FROM 11 GOING 100... My Story...

 Why do I run? For fun? What makes me addicted to running so much? Why should you run?

I still remembered my running journey started 5 years ago. I was super obese, 108kg, always get easily fatigue and restless. Migraine & chest pain were my best friends back then. Dizziness and feltso unfit because I seldom exercise. Used to jogging casually and played volleyball during my degree years in UKM but I did not stay active once I started working.

This is me back then in 2009-2010... Gosh!

However it all changed when Rashid poisoned me with all his finisher medals & running tee. He asked me to sign up for me first running event. It was Energizer Night-mare Run 2011. April 2011. Back then, I had no idea at all on what kinds of running shoes to wear and running apparel. So I just wear my football jersey and cheap brown Adidas shoes which I bought during a sales in Suria Sabah, KK. Hahaa... Such a cheapo! LOL

My first run in ENR 2011 with We Are Runners group =D

We had to run Sepang International Circuit twice to complete the 11km distance (1 lap = 5.5km). It was tough. I huffed and puffed along the way. I still remembered that I ran with one big 100Plus from the WS during the 2nd loop. Hahahaa! Xpernah dibuat dek orang. =D

After the run, we had to queue such a long bee line just to get our finisher medal & goodie bag. All the sudden the crowd started to create a riot & swarming the medal/goodie bag station. Hungry impatient tired runners were angry runners. I could see some goodie bags were thrown mid air, just like we were in a refugee camp waiting for the aid. Even the policeman or security came to control the situation. It turned to be a disastrous nightmare for first timer like me. Definitely unforgettable. I went home empty handed, quite dissapointed. Later on the organizer did refund the fees & couriered to us all the entitlements but the damage has already done.

However that did not dampen my spirits to stop joining running events. I has been bitten by running bugs already. I ran almost everyday especially when I studied in USM Minden Penang. The track was my bestfriend & I even ran around the campus during the weekends. Running is my therapy after a long day in the lab. Stress free totally.

With lots of running & strict less carbs diet, I managed to lose 22-24kg from 108kg to 84kg in 2014. Tried Herbalife before, did not suit me well. I felt a lot more confident, more energized and no more heavy migraine & chest pain. Super Yeayyy!

My Transformation Due To Running & Dieting....

Rashid introduced me to his ex-colleagues from UMBI UKM & Inno Bio during every running events and the rest was history. Team We Are Runners (WARs) was my first running group. Although we seldom training together but we always make time for Breakfast Day Run @ Picnic. Rashid, Aafong, Fadhil, Haniff, Raja Del, Ariff & Abu Bac, Kamal, Meg, Maz and Fard Jill. We've came a long way...

We Are Runners Team Along With Other Friends during Newton 2013

My first Half Marathon event was during BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon 2011. I was tempted to try this distance for the first time because of its alluring red Brooks finisher tee. I managed to complete it within 3h25m if I was not mistaken. It was tough. I had several cramps & chafings along the way. Unprepared with any energy gels too. I could still remembered that I could not walk at all after I've finished the run. I took off the shoes immediately. My feet were killing me at that time. Hahaha! Truly unforgettable moments. Rashid & Kamal were there waiting for me & became my witness. After that the rest was history.

Victorious! Half Marathon Virgin no more hohohi!

 After I hooked up with several HMs events, such as Taiping "International" Marathon, Seremban HM, PBIM 2011, PJ Dawn & SCKLM just to name a few, it's time for me to take up the next distance just to challenge myself. The terrifying daunting Full Marathon! Jeng... Jeng... Jeng...

The Funtastic Four during 2XU Compression HM Run In Singapore 2013 - My first run in SG!

At first I did not have the guts to register for FM but after I was confident enough to finish my first FM within 7hours cutoff time during Asics Penang Bridge Internatonal Marathon 2012. Despite improper structured training, I finished my first FM in 6h23min++. Had several cramps & nearly hit the wall moment but I persevered haha! You can read all about it here. That was definitely my life changing moment. From there, I became so addicted to run as many FM as I could year after year. I even travelled solo to run in Ayutthaya Marathon in 2013. I had my PB there. It was an amazing run! I love running in Thailand so much although the street dogs were a bit intimidating & loud, hahahaa!

A selfie with all the roosters in Ayutthaya Marathon 2013 hoho...

My Full Marathon Virgin in PBIM 2012... Berjaya gak "racun" Rashid untuk masuk FM supaya pecah "dara" FMV together2 hohohi....
 
Tokyo International Marathon 2015 was my first Abbott World Major Marathon (WMM). Applied it through ballot system and mine was selected to participate along with other 35,000 runners from all over the world. I was super thrilled and excited as I've never run in Japan before. Especially in Tokyo. I trained so hard and really really hope to finish within the 7 hours cutoff time. The atmosphere during the event was unforgettable. It was super happening with so many cultural shows, choirs, dances, cheerleading and musical shows along the route. Even the spectators were amazing. I could not stop from giving high fives and said thank you to all the public who kept on cheering at us along the route. It was nonstop. I felt my smiling muscles was cramp from smiling and wishing back at them along the way. So many things to see and saviour along the way. They were very generous in providing us with so many sweet tit-bits & drinks throughout the route. I was so relieved that I crossed the finishing line in 5h53m42s. It's a Sub6 y'all! The weather was cold just nice for a run.



After all the full marathons that I've paricipated, now it's time for to come out from my comfort zone. I want to feel what it was like to go beyond 42.195km. Will I crumble and falter? Will I triumph and succeed? How does my body will react to those ultra mileage? How far can I go?
Therefore I was determined to sign up for Back 2 Endurance 2013 (B2E). More details HERE.... =)



Received my first Silver trophy in B2E 2013... It was tough mentally & physically huhu...

It was my first Ultra race. Basically you have to run as many loops as you can within 12 hours cutoff time. One loops was around 2.3km in Lake Garden. Luckily the weather was not that hot during the race day. There were so many photog during the day that I really enjoy pushing the limit. Had a quick KFC for lunch break. U can read all bout it here. My feet felt like burning from pounding the hot tarmac/concrete path. Hahaa... Bad choice of running shoes, perhaps? Ah well, I managed to get that Silver trophy for nailing 50.5km after been running 23 loops! Yayyy for me... Got my first finisher trophy... I think I should make a comeback soon for this B2E race. Next year je lah...

I missed running in Pak Chong so much hohoo!

 TNF100 Thailand 2014 was my first 100km duo category. Teamed up with Dr Razinah, both of us endured the crazy hot + madness 50km trail route. The view along the way was definitely breathtaking & spectacular. The hills were alive. The heat was unbearable. Felt like running in Gobi dessert. Hahaa! Thank goodness we finished the run injury free in 19h40min++. Although we exceeded the accumulated cutoff time of 18hours, we were glad to finish our run in one piece. Heard there was a runner who had a heat stroke & hospitalized on that very day. Such a priceless trail ultra experience for me. You can read all about it HERE...

 TITI50 Ultra 2014 holds such fond memories for me. That was my first 53km ultra road event. After I went through the route map & elevation, I signed up for the early bird rate. This event was one week after TNF100 Thailand, I was so thankful that I could still run after the huge mileage last week. I love being flagged off in the midnight. It was cooling thanks to the heavy downpour in the late evening. Felt like a dream running towards the famous Genting Perez, Jelebu. Oh I still remembered I was running like a headless chicken coz I want to chase the cutoff time 9hours. The last downhill run was epic! So grateful to reach the FL under 8h45min. Hurrahh!

However my running ultra journey was not all filled with sunshine, rainbow and unicorn, all dandy... my first DNF was during Penang Ultra 2014 84km. Yes I was insane enough to run around the island 84km challenge. Blame it on my under training, mileage and not so well prepared hahaa! DNFed at KM48 2km before the next CP @ KM50... Lesson learned the hard way... I was so freaking tired that I slept in the sweeper bus all the way to FL & continued my beauty sleep in our hotel.  I slept like a log! That shows how tired I was... Hoho!

DNF? It's not the end of the world... Can always bounce back stronger next edition... Keep on trying!

 Since then, I had experienced several more DNF episodes. GNU 2015 (reached the FL 15min after cutoff time), R68 Challenge 2015, Pink Ultra 100km Duo 2016, Kyoto Marathon 2016 & recently Putra 24 H Challenge Run 2016 hoho! I had to admit that DNF was sucks... It felt bitter but I have to accept the fact. Suck it up. Reality hurts. There were so many factors. All I have to do is identify the main causes & overcome it in the next edition. There's no short cut to success yaa... U have to earn it yourself. After all, it was not the end of the world. We grew wiser and better from them.

100KM worth of  sweats, almost tears & bloody blisters hohoho!

Putrajaya 100 Miles 2014 was my first virgin 100KM Category. I did not know why I signed up for it in the place. Still remembered that Arman, Sis Suzie & late Abg Zack had faith in me and encouraged me to take the challenge. The experience along the route was truly priceless. Nearly hypothermia, blisters galore, chafings, bloody heat challenge, sleepiness. It's all mind over matters. I'm so glad I had Ben as my pacer for the 2nd half 50km. He pushed me to keep going no matter what. The final 20km felt like forever. I could not walk straight because of my blisters & sleepiness. I just want to lie down anywhere & doze off! Finally managed to complete my Epic 100km journey in 25hours++! Syukur Alhamdulillah...

I'm very thankful to have so many positive person along my running journey. Those who are never stop cheering up for me, those who are truly believed in me. Runners are very special person. They were very optimistic, never give up so easily, stubborn bunch I must say. Thanks to all your critics & comment hoho!

Geng2 Kaki Charoots Dibanaz hohoho... Hadap jelah...

Happy runners always support each others & took lots of picture among us... My first FM in BSN PNM 2013.. Insaf!

 So what's next? All in all, after 29 HM, 28 FM & 13 UM, including all the DNFs in 5 years of running, I think I will keep on running no matter what... Just want to have lots of fun while running regardless of the distance. I was thinking of doing 100km again soon when I'm ready for it. Still have no guts to try 100km trails knowing that u have to train lots of time running and hiking in trails & mountains. That's a HUGE commitment. Yikes!

Running is fun... Running never ends... Never let anyone take the fun out of running... Regardless of the distance... Till then, toodles!

APBIM 2012 - My Maiden Marathon Journey Completed..

Truly inspiring words of wisdom. Credits to Azim and Rashid.. =D

Hello there, Happy Thursday and welcome back to my humble simply ME blog... I would like to share my experience and the special moments with all of you, my fellow followers about my recent Maiden Marathon at Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon 2012 aka APBIM. All the hard works and trainings plus some dramas along the way will also be highlighted before the D day. Since this is the last farewell running event on this old bridge, I would like to compare it with my previous HM run @ APBIM 2011. So bear with me along this exciting journey towards becoming a true Marathoner. (^O^)

First of all, ever since I was intrigued to sign in for this Full Marathon when I read several RBU blogs aka Otai @ Kings of Ultras, Hardcore Marathoners & Triahtletes such as Deo, Ultra Ray, Yimster, Stupe, Jamie Pang, Arman, just to name a few even my dear respected strong will lady runner, Kak Lina aka Gadis Petai. Their FM and HM journeys sounded awesome, really2 inspiring with their PBs, full of fun too. Now I know reading a FM race reports isn't the same as running one, most definitely NO. It's totally different level altogether. So I started to appreciate their experiences and some of the tips for a FMV like me  that could be handy for me to brace myself for this insane journey. 

Pre-race preparation
A week before the event, I went to Langkawi for a family vacation aka JJCM also lah. I intended to do carbo loading as well as fat loading during the trip. No running activities at all, but lots of hiking up and down stairs at Dayang Bunting Island and Langkawi Cable Car - Mt Mat Cincang. As a result, I gained 2 kg in this 4 days 3 nights trip. (O.o) As usual me and my partner in crime, Rashid, also a distinguished blooming runner (Setelah berjaya meracun dan melambong dia untuk amik FM nih, hahhaa... Syndrome taknak kalah dan collecting finisher tee... LOL!) took off to Penang on Friday, 16th Nov. We normally did the makanthon before the actual marathon, so called carbo + cholestrol loading. Started with me having Sizzling Lamb Chop with this crispy stir fried mushroom and succulent lamb + chicken satays. More like protein loading to me... Hahahaa... To top it off, I had this Sirap Bandung PMC Special, using goat milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My goodness! The food served at Puncak Mutiara Cafe was super awesome and the service was super fast!!!

Super delicious Sizzling Lamb Chop.. Yummeh!

Super crispy and crunchy battered mushroom!

Sirap Bandung PMC Special

On Saturday, 17th Nov. I managed to do an effortlessly 4km morning run in Kepala Batas Stadium after feeling a bit lemau due to not being able to run accordingly during my tapering week due to rainy storms evenings.  I just wanna warm up the legs so that I could do well during my maiden marathon. After that we went to the Queensbay Mall (QB) to pick up my racekit. Knowing that tomorrow is gonna be hectic, crowded and full with runners, we took this opportunity to strike a pre-race pose at the main stage. 

Me and Rashed, still FMVs at this picture being taken... Smile while we can... =D

Later we went to enjoy watching Skyfall and having a late lunch at Kapitan Restaurant nearby. I had this heaven sent briyani ricewith Tandoori chicken. Most definitely a meal to die for. Simply delish!!!   

Collected my racekit... Lucky number for me... Hopefully =)

The super divine scrumptious Chicken Briyani Kapitan, Penang!

It was around 5pm when I reached home. Oh we stayed at my best friend's house in Telok Air Tawar, Butterworth during our running trip. I tried to get some decent sleep by wearing the running vest. It felt so comfy and the fitting was just nice. A bit sexy for me but who cares... hahaa... I dozed off a lil bit until 7.30pm, I think. We went for a dinner at Aidy's Cafe at Taman Air Tawar Indah.  We both had a sizzling grilled chicken chop each with rice. Yummilicious... 

Aidy's Sizzling Grilled Chicken Chop... Best eaten while it still bubbling hot... LOL!

After having the early dinner, all the sudden, the drama began. 

I had my tummy bloated like hell after having my lunch  as I kept passing gas from time to time. It was getting worst at the night before the event. I could not be able to breath and walk properly as I could feel my stomach was stretched to the max and it was sooo painful. I rushed off to buy Eno Halia to sooth it down asap. Alhamdulillah, it subsided just in time... Fuhhh, lega!

Not only I run for fun, I run for a reason too! =D

Since we were staying on the mainland and trying to avoid any last minute traffic congestion on the bridge, we went to the starting line around 11.30pm. Still feeling super jittery due to not having enough mileage and enough rest, I tried to calm myself down. Fyi, we did ran for a cause. We pinned up Mission For Missing Children (MfMC) bib at the back of our running vest to create awareness among us. Thank you for the lovely stickers. For sure we will spread these among my running circle members too. 

Yours truly, Rashid and Azim pre-race posed before the flag off... I could feel  moths in my stomach already .. @..@

Met several familiar faces and otai2 runners from #Gengkakilari, like Azim, Faiez, Izman, Zarul, Razinah and Idot si Siput Sedot.  Not forgetting Dr. Shah who came all the way from KK Sabah for his maiden marathon too... Cayalaa.. Ramai rupanya FMVs pada event tersebut. Lega sikit rasa debar di hati, chewahh... hehe... After took some pictures and wished each other good luck, we were flagged off right on time, 2am.

The mental 42.195km journey
During my first 10km run, I still in a dreaming mode. I could not believe I will be running a 42km marathon. My body was running but my mind was drifting far far away, still in a disbelief mode. I targetted 5.30, at least Sub 6 finish by maintaining sub 7min per km pace. Tudiah, kondifen abess. And I learned it the hard way. Running in a wee hour like this was not fun at all as my body was in a confuse state. It was supposed a time for a shutdown and sleep but my mind said, "U gotta run and run all the way". That explained why I ran so lifelessly during my first 10km... My pace dropped eventually. I clocked in 1:11:09 with 7'28'' pace for my 1st 10km.   

As I entered the bridge, it was so hot and stuffy with no wind or sea breeze at all, unlike the previous APBIM where it was a very cold and windy night. It really demotivated me at some time. Luckily as i reached the summit, a lil breeze came to the rescue. As I reached the U turn before the Toll Plaza, i still could see the 5.30 pacers balloon and tried to chase after them but still failed to do so. Pace labi2, what do you expect. Hahaha... Along the way back to  the Island, it was still sooo freaking hot. I had to drink some leftover water bottles and splash my head and body with it to cool off the heat. I even soaked my socks too. Aiyohhh... I witnessed too many wastage from the plastic water bottles and sponges and some of them went into the sea also. What a pity. So not environmental friendly at all. 

I clocked in my 21km with a timing of 2:39:40 with 8'34'' pace. Exceeded my target of 1hour and 10minutes for every 10km due to many factors. I noticed that not many distance markers were put up along the route, unlike in PNM 2012. Maybe the organizer didn't want to scare the hell out of us the FMVs out with the HUGE distance numbers. Hahaha... I started to feel like having my first cramp on the bridge island bound, luckily there was still a medic crew with the analgesic spray. Thank goodness! 

As I reached the 30km mark, I managed to clock in 4:07:58 with 9'53''. I maintained the 1hour and 28minutes for every 10km. After that the run towards the KM33 loop U-Turn felt like endless. I was sooo hungry even on the bridge and the banana treat at KM33 was my only motivation. Should remind myself to pack some raisins and nuts for my next FM. Seriously I need REAL food as I had enough with energy gels and isotonic drink. Muak already... @..@

Sunrise view from Penang... Truly magnifique!!!  Credits to Ajim... 

I stopped for a while at the musolla tent at the U-Turn for a Suboh prayer as it was already 6.50am at that time, almost a Subuh gajah for me. hehe... I took my sweet time wrinkling out my soaked socks before putting it back on. My feet kembang like an elephant already because the socks were so drenched in sweats and water.  From there on, I had my second wind after a natural toilet break around KM35. High fived with Dr Shah and lifted my spirit some more to finish this run.  Later on, my left knee started to feel sore again and I immediately apply some hot rub on it. I felt a bit relieved by then. The sun was already started to rise and shine on us, runners around 7.30am. The sunrise view was super awesome! Subhanallah... 

The FM Route... Very mental challenging especially after KM30.. Totally mind daunting!!! 

The FM runners merged with those 10k n Fun Run participants along our way back to the finishing line in QB. I had to zig zag through those walkers by running on the right lane only. I decided to slow run despite feeling very super duper tired. I clocked in my 40km with a time of 5:45:25 and 8'15'' pace. It was over distanced route, as usual. As I could see the finishing arch, I sped off to give a strong finish look pose at those photographers.  I reached the finishing line with the time of 6:15:18:22 (chip time). Finally, I`m officially a true MARATHONER!!! Syukur Alhamdulillah... 

Managed to strike a strong happy pose here... =D

Me huffing puffing in an attempt to sprint out at the finish line

Post-race must dos
And I thought I can have my finisher medal and tee in a jiffy and in ease. I was dead wrong! I had to queue up a very long queue in order to get those precious thingy. My goodness. I almost couldn't stand anymore and immediately took off my wet socks. After that I couldn't afford to get in a Q for the breakfast anymore coz I was so freaking tired and tried to have the free sport massage but it was closed already. Poor me, the late finisher... Hehee... 

Farewell APBIM 2012... Hello there APBIM 2013... Hehee

So I decided to meet the other WAR runners, Rashid, Raja Del, Azlinah and her friend for a post race photo session. It was a very happening post race event but I was too tired to stand up and queue for the MILO drink, breakfast cereal and banana treat. X larat wehhh! I gave up hahaa.... 

FM, HM, FM finishers... We Run for MARDI... Hohoho...

Full Marathon Virgin... No More... Happy Much!!!

Rear view of our finisher tees... We deserved these so much!

Yours truly, Az's friend, Azlinah, Del and Rashed - Sweet WARriors Success!

After completing my maiden marathon, now I realised that I must always respect the distance and another 21.195km after the KM21 was not just an ordinary HM distance. It was a wicked butt-kicking distance to conquer and duly respected of. 

Overall, it was a good splendid running event with so many participants. They should improvise on the water stations and quality of sponge provided. The distance markers should be put every 2km at least. Less water bottles, more paper cups please. More analgesic spray should be provided, cold ice packs didn't help much to ease the cramp and pain ok!

 On the bright side, the inspirational words of wisdom were awesome and spirit lifting. I'm looking forward for my next FM in Borneo 2013. Hopefully I'll get my PB there provided I should train super duper hard and doing 25 - 30km LSDs every weekend. It was always my dream of a lifetime to do a FM there... For now, 6.15 would be suffice enough. =D

My precious 1st FM finisher medal.... Priceless!!!