Welcoming May with KL Heritage Park Night Run 2014

Running has become part of my life. It is nothing to show off about as it's just me being used to show the public my life events. I'm feeling glad to be able to share when approached and asked about running.

Roses, blooming for the sixth day.

It's May, one year has passed since the clinical placement in Penang Island. As I recall, running was part of life in Penang as well. We had no convenient transport and Penang is so far away from home. Running was a way to exercise, to destress and to indulge myself in music through earphone. It still is.

Arriving at Taman Botani Perdana 

Thank you Sum,
for the company,
for inviting me to this run! :D

This is my first night run. I used to be night run before adjusting my lifestyle when moved to Petaling Jaya. However, the first 500m of this night run was... exhausting. My legs went cramping and felt so heavy with every step.

 

 

 

We ran the first 6km together, partnering.

She told me the cramp will be over as we get used to running. That's very true as I have had the same experience. It was a little more tiring that night though, as compared to previous run.

A confident smile before flag off!

The event wasn't very well organized in my humble opinion. The organizer had been apologizing so many times in the facebook event page. We were actually quite upset with the extra size running shirt. I sincerely love the colour of the shirt but when both of us look into the mirror after changing, it was just horrible.

*photo bomb*

Apart from that, the flag off time was delayed for almost half an hour due to technical issues. We were left standing in the crowd, all so tempted to start running already! We've got bored, hence the number of selfies.

I started running on my own after 6km, in my own pace.

It's my habit, to run to the music. All of my runs are music runs.

Both of us got the silver medal. 

Fit fit de sumgirl, she was quite speedy herself!
Keep up the good work! :D

Meeting up after the run, we had apples as refreshment. Got ourselves some free Revive and sandwiches too.

 

Not to forget that Mr. Fong Yun Lian who had joined the event as well! 

Good job!

I'd usually go off right after the event but Sum wanted to stay for the lucky draw.

We waited for so long, many numbers were called but many didn't come forward to redeem. Probably already left I guess.

Fortunately, as the emcee got impatient, he announced to present to anyone with pink shoe laces. I immediately jumped in front of him and ran for my gift!

It's a hamper! 

It consists of dark chocolate spread, chocolate drink and some chocolate sweets.
Just nice for a chocolate lover but not someone who need to watch her weight already.

Thanks again, Sum. 

For the homey home cook dinner,

for retrieving race kit for me in which you were made queueing under the hot sun,

for driving me to the event venue.

Feeling grateful :)

cheers,

Feeling alive while running @ 2014 Milo Run

Honestly, I was feeling status quo lately.

Beginning to think whether I wanna live like this for the rest of my life.

The sunlight on my way to work.

I dreamt that I was having fun with a bunch of friend by the beach.

Maybe it's time to plan a trip. Nothing long, nothing soon, confirmation will only be in July as my probation period is up to six months. It doesn't really matter besides that I don't have annual leaves, all other benefits are in hand, this is indeed a constructive environment to gather experience and continue to grow within the area of profession. In fact, I'm going to another scientific conference again end of this week, sponsored by the company. I'm feeling grateful.

Tables were set up in front of the Istana Kehakiman
in conjunction with the Malaysia Breakfast Day 2014.

So, I haven't been able to have longer holiday since beginning of the career. Not really as well during Chinese New Year. I find running events being great reason to wake up early on my only rest day of the week (working five and a half days is a little struggling).

From right: Kar ¶ Fion ¶ Cadie
Three horsies on the run!

I was back to this place with memories of practical during university time, Putrajaya. Beautiful as always. It feels different, not only because I'm coming for the different reason, this was my first run without Rachel. The first thing I do when finishing the 7km, I messaged to tell her I miss her :)

Towards the finish line! 

Deep down, I have a dramatic personality and I'm easily influenced with music.

As the playlist run to N'Sync "Bye Bye Bye", automatically my mind started digging through associating memories and there go me run run run~

I'm so loving Simple Plan's "Summer Paradise" that each time listening to it, my mood becomes excited and starts to imagine beach and sunshine in my mind.

Then when it came to Kim Soo Hyun's "Promise", I was beginning to slow down, walking among the runners, becoming all emotional. Pretty dramatic huh?

That's just how I run.

Another 7km, done and done! 

Firstletmetakeaself
while queuing for free Milo 

Thanks for the company lovelies :3

Later after the event, with the lovelies, I satisfied my craving for JoJo PanMee in Sri Petaling. Together with the Tong Kee egg tart from Kah Kar before the run, it was indeed a nostalgic morning looking back at those times when pursuing my degree in Dietetics.

Shall look forward to the night run with Sum in KL Heritage Park now!

cheers,

Are you ready to be active?

Last post under the Exercise label I shared more on how I started running and friends who have been influencing me in maintaining the will to exercise.

It is in human nature to always want to be better. It is in our gene and it is what makes the world develop. Exercise itself, is a medium to be better, to success. Hence, it is very important for one to learn what exercise really is and what does it to our body when incorporate into our daily life. 

As I mentioned, I started exercising frequently or routinely with running. I find this article about running very true: 10 Lessons Running Teaches You About Life by the Daily Runner. It is short and precise, people who has started running would agree and love it too.

Make up your mind

Among the 10 lessons, there are few that I personally like and emphasize. Running teaches me that it is me, who will define my own limit (as stated in the 7th lesson in the provided link). As a nutrition counsellor, we need to empower our client in believing in themselves. Each of us has the power to control and improve, it is really a decision that you can make, something if you can commit to put in effort, then you'll be harvesting success sooner or later. 

Once the first step is made, you are already half way there.

Be constantly inspired

Have you came across direct sales? Have you been to any of their inspirational talks? They have a point there, they talk about what keep them moving. Have you heard stories of how an extra size teenage girl turns into a slim pretty girl? Have you heard stories of how a cancer patient recover from diseases when he or she start incorporating yoga and healthy diet? In fact, exercise and healthy diet can prevent a pre-diabetic person from becoming diabetic. 

It is a hard truth that exercise improve health and personal well-being. Although you might not have the strongest reason to lose a few kilograms of weight, you are definitely responsible for your overall well-being.
It is one of the golden rules to be successful in life, which is to befriend people who can influence you positively. Keep up with a group of friends who exercise regularly, explore different kinds of exercises, make it a hobby.

Step by step

Finally, we need to avoid major setbacks. We can dream big and set our final goal, to be great and perfect. It is more important to know your limit and set short term goals along the way. We human being need to feel good. Enjoy and show gratitude for the compliments when people starts to notice what you've done good to your body. Girls, go get a pretty dress and enjoy the extra attention. Guys, go get a tank top and show off your extra fit body. 

Don't forget to reward yourself each time when a short term goal is achieved, you deserve it. Then don't stop there, keep it up!

Now, do you like how you are right now? 

Are you a tree? 

Go out there and maximize your potential! 

cheers,

Run September 2013

I'm finally calling a day for running events in September.

Finisher medals from Live Great Run and IMU Chariofare

They were my first three runs ever, the Run For Peace in Taman Klang Jaya, the Live Great Run by Great Eastern, lastly the IMU Chariofare.

Records from Nike Running (phone application)

Run For Peace 2013 @ Taman Klang Jaya

It was my first run. Woke up early in the morning to meet up Rachel and Fion. 

We got our running shirt only on the spot.

Although we were there on time, the event started quite late, which was around 7.45am already.

This run gave me good sense of accomplishment and pushed up my confident more in running. This running event is open for public, we saw people of all ages, the very young and the very old. While running with these groups of people, I could outrun majority of the attendants with a walkathon mode. 

We are ready to run!

Fion, Rachel and me.

I then finally finished my first run with a record of 58:17 for 7.22km.

Live Great Run by Great Eastern 2013

The finisher medal and free banana to replenish energy and electrolytes!

The moment we got off from the shuttle bus between starting point and Publika mall was the moment 12km runners kick start their runs. We were LATE.

As I'm always very conscious with my bodily urge (whether to eat or to pee...), it was horrible to have to run with full bladder. I started searching for toilet after activating my BIB. My only thought was "Rachel mentioned there will be toilet at the 3km point, that's kinda far..."  With no luck, I couldn't find any other toilet before the 3km stop.

WooiKeong, Rachel and me.

WooiKeong, Rachel, me and Fion

Another run together! More to come more to come!

This was the most organized and structured run among the three. I could feel tear gland slightly stimulated when I was handed with the finisher medal. That was my longest run ever, 12km!

IMU Chariofare 2013

Then it was this morning. It was a challenge itself, to wake up early on a menstrual day, not to mention that I have to run. I kept up to the record though, maintain usual performance. Does that mean that I could've actually done better?

Rachel, Andrian and me.

Didn't know we're getting a finisher medal!

I've found my own way to run, which is to speed, then slow down for walking, then resume speeding again. This round, I felt the fall back from pushing myself to speed, as if the pain is pulling me back. Fighting back the resistance, it felt so well!

I'm looking forward to join more running events next year. Till then, I think I'm ready to follow the T25 Alpha Phase workout schedule. Shall continue on the exercise soon as well.

cheers,

Let's get active! ...with Rachel and Fion

A few months ago I was asked to join few running events. Despite finding it not easy to wake up early before sunrise during weekends, I've eventually made it to two running events so far, the Run For Peace in Taman Klang Jaya and Live Great Run by Great Eastern earlier today. There'll be another one coming up this coming Saturday. It all started few months ago...

Rachel, Fion and me
Run For Peace, Taman Klang Jaya
20130908

WooiKeong, Rachel, me and Fion
Live Great Run
20130915

I was never a sport person. Six years ago, I started to swim when the family moved to a new neighborhood with club house. However, I was never a club member but a sub one under my parent's name. Hence, when my age hit 21 year-old, my temporary membership is gone and so as my routine exercise.

Gratefully, I've been influenced by my friend, Rachel, in doing workout and running. Together with Fion, we started getting closer in the social networking. Three of us are from the same high school, with Fion being in the same batch, different class; Rachel, one year younger than us. Till few months ago, when I finally completed one whole year of in-course practical training/ attachment at different states, we finally got to hang out more, to have face-to-face sessions.

 

Rachie and Fionie

These girls are special. Both went through large amount of weight loss with their own efforts. I admit that I once find it impossible to be done by myself. In them, I see the possibility, the determination and the discipline. I admire them. I'm inspired!

Choose what suits you most

Personally, I enjoy doing workout at home and running for the reason that both require no expense. As a student back then and a society new entrée right now, I don't really have the extra money for gym membership. Another plus point is that no transportation is required. With the traffic out there getting worse and worse nowadays, no transportation equals no jam, equals time saver. 

Sometimes the scenario would be just me, got home from work, a quick change, deng, I'm off for a run in the neighborhood. Otherwise, when it rains, I can always bring out my yoga mat and start the workout video.

Differentiate physical activity and exercise

Many are confused between physical activity and exercise. Physical activity is merely any bodily movements, such as moving the fingers, the legs, playing piano or guitar, shaking hands, etc. Note that house chores are categorized under physical activity.
On the other hand, exercise involves structured, planned, repetitive physical activity, intending to condition any bodily parts. Examples are jogging, workout, swimming, playing badminton, etc. I often describe to my clients that, usually exercise causes increase in heart beat and significant amount of sweating.

Why exercise?

Some people exercise for overall health and wellness, some exercise to lose weight. If you are looking for reasons to start exercising, here's why.
What exercise do to our body includes burning off the excess calories,
removing the toxics we encounter or produce from our metabolism.
Additionally, exercise helps to ease stress and anxiety.

To sum it all, exercise improves general health, physically and mentally, therefore, helps us to feel good and happy, as well as to prevent and fight health conditions and diseases!

Up next, I will look into types of exercise.

appreciate life,

References:

1. The Free Dictionary. Available from: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/exercise

2. WedMD. Managing your condition with exercise. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/get-motivated-exercise

3. Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676