Running Again - Wyndham Rotary Fun Run Walk 2017

I never thought I'd be running again (in races) until B turns 1. You know, until my pelvic floor and whatnots are functioning properly again. :D

But as a step towards regaining my fitness, I signed up for the 5KM run just two weeks ago as a kick in the right direction. Only then did I start 'training' for it, heh, jogging at least 3 times a week! 

It's a pain to run while pushing the stroller, you know, that's why I'm always inclined to walk around the neighbourhood instead!

Anyway, the goal was to complete the distance within 40 minutes, at most, as the hubs' 10KM starts 45 minutes after my run. Someone had to take over minding our koala.

Wyndham Rotary Fun Run/Walk 2017 was held at the Chirnside Park, Werribee on March 5th.

It was a pleasant Sunday morning for a lovely run as it was cool and cloudy. I love small events as it's less crowded on the route.

We ran along the Werribee River and made a u-turn halfway through (along the highway / Federation Trail) to head back to the field. I wasn't really paying attention to the scenery around me as I was focused on my breathing and trying to maintain a steady pace. I thought I would end up killing myself if I pushed too hard but the actual fact was, I held myself back.

I stopped to walk twice, just to catch my breath up a tiny slope and before entering the finishing chute. I know I shouldn't have!

About 500m before the finish line, I encouraged a fellow runner who was walking, to keep on going as we were nearly there. He must have somehow taken offence when I ran past him while saying that, because he suddenly shot off with a tremendous burst of speed.

(You know how sensitive some older folks can be ...)

Wanted to show off my dress here. :D
Oh, and my cute grumpy boo!

It turned out that my fitness is still OK, despite not running regularly for the past 3 months - there is hope to get back to where I used to be! 

I was pleasantly surprised that I could squeeze into my running dress. I only remembered it when I was getting reading that morning. 

I was also chuffed to finish under 30 minutes in good form! I should have pushed myself, shouldn't I? Heh. Let's not kill myself so soon ... baby steps!

Everyone did better than they expected, the hubs and Eugene. Everyone hasn't been running regularly so they had concerns about how they'd fare. Hehe. 

So, the hubs tells me that my next event (preferably end of this month) should be a 10KM. Whattt ... the thought of training again makes me feel lazy ...

But I confess, running regularly again and to be able to do a 10km effortlessly is this year's motivation. Well, maybe graduate to a half marathon distance by the end of the year. I can't afford to put in too much time into training as little B will need my time and energy as well!

Sorry for ending most of the sentences with exclamation marks! Haha

Two Bays Trail Run 2014 - 56KM Race Recap

I can't believe a few days week has past since last Sunday's run! Photos and excitement from the event are still flying around Facebook in a flurry - it's as if nobody wanted the day of fun to end. The course photographers did a fab job and it's no wonder everyone's downloading their pictures! :)

I get giddy with excitement when I recall that day and I wished we were doing it again this weekend!

I mean the long run! 

Not at crazy race pace! :D

Group photo with some peeps from Surf Coast Trail Runners.

Date: 12th January 2014 (Sunday)

Venue: Cape Schanck for 56KM, Dromana for 28KM

Time: 7:10am for 56KM, 7:00am for 28KM

Cut Off Time: 8 hours for 56KM, 4 hours for 28KM

Technicality: 2-3 out of 5. 

Difficulty: Easy/Medium. No poles required.

I was all jitters two weeks before the race. I couldn't stop thinking about it while I was doing my training necessary runs. I wanted to ace it (hit my target time) just so I could rejoice and scream on top of my lungs, "YES! I DID IT!" and sing along to Katy Perry's "Roar".

But I had my doubts.

Hmmm.

The strategy was to buy as much as time as possible by completing the 1st half in 3 hours, so I would spend 4 hours on the 2nd half if need be. I was sure that 30KM into the run, my energy would begin to wane and my mind would start jeering at me maliciously to be realistic and slow down.

Such is the mind of a quitter!

The problem was, I soon realised as the day drew nearer, that no way in hell was I going to make the 1st half in 3 hours. Let's be realistic, shall we? 

So I told myself to get it done in 3:15. Sounds less stressful!

(Well, maybe it was possible, but I would be too spent to run a good 2nd half!)

We stood somewhere in the middle of the pack before the start line. I believe those in Hawaiian clothes, board shorts and swimwear get the privilege of starting right in front. ;)

There was a bit of a traffic jam just a few metres into the start as runners had to run through a stile / barrier / gate (what do you call that?). Some climbed over while some of us waited patiently our turn to walk through it.

I was stuck behind a small pack of slow and steady paced runners during the first 5KM. It was good for me as I told myself that it was just a warm up and I'll break away after the 1st aid station.

Looking fresh as this was just 1KM into the run. :)
Photo credit: fstop5.

But oh gawd, it felt really slow at some points that I was getting rather impatient!

All smiles at the 1st aid station. :)

That's a lot of people ahead of me!

The next 5-6KM thereafter was a bit better. I kept to the left of the single track as much so as to make way for runners who would want to overtake me.

Somewhere after 11KM - 13KM (I can't recall the exact distance), I had to slow down. There was some guy hot behind my heels so I really didn't want to slow down, but ... I had to.

I had to take a picture to remember this moment.
I think this was along Rogers Road?

There was soooo much sand!

I kept trying to find a good spot along the sides to run. I kept moving as quickly as I could. I spotted the guy ahead of me who kept appearing and disappearing from my sight and really wanted to catch up with him.

But dang it, it felt like this beach was never going to end.

This darn stretch lasted for about 1KM or so!

I soon lost sight of the guy ahead of me and it amazed me just how fast he ran along the stretch.

It felt like an obstacle course!

MWM Race Report Part 2

My earlier post did not include the route and elevation maps for your studying as I didn't want to sound soooooo long-winded. You may scroll down to the relevant section of this post if you want to avoid the non-running related photos. :)

Saturday, 6th April 2013 - The day before Race Day

I arrived pretty late to pick up my race pack, but it didn't matter as I was still in time for the pasta party AND the opportunity to chat with our Very Important People. 

The pasta served was from Ben's: Sun-dried tomato spaghetti and Wild mushroom spaghetti. There were also fruit kebabs (on a satay stick and iced lemon tea.

It was a warm evening but the crowd had fun with the brief entertainment from Joanne Kam.

I only had 3 small servings of pasta as I didn't feel like eating although I was pretty hungry!

Had a cupcake too, while I was at it. But as I was chatting with Sue (of Couple On The Run and Partnerunning), I delayed gobbling up my cupcake for fear of having black bits stuck between my teeth. Didn't want her to stare at them as I yakked away. :D

Top photo: With Sue O'Brien / Bottom photo: With Kathrine Switzer.

With some crazy fast runners who were our volunteers on Race Day.

For convenience, I checked in at a nearby hotel to avoid the traveling to and from KL to Shah Alam in the wee hours of the morning.

The Tree Boutique Hotel was just less than a 5 minute drive away from I-city. I took, but it was still a bit more spacious than one of the rooms in Value Hotel I had previously stayed in Singapore.

Check out the canvas print of a tree on the wall!

I never switched on the TV during the whole time I was there!

Decent size. At least there was hot water!

I bumped into two Taiwanese girls who were checking in that night. The recognised my MWM race pack whereas I recognised their Taiwanese race bag (see the maroon bag 3 photos up). I asked them whether they were here for MWM and one of them eagerly nodded her head.

Well, I did my best to converse properly in Mandarin, but I hesitated a lot as I'm not very confident speaking Mandarin with people who speak 'proper' proper Mandarin. So I would speak English for a bit, then swapped back to Mandarin. I was quite terrified they'd laugh at my poor pronunciation!

Anyway, both Bobo and Jo came all the way to run the MWM half marathon. Jo had come across the MWM event on Facebook/Internet and they decided to fly over to participate. Bobo is the friendly one and it was very easy to warm up to her immediately. We chatted about the Fubon Taipei Marathon where they have participated before (I can't recall which category). 

Oh and then she requested me to bang on their door to wake them before I left for my marathon.

Eh?

They did balk when I said I'd leave at about 3am and so I'd wake them then. :D

Nestle Fitnesse Malaysia Women Marathon - Race Report

Three months of sticking to a training plan was a very tough assignment. I don't like routine and I don't like being bogged down, but I stuck to it as much as possible, which surprisingly (but not really) turned out to be 90% of it.

Three months to train for just ONE marathon.

One week before Race Day
Taper week (a week before Race Day) proved to be the hardest for me. Sleep was messed up - I kept waking up in the wee hours therefore didn't have quality sleep or sufficient hours of daily rest.

The period was due but I was hoping very very hard that it would arrive earlier so I could avoid a run as bad as PNM 2012. But no, I was bloated as a angry puffer fish and to carboload during the week just made me more pudgy than usual when in fact, I had lost some weight two weeks ago. Fek it.

My left knee would sometimes hurt like a bitch that I feared if I continued ignore it and completed the marathon regardless, there would be permanent repercussions to my gait and already bad posture. It had been hurting on and off for the past one month or more but I stubbornly refused to get it checked, just because I didn't want the doctor to tell me to quit running. After all the training I have been putting in, I could not not put it through the test. Stubborn, I know.

Two days before Race Day
Then, last Friday evening, my eyes felt heavy, a sign of  fluey symptoms. The period hadn't arrived yet but I'm already fat and bloated and I was feeling fluey?? Things could not get any worse. I was so upset (with the things I couldn't control) that ...

It started with a tear drop. Then two. Then a trickle. A sob. Then two. Then a full blown howl, one after another.

As I buried my face into the sheets, I bawled and wailed like a banshee going through painful childbirth. I howled my eyes out. I howled my lungs and heart out as I contemplated the unfairness of the situation. It felt like my chest was being ripped open and my heart was breaking into a million pieces. I howled some more that I thought my eyes were going to pop out and fizzled into nothingness. I howled and howled and thought how ridiculous I sounded - pity the poor neighbours.

It was Self-Pity at its best.

But I felt much better after that. Once I released the dam of frustration which had threatened to burst throughout the entire week (I told you it's hormones!) I felt more calm.

Everything laid out the night before.

Sunday, 7th April 2013 - Race Day

I arrived at I-city before 3:30am and the place was rather quiet. I supposed because it wasn't a full blown international event, there wasn't the usual fanfare and excited chatter to greet you that morning. I said hi to a few friends and walked around. Warmed up a bit (refused to join the young hunks who were leading the warm up session) and had a brief chat with an old school friend, Judy Liew (who completed the run in 4:10). She gave me a tip before the race started and that was what made me change my strategy then.

Had a bit of a panic when I thought my earphones weren't working. I stared at Seng Chor, mortified that I'd have to run 5 hours with no music.

But apparently my iPod was on pause. Heh.

~ KM0 to KM5.0 (32:21)

As we ran off into the sleepy streets of Shah Alam, I started off with Seng Chor, Pey Lee and later on, Gus. This was the first km or mile, I think. There was a lot of banter and laughing but I honestly don't recall what exactly transpired. I recall teasing some friends (Lawrence Law!) with a "Wah, why so fast one??" as they ran past me and that's about it.

I remember saying to Gus that it reminded me so much of The River Jungle Marathon where we were the only ones on the quiet streets. It was so serene and peaceful that I wished a band would pop up and give us a tune or two.

Then I got bored. Of the pace, not company. It was 6:36 min/km for the first km and thoughts started cramming into my head:  

"Hey hey, good stuff! We're definitely going to hit 4:45 at this rate!"

"Seriously? Just 4:45?"

"Aren't you going to try for 4:30? You've trained for it!"
"But I may not make it... it's a HILLY ROUTE!"

"Let's try and we'll slow down if we can't stick to the pace, ok?"

With that, I took a deep breath, dug in my heels and increased the pace a bit. I knew full well that once I hit the slopes, I would slow down anyway and suffer.

Cleared the slope at KM4.xx and reached KM5 in one piece.

Not bad.

MPIB Run 2013

With flu-like symptoms and feeling a tad bit feverish the night before, I wasn't sure whether I was going to run this morning. And to wake up at 330am after a 5 hour sleep wasn't reassuring either.

Thankfully when the alarm rudely jolted me to consciousness, I was no longer feeling feverish but sleepy.

Knowing well that after a long holiday in Melbourne over Christmas and New Year, chances of being in good shape for a race was a bit doubtful, so I deliberately signed up for the 5KM category, to the disbelief of many friends.

"WHAT?? WHYYYYY!"

"5km only?? Do 12km lah!"

I think I made the right call, seeing that the route was a very hilly one. =D

Michelle, Adam, me and Joline with a gangsta stare.
[Photo credit: Andrew]

We were flagged off at 730am and immediately I found myself huffing and puffing uphill, trying to keep pace with the lead girls. Geez, no way Jose could I keep up with them. They were running so effortlessly while I, on the other hand, was a gasping whale out of water.

It was a relief to turn left into Persiaran Sultan Salahhuddin (towards Tugu Negara) as it was downhill and I did my best to keep the girls within sight but I think I lost them before I even reached Tugu Negara.

I was already panting like crazy (and no, it doesn't sound sexy) by the time I reached Jalan Parlimen and I did my best to speed up to retain sight of at least the girl ahead of me.

Turning in at Bank Negara, I stole a breather of 5secs before tackling the final incline. The 8km runners joined us at this bend, and I spotted Sue Ling just ahead.

Throat was dry and I had to stop for a sip of water. Threw the rest away. (I think paper cups should only be half filled to avoid wastage - that's my 2 sen's worth!)

Argh, playing catch up was hard and once again, I experienced the usual psychological tug-of-war in my head:

Me #1: Slow down lah, don't need to push so hard. After all, I'm sure you're already top 10!

Me #2: Why quit now? RUN FASTER LAH!

Me #1: What's the point, honestly? No biggie in the prizes, innit?

Me #2: I hate you for being a quitter. It's only 1km to go!

With 1km to go, you know the obvious answer, right? 

Just keep going, man woman!

Kicked up the gear and tried to close the gap as much as possible but even as we reached the finish line, I knew I wasn't going to overtake her in time. I think she was still about 50m ahead, but that's my guess.

Wheezed past the finish line and was given the tag for 4th position. Yay!

4.5km in 23:19 mins. 

Not great, but OK, I guess...

First stop, the water station. Next stop, MILO truck! Next stop, baggage collection.

Bumped into familiar faces and it was like a new year gathering (literally!) as everyone hasn't seen everyone else for ages. We started chatting and congratulating each other on a great race, a job well done, when's your next run, how was your new year celebrations, etc.

A guy approached me and congratulated me on my placing. He said that he was pacing me during the entire run and said I was just the right pace for him.

Ooh, I've never been paced before, so it was a first for me. (Hi, Wilson! All the best for your Brooks' run in March!)

Picture taken by Andrew.

Met up with Adeline and Nick for a brief catch up about our lovely Skechers' shoes. Padang Merbok was muddy today and mine are in need of a bubble bath!

It was long wait for the prize giving ceremony to start at 930am and I was quite worried that I would embarrass myself on stage, as I wasn't very experienced with the 'What To Do On The Podium' part of running.

The only thing which warmed my heart was seeing faces of the people I know, right in front of the stage, giving their sincere support. Now that, just made me smile and made my day a far more memorable one. (Call me soppy!)

I must be the oldest 'girl' there. heh.
Check out the bling bling Skechers' shoes!
[Photo taken by CJ]

With CJ, whom I now regularly play badminton with. :)
[Photo credit to CJ.]

About the run:

Pros

1. Enough drinks from the H20, water and MILO stations. There was also a Mamee instant noodles' stall as well.

2. Great stuff from the goodie bag and finisher's goodie bag. Generous sponsors!

3. Free balloons!

4. Great volunteers. Thank you!

5. Generous prizes for Top 10 winners!

Cons

1. The race was flagged off without a honk or toot or whatever you call it, so people from afar (supporters included) were not able to tell whether the race for each category had started on time. No oomph of a start off. :(

2. The car park was quite a squeeze to fit the crowd. I was standing at one end of the car park, across from the public toilets and I was not able to hear the loudspeaker announcements. It was quite worrying so I had to move closer to the main area to avoid missing anything.

MANY THANKS to all the people who put in their time and trouble to make this event happen!

I ate ice cream out of my new bowl today ... kidding! :)

Much gratitude to such generosity for my humble 4th placing. Will I sound like a sad case if I said my winner's tag is still my favourite item? Oh, and the isotonic drinks come second! 

(And the 4D magnum number is third ... are the results out yet? I hope I win the lottery!)

I lugged the entire carton of drinks from Padang Merbok to Dataran Merdeka on my own, the entire 500m and my arms are now sore! I feel like I did 100 push ups all in one go ... which I can't do that's for sure.

The race route.

P.S. I forgot to mention that I bumped into Madam Lum! I think I accosted her again, seeing that she probably has no recollection who I am! I told her all about her being my running inspiration and congratulated her on such a brilliant time. It was great to see her again!!

--------------
UPDATE:
Well, apparently there's some changes in the official results. I've been moved up to 2nd Runner's Up! Not sure what happened (but thank you, anyway!) but hey, that girl was still ahead of me.

Photo credit: MPIB Run

My Grammy Award pose. :)
[Photo credit: not mine!]

That Pink Running Dress

It was gifted to me by Lynn many, many moons ago and I didn't know when would it be most appropriate to don it.

About 2 months ago, I finally took the courage to put it on. (Such drama!)

Photo credit: Moving On AC

Where else to officiate it but the MPIB running clinic on a Saturday morning? :)

The response was adorable, with the men asking/saying:

"Wow, did you just return from a night out clubbing?"

"What is THAT you're wearing?"

"Are you sure you can run in that??"

"Oh, must definitely take a picture of this!"

And of course, the most popular question asked by everyone:
"Where did you get it from?"

Nuu-Muu is based in the USA, with its simple philosophies of believing in strong girls and women, in real bodies and real friends, in trying really, really hard and in having fun along the way.

Their dresses are versatile for most sports activities, be it cycling, yoga, running, swimming etc or you can go casual, pairing it with leggings or jeans for shopping trips, party or just to chill.

The side slits provide easy movement for the legs.

Putting on the nuu muu dress is a breeze. It slides down easily as I pull it over my sports bra and shorts. Adjust it and you're good to go!

It's made from 83% polyester and 17% spandex and also made in the USA. :)

Ooh check out my calves. :P

If you think about it, it's like a super long running vest which ends mid-thigh. The nuu muu sure makes you feel sexy and feminine, despite sweat pouring down your face after a crazy run!

Recently during a trip to Melbourne, I donned it for the second time for a 8km run around The Tan Track. [Race report here.]

Some pairs of eyes followed my dress as I walked around, as I was warming up before the run. Conspicuous, indeed! It's very hard to blend in with the crowd when you're in a pink dress. :)

During the run, I found myself having to occasionally pull the hem of the dress down as it would ride up. I think my pair of Nike shorts I wore underneath it may have been too loose, hence allowing the nuu muu to slide up at times. Not sure, but I may have also gained some weight. :S

The first time I wore this during the MPIB clinic, I had worn a tight pair of shorts underneath and the dress didn't ride up as much as this time. I think I was 2kg lighter then!

After the VRR Champagne & Croissant New Year Eve Run

The nuu muu comes in 6 different sizes for women and 4 sizes for girls. I was given a size S (bust: 32-34, waist: 26-28, hip: 36-38) and although it looked a bit tight around the armpits, I think I preferred this size, ensuring I have a waist. Too loose, I wasn't pleasing to the eye. :S

Each nuu muu is priced at US$70 each, and a ruu muu (a nuu muu with a back pocket!) priced at US$80. Based on how it flatters the figure and the quality of the material, I would say that it's an investment worthwhile.

Blue this time, and with a pocket at the back!

Since I loved the dress so much, I recently purchased 2 more and this time I chose the ruu muu, the dresses with pockets at the back.

Delivery took about 2 weeks to arrive and I was SO relieved that Pos Malaysia didn't nick my dresses, or I would have been VERY annoyed.

These dresses cost a bomb, sniff.

(But worth it.)

A place to keep my things! :)

The nuu muu does not have a pocket and I found myself pulling up my dress, just to keep my car keys into my shorts' pocket. Casual bystanders may have been disgusted with me, tsk tsk, what an unlady-like thing to do!

But let's see how the ruu muu feels. I'll be wearing it tomorrow at the MPIB run!

----------------

In conjunction of their 5th anniversary, nuu muu is having a ONE DAY SALE only, from 12:01am Pacific Time to 11:59pm Pacific Time (about 16 hours behind us)! Or has it already started, I'm not sure!

Check them out!