Cyclist, Get away to Penang Island

Alright, here's a very old story.
Though it was a significant life time story from 2014.

It was an impulse decision to join Rachel in participating the Cycling For A Lane in Penang Island 2014. Signed up in March, and left it behind my mind until June.

It's fate and luck that when I first join Pickle & Fig, I've met Uncle GC and Uncle Larry, who are regular customers, at the same time, cyclists.

Putting on my cycling gears!

Uncle GC is very friendly. He introduces me to the bike shop in Bandar Utama where good and warm service is provided.

Explore cycling at least once in your lifetime and be glad about it!

As part of training, also Uncle GC and Uncle Larry's usual cycling route, we cycled all the way from PJ to Klang, along the Federal Highway.

Bah Kut Teh breakfast on Sunday morning

One day before the event, I drove Rachel to Penang.

It was 350km drive without a stop!

Following that day was time with Rachel's family in Penang Island

and not to forget... Penang street food!

The stalls are by the road side.

Managed by the locals, which is a different scenery from how it is in Central Peninsular Malaysia.

It feels good.

There you go, my first cyclist suit.

Still can't believe I've done it months ago.

Staying overnight at Rachel's grandparents' place that night, all comfy and cozy. Thank you so much for having me!

We woke up early the next morning, had some food then got on our bicycles only to find ourselves arrive at the starting point right after the gun was shot.

Regardless, let's hit the road!

At my first stop

We went off different speed in the beginning.

Hence I was on my own, staying strong with my earphone on.

At some tourist's spot.

Towards the end, when I started to feel like I couldn't continue without a proper rest,

I decided to stop for...

ABC ice

I'm never born an athlete. 

Coming this far, to finishing Half Marathons and now,

round the island, 82.8km,

I earn this medal with pride.

CFAL 2014

Keep the spirit up!

On 17th August 2014, I round Penang Island in bicycle, accomplished!

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,

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