How I prevent cramps

Cramps suck.

There is no denying that sudden seizing of your muscle into a tight knot in that one brief second is perhaps the worst pain you can experience in that moment. Unfortunately, some people are more prone to cramps than others.

I am one of those unfortunate souls. I even remember my first cramp. A 2km run followed by a round of waterpolo does not do wonders to your muscles...

However after many years of experimenting, I finally figured out a near cramp proof way of preventing cramps. Load the hell up on isotonic sport drinks a day or two before the race.

Isotonic sport drinks are a crucial part of my race preparation; long distance running and obstacle course racing wise. Two days before the race, I would load up on a bottle of isotonic drink and this has so far prevented me from getting a cramp as proven by my Kyoto Marathon and the numerous OCR races I have done this year. So far, cramp free to date.

[Hokkaido 2016] Day 4 part 2 - Self Drive to Biei and Furano

I was lucky that my car came equipped with an easy-to-use GPS because without it, I would have been hopelessly lost in the countryside of Hokkaido. Forever doomed to wonder the roads in a rented Toyata Vitz with dysfunctional family in the passenger seats.... *Shudder*

We had many places to hit in Biei and Furano and so much driving to do and so little time.
1. Zerubu Hill
2. Mac OS X backdrop, less commonly known as Blue Pond
3. Shirahige Falls and Blue River

4. Shikisai no Oka

5. Tomita Farm 

6. Furano Cheese Factory

After my near encounter with a speeding ticket in part 1, we arrived at our first stop of the day, Zerubu Hill. Because it was still early in the season, the flowers weren't at full bloom so there wasn't much to see. However, it gave us a lovely view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Little did we know that we would be driving towards those snow-capped mountains and would be seeing plenty of them later on.

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.

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.

[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.

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!

[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.

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!

Taylor's Jog For Hope 2016

To be honest, Taylor's Jog For Hope 2016 was the first run I've done since the Milo Breakfast Day in May. Now that was a long break from running and one I did not enjoy. However, I was happy with my pacing for the whole 10km despite the hilly Hartamas route.

The Taylor's Jog For Hope 2016 was the eight edition of the annual run organised by the students of the Taylor's College Sri Hartamas. And in case you didn't know, I am a proud alumni of Taylor's College and Taylor's University and was compelled to contribute towards a charitable cause championed through this run.

Viper Challenge Genting - Great Eastern King of the Mountain race review

After hearing raving reviews about last year's Genting event, I finally conquered the Viper Genting: King of the Mountain!

The event was, in one word, A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

The fun started pre-race when we arrived at Awana Horse Ranch in the wee hours of the morning, parked the car the multi-storey parking lot of the sky cable and collected our wristbands. To my joy, several foodtrucks had already opened at the race village and I could not resist a cup of hot latte and a glazed donut before my 7:40am wave. While waiting around, we were joined by members of the other OBC platoons, since majority of us were in the same wave.

Come flag off time, we started off right on schedule! Imagine my surprise as Viper Challenge rarely ever starts on time! Hats off to the organisers!

We turned a corner right after the start line and it was an immediate uphill. This was Genting Highlands! Of course, it wasn't going to be easy. But nevertheless, jacked up on caffeine and sugar, I jogged up the whole 2km uphill route. On the way up, we saw the returning lead pack of the elite wave on their way back and called out to several of our OBC buds who were charging downhill.

The obstacles came hard and fast and why not when there was only so much space and distance one can work with in 10km. Some were easy, some were wet, some required teamwork and some needed just plain luck and guts. Throw in the uphill and a route that cuts through Awana and you have a course that effectively staggered the participants nicely to avoid crowding at the obstacles.

I must recommend the Tyre Trouble obstacle because I don't think I've seen an obstacle like that before. While I initially had my doubts about succeeding, a boost from a teammate set me off and before I knew it, I was on the other side. And then the marshal told me this awesome news.

"You are the third woman to pass."

Woohoo! Granted we were only one of the early waves and the elite already had a go at it but still...Woohoo! No sirup bandung bath for me! The same cannot be said for my youngest sister who made an epic splash (literally) at her first obstacle race.

We encountered the much anticipated Rotating Cube in the last two km. An obstacle that was impossible to conquer alone, it required eight of us to get in and simultaneously roll over the giant cube while one teammate clung onto to get over it on the other side. We kept doing this until everyone was over. We enjoyed it so much that we didn't mind staying back to help other participants where needed. 

To finish off Viper Genting, we encountered the signature wall climb variety which amassed a crowd and a queue towards the later part of the afternoon. Despite the waiting time, participants were surprisingly patient and helpful this time. There was no pushing and shoving from what I saw. 

The course pretty much burnt off my donut and coffee from earlier. I was ravenous by the time we got back to the festival area after the race and it was off for more coffee for me from Senses Truck.

As I mentioned earlier, the festival area was awesome because there was just so many food options available from the trucks. There was even chicken roasted on the spot and gelato ice cream!

I was a happy girl and even a minor gutter accident that happened on the way to lunch did little to spoil my mood. The only thing that managed to do so was a Snorlax running away from me despite using a razz berry and two ultra balls. 

Now for an overall view of the event:

Pros

1) Registration was fast. The Viper boss was present to personally attend to us but he lingered there a bit too long though. 

2) Festival area was well set up with ample food, drinks and seating. 

3) Obstacles were fun! Especially Tyre Trouble and Rotating Cube. 

Cons

1)  The route before and after the Rotating Cube basically merged the approaching and outgoing traffic of participants from the obstacle. I saw many people nearly colliding into each other because they weren't paying attention or was running too fast downhill. There were even people turning back at this point because they didn't want to have to walk up the slope again.

All I can say is....if Viper Challenge were to organise Viper Genting 24 hours, sign up me ASAP!

ps: photo credits to my mother who not only did Viper Genting but also did it with her phone, hence the photos and also did 21km the next day.