Monthly Challenge #2

Hi~ I know I know...its the middle of the month...and I'm a bit too late to start on a monthly challenge. But its still September and we still need to get a monthly challenge done. For the greater good of humanity and all things sane in this world....SARAH MUST HAVE HER MONTHLY CHALLENGE. 

So I've been thinking a lot actually about this 2nd monthly challenge. Since, I just started this, so its a bit difficult to adjust to the blogging life, I suppose. But all in good vibes, I'm still gonna work on my blog and do more monthly challenges. Because I owe it to you supporters from all over the world. 

Last month's challenge was my first ever 10km marathon run. Which I wrote about in my post monthly challenge #1 : I DID IT on 8 August. I started off that monthly challenge (sort of like the theme of the monthly challenge) by deciding on doing something that I've never done before and to improve myself. The duration of 4 weeks enabled me to become a fitter & stronger person. And I actually finished my first 10km run in 1 hour 30 minutes! 

For this month, I've been thinking long and hard about this month's challenge and how on earth am I actually planning out these monthly challenges. But you know what...Its all in good fun and at the end of it all, the goal of each monthly challenge is 

1) to challenge myself

2) to feel good about myself

3) to try something I've never done before. 

And because of this, I have decided that this month's challenge would be :

TO DONATE BLOOD.

yes, you read that right. Just that. Donating blood. I seems like not a big deal, but it is to me. Because I've never donated blood before and I have a fear of blood + pain. So, I have decided that for the month of September, I will donate my blood in hopes that someone will be able to use my blood and get better.

So yeah, I'm actually pretty excited about this and about helping out. And well, I hope everything turns out and I will be able to donate my blood. I will let you know when and where I will be donating my blood to...and hopefully I will be gutsy enough to donate!

Xx,

Sarah

Monthly challenge #1 : i did it!

Hello dear followers! and new readers and those who just happened to stumble across my blog. Hi! Its Sarah again and today is the day where I tell you and proudly share my glorious moment/achievement of my life with all of you today! (while I am wearing a facial mask ;D)

What is it, you ask? WELL....for the past month, I've been training myself for a challenge I put up in efforts to improve myself and also help people get motivated in challenging themselves and stepping out of their comfort zone.

So for the month of August, I had challenged myself into joining my first ever 10 km marathon. I trained myself with the help from B, various training apps (Nike+ running & training club) and other people who gave me tips and motivation throughout my training.

And I'm proud to say exactly a month from the date I started the monthly challenge:

I DID IT! I COMPLETED MY FIRST EVER 10 KM MARATHON RUN! and I've accomplished my August monthly challenge! Which is a big thing for me as this achievement marks the end of my monthly challenge for the month of August!

So here's how it went :

At 11pm the day before my race, I prepped my gear and set my alarm for the next day. Was determined to wake up at 5am the next morning so I can get to the race early and bask in the ambience of a marathon. That day, my family and I just got back from Ipoh as we went to Kuala Kangsar to pay our respects to a relative whom passed away on Friday. (we stayed over night in Ipoh and headed home on saturday afternoon). I was pretty tired and slept like a baby that night.

I slept so soundly that I actually didn't hear my alarm blasting at 5 in the morning on my race day! I eventually woke up at 6.30 am and in a panic checked for the race schedule. I completely forgot to check it the night before and my 10km race starts at 7.15 am!

I quickly jumped out of bed, ran to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. Put on my deodorant, I didn't even shower that morning (sorry y'all had to know that!) and got dressed as fast as I could. Mum was up and ready to send me and we were out of the house by 6.45am.

The problem was that on that day, it was Kuala Lumpur Car Free Morning. Which meant cars were not allowed to go in to the city centre and they had blocked out the roads for the race.

We took a detour and by that time it was already 7am. I was in a panic. It was my first marathon, so I had no idea how they run things. I was worried they wouldn't let me run anymore. but because I was so determined, I decided to just go.

Eventually we arrived near the race area. However the roads were blocked and I had to walk all the way for about 1 km to Dataran Merdeka where they had the race. At that time it was already 7.20 am. And I had missed the starting of my race.

I may have not been a marathon before, but I have been in an endurance horse race before and I know that they have a grace period for other riders to go in before they started the other races. I thought it was like that and I had no chance to reach it in time. But because I was already there, I decided to just run to Dataran Merdeka and hope that they will still let me in.

So I actually ran all the way from Medan Tuanku station near SOGO and reached Dataran Merdeka exactly at 7.30am. At that moment the organisers had started the 5KM run. I joined in the run with the 5km runners. At first it was ok, as there were room for fresh air to ventilate through.

However, once we reached the tunnel towards the National Mosque....The air grew hot and heavy and I could feel...literally feel everyones carbon dioxide filling up the air above us. Being only 5Ft...It was pretty stuffy for me amongst the sweaty pits and heavy breathing of my fellow runners.

Finally after that first hurdle, we reached the 1km mark. By that time, everyone was starting to slow down. They used up too much energy during the starting and some even decided to walk. I continued at my own pace and thanking God for the fresh air that saved me after the stuffiness of the tunnel...

We continued on and passed by various tourist places that were not as busy as the main roads. We passed by the bird park, planetarium, orchid park, butterfly park, Bukit Aman police headquarters and so on around the area. I can only name some of the places as I was still conscious of where I was. 

At the 3km mark there were the refreshment stands. I decided I wasn't gonna wait till the next 3km, so I took a cup and drank while I walked. After that I pushed on. Normally, a 3km run for me would take me 30 mins. this time, probably because of the excitement, I completed my 3km in 17mins. I didn't marvel at the time as I knew there was a long way to go and I just kept on pushing on.

During my training prior to the marathon, people kept on telling me that there would be a point where I would regret my decision in joining a marathon. Honestly, I was expecting myself to give in to that and walk for most of my 10km. SURPRISE SURPRISE! I didn't feel that way. In fact, I felt good about myself. And I felt even better after the 5 km runners had turned to their track and the 10km had to go on further up the hills. 

I felt good cause everyone I passed by was walking all the way. And I'm proud to say that I didn't! *YEAAAHHH* I continued going slow and steady. At the pace I was comfortable in. I could feel their brain waves going "how on earth can she run??" and "what the heck this girl!" well..sorta. Hahaha it was all in my head and probably my subconscious self was trying to motivate my conscious self by boasting. -_- 

So yeah I continued on, pushed on...and eventually I MADE IT!

I made it to the finishing line and I completed my 10KM marathon strong! :D 

So thats it for my August Challenge! :D Thanks for reading and hope you managed to accomplish your goal of the month! Will write to you soon~

Xx,

Sarah

Monthly Challenge #1 : Final Hurdle!

Hullo everyone! its finally the weekend! and its currently 11.31pm on a saturday night. Yes...i'm staying in, because...

TOMORROW IS MY FIRST 1OKM MARATHON RUN!

and the end of my monthly challenge (i hope). 

I've prepped myself to the best of my abilities. I've ran countless of times. and worked on my health and fitness. Its only been a month, but I do feel the difference. I feel much stronger, healthier and definitely a lot fitter too ;D hehehe I do realise that just because tomorrow might be the end of my first monthly challenge doesn't mean its the end of my new running regime (I say might...because it depends on the weather tomorrow morning. lately its been raining every morning)

I may reduce the number of runs per week, but I am still going to maintain my fitness and hopefully by February next year, I'm much fitter ! (if i don't succumb to the temptations of cream puffs and cheese tarts)

Because I want to maintain my running fitness and hopefully take part in other marathons in the future, I've created my own program (well..not really my own program...nike+ app created it for me) hahaha that includes a Nike+ training app program for the days I might not be able to run.

Apart from that, I am gonna start my semester soon. So I need to work on my schedule. I'm really excited about my run tomorrow. However, I'm not running with Amal as she is in Johor, her hometown, which is 5 hours away from KL. I'll be running with my cousin. Maybe. If she turns up....

Its getting late! and I need to wake up at 5am. will update about the race~

Xx,

Sarah

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Cheering me on

Road less taken

Hi there! Welcome back to my blog, where it is the very place you can read my 'mind'. (LAME JOKE ALERT!) 

So, its already Sunday Evening here in Malaysia (exactly 11.33pm) and I'm sitting here in my room with a face mask on enjoying the last moments of freedom for this week. Tomorrow is Monday which means, back to work! Technically, not really work, I'm still doing my internship at an architecture firm and will only continue with my studies in September. I cant freaking wait. Not that there's anything wrong with the company I'm attached with. I just feel trapped from 8-5pm....and well...working life sucks. Its like day in day out the same thing. Its...so....boring. And well, I hope when I graduate, thats not what's gonna happen. hopefully. 

ANYWAYS, the motive for today's blog post, isn't for me to rant on about how boring working life is, cause I'm pretty sure you guys thats reading can relate to me on that. No, today's post shall be a happy one because thats what we're all doing our best to achieve. HAPPINESS.

Right... I think that pretty much got way off topic from what I initially had in mind. Today I want to share with you, my fellow reader, about my marathon training today. 

As you all know, (and if you don't, I'm gonna explain), I am currently preparing for MY VERY FIRST 10KM MARATHON ! and like I said, its my very first, so I'm quite nervous for it. Nervous cause I worry I won't have the stamina & mental strength to complete it. Its officially in another 2 weeks and well, I think I'm doing alright?

Today I ran the longest distance and the fastest in all my training days. I ran 3.4KM in 30minutes. Which is, for a newbie, not bad. Before I went out for a run, there was a storm that hit my area. Not that bad, just the typical tropical country storm my country usually faces. That meant that I wouldn't be able to run outside (no duuuhh..) after about an hour or so, it finally stopped and I was extremely ecstatic since I could finally go out for a run. I went further than usual and to areas I hardly went by. 

The weather was fine, till I reached the final 1km of my run. While I was running, out of no where, it started raining. Since I was still too far from my house I had to just wing it and run in the rain. I was feeling alright. I knew I had to complete my run and that hopefully the rain wouldn't get me sick. I wasn't feeling too bad. But I wasn't feeling wonderful either way. 

As I was running, I passed by a house in my neighbourhood. The owner was outside his house at the time and was locking his gate when he saw me running in the rain. Instead of just looking away and ignoring me like all the other people I pass by, he actually cheered me on! It totally made my day. It just shows how a little bit of kindness, like cheering on a stranger could actually make a difference. It was really nice of him to do that and it proved to me that people are still nice and that we should all try to play nice with each other.

Ok, I'm getting sleepy...tomorrow its back to work and I need to wake up early. Good night dear readers and fellow bloggers,

Till next time,

Xx,

Sarah

Monthly Challenge #1 : Marathon preparation update!

Hi! And welcome back to my blog! For those of you who are new here; hi! I'm Sarah and welcome to the written version of my thoughts! 

Today, as promised in the previous post (Post : Cerita Semalam) I'm gonna update you on this month's challenge. For those of you who have absolutely no idea about what I'm talking about, no worries, here's the deal. 

I've decided that every month I will set a goal to reach. I decided to do this because : 

A) I've never joined a marathon, and I always talk about joining a marathon. what better way than actually finally joining a marathon!

B) I went through a life-changing experience. (Check out the 'Trip to the Oncologist' entry to read it in full) and I realise that even though I am cancer free, life is very short. 

C) I want to actually become lean. and feel what its like to not be 'chubby'

D) I'm too comfortable in my comfort zone, so this is my way of breaking out of my comfort zone.

Because of the factors above (and many other factors) I've decided to participate in the TM Fan Run which is organised by the telco provider here in Malaysia. 

Now back to the main topic : 

THE UPDATE OF MY PREPARATION

Its been 2 weeks of training and I have another 2 weeks to go. 

(disclaimer : I'm not a professional training or any sort, I do whats best for my body and I exercise with caution and hopefully don't injure myself along the way)

Now, I'm not starting as a completely newbie. I've ran long distance before and I consider myself 'able to exercise without collapsing'. However, I've never went for a 10 KM run. So I do consider myself fresh in this area and I learn from various sources and people who actually do marathons and long distance runs. 

WEEK 1 :

Day 1 (7/8/2014)

Run/Walk - I took it easy, because it was quite sometime since I last ran. So I went slow, but I went for distance. I ran about 2.4 KM in 26 minutes. I felt normal as I took my time and I didn't rush into sprinting. I also track my running with Nike+ running & Polar GPS & Heart rate monitor. It gives me a general idea of my distance, speed and time. However, I'm not going for speed. I'm training to be able to finish strong.

Day 2 (8/8/2014)

Cross training - I actually created a program fro myself using Nike+ Training Club. Its difficult for me to physically get my butt to the gym to exercise or go for a swim. So what better way than to create a program and have my phone act like my little personal trainer. (I sound like I'm being paid to advertise them....-__-) but no, I'm not being paid (although I think they should hahaha) 

Day 3 (9/8/2014)

Run/Walk - I went further than before. 3.15 km in 26 mins. I was really pushing myself and I am quite proud. 

Day 4 (10/8/2014) 

Horse Riding - ok so today I cheated a bit. After Riding, I went out and had a huge meal for myself followed by coffee and cake. hahaha

Day 5 (11/8/2014)

Rest day - rested. Like for real. hahaha

Day 6 (12/8/2014)

Run/walk - 3.15 KM

Day 7 (13/8/2014) 

Run/ Walk - 2.88KM

WEEK 2:

Day 8 (14/8/2014)

walk : 1 KM- Walked to the office 

Day 9 (15/8/2014) 

Run : 1 KM- Morning Run.

Day 10 (16/8/2014)

Horse riding : in the rain!

Day 11 (17/8/2014)

Rest day

Day 12 (18/8/2014)

Cross-training-worked on my upper body

Day 13 (19/8/2014)

Run : 2.4km 20 mins. This was a time run. I managed to complete 2.4 km in 20 mins. went slow and steady and the final few seconds where I pushed on to beat the time. I realised as I was doing that, I was constantly telling myself to stop and slow down. That I wouldn't be able to beat the clock.  I'm glad I stopped myself from doing that and I pushed on. (According to Khairul, who has the ability to see people's aura, my personality contradicts each other. I don't do it to other people. But I do it to myself. 1 side of me is friendly, supportive, great and an extrovert. The other side to me is that I am cold, harsh and an introvert. which is true. But I am genuine when I work. Just that I constantly bring myself down)

Day 14 (20/8/2014)

Cross-Training: intense 30 min workout using Nike+ training club. I also created a program for myself to work on. That involves a variety of work outs and running. Also balances out the rest days (as you can see, I lack in that. hahaha)

And that's it! my workout progress so far. :D its getting late and I think its time for me to say good night and for those of you who's day just started, good morning!

Till next time!

Xx,

Sarah

Monthly Challenge!

{disclaimer: this is not a giveaway challenge etc. }

HELLO DEAR READERS! Today is the day where I tell you about my monthly challenge ! 

Since this is my 1st ever monthly challenge, let me explain about this challenge. I've decided since I'm constantly working on improving myself, I shall set a challenge or goal for myself to tackle each month. I find it makes me excited and I willingly put myself out there when I'm faced with a certain challenge/goal. 

So, for this month I've decided to take on my 1st ever marathon! 

I'll be participating in my 1st ever 10km run with my cousin and my travel buddy, Amal this coming September 7th. I literally have a month to prep for this race. excited but i haven't got the slightest clue on what to do. 

SO, to make things "fun", I'm inviting YOU, the person currently reading this blog post to take up a challenge this month and work at it! and probably if you're up for it, let me know what your challenge was and how you did it! would love to read it, cause blogging is very 1 dimensional and I'm just rambling on about stuff....

Till next time! 

Xx,

Sarah