Nagoya Women's Marathon training: Running Circles around the Emperor

I ran circles around the Emperor.

Not literally of course. Because I would be arrested and thrown into a Japanese prison where I would probably treated quite well. Anyway, back to the story at point. What I meant was, I finally dragged my lazy ass out of bed and took to the well-known running route of the Imperial Palace right in the middle of Tokyo.

A PB I think

The Tokyo Imperial Palace was iconic, being the place of residence for the Emperor and the heart of Tokyo itself. But to runners, the landmark was something else entirely. The finishing line of the one of the World Major Marathon series - the Tokyo Marathon. It was also a popular running circuit for runners as it was one of the few major parks with a traffic-light less route ie not having to stop every 500 meters for a traffic light or people to cross. Uninterrupted, it was a 5km route of flat road with 230 meter ascent. In other words, it was just the place I needed to get some training in for the Nagoya Women's Marathon next month.

WWOOFing in Hokkaido on a Horse Ranch

Before embarking on a two months trip across Japan, I never realised how many things I have taken for granted. Warm water readily available, easy access to shops and even the simple phone connection. Because all of these were unavailable at the horse ranch in Hokkaido where I spent three weeks working as part of the WWOOF programme.

Flying into Hokkaido

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farm where travellers help out a farm, cafe, restaurant or in my case, a horse ranch in exchange for accommodation and food. Big shoutout to my friend Chee Ching who gave me the idea of participating in this programme. On top of that, before signing up for WWOOF, I also found out I had gotten into the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2018 so my two months adventure was planned out with some running training in mind.

Watchu looking at? 

The 69th Sapporo Snow Festival 2018 Highlights

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's biggest festival with international and locals flocking to the northern island of Japan to experience this one week event. When I went to Hokkaido to WWOOF in Hidaka for three weeks, it just so happened that my trip coincided with the festival and I simply could not miss this opportunity.

Starbucks Malaysia Celebrates VD with Limited Time Specials

Is it just me or is the seasonal drinks at Starbucks Malaysia becoming boring? While Starbucks Japan has also introduced an interesting version of the mocha for the chocoholics for Valentine's Day, Starbucks Malaysia has instead brought back a "returning favourite" - Chocolate Black Tea with Earl Grey Jelly Frappuccino.

Source: coffee.yowazzup.com

Starbucks Japan - Valentine’s Day Chocoholic Special

Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than chocolate. That and drinkware with heaps of hearts in pink and white. It’s easy to mistaken Starbuck Japan’s latest limited edition collection for the ever popular Sakura collection due to the colours but make no mistake. The range introduced on 24 January is made available right up to Valentine’s Day.

Starbucks® Designer Collection Merchandise – Alice + Olivia

Much like Starbucks Japan, Starbacks Malaysia too has released its own exclusive merchandise for the season of love through a collaboration with acclaimed fashion designer, Stacey Bendet.

Designed exclusively for Starbucks, this year’s collection features Alice + Olivia’s signature “Staceface” with a pink makeover and ruby red hearts to complement Stace’s bold lips and big, round glasses, echoing the expressive and fun design philosophy of Alice + Olivia. These limited-edition pieces – designed exclusively for Starbucks by founder Stacey Bendet – will be available starting on 17 January at selected Starbucks stores in Malaysia, while stocks last.

Wine and Dine at Lafite. Shangri-La KL

February is approaching and we all know what that means - Chinese New Year! And also Valentine's Day. 

For those looking for a way to splurge away all your hard-earned ang pow money on your special someone, Lafite, Shangri-La Hotel KL is offered an evening of fine French cuisine, canapes and wines to go with at 'Wine and Dine' every last Friday of the month starting 26 January 2018 from 7pm to 10.30pm at RM 320 nett per person. 

Turret Coffee, Tsukiji

Here's a fun fact. Turret is the name of the trucks driven about by the workers at Tsukiji market. So it  seems about right that there was a little coffee place located within walking distance of Tsukiji station and market called Turret Coffee.

It was so hidden that I walked past the alley in which it was located but quickly backtracked to the Starbucks at the corner where I spotted the little cafe. For the first time in a long time, I walked past a Starbucks in favour of a local cafe. Initial reviews online were promising and boy do I love my salted caramel latte. Which was exactly what I ordered at Turret.

SCKLM 10th Anniversary: Introduces 10 new Race Features

Not many runs in Malaysia have the honour of being held 10 years in a row come rain or shine or haze and this year, the beloved and highly anticipated Standard Chartered KL Marathon returns for its 10th edition. Registration for the public opens today on 10 Jan 2018 with slots selling out fast as off 7pm.

Showing how runs can evolve with its runners and participants, SCKLM 2018 promises to showcase 10 new race features. The new features are:

2000yen Wagyu Beef Lunch set at Matsurokuya, Roppongi

Say Wagyu beef and the first thing that comes to mind is usually how expensive it is to have.... Unless you’re in Tokyo and have the opportunity to drop by Matsurokuya restaurant for lunch. Matsurokuya is located in one of the back streets of Roppongi, a short walk from Roppongi station and opens its doors at 1130am.

However, don’t be surprise to see a queue forming outside the restaurant an hour before it opens because Matsurokuya only sells 30 sets of its beautiful A5 Wagyu beef lunch set at only 2,000 yen (as of Oct 2017). I have wanted to try it since I read about it but despite two prior visits to Tokyo, never found the time to visit it or that area for that matter. Going to Matsuokuya required dedicating half the morning and my stomach to it and so after much planning, I headed out to Roppongi at 10am to reach the restaurant by 1020am. Even then, I was number 10 in line. A line quickly formed behind me within the hour.