end of May. Hewhew...

Fun in the heat sunny Sunday at the park.... =D

Once I`m done with my 20km hill run + long run, I went straight away to attend my ex-classmate's wedding in Putrajaya. Congratulations to both of you guys newlyweds, Mrs Nurul Izza & Mr Sam Sam! The food buffet was superb! Love the icy cold cendol! =D

#tilljannah guys! Congrats on your wedding day babe!

That's all folks! Can't hardly wait to run next Sunday... Super excited already...