Reach Out Run 2015

I joined Reach Out Run 2015 organized by IM4U 2 weeks ago and collected another finisher medal for 10KM. It was a last minute decision since I wanted to do one long slow distance before fasting month. Saya berhibernasi from any running/jogging activities during Ramadhan because I knew that my body won't tolerate fasting and doing physical activities. 

It was raining all the way from starting point to the finish line but I managed to improve my 10KM PB and I was over the moon for that. Maybe it was because I am enjoying the rain as much as the run, ngehehe!  Siuk ba main hujan sekali-sekala. Rindu terus sama kampung tercinta!

This is another running event that I would give 2 thumbs up for their smooth and fun event execution despite of the cloudy and rainy day that day. They provide portable toilet, good number of  water station, effective medical team and supportive cheering team and volunteers. I personally love the running tee and have no remorse for paying RM48 since it will goes to charity. However, the finisher medal design is too common ( to me) and can be more creative.

Oh ya, they invited artists too! I recognized  Zizan Raja Lawak, Joe Flizzow, SonaOne and Aizat doing the 100meter race. Joe Flizzow was right to my eyes that day and  I wanted to take pic with him but I was too shy!! Akibatnya melepas, grrrr! 

Sharing few pics from the day of the event:-

Post-run pic & the finisher medal close-up

Selife in front of Wall of fame where the organizer enlisted all those participate

Lepas berasak-asak, dapat juga snap 1 pic at the Wall Of Fame. Can you spot my name?

Other pics

Screen shot of the certificate - My PB, yay!

Running & Yoga are 2 things that keep me fit, healthy and stress free nowadays so it will be become part of my lifestyle. I might slow down but I will never stop because I just like how this activity blend in with my life.

Until next post, have great day ahead!

Picnic At Sungai Congkak

During the recent school mid-term break, I didn't plan any trip or holiday for our family because the budget is quite tight nowadays plus I am saving for approaching Ramadhan and Aidilfitri. 

However, knowing that the kids need a fresh air and their dose of nature, we visited our favorite camping/picnic spot at Sungai Congkak. Kiddos love this place because it remind them of the stream nearby my home at village. They miss our kampung so much! Hopefully can secure our flight ticket end of this year or next year (*finger crossed). 

Visiting Sungai Congkak cost me nothing except for the parking fee (and foods of course) but nobody collecting those fee when we went there during the mid-term break. Normally there will be local people collecting RM5 per car. It was really a nice small river/stream with clean and clear water. We didn't bring any foods with us because there are lots of stall selling various kind of foods along the road and the riverside..

We let the kiddos play to their heart content before we went to their grandma place. Mister drove a little bit further and we realized that there are trekking area too. Will explore this area in future with kiddos. Oh yeah, I really loves nature but I am phobia of earth worm! Pathetic, I know right...

On the way to kiddos grandma place, we passed by the Semenyih Dam. The view is so beautiful and majestic. No wonder it is popular as a photoshoot background. We parked for a while and let the kids fed the monkeys (from inside our car) that loitering around waiting for visitors to give them foods. Well ya, sempat juga saya practice picture snapping skill yang saya belajar dari online sama kawan i.e si Just, ngehehe! Scolded mister few times sebab kasi fokus tu kamera on me instead of the view. Siou kio darling, LOL!

Overall, kiddos having fun and I got to spend quality time with them. Yeah, I know their trip was not as luxury as their friends but I rather bring them to the place where they can learn to appreciate the nature than to the place where they can only learn to spend and show off.

Snapped few pics just enough to capture the moments we spend together:-

Wefie!

kiddos and me kesiukan berendam. jernih kan tu air...

Hasil latihan, ngehehe!

Saya dan rakyat jelata :D

P/S:- I think most people know about but just for those not aware, resort and chalets are available for those who want to spend a night there and get the feel on living among the nature. 

Salam Ramadhan 2015

Despite of the sadness that happening around me lately, I still excited of the fasting month and don't ask me why because I simply like this one particular month for no reason at all. This year it will be fresh start for me, to learn more about Islam because honestly even after 13teen years I still feel like a lost lamb, stranded between past and future and unsure of the path I have choose. After the heart to heart talking with my mom, I been thinking of what she said to me about acceptance and  learning to embrace the fact that I am a Muslim now. I talked to her about situation I have thru while learning about Islam; that it terrified me and confuse me more. Honestly I still remember up to now how sad I was when this one person told me that my prayer is not going to accept by Allah because I didn't recite it in Arab. I still remember how unsatisfied and hurt I was when my question about originality of our current Qur'an, being ignored and misunderstood as blasphemy (when it was just out of my curiosity) that I stopped from learning at all. That was years ago and I have met lots of other kind and humble Muslim who approach me in gentler way since then but the disappointment over the past experience prevent me from moving forward. But it's going to change fo now on because I have decide to follow my mom advice. It will be one hard and long journey for me, so don't expect me to change overnight but In Sha Allah one day I will be there.

Blessed Ramadhan to all Muslims all over the world especially to my families & friends. May this sacred month remind us to be generous and moderate in our daily life and may our good deeds and Ibadah will be accepted by Allah.

Malaysia Team Fan Run 2015 (15KM Finisher)

On 31st May 2015 I joined another running event; Malaysia Team Fan Run 2015 organized by TM at Dataran Putrajaya and this time mister also participating. I registered myself for 15KM and mister joined 10KM (his 2nd). I considered it as my Kaamatan run, hehehe!

15KM gun off at 7.00am and as always I was late and behind the crowd @_@ Berangan mo kasi finish within 1 hours and 40min but I am happy finishing it below 2 hours, ngehehe! 

I considered it as one of very well-organized event among running event I've participated. Lots of portable toilet at the finish/start points, accurate distance marker, good number of water stations, ambulances & medical team and vibrant cheering team, breakfast pack, free flows of milk and 100plus and also entertainments. I also love the medal design! Gonna join again next year kalau umur panjang, In Sha Allah...

Sharing pics from the day of events:-

Pre-run pic :D

Post-run pic with medal close-up

Other mikirayou pics

US :)

Muka pancit mo kasi abis larian, hehe- photo credited to Victor & Elaine

Screenshot of the certificate. X sangka ranking below 50 :P

Mourning Heart

It's been 4 days since the shocking 6.0magnitude earthquakes hitting my beloved hometown, Ranau and our symbolic Mount Kinabalu yet I am still unable to give full concentration over work for what happened there. I may not there but my thought, heart and soul always wander back to my hometown.

Being a pure Dusun, who speak fluent Dusun and I grew up with customs and rules (it's in my blood) even after I have my own faith(religion), it really hurt me to read and listen to people mocking and making fun of my ancestors belief over recent earthquake that altered Mount Kinabalu forever. No matter how ridiculous their belief might sound, it's really wrong and unethical for us to ridicule their belief. Who we are to judge their faith and belief ?

Blaming others is not my nature because I believe everything happened for reason that only the Almighty God know. I feel so sad to the families of those who lost their lives on the Mount Kinabalu. I can only offer my prayer to them so that they will be given the strength and will-power to face the grieves of losing their loved one. I believe all of us, Sabahan wherever we are, mourning and crying in silence over the life lost and effected over the earthquake that hit Mount Kinabalu on that fateful day.

Call me paranoia but I am still worried for my family and friends back in Ranau because natural disaster is unpredictable but I am hoping and praying that everyone will be safe. Mom said the spirit of the sacred mountain is showing its anger over the recent disrespectful act by several tourist during their hiking trip. Menurut cerita orang-orang tua, Ranau akan ditimpa musibah besar kalau Gunung Kinabalu runtuh.. Wallahu a'lam..

Yesterday yet I am still mourning over the loses..

Life goes on but they will never be forgotten..

Happy 11th Birthday, Daniel!

Last Saturday my 2nd son, Daniel turned 11th years old. No mini family party for him because Mister step-sister a.k.a my SSIL invited us to her house and celebrated her son birthday together with Daniel. Hurmm, actually I was kind of reluctant to go because I prefer to do our usual mini family party tapi kena jemput kan..

I only brought along Daniel birthday cake that I ordered from RT Pastry via online to sister in law place. This time we ordered Yam flavor cake and I tell you, sedap gila tu kek tau! RM72 for 8" delicious cake worth the value. Thanks to sister in law, foods & drinks all prepared by her. It was just simple celebration attended by mister siblings but kids were having fun that day.

Unfortunetely, I didn't took many pic that day, haihhh! 

To my beloved Daniel, Happy Birthday Anak. May you grow up to be a kind-heart, responsible & successful gentleman. Mama will always pray for your happiness and success in this world and hereafter. Love you to the moon and back!

Eyas Kindie Sport Day 2015

Just want to share important moment of my youngest son life  So, Am considering this year Kindie Sport Day among one since it's his last year year in kindie before entering primary school next year. 

The event ended earlier than scheduled due to the hot weather that caused the kids to start showing their tantrum. Unlike last year, lots of activities for the kids and parents cancelled. It's understandable tho. Terlampau panas, sampai some of the pupils cry, unable to bear the hot weather.

Eyas got sunburnt! Hmmm, next time must tell kiddos to apply sunscreen if they have outdoor activities. Some pics during and after the Sport Day:-

activities he participated. Can you guess what's its name?

His was placed 2nd

His last year and last Kindie Sport day

Aftermath pic of us :P

Wordless Wednesday #27

9to5 Run 2015: 10KM Finisher

A week after my 4th Half Marathon, I participated in 9to5 Run (Larian Pekerja Muda) organized by Ministry Of Youth, held at Putrajaya and started at 7.30am. What a late starting time for long distance run, grrrr!

Mister parked our car at the Tapak Pasar Tani (again) and I have to walk about 500m to the start point in front of the Ministry of Finance. I was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd of participant because there were thousands of them (I guess) and at the same time thinking that I might left far behind the pack this time, hahaha!

It was drizzling that morning yet Malaysia's prime minister, DS Najib still have his opening speech, so everybody nobody paying attention but booing him, lol! 

I considered this run as my recover run after Borneo International Marathon, so I was just jogging and walking to the finish line, taking my time to breathe in the morning view of Putrajaya. When I run alone, I rarely taking any pics of the scenery but I think I will make effort to take pic of nice view or building along the running route in future running events I am going to participate (*finger crossed). I also hope to catch up with my friends; Lin, Just & Lia but only met up with them at the finish line. Congrats to my dear friends especially Lia for her 1st 10KM! Horrah! Lets do it again okay!

This running event was okay with exception of their running tee, the starting time and also lack of toilet. Ya, the fee was consider cheap (RM30) and I shouldn't expect any goodie bag etc. but the running tee made from 100% cotton really not suitable for long distance run (to my opinion). Starting time could be earlier, around 6.30am maybe? I also don't remember seeing any portable toilet at the starting/finish area or along the 10KM route. Oh ya, I love the medal tho, lol!

 

Sharing some pics from that day of event:-

Pre-run Pic!

Post-run pic & medal Pic. Love the medal :)

4 of us, Bro-in-law & me , 3 of us

Screenshot of the official result. yay! my new PB!

Will have another running event in 2 weeks and this time yet I haven't done any jogging/training so far. Hopefully kerajinan untuk jogging resurrect in few days ahead, ngehehe! 

Till next post, Enjoy the rest of day and happy Weekend in advance!

Borneo International Marathon 2015

This year I participated in Borneo International Marathon 2015 on 3rd May 2015 at Stadium Likas, marking my 4th Half Marathon and my 1st event in Sabah, my homeland. It was also my 1st time running with diarrhea all along the 21km due to my naivety over carbo-loading subject, huh! Luckily I made it to finish line with time below 3 hours, fuhhh! Lesson learned, will be more careful with this matter in future because running with your stomach keep signaling you that you need to poo ASAP is no fun at all hokeh (*sigh). Stumbled upon with few friends; Chegu Carol (we were running together for a while before I excuses myself to do my 'pelaburan') and Wency who greeted me 1st at the grandstand of Stadium Likas. That was my 2nd time meeting them after our last blogger gathering 2 years ago.

The event was a smooth, well organized one except for 1-2 minimal flaw (to me) that can be improve in future. Really glad that they 2-3 labs/toilet all along the route or else I might 'tercirit' in my running pant (*bitter smile). The volunteers were really effective and the cheering teams were so merry and supportive. However, the organizer should let the finish line area more open than blocking it and ushering the runner who finished the run to the grandstand at caused a massive traffic at that area. Macam ikan sardin tu finish line punya area. Oh ya, I really like the red vibrant running tee. Gonna wear it during my jogging day (kalau rajin pi jog la, wakakaka!).

Mister did not accompany me this time because nobody taking care kiddos plus he was working half day that weekend, so my niece (my brother's daughter) was the one who become my driver to and fro of the event. Thank you Opok and thank you mister :).

This event going to be in my list every year from now on (*finger crossed) and hopefully kalau tiada aral mister will able to join too in future. Ba, sharing few shots from the day of event :-

Compulsory pre-run pic :)

Yay, made it to finish line! Heart the medal :D

This area was crowded and this is my best shot. Kasi tebal  muka minta tolong orang snap pic :)

Screenshot of the official result

Okay, that all I can share about Borneo International marathon 2015. I have one more running story drafted and need to be publish soon (for my own record) before it became another stale draft/story. Enjoy reading & Have a nice day ahead people!

Happy Mother's Day 2015

It's Mother's Day today and as always I will call my mom to have my weekly 20min chit-chat and at the same time to wish her Happy Mother's Day. That's all I can do to persuade my longing heart to my beloved mom beside giving her some allowance every month. Kalau dekat seja Sabah dengan Malaya, confirm saya balik every weekend to visit her (*teary eyes). 

Lately too many topic related to religion make me feel so upset and confused! Though I been embraced Islam for almost 14 years yet I am still in process of learning. Frankly, too much 'Haram' is really suffocating! Apa pun (even benda baik) tak boleh. Katanya akan terpesong akidah! Wishing my Christian mom anything pun make me feel serba salah. Why everything has become so extreme nowadays? Where does moderation, understanding and tolerance has gone? Islam is beautiful, sacred and peaceful religion, why make it look violence, full with hatred and condemnation? I am sorry of this statement of mine might hurting those who think they are so pious and above all that they think they have the power to decide who's wrong who's right (*sigh).

Yes, despite of so many 'expert' saying that it is not right a.k.a HARAM to celebrate Mother's Day, we still bought cake and foods and brought it to mister's mum. Well, as long as it not going to memesongkan akidah, niat yang betul and our Iman tetap pada Allah yang satu then it's ok ba kan. Haihhh, okay case closed! 

To my beloved mother; Thank you for everything ama. Now I understand what you feel and been through all those year raising me up. To my beloved Mom In Law; Thank you mak for accepting me as part of your family and treating me like your own daughter. To my beloved sisters, nieces & cousins, my beloved hot mama friends, all mothers and soon to be mothers all over the world and also to ME; Happy Mother's Day! We are all superwoman!

Card make by my youngest for me. Thank you anak!

 

Youngest Son 6th Birthday

Alhamdullillah, yesterday my youngest son turned 6 years old. I can't believe my over manja, too attached finger sucking baby is going to primary school next year. Terasa diri makin tua, hahaha!

As always, we only have small family birthday party at our home. No fancy cake or foods. We bought blackforrest cake from our favorite cake/pastry house, RT Pastry House and take away foods from KFC since the birthday boy teringin makan KFC,lol! 

I don't really like to appease my kids demand/request over toys but he has been nagging me for years to have his own remote control car, so we decided to grant his wish and bought value deal remote control car for his birthday present. Heart those moment when he got his present with ear to ear smile.. 

Dearest Ilyas maliq, happy 6th birthday son! May you grow up to be a good, responsible and kind-heart gentleman and May Allah guide and blesses you along your life journey. Mama will always pray for you happiness and success. Love you son!
 

Family portrait

candid :P

He said, "mine"

 

Visiting Mom & Trip To Kg Luanti, Ranau

Went back to my village, to visit my mom and also attending another running event last week, from 30/4/2015 till 3/5/2015. It was really a short visit because I only spent 2D1N at my village (Kg Tudangan) and the rest was at Kota Kinabalu, preparing for the Borneo International Marathon 2015. Padahal limpang2 di rumah anak buah membaca novel, LOL! 

Fly back to KK on Wednesday night (29/04/2015), stayed at my niece a.k.a childhood friend then drove back with her to our beloved Kg Tudangan the next day, hoping (me especially) that we able to stop and snap nice pic with Mt Kinabalu as the background. Nasib dapat juga few pics, ngehehe!

I also managed to visit the famous Tagal Sg. Moroli, Kg Luanti, Ranau and have my own dose of fish spa. Ya, finally dapat juga pigi..Been planning to visit this place for such a long time but circumstances always got on my way. The entrance fee is RM5 per adult and RM5 per group for usage of camera (any kind of camera including phone camera). Each group will given 15min to play and feed with the fishes and will be call off the time is over tapi kami kena kasi lagi ekstra 5min, yay! Next time, by crook or by hook will bring kiddos to this place (*finger crossed). For more info, check out their website.

Sharing some of pics from my phone camera:-

Next year want to climb Mt Kinabalu again :P

Heart the background :)

I was here!

Fishes that tickling my hands

Spot the crowd :D

Budget Korean tourist (> <)

Foods!

Carbo-loading!

I did not have the opportunity to capture Mt Kinabalu from the backyard of my home because I overslept after a long chit-chat, talking heart to heart with my mom the previous night. After a year, I definitely have lots of catching up with my mom (*smile). Importantly, mom is supporting my lifestyle and the improvement of relationship between mister and me, Alhamdullillah. Thank you for your 'restu' and prayer ma..

Oh well, I better stop ranting before this entry become a soppy one and ruin you cheerful life (*rolled eyes). Until next entry, smile and Happy Wednesday all!

3R International Marathon 2015

Last sunday (19/04/2015), I ran my 3rd half marathon at Putrajaya during 3R International Marathon and managed to make it to the finish line within my targeted time (*huge smile).

I only have like 10min to warm up(warm up la sangat, hehehe) due to the long queue at the female toilet. It was no wonder because there only 3 toilet for like hundreds female participant and it was understandable when some of them (especially elders) used the OKU toilet. When I finished my 'business', masih panjang lagi tu barisan.  Hurmmm, very inconsiderate of the organizer!
  

They flag-off at 5.30am (very punctual huh) and this time I was in the middle of the crowd, jogging slowly (and turning on my runkeeper apps) while avoiding from getting bump/crush by the eager runner who were making their way to the front. For this event, I tried the method of running for 10-15min (in different pace) then brisk walking for 2-5min and keep that way till I reach the finish line. 

Regarding of the event itself, to be honest this is the worst unorganized running event I have ever joined so far. Worst than my 1st half marathon during PJ Half Marathon 2014. There were a lot of flaw during this events:-

1. Wrong distance marker/signboard - such a  killjoy when the signboard said 4km to go and I was pacing a bit fast only to find out (thru runkeeper) that there are still approximately 7KM to go. Grrr!
2. Lack of medical aid - I was lucky because I did not have any injuries, not even ITBS but I saw runner with bleeding shoes who ask for plaster/bandage from the volunteer only to get "don't have" as an answer!! Same answer given for those who having muscle cramp when they ask for freeze/cold spray..Pity those injured and have to tend it themselves (*sigh)
3. Slow response (volunteer/ medical) - this is complaint from mister who joined 10km (his 1st) who told me of watching one guy collapsed at the finish line and help (from volunteer/medical) only arrived after 5-10min. Luckily other runners were there to help...
4. No goodie bag - well, when paying an expensive fee, we are expecting to get something (sponsored goods) aren't we? I paid RM80 for 21km and got 2 bananas and a bottle of mineral water, plus running vest and pewter medal, oh nice! (note the sarcasm)
5. Unsafe parking area - Mister and I parked our car the provided by the organizer (tapak pasar malam) that guarded by RELA and to our shock there were more than 5 cars got broken that day at the parking area where we parked our car. Hairan kan, ada RELA jaga tapi still incident like this happened. Make me worry since I have 2-3 running events in Putrajaya in near future.

Despite all the flaws, I still enjoy the run because of the beautiful morning scenery of Putrajaya (especially the bridge). Last time I ran here was during Makna Founder Night Run where I was focus on not stumble upon something on the road since I have a very poor night sight, hehehe..

Will I join this event next year or in future? Errr, I don't know yet but I might not. We will see that when the time come..Ngehehe! Okay, I am done ranting about this events and need to focus to my upcoming 4th half marathon (*winking).

 

Have a nice day ahead everyone!

compulsary pre-run pic :P

Post-run pic

21KM finisher medal

Runningman x jadi, LOL

Screenshot of the cert

Credited to Victor

Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance. You can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitation or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin beneath your feet - Doris Brown Heritage (1st woman to run sub 5-min indoor mile)