For a higher cause

In most things I do, I almost always do it in the interest of myself. However, after running the KL half marathon and witnesing my cousin and jimmy galloping to the finish line after a gruelling 42.195km, it strucked me that maybe we should believe in doing things for a higher cause and not just for one's own interest. Running my second official half marathon without stopping and clocking a personal best timing meant nothing much to me cause I did it for myself. I enrolled for the run and went through with it for the glory of completing all 21.6km.

You see, jimmy and my cousin joined the 'run for a cause' category for the full marathon and collected a joined amount of RM1532 for Shelter Home Malaysia. It's people like Jimmy and my cousin that drives me to be a better person and to improve and grow in stature. What they did was purely from the heart and a great example to follow. They used their passion which is running to contribute to the society. Someting not everyone is capable of. People normally do things for the benefit of something, like buying a new shoe, a bag or maybe an Apple Iphone. These are mere materials that do not justify a person for whom they are.

Being in charity organisations for years and organising various charity events, I myself still could not grasp the true meaning of charity. Is it just giving with a generous heart or is there more to it than meets the eye? Ultimately, it all boils down to value and how much of a value it means to help people. Money can never be the sole replacement for personal touch and precious time spent with the needy.

With all said, I think I am inspired after last sunday's run, inspired to better myself and to start learning how to do things for a higher cause. Maybe I would follow in my cousin's footsteps to running for a higher cause. I have an aim, to complete a full marathon by next year but not for myself and all the glory that comes with it. It's for the goal of helping someone who needs it. I have my sights aimed, locked and loaded.

Running Footwear!

Currently listening to: No Surprise, Daughtry


Just like tyres to cars, running shoes to runners are equally as essential. Which is why, I always advise my juniors to get themselves a decent pair of running shoes if they are really serious in making running a hobby. From New balance to Asics, Mizuno to Brookes, Saucony to Adidas just to name a few, a runner can really be spoiled for choice as all brands offer a vast variety of arch support, design and cushoning shoes to cater to every runner's needs. Ever wonder why I left out NIKE?? Simply because running with a Nike shoe will increase your risk of injury. Unless you get their Air Pegasus series which is engineered for road running. So, what's good aesthetically may not be good in it's essence.

Just last year September, I got myself a pair of New Balance 1224s. A top of the range support shoe from New Balance with emphasis on protection in terms of cushioning and stability. With the Abzorb DTS in the heel and and Absorb SBS in the forefoot for cushioning, risk of injury can be reduced. Then there is medial posting and a midfoot shank to add stability and support to the arch of my foot. Tadaa!! My running baby..haha..



However, all the cushoning and support stability shoes provide, compromises the perfomance of the shoe in short to middle distance runs ie. 15km and below. This is due to their heavier weight at about 350 grams for each shoe. Nonetheless, it is an absolute luxury to have those NB 1224s when I run long distance. I remembered the NB sales person saying, once I release the support gel and season the shoe by running on it for about 5km, the shoe is ready for any race. True to what he said, until now it still serves me well. Even after 200km plus in it, the wear is moderate and still gives me the constant support I need!

Shifting gears, I might have revealed that I am working to buy something new! haha drum roll....








Introducing the Saucony Grid Fastwitch 3 in White/Green/Citron! The Saucony Fastwitch is a versatile lightweight racer/trainer which is suitable for either tempo running or race day use. With a medial post giving some mild support for over pronators. If people tell you that sometimes in this world, you can't have everything. Finding this shoe was an exception. It is like merging the best of both worlds. It provides the support I need and also gives me performance in races due to its lighter weight weighing in at a mere 200 grams per shoe.

You can imagine the smile on my face when I placed my order today. Thanks alot Jia Wei!! you see, Saucony shoes are rather exclusive in Malaysia. We have to go through a dealer to purchase them cause there just no retail shops in Malaysia.

Going to try them out by next week. Till then KL Standard Chartered Marathon here I come!!