BDB CLIMB & RUN LANGKAWI 2016 - ROUTE PREVIEW 😍

I was so lucky & truly honoured when Kak Lina asked whether I was interested to join the preview route in Langkawi last week. It's definitely too good to resist offer so I immediately agreed to join the bandwagon. For your information, this was my first preview route as a running blogger. Therefore I was totally thrilled & excited to participate in this short Langkawi trip.

Moreover, the haze situation in Klang Valley was getting worse with ongoing dry spells. So I guessed it was about time for me to go for a quick runcation/getaway from the neverending haze.

So in total there were 15 runnners/bloggers for preview route mission. We took FireFly to Langkawi on Saturday. It was my first time moment too flying with FireFly from Subang Airport (SZB).

Safely landed at Langkawi International Airport.... Excited xhengat nih...

We came, We see, We will conquer this 4,287 steps tomorrow! Today was just for sightseeing only hehe =)

Once we reached the Langkawi International Airport, Ariff Syafik the Race Director himself took us to check on the starting venue in Hutan Simpan Lubuk Semilang. It was an ideal place for local & foreign tourists to chillax, have picnic with family & take a dip in the pristine water during this hot & dry season. 😁

Our home for one night stay there.... Super comfy bed & spacious twin beds room....

We could see Pulau Dayang Bunting from the balcony of GeoPark Inn... Super awesome scenery

After the simple briefing & some photo session, we went back to GeoPark Inn, our official hotel for the trip and getting ready for dinner with the representatives from Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) PR Team and  the sponsors.

Happy group photo session after our tummy were so full! Scrumptious dinner buffet! Pic credit to Sis Marlina

Please Do Not Disturb... Bed Time Already... Zzzzz...

I slept soundly during my short stay in GeoPark Inn & woke up to get ready for the route preview session. I just had Runbananaz energy balls & Syco Bar energy bar from Marathonbaker to fuel my climb & run. Did not feel like having a hearty breakfast.

Ritual pre-run group photo as always.... Pic credits to Misz Ella...

After the group photo session with the team & organizers, off we go into the woods to tackle the 4,287 steps of Thousand Memories of Eagle Stairs (Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan). We were flagged off by 8am sharp.

Let the climb began!

You will seel so many beautiful natural architecture & art along the way up

 The first 1,000 stairs were doable. Easy and not so steep. There were hand rails too along the climb. You know you've reached the Check Point A 1,000 stairs mark once you saw the red signage on your right. Just look for this huge jungle tree.

1,000 stairs mark on my LEFT, while 2,000 stairs mark on my RIGHT side... Had to wear the buff since some nasty jungle fly kept on buzzing on my ears hahaaa!

You can see some of the steps marker along the way up. Count as you wish...

After that, I kept on climbing & counting the stairs too. It was be daunting at some time but you just had to enjoy the fascinating view of the jungle along the way. Right before I know it, I reached the Check Point B 2000 stairs mark. Yayyy! Another 2,287 stairs to go!

Here got some railings.... Easier for you to climb the dreadful mental stairs hahaa!

We still got time to take a breather & took photo together. Pic courtesy of Ariff Syafik

 Along the way up, I was lucky enough to hear the flapping sound of the giant hornbill. It was loud! Heard some noise from the dusky leak monkeys or long tail macaque too hooting from the tree top hehee.

Feeling2 Diva of the Jungle/Stairs on top of the lying trunk.... Hohoho! Thanks to Misz Ella for the awesome shots!

Could not resist to pose on this big tree trunk lying in the middle of the stairs. Hehee... I was totally drenched in sweats! Could already hear my heartbeats pounding so fast hahaa... It was a great cardio workout nonetheless! I would like to suggest you to bring at least 500ml of drinking water/isotonic drinks with you. A hydration vest or bag would be a great option so that your hands are free to use the railings at some stretch.

Self timer pose ala2 dramatik padahal tengah semput ciked time nih hahaaa!

I could not find the 3,000 stairs marks anywhere but I saw the number of stairs on every 10 stairs. That "distance" marker kept me going to finish this climb asap. Quite a motivation I must say.

Wajah pasrah tak berapa nak insaf time nih... Selfie bersama anak tangga ke 3920 dulu hehee!

 When you thought that you have to climb all the way up, you were wrong. There was a nice temporary descent of stairs before you had to climb up again. Ideal spots for me to take a breather & soldier on. From there onwards, it was getting a lot steeper and some uneven steps.

Doing down for a while, felt so relieved a bit.... hihii

Honestly the last 20 steps were the steepest but I could not wait to end my misery as quickly as possible. Hahaa! That's where the photographer was stationed to capture our suffering look. LOL!

Almost there, ho yeahhh! No suffer face please hahahaa!

Finally I reached the top in 2h10min, inclusive of taking pic stops, hydration breaks & selfie pace..  I read the estimated time to reach the top was 2h15min from the information board. Yayyy! Still within the estimated time then. By right we could be able to see Tempur Island from the top but it was not visible due to misty gloomy weather. I drank cold mineral water provided by the organizer & off I go to run downhill.

I`m at the top of the world! So many clouds in the background too...

Unfortunately I could not see the Pulau Tempor from here.... Too misty at that time.... Wajib repeat!

It was already around 10.30 am when I started running downhill. The weather was just perfect for a run. Totally overcast with some fog coming up the mountain. Thus the route was not that steep to run too.

Running downhill was so much fun! Sejuk dan nyaman weh udara di sinih....

 Met some smiling "mountain" cows along the way down. Saw some monkeys too. Me & Abg Zaini walked - ran - walked together while having some chats. The downhill route reminded me of Route 68 challenge. It's totally runnable even for a newbie.

Even the cows were very friendly & grazing happily up here....

Unfortunately my downhill run was cut short due to time constraint. Boohoo... :( We need to be ready to checkout by 1pm.  Plus I started to have a hunger pang after the extreme climbing workout... With my super wet socks, I hopped on the organizer's sweeping van. I wished to climb & run here again soon for the unfinished business hehee... I always love to finish what I've started before.

The elevation profile... Courtesy of Mr Razif yahya....

Thank you so much Marathonbaker Runbananaz & Syco Bar Energy Bars for fuelling me up along the challenging climb...

In total, I've covered 10.5km++ distance starting from the entrance of Lubuk Semilang Reserve Forest and went all the way up & ran downhill. The actual distance for BDB CLIMB & RUN LANGKAWI 2016 were 3.1km stairs & 15.5km downhill run. So I owed this route 8km++ then hehee...

All in all, I had so much fun time traversing the trails of Hutan Simpan Lubuk Semilang via 4,287 stairs Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan. It felt like climbing the iconic KL Towerthon twice! Hahaa... Minus the stuffiness claustrophobic suffocating climb. Hehee... I love the beauty of Mother Nature here...Even pictures won't do justice... You have to come here to experience it yourself.

For those who wants to push your limit & yearning for some challenges in the nature, feel free to sign up by clicking the link below

 https://home.hooha.asia/BDBLangkawiClimbRun.aspx

Here's some extra info about BDB TRIPLE CHALLENGE 2016. Check it out folks!

  https://home.hooha.asia/BDBLangkawiClimbRun.aspx

https://home.hooha.asia/BDBExtremeJitra.aspx  

 https://home.hooha.asia/BDBMarathonJitra.aspx

Now they are offering a promotional rate for those who signed up for all three challenges for only RM200. That's right, Climb & Run Langkawi (Any Waves) + Extreme Jitra (Any Waves) + Jitra Marathon (FM = 42.195KM Category Only) That's quite a bargain & good news I must say....

Just follow their Facebook or Instagram @ BDB Triple Challenge 2016 for more updates and announcement.

 Thank you so much to the PR team, BDB as the Organizer for your great warm hospitality, Ariff Syafik the RD & Brooks Running Malaysia for the awesome running tee & Pure Grit 4 trail shoes giveaway prizes, the sponsors and all the sporting running/bloggers group for making this short getaway a memorable one indeed.

 Till then, toodles! Langkawi I'll Be Back in 4th June! :P


P/S: Thank you for reading my humble blog entry. For more updates, do refer and please follow these links to several channels of my social media. =D #bdbtriplechallenge2016 #bdbclimbnrun2016 #discoverkedah2016 #brooksrunningmy


https://www.facebook.com/hafizaizat7
http://www.instagram.com/aizatyanan
http://twitter.com/aizat147

 http://www.instagram.com/missyblurkit

• www.twitter.com/missyblurkit

- See more at: http://www.missyblurkit.com/2016/04/bdb-climb-run-langkawi-2016-route-review.html#sthash.udDlZUQT.dpuf

 http://www.instagram.com/missyblurkit

• www.twitter.com/missyblurkit

- See more at: http://www.missyblurkit.com/2016/04/bdb-climb-run-langkawi-2016-route-review.html#sthash.udDlZUQT.dpuf

ROUTE 68 CHALLENGE 2016 - Epic 50KM SAGA!

Ever since I Did Not Finish (DNF) at KM48 68km category for R68 2015, I was so determined to finish my unfinished business. To slay this mental mind blowing killer route this year, no matter what. Honestly I was so traumatized with the bloody blistering heat last year that I've decided to downgrade to 50km this year. Seriously, I just want to get it done and dusted only. Hahahaa! Thank goodness I've made the right decision hehee...

Furthermore I've already had two DNFs for this year (Pink Ultra 2016 - 100km Duo & Kyoto Marathon 2016). So I could not afford to have another DNF. Berkecai mentalku nanti hehee...

I've asked my dearest training buddy Hazman to collect my racekit since I was away in Penang running 12km MHWHNightRun & JJCM Penang during the REPC hoho... Thanks bro!

Before the race day, I managed to squeeze in two 34-35km simulation route training. Wanted to get the feel while enjoying the elevation and lovely microwave heat. That really helps a lot! I felt safer running in a group too compared to running duo. Hehee... Thank you folks for joining my Upacara Lenggang Perut 34KM training before! =D

Two days before the run, I drank a lot of mineral water. Fearing the super hot and sunny Sunday due to El Nino phenomenon I was expecting dehydration & cramps would be some of the major issues during the hot and humid race.

The day before the race, I have been invited to attend the Exclusive Preview Day for Dragon Run in The Ranch, Genting Highlands. I took it as my warming up run along the 5 obstacles samples. Just want to loosen up the muscles and get physical. I'll blog about it in my next entry. Thank You CitrineOne for such a lovely invitation. I had so much fun too.... =D After having a scrumptious dinner and chit chat with Ben, Joll & Judin, I headed back to my crib and called it a day.

Managed to snooze a quality sleep that night although I was still feeling a bit sleepy upon reaching the race village circa 5.30am++. I had to rush to the venue because I need to hand over Marathonbaker Mocha energy bars to my fellow running friend, Ijan. He took part in 70km category. That's insane! After the flagoff I immediately went to the Dewan Orang Ramai and performed  Fajr prayer. Now it's time for me to prep up physically & mentally for the run.

 With Abam Jawa @ Nosly n the house y'all..ould not find his wifey, Eena Amir though...

Make sure all the mandatory items were there then I`m good to go!

After the quick inspection on all the mandatory items, I went into the starting gantries. We were being flagged off at 7am sharp. Off I go. Running at an easy pace at the first 3KM. Tried to run even at the first incline or whenever I saw the almost flat stretch. After 5km or so I tried to speed walk because I already felt my left calf tend to tighten up and cramp. After the first WS (KM5.5) I continued to run walk run along the incline. I smelled a stench at one of the corner but at first I thought it was a dog or monkey's carcass. Little did I know that I smelled a 3 Days rotten corpse once I ran back at the same spot. Yikes! Creepy much... ~~

 Stopped at the nearest bush for my no.1 business before reaching the 2nd WS (KM10) Refilled my bottle and off I go. No time to waste. I need to reach the next WS/Check point before 10am (3 hours). Jeff Ooi already told me earlier that they were very strict about the cutoff time implementation this time around. No more mercy. So I kept on run - speed walk - run until I reached the A3 Genting Sempah CP (KM16.5) by 2:45:23 ! Woot2! First mission accomplished..

I ate some biscuits, watermelon and bananas while refilling icy drinking water + 100Plus + ORS. I started to feel cramps had already building up on both of my hamstrings. No time to waste here as I had to make it to the u-turn point KM25 by 1 hour++ 

 From there onwards, it was a 8.5km++ downhill run all the way. I started singing/chanting Crush song by Yuna featuring Usher during my downhill run. I kept on repeating the down, down, down, down lyrics hoho! I continued running/jogging down the hills as I need to compensate the time I've spent during the uphill battle. I really really require enough buffer time for me to get back to A3 CP before 1pm.

The downhill run felt like forever to reach the u-turn point at A5 CP. It was already getting brighter and hotter. Met so many dedicated photographers along the way. That really brighten up my mood & day. Thanks folks! Finally I reached the u-turn just in time for a quick break, refilled my bottle, put more ORS. No time to feast on the delicious looking spicy Nasi Lemak at that Checkpoint. Plus I don't want to run on an upset tummy later on.

Amik lap ciked tang corner nih hohoho! =P

Running with Nasa & Yahya (not in the picture) on this uphill section...

Almost There... I could see the Genting Sempah huge signboard already... Super Happy!

Managed to cling on to Mr Yahya & Ms. Nasa, the ultra power couple on my way back to CP A3. We were speed walking all the way along the gradual incline. It was getting hotter and stuffier. So i put on my shades, buff and cap. That helped a bit hehee. Thank goodness Sis Suzie passed by and offered us cold Cincau (Black Jelly) drinks. Really need that icy cold sugary stuffs at that time because there were no longer ice cubes at the next WS. Thank you so much Sis!

Fearing that we might not be able to reach the CP before 1pm, they kept on reassuring me that we can make it in time. The incline was getting steeper at some point, meaning that we were getting closer to A3 CP. I really had to stop at the spring water at the roadside just to drench my face, head & buff with the cold water. Felt so refreshed & alive to survive the hot sun.

Finally we reached CP A3 back by 12.45pm (5:46:44). Yayyy! I took a longer break here just to get rid of the pebbles and put some ice cubes in my cap to cool down my head. Had some bananas, watermelons, biscuits coz I felt so hungry! It's already lunch hour hoho... After refuelled with Marathonbaker Runbananaz & refilled everything I made my way back when it was still cloudy and not so bright hehee... Thank goodness I really need to get moving by that time coz 3 hours solid was not enough for me! 😝🙈

Fun Fun Fast Walk All The Way Down....

 After going uphill at the steep incline in Genting Sempah, I tried to run all the down. It was not that easy. With cramps started to threaten my both hamstrings. I decided to go easy but kept on moving. Again upon reaching at the crime scene, I thought I've arrived at the WS. Apparently there were many homicide police vehicles at the corner and I could see the family members of the victim at one side, mourning. Poor them. Felt awkward running through the crime scene, just like in CSI series.

After that I stopped at the next indie Solat Station to cool off my head and face. The icy cold syrup drink was definitely a heaven sent.. Not too sweet, just nice! Thank you so much akak baik hati tuh... 😍 👍 

Solat Station & Iced Cold Syrup Drink to quench my thirst... Thanks for your support ladies! =)

 Not long after that I stopped at WS A2 to put more ice cubes in my drinking bottle. Although it was no longer hot and bright but the humidity was insanely a killer! It's impossible to run downhill in this weather. Felt so hazy too.

As I reached A1 CP, I knew I was running out of time to finish within the cutoff time. I could afford to DNF after running the whole route. Afer munching some bananas, I tried to run speed walk run. The final 5KM felt like forever. Apparently it was 2KM extra according to my Garmin. I really forced myself to run my heart out during the final 3KM. I gave my all. Finally I made my dash when I saw the FL Gantry was within my sight. Crossed 52km++ at the finishing line in 8:53:26 (Average pace 10.40 min/km) . Yayyyy!

Almost there almost home.... Credits to Ms. Azyan

Ready or not, here comes Big Diva LOL!

Yeahhhh.... Officially a proud finisher at last after two attempts!

Victory!

At last I managed to redeem myself from the DNF last year. The awesome finisher medal and finisher tshirt were my ultimate motivation to finish strong!

Me & The Running Kaki People... Congrats to all of us!

Me, Azim & Addy Mohamad Hatta - Congrats folks!

Congrats Yimster for your 5th placing spot in 70KM Men's Category & Ijan for finishing strong 70KM too... Woot2!

Say My Name Say My Name....

 

Thank You so Much MARATHONBAKER for the Runnylicious RunBananaz Energy Balls & Syco Bar! I just had them during and after my run.... All natural full of goodness!

After the run, it's time to take some pictures with all my friends. Congrats to all the proud finishers regardless of 50km and 70km categories. For those who DNF this edition, fret not. It's not the end of the world. Come back stronger, train hard and smart to finish your unfinished business next year then. It was definitely a tough route for most of us.

Congrats to Mr Jeff Ooi and fellow organizers for the strict cutoff system and smooth running event, all the selfless dedicated volunteers at every WS, to all my friends who came to support all the runners under the blazing sun, Abg Nosly, Razinah, Atiqah, Amalina & Sis Suzie. Special thanks to al the dedicated photographers, ET Tey, Rany Tan, Sumer Heh, Maui, Ray, Soon Endurah, Chen Hong Bing etc. You guys were fantastic and amazing!

I really had a good time. No blisters, just minor chafings at the thunderous thighs. My knees were behaving well too. Thank goodness, syukur! Except for the sore hamstring hehee...

Official Results were out already....

Did a Recovery Run With My Finisher Tee... Hohoho!

Till then, toodles chuols! =D

100PLUS OUTRUNNER 2016 - Running Garmin-Less! Hohohi...

Awesome looking finisher medal with distance at the back.... Love this Golden Nugget hehee!

 At first this running event was not on my running calendar. However luck was on my side when one my running friend could not make it due to some work over the weekend. So this fellow just gave the bib to me, foc. Thanks a lot babe! You know who you are hehee... Plus I kinda need to do a so-called "recovery" run after Route 68 Challenge. So, 10km was a decent distance for plus sized runner like me.... Hohohi.... #nomeraih2justrun

Ok, after the Ultron 5F Running Movement, I went back to prepare for the running attire etc. Had lunch & went for a movie in D'Pulze Cyberjaya with my partner in crime by using the two free tickets that I won in a Petron lucky draw contest during Men's Health Women's Health Night Run in Penang. So jimat uols!

Later on I went back to my house & changed into my running attire. It was raining cats & dogs by that time. Thus I was hoping it would be a cooling night run later on. Boy I was dead wrong... As always...

I reached Putrajaya around 7.15 pm & was momentarily deceived when I parked in Precint 6. The event was being shifted back to Monumen Alaf Baru in Precint 2! Damn... I rushed quickly to the venue. Luckily I managed to get a decent parking space & off I go joining the crowd.

 

It's Like Going To A Carnival! So Happening!

Photo session before the humid run with Ku Irman.... Thanks for the pic bro!

 There were so many runners thronged the race village. I could see majority of them were 10km & 6km Fun Run participants.

I watched 15km runners were being flagged off by 8pm sharp. There were mini fireworks show upon the flagoff. I could see some of them started late too. Then it's time for the flagoff of the 10km runners at 8.20pm. They also put up some fireworks for the 10km flagoff.

Here we go guys!

I just start running slowly & tried to weave through the crowd. The first 3km was so bloody humid & hot. That's totally predictable as we were running along the famous Putrajaya stretch towards Palace of Justice, surrounded by lots of buildings. I was sweating bucket loads & tend to walk but I soldiered on. Keep on huffing and puffing.

Stopped at the first WS and quickly poured some of the drinking water on my head hahaa... At the 2nd WS (KM6) I even poured the cold 100Plus on my head too. Luckily it was a bit cooler when I ran along the green stretches.

When there's another 4km to go, I bumped into Nast Najib & Shamroslee. They were running 15km. Amazingly fast hehee! I just had to stop at one of the thick bush to do business no.1 hehee... Cannot tahan lah! =P
 
After that I bumped into Hazman, my training running partner and asked him to run with me. 3km to go, I think. He was waiting for his colleague to finish their run together. Three of us were running together towards the FL. My official time was 1h23m. Hahaa... I really enjoyed the run eventhough without my Garmin watch. No need to check the average pace from time to time. Just run by feel hehee... Stress free gituh...

Me & Hazman...

Me & Nast Najib from Melaka

 Post race hospitality was great. We were given cool golden finisher medal, drinking bottle, fried beehoon snack pack, banana & bottomless 100Plus. They also gave away small 100Plus bottle. There were some cultural shows like Bhangra Dance but I didn't wait long. Did not take many pic too... Need to head back & have a nice sleep for tomorrow KL Car Free Morning with Marathonbaker lady bosses... Till then...

Sayonara! 

ULTRON 5F RUNNING MOVEMENT - 16 APRIL 2016 KICKSTART!

Starting from April 2016 onwards, ULTRON will be conducting series of free sports movements starting with a Running Movement (forthnightly) and Yoga Movement (weekly basis) to encourage more Malaysians to get fit for life! Yes, folks, you read it right. It's all FREE of charge! Zero cost... Ho-Yeah... I like it!

Since I only attended &  support the first 5F Running Movement, here goes my review on their inaugural session last Saturday, hoho... Check it out.

For your information, 5F stands for Free + Fun + Fast Moving + Fat Burning Fellowship session for all, regardless whether you are a newbie or not so newbie any more in the running scene. It's not a running clinic ya.... There's no technical stuffs about this movement. Just chill and enjoy your morning run together with other like minded runners.

I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to join their inaugural 5F Running Movement session. It was being held in MARDI Lake last Saturday, 16 April 2016. From 39 participants that have already signed up, only 22 runners attended the session on that lovely day.

Ms. Joanne Kay, the founder and CEO of ULTRON with all the Captains and Team Captain ULTRON

 It was a privilage to meet Ms. Joanne Kay, the founder and CEO of ULTRON in person on that morning. She gave her brief introduction about ULTRON and the objectives of this 5F Running Movement was all about. Then they started the session with a warming up stretching conducted by Captain Ultron Abu Bakr, followed by 5KM morning run around the beautiful pristine MARDI Lake. Captain Ultron Rashid lead the 5km run while Team Captain Ariff Blaze Merican captured all the pictures of us running and recorded the video of the session. We had to run around the lake for 5x to get that 5km distance (1 loop = 1km). I just did 4 loops since I've already feel my hamstring started to tighten & the morning was getting hotter & bright. LOL... Such a wuss... Considered it as a discount since I had to save my legs for 10km 100Plus Outrunner 2016 on that night. 😜

During the first loop hehee... Still running strong...

Ms. Joanne was running gracefully too... Congrats for your 3km run... Woot2!

Me & Sam Raymi were running our 3rd loop, I guessed so hoho... Dah mula grumpy =P

Captain Abu Bakr was running with all the participants on the final loop

After the run, they intended to play some relay games ala2 sukaneka but since everybody seems pretty much tired they decided to do an ice breaking session instead. Ideal for all the runners to share their own experiences, what's their motivation and reasons to take up running as their life changing lifestyles and we get to know each other better. I made new friends (through Facebook & Instagram) during the session too. Yayyy! How cool is that... =)

  
Some of the experience sharing by all the participants during the ice breaking session. 
 

Captain Rashid Rmr was talking about his running experience and passion too.

 Overall it was a light and easy session. This running movement was being organized to encourage new runners to participate & run in a group, regardless of your pace. It's definitely a good platform for fellow runners to run freely and leisurely while enjoying the view. No pressure at all because we ran in our conversational pace. I called it gossiping/socializing pace LOL! Sometimes it's good to loosen up once in a while and forget about our pace, stride, yada yada. hehee...




Last but not least it was time for a group photo session hoho! Our favourite part as always....

Thank You For Coming Folks!

Thanks for your support too.... Runners Unite!

MARDI Runners that attended this first 5F Running Movement since it was being held in our office backyard!

 So folks,if you haven't sign up for their 2nd session which will be held in Taman Tasik Cempaka, Bandar Baru Bangi on Saturday, 30 April 2016. Feel free to find out more and pre-register at www.ultron.co to confirm your slot!

Oh yeah, First come first serve basis. Limited slots per session as usual. Open to both Men & Women above 16 years only.

So what are you waiting for, come and join us! We will have lots of fun running together with all the Ultron Captains along with some of the Team Ultron Ambassadors too. #UltronMovements #RunningMovement #YogaMovement #MicroDry