Gelombang Inspirasi 4

What you see on the left here is my first pair of running shoes. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 4. I have no idea how to choose running shoes cos before this i thought, got shoes then can run already laaa...

Little did i know you have feet types, running pattern, need cushioning or need support or need turbo boosters. Sadly they dont make shoes with turbo boosters just yet.

So after much deliberation and feet testing complimentary of Adidas. Me and the Boey Ladies went to the Mizuno shop in The Gardens. I saw the striking yellow colour shoes and decided to give it a try and i was told i need to jog a lil in the shop to see how comfy it was.Felt kinda weird but they're the expert! so jogged i did...i asked for a size 8 and it was a weee bit too small so i asked for an 8.5. They dont have it. Settled for the 8 eventually as it was still alright.

So now the Wave Inspire 4 has become my faithful running companion helping me to run, walk and trudge along the hilly slopes of bukit tunku. Its you and me buddy, lets hit the tarmac!!

My first *pant* 10KM *pant* rrunnnn...*slumps*

I think if i remember correctly, i agreed to do this 10km run after my second weekend running with the Boey women. When Yin asked me if i'd be interested to join the City Day run, i was thinking like "errrrr...10km run ..me? errr 10km run?" hehe...cos i've never ever ever ran that distance so far in my entire life, so i hope you understand my apprehension. However, after much nudging and encouragement, i decided ok why not. All i need was to train, and i should be fine.


WRONG! hahaha...after signing up for the 10km i decided running in the weekends probably isnt enough training so i decided to run in the taman tun park after work. On my first proper run there..i barely finished one round *gulp*. Nevertheless in subsequent weeks building up to the run i did what i could both in the weekdays and in the weekends.

Then it arrived...22nd February..D Day...

Woke up, got ready. Picked up Yin and her mum then we headed over to Padang Merdeka. When we finally arrived there, i was actually surprised that it was quite a festive atmosphere. There were even families with young kids.Early 6ish in the morning!! poor kids :p. The run was starting at 7.30am, we warmed up and got ourselves ready. We also sempat take a few pics before the race. *looks at watch* ok the time has come...i went into the "cage" and waited for the organizers to flag us off. And we're off....

I think after the 4th KM, i was ready to call it quits but seeing so many runners still so semangat, i cant lose face rigghhtt..so i decided to soldier on. In my head i was pushing myself "cmon keith you can do this..cmon you can do this" hahaha..self motivation is important when uncles twice your age are overtaking you without breaking a sweat!! When i realized we have reached the near end of the run..i strengthen my resolve to run to the end (okk i did walk eventually hahaha). As i approached Padang Merdeka (where we started) i already see people walking back to their cars with their running certs!! i reminded myself the objective of this run was to finish the race and not worry about how opther people did

As i approached nearer to the finish line...i hear familiar voices "keeith!!..keiith!!..woooo!!". The Boey women who ran the 7km run was cheering me on. Amazing what human encouragement can do..they spurred me on.. Then there it was, the glorious letters to form the word F I N I S H. i crossed it, collected my cert and took some pics.

I cant believe that i've just finished my first 10km. good stuff. We queued up for Milo. drank it up...ohhhh heaven...and talked to some friends.

After that ..ouccchhh...leg pain! but it was an AWESOME day.

huh?! you running ahhh....

My blog title pretty much sums up the reaction i got from my friends when i told them i've started to take up running. I also had "waaaahhh..sure anot" , "huh you can ah?" "*blank 5 second stare*" and the classic "which ger is it this time?". I'd just smiled and assured them i am running for REAL and its something i plan to do long term and not just to scratch an itch.

I got introduced into the world of running by a friend who have also begun taking up running seriously after a hiatus. One of the reason she's into running is the Milo Ais van that will be waiting at the end of every race to reward very thirsty runners who completed their run. I must say the Milo Ais is pretty DAMN good :p. Wayyyyyy different from what you have at home or even your best mamak. While others may have their own unique reasons for running, i run to keep healthy and get back into shape after years of slacking!!

I think its been almost three months since i've started to run and so far it has been really good despite some unavoidable hiccups along the way, missing some runs due to circumstances. I resumed my long run today after a three week absence from doing my weekly sunday runs. My lack of running showed as my feet labored heavily to carry my weight on the tarred road as other runners past me by (next time i potong them back! :D). I did the 7km run today and towards the end of my run i decided that i should chronicle my experiences to track my own progress and share it with my friends :). Hence this blog was conceived, i felt the title was apt as it pretty much indicate how running is a big lifestyle change for me.

I've got a 15KM run and a half marathon (21KM) coming up so i should be training hard hard for it hehe. Since taking up running, i had to give up some late night lifestyle activities ;). It was hard to do initially but after the positive effects running had on me, (scoring regularly at futsal cos got good stamina!!) it was easier to let go. Looking back, if one year ago you had asked me to come run with you, i'd tell you "huh..running ahhh..errr call me yam cha later la" hahaha. Today if you'd asked me the same quetion, i'd say "ok..jomm".

I want to say thank you to those who have been encouraging me! much appreciated. And to those who asked "huh you still running ah??" . Yes im still running :)

Jom berlari lari.