IAAF World Athlete of the Year

The nominees are :

                                                   Male 

Female 

I felt it

More pictures on Compressport Combo Challenge Press Conference

Opportunity as Running Blogger

I started blogging since 1998 (forzameyya.blogspot.com). As the blog was speaking about everything, I wanted a specific blog just speaking about running and fitness. Thus I started this blog since 2015.

Finally it rewarded when I won a contest among bloggers to participate in an official launch of a run in Klang Valley in 2016.

The offer came through Facebook posting, where the best tagline would be offered to attend the event which was held at Xero Gravity, Level 9, PJX-HM Shah Tower, PJ on 13 October.

The event was not only about launch of   "Compressport Combo Challenge", where 2 running event will be held in 2016 i.e Trail run on 3rd January and Road Run on 24 April.

It was a great place to meet fellow runner, marathoners, running photographers, triathletes, mount hikers etc.

The event was started with emcee Gus Ghani, followed by mytriathtlonshop Director, Karen Geh, where she explained the 2 running event in 2016 and they packages. The packages looks attractive where runners can benefit atleast of 40% to 65% discount ,when they sign up for the run with sports apparels. 

Thereafter Mr.Kishen and Mr.Eric of Compressport Asia Pcific and Mr.Colin and Eugene of Compressport Malaysia gave short welcome speech and brief history of the sports apparel.

There were lucky draws which was complimentary participation in the combo challenge.

It ended with group picture and refreshments. 

I liked the goodie bag which contained the Compresssport headband and Compressport sweatband with the sling bag itself.

As bonus I was also awarded the Compressport T-Shirt (Dry fit).

About My Triathlon Shop

My Triathlon Shop (MTS) was established in 2012 by Karen Geh who is passionate towards sports and nutrition. Karen always believe in the kind of apparels that she wears, and the nutrition that she consumes. The brands that Karen has chosen to represent are a major part of her active lifestyle. 

Where fashion meets sports, Karen is constantly inspired to encourage modern athletes to embrace fashion forward active wear that enhances and optimises their performance.

Indeed, My Triathlon Shop reflects Karen's pursuit of excellence in sports and lifestyle. In particular, MTS specialise in sports apparels, accessories, shoes and nutrition. 

The Brands that are carried by My Triathlon Shop include 2XU, Compressport, Inov-8 shoes, Hammer Nutrition, High 5 Nutrition, Nathan, and Ultimate Direction.

Apart from its retail operations, TMS has also organised many successful events such as :-

1. PISANG RELAY PENANG 2013, Series 1.

2. DU-IT IN HAVEN DUATHLON 2013

3. NEWTON CHALLENGE PENANG 2014

4. PISANG RELAY PENANG 2014, Series 2.

5. STARLIGHT ULTRA 2014

6. TRAILS IN TWILIGHT STARS 2014

7. LION DASH PENANG 2015, OBSTACLE RACE.

8. NEWTON CHALLENGE PENANG 2015

9. COMPRESSPORT PENANG CITY RUN 2015

10. PISANG RELAY PENANG 2015, Series 3.

11. PENANG TROPICAL FRUIT ADVENTURE RACE 2015

For more information and updates, please refer to www.mytriathlonshop.com 

About Compressport

It’s all about Passion…

Everything in Compressport is about passion…

Passion in training, Passion for extreme races, Passion to push the limits. Passion goes along with deep respect for YOU, professional athletes that lead the way in performance and age group athletes who are out there every day juggling between their family & work commitments and their passion for sport.

Passion for the quest of the perfect product…Always looking for more improvement, more preciseness, more exclusivity.

Since the launch of our first R2 calf sleeves in 2008, we work everyday for this consuming passion that Compressport has become.

Our goal has always been to become the reference product without ever compromising our identity and quality. The response and feedback we’ve received so far shows we are going in the right direction. Who would have believed it: It has only been 3 years and the brand is already in more than 70 countries…

5 World Championship titles…We thank those amazing athletes for their trust and we are proud to be part of their story.

And the passion continues every day with more and more extreme techno-fashion products. There is no room for futile accessories, everything is imagined, calculated and developed to enhance performance.

All our products are 100% European made (R&D, fibres, knitting, assembly, dying, testing,…)

– Our products are tested in the toughest conditions we can find (Abu Dhabi, Hawaii, Mont Blanc, Sahara Desert…) which is where the toughest races in the world take place.

In just 3 years, COMPRESSPORT® has redefined the compression apparel market…

Coming from a medical research background and specialist in sports compression, our range of products is like no other. Combining the highest technologies with the latest trends, our aim is to always innovate and surprise our athletes.

We respond to the problems that athletes face daily. Whether to improve performance, enhance recovery or to help them travel in the best possible conditions. Compressport contributes to improve the overall well-being of the athletes in their everyday life.

We now have over 500 professional athletes endorsing and using our products on a daily basis. 

Current and past world champions wear COMPRESSPORT® products. Before being released, all our products are tested by all those top level athletes who give us their insights and feedback. This ensures our products meet exactly the needs of the athletes.

During the development of a product, every aspect is examined in details. We study the morphology of athletes, we test hundreds of different yarns and fabrics, we work on seamless constructions to maximise the efficiency and lifetime of the product, we test the compression rates during the production phase…

Our aim is always to provide you with 100% satisfaction and this is why we offer a 2 year warranty on our Compression products.

COMPRESSPORT®, a high-end quality product with a medical background

We are proud to be a 100% Swiss company with 100% European made products:

– Our products are designed and developed in Europe

– The machines we use are 100% European made

– The yarns / dyes used are 100% European

All our products use fabrics and yarns that meet the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100: Independent controls on harmful textile substances to make sure the products do not pose any health risk.

Our products are born from the collaboration between doctors, athletes and manufacturers specialising in medical compression.

• Our manufacturing processes guarantee the suitable level of compression for the use of the product.

   – The machines used are specifically able to graduate to the millimetre

      different compression zones on targeted muscle areas.

   – Throughout the production cycle, the machine runs check to verify the

      compression of the product being produced.

We use the Salzmann group in Switzerland for the measurement and validation of compression classes on all our products. The Salzmann test apparatus is internationally recognised as the unit leader and technically the most accurate for measuring compression.

For more information and updates, please refer to www.compressport.com

COMPRESSPORT COMBO CHALLENGE 2015

PRESS RELEASE

COMPRESSPORT MALAYSIA LAUNCHES THE FIRST EVER 

COMPRESSPORT COMBO CHALLENGE 2015

The world's leading compression apparel manufacturer from Switzerland has launched a new COMBO CHALLENGE series of exciting running events for passionate runners.

Petaling Jaya, 13 October 2015 - In collaboration with the experienced Event Organiser, My Triathlon Shop, Compressport will be staging TWO races with TWO distances on TWO different terrains for the first time in Malaysia. The first part will be a Trail Run to be held in the picturesque surroundings of Putrajaya Wetland Park. The second part will be a Road Run  to be held in the modern landscape of Cyberjaya city. This Combo Challenge Series will give trail runners and road runners a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds under the single international Compressport marque.

For the first time, Compressport - the experts in high-quality performance sportswear - and My Triathlon Shop - a popular race organiser - have joined forces to offer runners a new running experience of the highest calibre. With their bigger pool of combined resources and know-how, runners can expect two thoroughly enjoyable and top quality running events from the opening of registration right up until the last runner has crossed the finish line. This Combo Challenge Series will offer something special for both the elite runners, as well as the novice runners - There is something for everyone, and you can be sure no one will be left behind nor left out!

To mark this very special occasion, 5 Compressport Ambassadors have been appointed in recognition of their passion for running and for their positive contributions to the running community. The 5 Compressport Ambassadors are wearing Compressport High Performance Compression Apparel which is fully made in Europe and is designed to give multi-sports athlete optimum performance.

Runners who are interested in signing-up for the events can register at www.Combochallenge.com

For more information and updates on COMPRESSPORT, please visit www.compressport.com

For more information and updates on MY TRIATHLON SHOP, please visit www.mytriathlonshop.com

For more information, please contact:

Gus Ghani | 012.298.1381 | gusghani@gmail.com

For more information on COMBO CHALLENGE:

KC Tan | 012.422.8666 | tan_kc3004@yahoo.com

1st step of Tokyo Mrathon (1stweek)

I started my Tokyo Marathon preparation by doing 10km run on treadmill which I clocked below 55 minutes on 6 October.

It's difficult sometimes to run at the same place for a long period. Nevertheless, there were another runner next to me running 10km too. Thus, I made him as my motivation. To ensure I go faster, I started with 10.5 and increased 0.5 for every 10 minutes and finally finished at 13.

Normally I will be tired when I reach 5km (mentally tired), but on that day, I was exited because there was a body builder on my left and acknowledged my endurance. That made me to move faster.

Thanks to 2XU compression socks which made me to hold my calf muscle from exerting and played part to be recovery tool.

Thereafter, I did a short swim of 200M on 10 October. It was good for both upper and lower body movement at controlled condition and without any sweat. yet, there were feelings tiredness and feltachieved something.

KL Marathon 2015

I was initially aiming to do below 4 hours (not PB) for this event. I was feeling it good as I did 4:09 in Kuching and had mindset could make it better for this run.

Then came the disaster of haze, where it disrupted my training especially on the long runs. Especially, when i really wanted to go long on Malaysia Day and Hari Raya Haji, I merely ran only 10km.

Was really hoping for the event to be postponed. Then the announcement came on Friday (2 Oct) that organisers will proceed with the run. When I woke up next day, I could already smell the smoke outside my room. The reading at 11am was already 121. I was constantly checking for Facebook, if there's any announcement from the organisers.

Of course a lot of runners showed the felling on the  Facebook too, but I was waiting for the answer from the horse's mouth. At 5pm the announcement came that the event is cancelled.

Feel relieved that I didn't had to make myself suffer with haze. On other side, it's always a sentimental race for me, since I did my personal best here.

Today, I went and collected the medal half heartedly with finisher shirt.

I'm not sure on next run for the year, as I have yet to register for any.

Hopefully I can run next year's edition.

Kuching Marathon

Date : 16 August 2015
Time : 3am
Location : Padang Merdeka

Distance : 42.126km (42.2 as per gps watch)

Shoe : Skechers Go Run 1
Shorts : Brooks, 2XU short compression pants
Vest : Brooks
Others :- 2XU calf guard
              - rudy project specks (polaroid lense)
              - 2XU hand sleeves

Timing : 4:09:10
Placing: 77



It was my 1st race outside Peninsular Malaysia. I wanted to do a good timing for this marathon and tried to reach my personal best.

Even before the race, I had stomach upset due to flight food.

As the race started at 3am, it was dark, but there were street lights. The crowd was lesser which could accommodate the logistics requirements.

I did light workout before the run and stretching, to ensure no muscle pulls.

Race started on time. I was in middle and manage to reach the starting line within 30 seconds (compared to KL marathon which is 3 minutes).

I went on 5.30pace and didn't want to push much. The route started with town, then went into the rural areas. Upon reaching 5km, suddenly I tripped and fell. There were small pothole and i couldn't see it due to darkness (absence of street light).

I didn't injure myself as I was wearing calf and hand sleeve. I manage to stand up immediately and continued running. The runners behind me tried to help too. I did my 10km around 50minutes.

Thereafter I feel like I'm pushing myself but I went on. At 21km I clocked 1:50. I knew, I can't reach my timing of below 4hours. Nevertheless, I wanted to do better than KL marathon timing.

People said, the route will be flat, but there were silent hills here and there. after 21km, the route was flat, and dark. Both sides were jungle. Thus it made the race boring. Upon reaching 30km, I started to be cautious. My timing was 3 hours. This time I took "electrolytes" tablets for every 10km. That has reduced my muscle fatigue especially after 30km. I only stopped at every water station. Didn't take more than 30 seconds.

When we reached 36km, the 21km runners joined us, but it didn't mess up the race. At 37km, there was huge overhead bridge, which looked like the bank negara hills. I just maintained my pace and tried to increase after that.

The last 2km was within the heart of the town, which was narrow roads. When I saw the last 500M signboard, I just pushed to maximum, and reached the finishing line.

I was given the medal and the finisher t-shirt of top 200. My timing was 4:09.10.

My 3rd all time best timing.

Now need to use it as my motivation to prepare for KL Marathon.


Good
1. Adequate marshals
2. Had distance marker at every km (atleast for every 2km)
3. Adequate water stations
4. Had muscle sprays
5. Had 2 power gel station
6. Special shirt was given for top 200
7. Had breakfast


Bad
1. Baggage deposit was RM5 (not refundable)
2. No street lights at certain point of place
3. Should extend the finishing time to 7 or 8 hours
4. To have proper signage at roundabout
5. Improper traffic control at the heart of town 

Photos of Kuching Marathon

How to Pick Running Shoes

Malaysia Fan Run - 31 May

It's my 5th run for the year. As usual, again in Putrajaya. I was really training hard for this so that I could record timing of lower than 45 minutes. But agony happened when I sprained my left calf on Friday. To make it worse, I had to pay RM10 as fine for late collection of the kit.

As I was limping on Saturday, I was contemplating, whether to go or no. Finally decided, let's just walk and get the medal. because I paid RM48, it would be a waste if I don't take part.

I reached there 25 minutes before the race. Didn't do much warm up apart from stretching. As the race started, I jogged slowly and did like 6 minutes pace for 1st 2km and 27 minutes for 1st 5km.

Halfway through, I got a bit energised, as I don't really feel the pain. It was even sweeter, when I meet Tengku Zafrul, CEO of CIMB. I told him "Hi Tengku, Nice seeing you" He replied " yeah man, keep it going:, by giving hi-5.

There were at least 4 water stations and I didn't feel much thirsty as I wasn't pushing much. The distance markers were not accurate.

Upon reaching the final km, I could see Wisma Tani, which means it's towards finishing. After the KBS junction, I sprinted , as it was only last 500M and I manage to overtake at least 5 runners.

My timing was 55:23 unofficial.

Good thing, after that, I manage to meet Syakilla Salni whom I admire as sportsperson. She was humble and tall. I took picture with her. couldn't sleep after that. Next I had chance to meet Tengku Zafrul and manage to chat with him. Glad to share my timing and upcoming runs. he was amazed.

It's my indirect resume to him.

Now, for 3 months no tournament. Just focus on mileage.

SHAPE Run - 11 April'15

This is my 3rd run for the year. Again it's a night affair and happens at Putrajaya.

I had to rush from Taylors University from my division contest. From a tip top corporate attire to stunning athletics attire.

As I reached there, I changed and did some warm up. Around 7.15pm, the cloud became dark ad started to rain like cats and dogs. I was hiding under the stall. The organizers were in questioning mind, whether to continue or not. As the lightning wad bad, the organisors said, they would cancel the event, should it stay till 8.30pm.

Around 8.15pm, the rain stopped and the organiser decided to flag off at 8.45pm. The weather was cooler than usual. I was at the 2nd row. When the race started. It was a fast run. Had to maintain my momentum to be placed in top 50.

At 3rdkm, had a bit of pain in the chest. I stopped for 20seconds, for my usual break, then my pain subsided. Thereafter, I didnt allow anyone to overtake me and I overtook whomever that overtook me during the break.

I saw Jessica towards the last 2 km and followed her and overtook her for last 500M. The route was boring for 7 to 9km till I could see the buildings of government complex.

When I came back, I had dinner, showered then, just fall flat on my bed. I'm happy with my timing of 51:53 for 11km at 28 placing. 

MHWH Run - 21 March

It's my 2nd run for the year.

didn't really target much. Just a below 1 hour mark was my target and I achieved it.

As I had to rush from Sunway, I left the place at 6pm and I thought I would reach by 6.45pm. Agony started half way when it rained. I was waiting at the Caltex station for 1 hour, but the rained didnt stop.

So I went to counter to get a redbull, but the system was down. That increased my stress. I quickly wear my rain coat and rushed to Putrajaya.

After Putra heights, the rain stopped. I manage to reach the place at 7.45pm. Then changed and went to starting lane. The queue was 200M. I had to squeeze between the runners. Luckily I saw Albert Tan, my former teamate in UM. So I followed him and we were at 6th row.

I didnt had time to strech or warm up, due to lateness.

As the race started, I was on good pace. I had to clear the slow runners and overtook them. Tried to follow the veteran champion, Susan, but she was faster towards the last 6km. As usual, I stopped for pit stop for 20seconds. That allowed atleast 10 runners to overtake me.

Nevertheless, I overtook them back. The distance marker looks a bit inaccurate. Anyway, it was good atleast, there were markers at every 3km. Water station was also there at every 3km.

Towards last 2km, I saw jessica. She overtook me, then I overtook her towards the last 1km. As usual, Putrajaya is known for the flyover. Towards the last 3km, it was just straight road, which made things boring.

When I reached last 500M, i tried to overtake the guy in front of me, but I just didn't had the endurace to push and settled at my place.

Next run is at the same place, Shape Run on April 11.

CNY Week runs

Long break has always been something which I was looking forward to. Last week, I had mileage of 67km, one of the highest for the past 4 years, and highest for the year.

Here's the breakdown:

22 Feb - 22km
21 Feb - 4.5km
20 Feb - 23km
18 Feb - 4.5km
17 Feb - 13.5km

for the 1st LSD, I brought only RM1.20. Unfortunately, Petronas was closed, So I had to go to 7-11. But the drinks were just exorbitant. As I was thinking about, I recalled, that there's a mamak shop at Publika.

So I bought a ice kosong at the shop which was only 50cents. But it was uncomfortable to carry the bag all the while. Anyway, I was not focusing speed.

for the 2nd lsd, I woke up late, so decided not to go very long. Good part was, I saw Carol at the IRB, so just accompanied her till the end of the race.  

Types of runners

Track workout

Since 2011, I never had a speed workout at track. In 2015, I decided to bring back the glory days. last 3 weeks, I have been doing 2000M with pacing of 4 to 5 minutes per km.

The was a day, I was about to do my 3rd set of 2000M, and my vest was heavy due to sweat. Thus, I decided to run without vest and it brought back my memories of training during KL and UM days. Thanks to my colleague, Jeannette taking picture. My other colleague saw my both legs on air and said, "ini kaki hantu"

Now, I have the eagerness, to rain more on track.

Types of upper and lower body workout