Friday, September 30, 2016

Run for Your Lives

Run For Your Lives, a game of flag tag set in the world of a zombie apocalypse will be making its return to Malaysia this December 31st at Taman Botani Putrajaya. Drawing from its beginnings in the United States back in 2011, the game has attracted over 12,000 participants since its debut and has spread to other cities worldwide which include Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The premise behind the game is that a zombie apocalypse has plagued the world, caused by an unknown virus. Participants may choose to run as a ‘Survivor’ (human) or a Zombie. Gameplay is generally simple – the humans will have to outrun the zombies, who have the goal of ‘capturing’ the humans.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

AXA Hearts in Action 2016, Cyberjaya race review

Colourful shirts from which you can pick one to wear for run.

Funds going to animal welfare and preservation.

AXA Hearts in Action 2016 had me at those points and without hesitation, I signed up for the 12km category and dragged along my mom and a colleague. Sadly, that was where all the positive points ended for the race organisers.

Upon arrival at the race site, there was no clear indication of where the race was starting from. I only assumed it was before the finishing arch because there were a horde of runners standing there. There were also a horde of 6km and 3km runners standing there munching on donuts and sandwiches so you would understand the confusion.

Monday, September 26, 2016

[Hokkaido 2016] Day 4 part 1 - I got pulled over in Japan!

It was the first time I drove in Japan and also the first time, I got pulled over by a cop. Ever.

Let me start from the beginning.

When coming to Sapporo in the spring, seeing the flower fields and natural wonders of Furano and Biel comes high in the list of things to do. However unlike Otaru which was easily accessible by train, these two locations were best explored via car and so rent a car we did for this occasion. To drive in Japan by the way, foreigners are required to obtain an international driving permit (IDP). For Malaysians you can find out how here.

I rented my car, a Toyota Vitz from the Toyota Rent a Car near my hostel, having made the booking online weeks before the trip. For a family of five, it was a bit cramp in the back seats but as we didn't have any luggages with us, it sufficed for the two days adventure outside of Sapporo. On this day, we were headed to Furano and Biel and what a long drive it was into the countryside.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Tokyo Marathon 2017 - HERE I COME

As you may have guessed from the title of this post....I am in for the Tokyo Marathon 2017. Out of exactly 321,459 entries, I was one of the 26,370 runners who was lucky enough to score a spot by ballot in a World Marathon Major and one that is being held in my favourite country in the world, Japan.

That's a 8.2% chance of winning the ballot and I got it. Excuse me while I hyperventilate into a paper bag.

Okay, I am fine now. But I think the little butterflies in my stomach disagrees. Because holy crap, I need to start training all over again.

The Kyoto Marathon 2016 was my first ever 42.195km and it had been a glorious experience running all over the historical and naturally beautiful city that was Japan's former capital. You can read about it here and here.

It only seemed fitting that I try balloting for the Tokyo Marathon next which I did in August along with my mother and a few friends. The Tokyo Marathon is set a week after the Kyoto Marathon resulted in a shared cold weather that was ideal for a long run.

I had also balloted for the Kyoto Marathon 2017 (as back-up) and also the Nagoya Women's Marathon (because the medal is so beautiful) but it seems that fate has plans for me to be in Tokyo instead.

Maybe I should try for the lottery next. Some prize money would help finance my next adventure to Japan. Can't wait!


Monday, September 12, 2016

[Hokkaido 2016] Day 3 - Self Walk Tour in Sapporo

Admittedly, this self walk tour was impromptu. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day on our third day in Sapporo and decided to hit all the outdoor activities and attractions in the city. It just so happened that everything was more or less within walking distance of each other that we decided to save money and not take the train.

Carmen was our automatically anointed navigator for the tour and with her trusty phone and portal wifi in hand, she led the way. From our accommodation at Khaosan Sapporo International Hostel, we took a nice leisurely stroll to the Sapporo TV Tower. Breakfast was purchased from a passing convenient mart and consumed on a bench in Odori park located at the foot of the tower allowing us to enjoy the blooming flowers on a lovely sunny morning.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Great Holiday Deals with Sri Lankan Airlines at MATTA FAIR Sept 2016

Here's an image to marvel over.



I have yet to experience the beauty that is Sri Lanka but its natural attractions of beaches, blue waters, jungles and national parks and sanctuaries continue to draw me in. Throw in their promise of delicious spicy food and the temptation to hop on the first flight out to Colombo is just too great!