Life Lessons #8

Taken from imgfave on Tumblr

Happy Monday everyone! :) 

Happy New Year :)

Ni hao!!!

Hope that it's not too late to wish these to my Chinese friends and readers out there :)

May the dragon year brings peace, love, good fortune and prosperity to you and your loved ones always... 

Gong Xi Fa Cai! :)

Xoxo,

Ms Road Runner

Featured :)

Thanks to the Teh Tarik Drinker, my running friend and fellow blogger Abang Yim and I were featured in his blog :)

You can read the full article here @ http://www.tehtarikmemoirs.com/2012/01/teh-tarik-reads-run-denim-butterfly-and.html

ANDDD... The best part is, he's giving away ONE runningskirts of my choice to one of you lucky ladies out there ;) I also want one, can ar Teh Tarik Drinker? :P

All you have to do is:
a. Leave a comment on MY LATEST POST on what you think of my blog or accomplishments
b. Don't forget to mention that the TEHTARIKDRINKER sent you here
c. Best comment will be chosen

And for my male readers out there, if you want to win a limited edition running tee, all you have to do is visit Abang Yim's blog and do as per the above's instructions.

You have until end of this month (31 January) to comment away! ;)

Thanks again Mr Teh Tarik Drinker for featuring and mentioning my lil' blog!

And hope to see you soon at one of the races here! :)

I Want To Run

My only 'serious' running picture :P

Taken at Nike We Run KL last year by Aiman

If you read one of the earliest posts in this blog, I started running on the treadmill at the gym as part of my fitness regime during my student days... And started entering races back in May 2008 :)

So here are tips based on my experience so far in running (that I could think of) for you noobs out there who want to try out this no-worries type of workout ;)

1. Looking for the perfect running shoes
Thanks to the running craze here in Malaysia, there are so many stores here that you can check out and find the perfect pair for your lovely feet. Here are a couple of stores for you to survey around:

a. Running Lab - Tropicana City Mall
b. adidas - Go to the outlet in The Gardens or Pavilion, more choices. For women, you can check out its standalone store at The Curve
c. Asics - Pavilion
d. Brooks - The Curve
e. Nike - Mid Valley or Pavilion
f. New Balance - The Gardens
g. 2XU - The Gardens
h. Athlete's Circle - Jaya One

Do check your foot type at the store so that the salesperson can recommend suitable options for you. You can also do it on your own by clicking the link here.

Test out the shoes. Run around the store if you have to. I usually do that ;)

Don't be afraid to ask questions to the person who's attending to you...

The cost of a pair of running shoes are ranged between RM250 - RM500. Make sure you shop and 'run' around before deciding on your perfect pair :)

I am ADDICTED to running shoes... And it's funny how I get excited over them than a pair of heels these days ;)

My babies so far... Haha :P

Missing in the picture is my new trail running shoes which I've yet to debut ;)

2. Wear comfortable running gear
Most of the stores that I've listed above have a section dedicated to running... Personally, I wear my running tops mostly from Nike because I am comfortable with the material ;) And sometimes I wear the running singlets that were give by the races that I've participated in so far... When I'm training, I usually wear my running shorts by adidas because they have a zipper at the back to keep my keys or money... Loved them!

If you're serious about running later on, then I'd suggest for you to get running tights (eg: 2XU/Skins) and get a sport watch (eg Polar/Garmin/Suunto/Timex)... I am currently using Garmin's Forerunner 610 and he's my best friend ;) You can read here about the watch reviewed by none other than a fellow runner and my friend, Idola ;)

3. Let's run!
Now that you've your shoes and gears, you're all set to run! Here are a couple of places for you to start warming up you legs:

a. Lembah Kiara Park, Taman Tun - one of my fave parks!
b. KLCC Park
c. Desa Park City
d. Lake Gardens
e. Taman Metropolitan Kepong
f. FRIM, Kepong

Make sure that you hydrate yourself before the run... I would normally drink about 2 glasses of water and eat a banana or a toast half an hour before I start my workout... Walk for one loop first for your warm up... And then gradually jog yourself through the park... If you can't maintain your jog, then do a walk-jog-walk-jog technique... Start with 1km on your first day... Find a friend or partner or relative to accompany you for your first few runs... It helps to have someone by your side when you are working out :)

My running friends and I - taken during my last LSD of the year in 2011 :) 

And then gradually increase your mileage (up to 5km) as you get comfortable with your shoes... And when you're ready, try to attempt a 5km run...

When I started running back in the gym, I targeted my run on the treadmill to be between 30 -45mins, irregardless of the distance and pace... So distance or time, it's up to you on how you want to run ;)

Do read here if you want a detailed schedule for your first few weeks of running...

TWO important points:

a. Slab yourself all over with sunscreen when you're out running during the day (your skin needs to be protected!)

b. Please make sure that you stretch your legs before AND after the run... It is super important to do so to reduce muscle soreness and prevent any injury... I pretty much do these stretches demonstrated in this article before and especially after a run...

4. Signing up for races
When you legs are happily running around and you want to join in the fun and crowd at races here, then please do so :) You can check out below on the races that are happening here in Malaysia:

a. Pacesetters Athletic Club Malaysia - http://www.pacesetters.com.my/events/index10.htm
b. RunWitMe blog - http://runwitme.blogspot.com/
c. Runners Malaysia - http://www.runnersmalaysia.com.my/events/index.htm

The typical and minimum distance for a race here in Malaysia is 10km... However, if you feel that 10km is too much to handle for a start, there are races that include 5km or 7km fun run (like last year's NTV7 Feel Good Run or Standard Chartered KL Marathon) :)

I can say that I've met most of my awesome running friends through races... Our favourite session of the day after completing a race is none other than camwhoring!!! And A LOT of it ;P

So, I am looking forward to meet and make new ones for 2012 :)

And there you have it... A somewhat basic guide for you peeps out there to running, courtesy of Ms Road Runner :)

Run happy! Do ask me away if you've anything ok? :)

The Accidental First Race @ Mizuno Wave Run

The plan was not to register for any race for the first two months of the year...

And obviously the plan failed completely :P

My running friends: Izuan, Azu and Azim and I decided to sign up and join the race at the last minute... And mind you, this race was going to be my third run of the year... Told you I was taking my time :P

Since it was also my first time running at this event in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), I wasn't expecting anything but just to enjoy the run and the route :) Plus I only had an hour worth of nap before driving down to UPM at 530am!

Before leaving the stadium

Pic credits to Tey

We were flagged off at 7am... The weather was kind to us runners :) When it comes to runs organised by the Pacesetters Club, you will know that the route will be pretty interesting ;) And indeed it was! Loved the scenic route and the last 1km hill of the 10km route that gave our legs an extra workout before coming back to the stadium ;)

I have to say that the Pacesetters Club did an amazing job for organising the race yesterday... I especially like the running from-and-back-to the stadium... Felt like a real athlete ;) So thank you Mr President, Rustam and his team for a memorable day for the runners yesterday :)

And Alhamdulillah, crossed the finish line with a PB of 58 mins 21 secs :) And also helped a friend to achieve her first sub-1 hour too and met so many running friends that I haven't seen for a while... So those two were my highlights from the race :)

Apprentice and I - We were Yin and Yang ;)

Congrats for finally achieving your sub-1 in your new adios... Another Adizero convert ;) 

With Mr President - Thank you again and looking forward for the next race! :)

With Rosey - finally a pic with you since our last one was in Gold Coast!

Looking forward to more runs and pictures with you this year! ♥

With Izyan - Congrats for getting your sub-1! 

Had fun running with you at the last 1km! :)

Sub-1 runners ;)

Congrats to Azim for getting an a-we-so-me timing of 55 mins ;)

Congrats to Idola for your time of 53 mins (not his PB but still so fast!) ;P 

Fave (jumping) shot of the day by Mr Tey :) 
We had fun!!!

So I guess that my legs are all warmed up to run again ;) 

Giving Back

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia -

I love this video that was shared by one of my good running friends :)

And this is what I'm planning to do throughout this year, hopefully :)

To give back, even if it's just a small contribution...

Have a good weekend everyone! :) 

Report Card is Out!

Well, by Dailymile that is... Hehe

No runs were logged in May as it was my resting month from the operation ;)

As you can see, it took me a while to really get myself running last year :P

But hey, here's to many, many more runs and (fewer) races this year ;)

14 Days

Yeap... I didn't run for the past 14 days...

I was telling myself that I should be doing other workouts than just running for this month...

And that's what I did ;)

I played futsal with my usual gang, did core exercises and pilates at home...

And yesterday, I broke my 'not-running' spell...

I mean, who am I kidding right? The legs felt super itchy to run again and couldn't stand the fact that they are 'resting' for that period of time... *Drama* :P

So yeah, I did my first 5km of the year with a new running partner last night... Woot woot!!! :)

Still trying to look for other types of workout to add variety and to spice up my so-called healthy life program ;)

Maybe I should dance or rock-climb? What do you think?

Suggestions are welcomed :)

RunFest Cyberjaya

Oh by the way, if any of you are taking part at the awesome RunFest Cyberjaya this Sunday, 

Do drop by our booth, G-Stop at the Street Market :)

Both Shanaz and I will be selling off brand new/pre-loved items such as books and clothes and proceeds will be donated to charities that are closest to our hearts respectively :) 

So, bring extra cash ok? ;)

And there'll be performances by Projek Disko Baldi, Azmyl Yunor, Nadhira, SSK and Daren Junior as well so I'm going to foresee a super fun and awesome day this Sunday at Cyberjaya :) 

Also, if you have used running shoes, you can donate them at RunFest!

Check out http://runfest.my for more information...

Hope to see all of you there! :) 

Make Every Move Count

First ad-day of the year! :)

I admire all of these women featured in this video... 

And their bodies... Smokin' hot!!!

Note to self: Must work out :P

Have a good weekend everyone! :) 

20 New Year’s Resolutions For 20-Somethings

Just had to share this write-up taken from here... 

I thought it's relatable and hilarious at the same time! LOL!

Thanks Pui San for sharing this on Facebook :) 

1. Before you status update, Tweet, Tumble or Instagram, pause and say to yourself, “is it entirely necessary that I share this morsel of thought with my entire social network?”and if the answer is not, “yes, I absolutely must,” then step away from the Internet.
   
   
2. Know which candidate you’re going to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, and know why.
   
   
3. Enough with the 14-day juice cleanses. If you want to lose a little weight quickly, eat less and exercise like crazy. If you want to lose a lot of weight slowly, do whatever Jennifer Hudson did.
   
   
4. If you really like the person you’re hooking up with and would like them to be your boyfriend/ girlfriend, find a way to tell them, and hope for the best. If you don’t and wouldn’t, stop.
   
   
5. Find a way to save approximately 300 dollars and spend it on a flight to see a friend or family member who lives far away.
   
   
6. Please stop liking the Kardashians, all of them. It’s not helping anyone, least of all the Kardashians.
   
   
7. Spend less than or equal to the money you earn each month.
   
   
8. Wear clothes that fit you, especially to work.
   
   
9. Call someone on the phone at least once a week, and speak to him or her for at least ten minutes.
   
   
10. Start preparing now to get over the fact that Facebook is probably going to change again in six months. You’re not going to deactivate your account. You don’t know how.
    
    
11. Wait 30 seconds before you look up a fact you can’t remember on your phone, and try to remember it using your brain. This is what the olden days were like.
    
    
12. Replace one terrible reality show you’re currently watching with one wonderful scripted show currently available on television.  Swap suggestion: Real Housewives of Anywhere for HBO’s Enlightened.
    
    
13. Try that food you think you don’t like but have never actually tried, unless it’s brussels sprouts. They really don’t need any more attention.
    
    
14. Cut one person out of your life who you truly do not like and add one person who you truly do. Note: not on Facebook, on Earth.
    
    
15. If you’re still blacking out regularly, you should stop.
    
    
16. Volunteer once over the next 90 days.  You’ll feel really good about it, and probably end up volunteering again over the next 275.
    
    
17.  Tell someone who you love that you love them on a more regular basis. To their face, not in a text.
    
    
18. Back up your entire online life onto an external hard drive, especially your photos.
    
    
19. Crap or get off the pot. This applies to whatever thing you’re not doing that you should just sack up and do already.
    
    
20.  And in the eternal words of Tom Haverford, “TREAT YO SELF!”

Happy 2012! :)

"Because that's what New Year's is all about: getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about 'what if' and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight - and it will drop - let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long."

- Claire Morgan from New Year's Eve movie - 

Hope it's not too late to wish all of you here... 

To my friends and readers out there, here's to another year of new beginnings, new hopes, chasing  and realising dreams, finding happiness and love :)

Bring it on twenty-twelve!!! :D