(Maybe) This Is It

Not sure if you needed your space or I should just storm your castle and emancipate your thoughts and worries. However... No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives. So I will ask.

Little minions waiting to be released at the starting line. (at Lapangan Benteng)

#BAJAKJKT I was completely caught off guard when they said that they want you to experience running in Jakarta like how it is supposed to be experienced. 4pm flag-off, on partially closed roads completely swarmed by vehicles caught in unmoving traffic, the heat, the people. It's a different kind of experience I guess - and I enjoyed every bit of it. (at Jakarta City)

Today, in general, is not really a great day. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give it a solid pile of turd. I don’t really believe in Monday blues and all that because excuses make people think it is okay to be weak sometimes. But today I concede. I am just so exhausted. My eyes are weary. Legs a little sore and my stomach is acting up like a little rascal that I feel like throwing up every once in a while. If I see a pillow somewhere, I’ll rest my head and probably just lay unconscious for a while. Just not in the mood. Then there’s this sudden wave of sadness and negativity. Have you ever felt that? You’re just chilling or busy going about your routine then it just hits you. Then it leaves. Urgh I hate that feeling. But the thing is, I have gone through so many shitty days that I know exactly what I need - and it is definitely not a long-ass post on Tumblr about how miserable my day is. I need a pick me up. 
I need to hear a familiar voice. 
A good laugh. 
A run. Or most importantly an intimate moment with God. I have missed so many appointments lately. After all, He is the greatest listener, right?

Hello. Last Sunday I was in Kelana Jaya for the PJ Half Marathon. The last time it was organised (which was in 2012), I had not even started running yet. So the organiser brought it back this year and I ran with Ayisy's bib number because he is still nursing his injury. It was a mess - okay, slight exaggeration on my part here. I know I have made it a point to never complain and regret things which have happened. All of my could haves and should haves. What happened in the moment is all that mattered. But I just feel I need to jot down some post-mortem notes so I will remember them the next time. Anyway... I was running with a niggling pain in my butt the whole time. You know, the kind of discomfort that you feel when you run uphill. It was from the previous trail run session with a group of friends. Don't get me wrong though - I love everything about last Saturday. I'm still thinking about it today. But probably next time, I need to remember to save my legs for race day when it matters most. It was the same sensation that I got when I was running PBIM. I was sweating profusely even before the halfway mark and I was struggling to keep up with Lay San (I was so happy to see her at the starting line, so I thought maybe we could repeat our performance in NB Half Marathon. She did. Sadly I did not). I dropped back after 10km (which I did in 51 minutes) and try to just maintain my pace while silently cursing at everything that is wrong with the world that on fateful morning. I had a conversation with a stranger along the way and that lifted my spirit up a little bit. But not for too long. I struggled and toiled until the finish line where Daniel and the rest were waiting. It was just not meant to be I guess. Note to self - perhaps I should lose the cap and that red Nike knit shirt. They just won't let the heat escape my body! Okay now that I got them off my chest, let's talk about things which are not related to running haha. I was in Kota Damansara the night before the race for the official opening ceremony of 77 Mayford, a new cafe owned by my long-time friends Nea and Yana. Brought Masha and Michelle along and I met a lot of faces which I haven't seen in a while. So proud of these two girls. Still in their early twenties and already starting their own business. Me? Almost two years in banking and still struggling to manage my own finances. Saw Umar (the oldest cat in my household) for the first time in the last few days. Grumpy and always hungry, he'a a lone ranger who patrols the neighbourhood for potential turf wars against other alpha cats in the area and only comes back home once in a while - usually with little bruises everywhere. I remember how gentle this fella was when he was younger. Always demanding attention and affection, now he's grown apart compared to the other cats we own (10 of them hehe). Then I thought of myself. I haven't really sat down my my parents and really talk about things in a while too. Am I slowly drifting apart, just like that black cat named Umar? Oh KLCC now. Time to go.

Me in my running gear plus: medals plus: group photos minus: negative vibes minus: seconds/minutes of previous best time (if any) Equals: My usual Sunday Instagram feed:)

Me in my running gear + medals + group photos = My usual Sunday Instagram feed:)

This morning I felt unusually lethargic (read: like shit). My legs felt dead and I wasn't really feeling it today. Was zoning out a little bit after 10km or so but then I urged myself to snap out of it. I had to remind myself why I woke up at 4am and ran today - I ran for @shaifulayisy who is now recovering from ITBS. Did all I could, but maybe today isn't the day. Finished the distance in 2:02. I'll come back stronger for #bajakjkt next week for sure:) (at Stadium Petaling Jaya)

This morning was a bliss.

Enjoying the trails on a wet Saturday morning. Gotta love the hills:P

#trackmafia 8 x 400m warm-up laps 80m sprints x 10 mins non-stop 4 x 600m w/ 30 sec mountain climbers in between 3 x 400m w/ 30 sec shoulder tap planks in between 2 x 200m w/ 30 sec jack knife sit-ups in between 1 x 800m with a wide smile at the end because you know you bossed it # Thanks @qasimo for leading the session. And thank you @yasminzamani for the photo hehe.

#trackmafia 8 x 400m warm-up laps 80m sprints x 10 mins 4 x 600m with 30 sec mountain climbers in between 3 x 400m with 30 sec shoulder tap planks in between 2 x 200m with 30 sec jackknife sit-ups in between 1 x 800m with a wide smile at the end because you know you bossed it # Thanks @qasimo for leading the session. And thank you @yasminzamani for the photo hehe. (at Stadium MPSJ)

Okay, I think I found a nice spot in @77mayford for that hipster cafe Instagram shot haha. But seriously you people need to come down to Sunway Giza and taste their great selection of tea. They are officially opening this weekend so be there! (at 77Mayford)

To Nea and Yana, I just want to say I am so happy that you girls finally get to taste the fruit of your labour! We know how much effort, time, energy, and resources are being put into this project, but to be able to do something that you are passionate about - it makes everything else worth your while. I wish that @77mayford will be a huge hit and when the cafe makes tonnes of money @yanafarz and @neareima we can finally talk about bottomless tea and free lunches hehe. Here's to more great things to come! (at 77Mayford)

#haziqdiana (at Concorde Hotel Shah Alam)