I'm up for Full.

I'm always grateful for I have friends around me when I work for my (life) goals.

Last year during PBIM, Gray, my first running buddy, said she's going to do Full next year. It's great to know friends are upgrading and getting more serious about what they are doing. I tried visualizing myself running for a 42km but all I see was a blurry vision of me running and panting and having major aching legs.

You see, when I'm into something (and I think most people with goals do), I visualize these goals and how to achieve them. If I am up for them, there's this surge of fire from within that starts to slowly rise and spark my entire being to stay motivated for the goals. So if I feel this fire, I know I am REALLY going for them. Well, I didn't feel this when I visualize running for Full Marathon. Not yet, I tell myself.

Thing is, this whole running for Full Marathon bugged me ever since. Especially knowing the other running buddies are also upgrading themselves. I mean, if they are up for it, why can't I?

"Kau pigi lari pun on and off, how are you going to run for a full? Baru Half pun kapus2," my consciousness tells me.

Okay lah, wait for the right time then.

This unsettling feeling, they never leave me. It's like I have decision still undecided despite telling myself I am not ready for it.

However yesterday... after some reflection routine I do when I'm into some life-changing and mind boggling matters, I decided to give it a go. It's funny how a decision to pursue my studies can trigger the spark to run for a 42km race.Ha!

I have not sign up for any 42 yet as I have already booked myself a Half Marathon for Borneo International Marathon in May, chasing for PB. The most apt run I have to do my Full will be PBIM. Besides, I think the PBIM 42km route is less harsh than the BIM. Hopefully.

So yeah, I am going for Full Marathon this year!!!

By the way, here are some photos during my first run in 2015. We ran 12km for the Alliance Bank Coastal Run 2015. Fun run indeed.

 

 

To Onzie Or Not.

"Why do you need to buy again if you still have more?" asked the husband.

"But I don't have enough", she replied.

"Yes, you do. If you wash them on daily basis, you would have enough for 7 days a week."

Snort.

That's me and my pension for pretty yoga clothing. But then again, this isn't just about yoga. You know, once you are into fashion and pretty clothing (or you're just born shopaholic), does not matter what type of sports you are into, you will find ways to wear attire that definitely helps with motivation to keep exercising. For instance, when I was into Zumba I was not spared in getting all crazy about their super punchy Zumba attires. Plus they are made of good quality material and fit perfectly for kick-ass Zumba workout. I still wear my Zumba racer back tank top cos they are so comfy I don't even have to wear anything underneath. 

Then came running. I can't be running a marathon (doesn't matter if it's a only a 10KM distance) in bulky track bottom and loose T-shirt, right? And of course I need one that can absorb heat, dry fast when sweating etc. So I look for a good quality running attires. That's what Nike, Adidas, Reebok bla, bla, bla are made of.

When I started Yoga, I wore my Nike training crop pants and a tank top. I thought, this is good. I don't need a shoe to work out. Even a pjs will do. Eventually, I realized I do need some sort of suitable yoga clothing to go with my practice cos there are some stretchy pants that look comfy but don't actually deliver what they claim. Then, I was introduced with certain brand names like Onzie, Liquido, Dharma Bums, Teeki Bum and lots more. I still have my doubts that these so-called yoga clothing are different. That they are equal comfort the like of Nike and Adidas until I wore my first Onzie capri pants. Later, I experimented with Dharma Bums and there's no turning back.

So, what is it with this branded clothing that gives high on people like me?

Well, first... they are GUARANTEED comfortable for wearing. I can wear them all day! The material used (mostly Polyester and Spandex mix) is breathable and moisture wicking. They feel like my second skin.

Second, and this is the obvious reason; the designs. Most of these brands offer vibrant and fresh designs. You couldn't resist looking (and buying). I know sports brands like Nike, Adidas and recently Reebok are coming up with such similar design concept as well but somehow, IMO these brands still lacking something in terms of materials used.  

Third, it definitely provides extra confident especially when you are working outdoors. It's something like dressing up for a dinner party. If people turns their head for you, and you are certain your choice of clothes and style are the reason for this attention, isn't that a sure instant confidence booster? When I wear my yoga pants, they snugged into me comfortably giving me the relaxation of wearing that I needed. This comfort makes me feel confident. Plus the punchy colors of my pants, that surely is a head-turner. 

Lastly, you don't need any other clothing other than these when wearing. Confused? The way these pants are tailored and sewn, there's this specific pattern at the vjj area that caters for comfort around it. So when wearing this kind of yoga pants, you won't need any other undies inside. This definitely saved you from VPL issue.

 

The thing about these made-for-the-sports clothing is the price tag. They always made a hole out of your pocket. When I first bought two items from Onzie, shipped directly from the US, they cost me about 450 bucks. If the buying stops at just two, that amount is considered OK. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Of course I want MORE. But after 4 pairs of Onzie, a pair of Dharma Bums and Red Tiger each, a few Body Angel Active Wear and Beyond Yoga bra top... I decided to be prudent in my buying. Only do transactions when the items are on Sale. Ha! Cheapskate, I know. But even when these brands are on sale, they still cost at least a hundred buck you know.

A note to you: This is not my attempt to lull you into buying expensive yoga clothes. I'm just saying this based on my experience. If you are interested to know this experience I'm talking about, it's your call. *wink*

So cheers to pretty yoga attire!

At it again!

Ha! So much for an update.

Around this time, on this blog, you would be reading a long paragraph and paragraph of my resolutions and hopes for the new year. Yes, this will be it as well.

I have only two posts in 2014 and one of it was about my 2014 resolutions.

A Different Kick Off

I have to admit that out of many resolutions I have laid out throughout my blogging years (8 years minus one year of inactive blogging if you are counting), the one I penned down last year was the only resolution that have turned VERY much how I pictured it.

Yoga. Well, if you are with me on Instagram (btw my IG handle is @chegucarol) and Facebook, you would have known how much involved I have been with my practice.  I did have an opportunity to extend my practice for a Yoga Teacher Training course but realized I could not commit to it, yet.

As for running (a marathon), I signed up for two Half Marathons early in the year and one 15km trail run came later, out of curiosity. The quantity of runs I did aren't impressive but it was what I have set for 2014 and gladly to say that I finished them all unexpectedly better than my target.

Slacking in my practice and running? Of course I did. There were times (like today) that I dreaded to wake up early. Or tried giving excuses to come to yoga class in the evening. But overall, it has been good with my health and fitness resolution. Physically, I build some muscles and toned a lil' bit. And I know, cos I get more of that comments last year. Ha!

2015?

The same resolution sticks. They say, why change when the current one still good to go. So yes, health and fitness will be on top list. I've signed up for Borneo International Marathon doing Half again. Looking forward the X12 Dark Run and PBIM (again) as well as more short distance runs in town. Read: Alliance Bank Charity Run, Penampang 10K Run. And on yoga, my yoga teacher whom class I attended last year has given me the green light to venture into other type of yoga practice, with different yoga teacher. So instead of doing Hatta, I'm focusing on increasing my strength and flexibility via Ashtanga yoga. If I haven't made this obvious, I'm telling you now that I am EXCITED about this whole yoga transitioning thingy despite friends telling me Ashtanga practice will break me into pieces. Ha! That's me being drama a bit.

I have some other matters to be given utmost attention for this year too but that shall remain behind close door.^__*

Oh, where's my manners?

Happy New Year everyone!!!