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!

TITI 50 - FELT LIKE A NEVERENDING JOURNEY... @..@

#PrayForMH370 

Hi there, welcome back to my humble dusty blog... Before that, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of the passengers and crew of MH370 who was still missing till now. Stay strong and never lose your faith ya..  I would like to share my not so recent anymore TITI 50 Race Report with you guys, ladies and gentlemen out there, especially to my fellow followers and silent readers.

Running the route is believing! 

Yeah, I know, some people might call me crazy or insane, jenis x sayang kaki for committing a "suicide" by registering this race, which was co-incidentally happened a week after TNF 100 Thailand. It was my maiden 50KM Road Race too. Who could resist the urge to sign up and run at the most lovely magnificent slopes along Batu 14 Hulu Langat towards Genting Peres, Jelebu? Although by looking at the elevation profile alone it really gave cold shivers down my spine but the I was confident enough I could make it within the 9 hours cut off time. I wanted to gauge my endurance and mental strength by running this 50km Road Race. I do had faith in myself.

Fast forward to the race day itself, I attended Abang Din's running clinic on the Saturday morning. It was my first ever running clinic after being running religiously for almost 3 years now. We ran around Titiwangsa Lake for about 3 km.  Mr. Rashid, Ms. Izwah and I learned a lot on how to do a proper stretching up and cooling down exercises. I need to practise doing all these more often since I barely do proper stretching before and cooling down after any run lately. Met Redz and Azlan too during the session.After that I went back and I had my hearty breakfast. I took a power nap after I had my simple lunch. I tried to avoid any spicy, too fatty or oily food as I did not want to run on an upset tummy. Glad I had that nap on the evening, or else I might be experiencing a sleepy Zombie mode during the run.

Reached Riverview Thai Seafood Restaurant circa 10.30 pm. Did not have any trouble finding this venue because I've saved the location once my 100km running buddies checked in on FB. Went to the loo for my No. 2 business first before I started applying the Vaseline all over the chaffing prone areas. After reporting to the organizer, I pinned my bib number which I took from Sis GAI. Thanks Sis for the trouble... =D

Group photo to ease the jitters. Thanks to RayZeef for coming and your continuous support ya! 

Ultra Gai and Eizam In The Making... =D

With a reknowned Tri Doc Shah... Congratulations on your Ultra finisher doc! 

After the simple briefing at 11.10 pm, the 50km runner were asked to go into the starting pen by 11.30 pm. Exactly by 12 midnight, we were being flagged/honked off. Earlier on, I agreed to run along Sis Gai for this race, to be her pacer/companion/bodyguard since it was quite unsafe for a lady to run up the slope alone in the dark. The first 3km was practically flat route. Once we hit the 4 KM, we started to run uphill. At first I thought it was merely a 1 km of uphill climb only. I was dead wrong. We decided to power walk ourselves on the neverending 4km incline and tried to run whenever we felt the road was slightly flat-ish. Our strategy worked like a charm and once we reached at the top, off we went downhill at our top speed. The breeze was cooling indeed. The 3km++ downhill part was pretty steep.

Pacing this strong Iron Lady GAI half way through.... It's an honour, Sis! =D

I was relieved to reach the CP 1 (9.9 KM) at the t-junction. It was like a fiesta with a buffet spread consisted of some sandwiches, watermelons, jelly beans, OREOs, biscuits, candies and isotonic drinks like Revive and 100Plus, Coke Cola and drinking water. The Girl Scout was very helpful by filling in my water bottle with cold water. After refilling my water bottle here and went to the loo for No. 1 biz, off we went to the next CP 2. After 11 km, I felt a muscle pull at the back of my right knee. Decided to slow down and exchange my left knee strap to my right knee then. It was the wisest decision to ease the pain at that moment. Running alone in the dark evenhough with my headlamp on was still creepy. After 5.5 km or so, I reached CP 2 for a refill and ate some slices of sweet cold oranges. Yumm! It jolted my senses to stay awake and energetic. Little did I know of what I would be expecting on the upcoming route.

The Crazy Elevation... Gulped! 

It was the second neverending uphill climb again. This time it was more undulating spiral way up. From there on, it was up, up, and away. Luckily the gradient increased gradually and it was still dark to see. Else I will definitely be more mental and tempted to power walk all the way up again. I tried to catch up with Sis Gai and her friend, Rizal as I could still saw them 200 - 300m in front of me. They kept me going even it was getting tough. It was getting so windy up there, I could hear the trees howling so loud even with my earphones on. Running towards a strong headwind was quite difficult and such an experience. Things got a wee bit spooky and I could not dare to look at the jungles on my right side. Touch wood... =D

In my zone... Noticed a car approaching but I wasn't prepared to strike a pose... LOL

Once I reached the top of the incline, it was so chilly and I started to make my way down. Tried not to blazing my way down as my ankles started to feel sore and painful. It was cold and I started to see water vapour from my mouth. Thank goodness I was wearing my semi gloves to keep my hands warm. I reached the undulating u-turn point aka CP 3 at 26.5 km after 4 hours 12 mins. I took a long break here, applied some hot cream on my sore throbbing ankles. The impact on them was unbearable, especially during the descent. After binging on those mouth watering watermelons, a bite of Oreo and banana, I started my way back home. Tried to keep up with Sis Gai but once again she just went blazing in her element all the way. Truly amazing!

Sis GAI and I at the U-turn CP 3... Very cold here in this hour... Brrrr! 

I tried to run whenever possible and walk whenever I could not run, especially when I tackled the incline. Bumped into Norzana on my way back. She did not looked in her best condition either. The biggest obstacle was for me to power walk the steep incline at Genting Peres. It was still pitch black. I tried to catch up with other runners in front of me as I did not want to run alone, feared of the wreckless group of mat rempits and speeding car along the route. Once I reached the borderline of Negeri Sembilan - Selangor, I took a breather and managed to snap some pictures. Thanks to a generous runner. I took his pictures too afterwards.

These two pictures were priceless... Running interstate border... Never thought I could do this before!

Running down the same winding road again was really challenging for me. I wanted to run faster to make up for the long break and due to the gravity but my ankles would protest. The impact from pounding the tarmac after 5 hours was unbearable. So I resorted to small stride and shuffled my way down. Met Doc Shah Shazharn on my way down too. The eerie jungle was still on my left side but the night view was spectacular. It was a full moon with stars shining bright on the night sky. Felt like I`m on a shooting location for Twilight Saga or something. Finally I reached CP 2/CP 4 after the long running downhill. Did not waste much time here as it was about to break the dawn anytime soon. After refueling my hand held bottle, off I go.

Lovely golden forest...

I looked so blackie in this shady picture with my tahan teksi pose... Credits to Mr Tey ET

CP 1/CP 5 was not that far though but I took my sweet time whenever I met with an incline. Such a wuss... Huhuu... Many 50km runners were spotted along the route by this time. Some were walking while others were shuffling. It's ok as long as we kept on going. After a short break at the last CP, I mustered all the strength left to tackle the last mental incline head on. It was the steepest 3 km climb I've ever experienced in my life. I just power walked all the way up. It was started to get brighter  by that time. I did not want to be roasted by the morning sun on this hilly stretch, I said. Once I reached the top, it was another 7km or so towards the finishing line. So I just let the gravity take over my downhill run despite being very careful not to run too fast. Maintained my pace and kept on going as it was almost 8 am by that time. The view of KLCC and KL Tower perched  from the back of the hills was astounding! Once I reached the 50 km mark at 8.20 am, I knew that I still had to cover another 2 - 3 km within the 40 minutes time. The last 3km was insane. I tried to resist from walking as I knew that we were almost there. The sun was so bright and I did not want to be roasted under the sun. My pace was around 8:20++ when I crossed the finishing line in 8 hours 50 minutes (8:15:10 moving time). I was overjoyed! Yayyy...

Finally... I survived! Credits to Mr Khairi Muin... =D

The catch of the day.... Totally priceless... 

Received my hard earned finisher tee, pink trophy and a hand towel once I reached the counter. Thank you Mr Yim Heng Fatt for your courtesy. I would never make the same silly tingtong mistake ever again. *piak2 myself for that. Did not have the appetite to eat my breakfast, but I managed to have some Thai Mango Salad with some fish and fried noodles. Took some pictures with other finishers as well before heading back home. Luckily I did not experience any bad chafing or cramps. Just lack of sleep and rest.

TotisThoners Trio, Me, Zana and Gebs... Congrats to Gebs on his maiden 100KM Ultra Run! 

Well done to the organizer of TITI 100/50 for a well organized race event. The food and drinks were aplenty. So many choices although I  did not eat the sandwiches, afraid I might had to pangsai along the eerie route. LOL! To all the selfless volunteers, scouts, boys and girls, Rela officer, policemen, medical person in charge, I would love to express my gratitude. However there were some safety issues when some of the runners did not wear the mandatory headlamp due to the not so strict gears inspection done by the scouts. It was dangerous to run in the night without any headlamp or reflective band/blinker. A big congratulation to all the strong finishers of TITI 100/50 ULTRA. U guys were awesome and truly amazing on that day. To those who DNF/ could not meet the cut off time, fret not, do train harder and smart so that we could come back stronger next year ya... Honestly it got me thinking to reconsider my decision to sign up for  84 km Penang Ultra. Must train a lot harder, mentally and physically too for such an Ultra distance. Will I be able to meet the 15 hours cut off time? Sigh...

Thumbs Up To Mr Jeff Ooi, Race Director and the Organizer for the toughest 53km Road Race! 

Till then, toodles!

#PrayforMH370

My Garmin Data HERE.