10 km Run

I started running (well, I can't say marathon as I'm just taking part in 10 km run) after my breakup early this year. It started with just a fun getaway to Kota Kinabalu to ease my mind and at the same time joining Borneo International Marathon (BIM) 2011.

My bestfriend was the one who asked me to join her in BIM.

BIM was the first event I joined. I didn't even train properly - I ran 5 km each day on treadmill for about 2 weeks and I did my gym routine. So during the race, it was my first experience completing a 10 km run outdoor, and my record is 1 hour 19 minutes. I didn't stop running at all along the route. I was really proud of my personal record as I was a first timer.

That got me hooked. I started to register for more runs - Standard Chartered KL Marathon (KLM), Adidas King of the Road (KOTR) and Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM). I concentrated more on my running compared to my gym workout. Well, suffice to say I ditched my workout completely (although I have plan to the hit the gym again). Once you know that can run 10 km, you have the confidence that you can do it again, and really it's addictive.

Friends and cousin showing off our finisher medals at KLM.

When I joined KLM, I took the race more seriously. I think I ran better during KLM although I completed it in 1 hour 22 minutes. The track was different - BIM was relatively easy I would say, as it only involved flat surfaces, but KLM was more of a challenge due to the inclination. But I love it, I know I have more strength during the race, and I was not tired after the run (believe me I can still go shopping after that).

My family waited at the finishing line of TIM, how sweet :)

And today I completed 10 km run at Taiping International Marathon (TIM). I didn't plan to join today's race as I thought it's not really worth it to fly back here (last minute tickets for Miri - KL are really pricey!). It was just my luck when I was asked to go to KL for a meeting this coming Monday, and luckily there's still room for registration. This race also tested your strength and determination at running on incline track. I haven't fully recover from fever yet, so I was feeling a little bit out of breath. But it may also be a cause of not training consistently after raya. I still managed to complete the race in 1 hour 21 minutes though.

Next week is the KOTR, and it's the first time I have back to back races in just one week gap. Hopefully I have ample time to recover. This time too, my family will be there to support, insyaAllah.

5 races this year, alhamdulillah. I'm targeting 8 races next year, or perhaps I should try half marathon (21 km)?

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