Running for Charity

It's not always that we get to combine our passion for life with charity work. When I first saw the StanChart KL Marathon (SCKLM) event, I was not sure of taking part. I've been increasing my mileage at the gym but a 10-km run is still a mid-distance run and if you intend to finish the run in reasonably good time, then you need be ready for it.



However once I saw that it has a Run for Cause (charity) option, that made up my mind. Yes, I'll run for charity and I'll get myself prepared for it. :)



The SCKLM event supports 5 charities;

• Standard Chartered Trust Fund
• Shelter Home for Children
• DHRRA Malaysia - Development of Human Resources in Rural Area
• NASOM - National Autism Society of Malaysia
• Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) - Protection of Malaysia's Natural Heritage

Since GREEN has often been a recent topic of discussion, I picked Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). Would have picked WWF if it was on the list *wink*

The deal is simple:

1. I sign up as a charity runner, select the non-profit org I wish to plege my donations to and then promote the charity event to solicit donation.
2. Those who wish to donate can just do so at the SCKLM website where each of us charity runners have a page of our own.
3. Once we managed to raise RM500, we'll get to take part in the run (Jun28).
4. All dollars raised by this initiative will be donated to the nominated charity organizations.

Of course, I could just sign up as a normal runner and paid RM50 and not have to worry about having to raise RM500 donations. I suppose being able to help raise some funds for one of these non-profit organizations would make the run much more meaningful.

If you wish to support me (and MNS) in my run for charity, you may donate via Stanchart at this webpage.
http://www.kl-marathon.com/charity/profile.asp?id=7&ch=5

On behalf of Malaysian Nature Society and our environment, I thank you in advance. Your kind support will go a long way to helping MNS achieve their conservation goals and help preserve the environment for our future generation. You can read more about MNS and their activities at their website: http://www.mns.my/

NATURE - Our Heritage, Ours to Protect!

Note: Stanchart can issue you tax-exemption receipt for your donation.

Adizero Tempo

They said you won't appreciate the value of a good trainer (running shoes) until you've had one. How true! I've been using an NB cross-trainer picked up at budget from Isetan a few years back when I started gyming at Fitness First.

In all fairness, the NB shoes have served me well... following me from Fitness First in 2006 to True Fitness in 2008 (till now). Obviously when you are at the gym and doing only a 2km run, any shoe would probably do as well.

Recently (as in Mar this year) when I started running more seriously... increasing my mileage to 5km per run... I started to feel "pain" in my feet. Initially I thot that's probably due to me pushing myself on the run and just told myself to take it easier.

The idea of taking part in a quarter marathon (10km) happened only when I chanced upon Stanchart's KL Marathon event (schd for June 28 this year). I was spurred by their Run for a Cause where you sign up, get ppl to support you by donating to a non-profit of your choice and you run for them!

Getting to take part in one of the more popular marathon in Msia and running for charity at the same time - can't miss this opportunity, right?

This would mean I need a proper running shoes as I'll be increasing my mileage to 10km or more as part of my training. With my feet already complaining at 5km, a good running shoes is essential.

A quick google told me I shud be looking at two choices: the Nike Lunar Trainer or the Adidas Adizero Tempo. Nike seems to have discontinued the Lunar Trainer, so it's the Tempo for me.



Bought it from the Adidas shop in Berjaya Times Square who happened to be having a sales; got 20% off for the Tempo. Still set me back about rm319. But it was worth the investment.

Even though I increased both the mileage and the speed at my next training runs at the gym, my feet no longer feels the "pain". The ForMotion cushioning is superb, and the shoes is incredibly light for a trainer.

It seems Adidas has come out with Tempo II now. If you are looking for a good, lightweight trainer and your feet type is neutral, give the Tempo a try. :P