Why I Run

It’s a question I get a lot since I started running last year. When someone asked me again recently, I replied: “Untuk kesihatan badan” (For health).  The answer, however, was rejected outright. I was referred to the film “Sepi” where one of the protagonists ran for a much deeper reason. It is therefore thought that there’s something more philosophical to my running as well.

I can understand that sentiment, especially now where I’m busy promoting my own community running project, Larian 40 Taman 100 Kilometer. Surely there must be a bigger objective than merely for better health?

Well, it all began when I was invited to promote and participate in the ntv7 Feel Good Run last year. I said yes, even though I barely clocked any sort of meaningful kilometres. I was trying to lose weight then just to look better on screen for MHI, but the treadmill and exercise bike that I bought were mainly used to hang my clothes rather than for what they were meant for.
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But once I said yes to the Feel Good Run, I knew I had to take the commitment seriously. For one, I didn’t want to look like a fool, panting and struggling, or God forbid, passing out on event day (although that would have guaranteed me instant press). So I knew I had to hit the parks and see how far I could go.

The first step was of course to buy a pair of new shoes. I bought the adidas cross-trainers, but they sat in the box for a good few weeks before I finally took them out, and wore them to the nearby park.

I was a total novice, of course. The shoes weren’t really suitable for running, and I had no gadgets whatsoever to track my runs. But I did started running. In cotton tees and track bottoms, no less.

I remember the first few times, I felt like dying after about 500 metres. I ran out of breath easily, my shins were really aching and I got re-acquainted with that sharp pain around the abdominals felt during “merentas desa” all those years ago.

I realised how unfit I had become at that point in time and I hated it. I mean, once upon a time I was a jock for crying out loud, hitting the courts for some bball action almost every day during my uni days, and I did weights on and off as well.

But work commitments these past few years had taken me to a different path. Free time’s usually filled with good food and “quality” time on the sofa; a combination that led to a degree of happiness, but a lot to worry about. 

And the biggest worry of all was; would I be healthy enough in years to come to look after my loved ones? That question popped up more often than not, especially with constant news of people that I knew who were struggling with one health complication or the other.

I realised how irresponsible it was of me to also burden them with the task of taking care of me should my health fail big time. And the thing was; I was in a position to do something about it.

That being the major motivating factor, I overcame the first hurdle of simply not giving up. I made it fun to run, by first and foremost, buying cool new gear. Haha. The Nike Vomero shoes with Nike + chip, proper (and fancy) running tops and pants etc.

It was then all down to pure determination and will power. The aching shins, the shortness-of-breath were all still there, but I continued to run. And run. And run.

Soon enough, my mind and body adjusted to the shock of the new me, and I started feeling good. And as all other runners might also say, I started to fall in love with it.

I also started to lose weight and generally felt healthier than I’ve ever been. Taking things further, I started entering running events. It started with the 5km, then the Feel Food Run arrived and I ran the 7km instead of the 3km “celebrity category”.

Still, at that point in time, I felt like the 10km was a challenge too big for me, but I finished my first 10km a few months after the Feel Good Run. What a moment that was. I felt like I had conquered the impossible. All the hard work was more than worth it.

Of course I couldn’t have done it without the support of friends and family (they know who they are). NOT doing something is always easier, but having good support all around us would make the hard part even easier. 

So here I am now, running regularly and as mentioned, taking the cause to the community. I run wherever I go and I still get a rush every time I cross the Finish line. It also feels great when people come up to me at events and tell me that they took up running because they saw me doing it on TV. 

I’ll never be the fastest runner around, and I don’t know if I’ll ever complete a full marathon in my lifetime. But running has really changed my life. I’m in my 4-series now and I face it with a degree of confidence.

I also have many running goals to fulfill now, but none is more important than staying fit and healthy: for myself, and for my loved ones.

Larian 40 Taman: Taman Subang Ria

Another good run it was at Taman Subang Ria in Subang Jaya, the sixth in the series of Larian 40 Taman 100 Kilometer. It started a bit late though as some runners couldn't find the entry point that was proposed. In fact, I myself got it wrong when I waited for the rest outside the entrance. Luckily one of the (new) runners spotted me and suggested that we drove inside and look for the car park.

By the time we got in, some runners were already waiting, while others were communicating with me, trying to find their way there. This was in fact my first time at the Taman. Strange, considering that I used to stay in the area during my matriculation days. Maybe I've been here before, but not for running though, hehe.

Anyway, it was great to see some new faces making it for this run. And of course, it's always fantastic to see the "hardcore" runners as well. Will write about them soon enough.

I gave away some T-Shirts and we started the run after a short warm-up session.

The jogging track's rather flat with a short incline at the end (if you're running anti-clockwise).

But things got a lot more interesting after one lap when it started to drizzle. We continued to run though, and although it stopped drizzling for a while, those who continued with a third round (or more), had to negotiate with an even heavier drizzle!

And with that, history was made, as it was the first time that runners of Larian 40 Taman had to run in the rain! Haha.

But again, it was a really enjoyable run. I finished three loops, which was the average, while there were those who went on for five rounds. Bravo!

For full report, click HERE

Article in the New Straits Times: Marking A Milestone

Check it out: the article in today's New Straits Times on my personal running journey and Larian 40 Taman. Click on the photo for the link, or better yet, get the hard copy now! NST itself marks a milestone today by becoming the first "talking newspaper" and you could actually get this article read to you! How cool is that?

MHI @ Tambun Tulang, Perlis

The last time I was in Perlis, it was probably when boybands ruled in the 90s. So I was pretty excited to head up north for a special broadcast of MHI in Arau.

Took a Firefly flight up to Alor Setar on Thursday and then it was a 40-minute taxi ride to Arau. Pakcik teksi took a shortcut through some kampungs instead of the highway, so it was a pretty scenic ride throughout. I must say I had my mouth gaping wide most of the time, admiring the peaceful surroundings of paddy fields and picture-perfect hills. Orang bandor lah katakan. Haha.

Our hotel was the Soo Guan Villa Hotel, an establishment that's been around for ages, I was told. It's a pretty decent place too lah, the room was rather spacious with a decent bed, hot water and TV with only terrestrial channels.

Best part though was the fact that it was right next to a paddy field. So this was my view from the balcony...

Cool huh? After a much-needed nap, it was time for some food-hunting. And of course the first order of business was the famous laksa Perlis aka laksa kola. Co-host Nurul Syuhada used to live here, so after a couple of phone calls, we were off looking for this particular place near her old primary school. We were shooting it for a VT story as well, so I assumed driving duties and less than half an hour later, we found it!

We ordered some "laksa special" and man oh man, it was indeed pretty special. The kuah was simply perfect and with the right combination of condiments, we were slurping up the good stuff like there was no tomorrow!

But although the laksa story was completed, I was not done yet and managed to convince Nurul, the producer and cameraman to eat some more. Haha. And off we went to Kuala Perlis in search of good seafood.

We picked a random stall and ordered some kerang, sotong, ketam and this thing called manterang. Didn't know what to expect but the manterang bakar turned out to be rather yummy...

With our stomachs all filled up, we went back to the hotel for some shuteye. Woke up the next morning around 4.30am and got to the location at Kampung Tambun Tulang around 5.15am.

Nurul, Ally and myself hosted the show and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable broadcasts ever for me. We had the Aman Kampus participants as well as the Kampung folks all around us, so it was very meriah and colourful. And the main "set" was a cool gazebo!

Probably the best part was the kayak race between Team M.Zul and Team Ally. We knew nuts about kayaking, but hey, it was all in the name of putting up a good show!

We got into the kayaks with baju Melayu and all and led our respective teams in a speed kayaking contest. I lost to Ally, but the final team score was 4-4. Phew! But I'm confident if I had a bit of time to practice, I could have smoked Ally. Or turn over into the water. Haha!

But again, it was a truly enjoyable TX with plenty of good memories to take home. Thank you Tambun Tulang!

The British 10k London Run: I'm In!

Yes, indeed! Just minutes ago, I registered for the 12th British 10k London Run via online. GBP50 got me a confirmed place for the event on July 8th and I have no doubt it'll be awesome! Now to work out those tiny issues of flight ticket and accommodation : )