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!!!

Direct Indirect

We had dinner outside yesterday.

When the food we ordered arrived, there was this stench smell coming out from nowhere. The smell was almost similar to the stench smell coming from a waste bin. 

"What is this weird smell?" I asked while scrutinizing my food.

I was half expecting it would be from the salad that was served with the chicken. I sniffed the salad. The smell wasn't exactly there though but it still smelled weird.

"Must be from this salad," and continued "Smells like waste bin."

The Mister who was initially didn't give much attention to me finally responded.

"If you work in the kitchen, you can definitely be a chef with bad mouth," he said.

"Huh? Why?"

"You don't filter your words. They are all very direct," he explained.

Ha!

Well, that stench smell did smell like it was from some smelly tong sampah. And I couldn't describe it better than being straight forward about it.

I have been told that a Sagittarian has very direct mouth and they could get into troubles for being too straight forward. I am aware of that . I sometimes do that and even though I have not gotten into serious troubles, some people tend to make a distance with me. I am not really bothered cos those who try to stay away from me are those I try to avoid being too close as well. And I have learned to control my straightforwardness when in public. So yes, I do bite my tongue most time.

I am glad that during those time I was being direct, I always find satisfaction in my act. Let me tell you a story of how being direct and spontaneous can lead to happy healthy feeling.

Once in Uni, I had a crush on a guy who resembles a Japanese actor whom I like. 

Two of my close friends knew about my crush and one of them had relaid my feeling to him without my consent. That made me more agitated whenever I see him around. I got nervous instantly at the sight of him. You know how one feels when she saw the one she admires, right? And most of all, I felt pressured to protect my feelings for him from being too obvious especially when my feelings was already discovered.

Long story short. One day when I was at the Uni's computer lab, I saw him coming and sitting just a few metres from where I sat. At that instant, I could feel my heart rate beating like mad. I was literally panting. Hot flushes in. I tried to concentrate with what I was doing. But every second I stared at the computer, I felt as if my heart was cheating on me by beating louder and louder. So loud, that it could have transmitted to that person I longed to talk with.

Why should I feel this way? He would have known how I feel by now. So it is no more a secret, right? You need to talk to him.

Talking to myself can sometimes help eases things out. Out of nowhere, courage empowered me.

Ok, let's do this Carol.

I stood up slowly. My gaze fixed on him. His eyes was still glued on the PC. I took a very deep breath and slowly made my way towards him.

" Hi Aru, what are you doing?"  Duh! What else would he be doing there staring at the computer, Carol?

He smiled and greeted me back.

I made myself sit next to him. Sensing that I was there to make a chat, he slowly turned the monitor towards me and showed some images he received via email. I looked at it and said, "Oh myyyy..." And, from that moment everything was blurry. Seriously.

I don't recall anything after that. Don't remember how long our chat took up. Or what else we talked about. Not even remember how I ended the chat. I really DO NOT remember anything!

You may say I am bluffing that I don't remember a thing. But this I have to say, I was too caught up having too much endorphins pumped to my brain that I was over the moon and wish to stay there for a long while. Ha!

But of course i remember getting back to my seat later on and a while after that, found him to be nowhere in sight anymore. LOL! He must have been terrified with my presence that he made a quick exit from the lab. 

Anyways, as much as the brief chat up looked like an embarrassment to me...I felt really good after that. I felt much relieved that I no longer have to keep this secret. I felt good that I somehow realized what this feeling I felt was about. I felt good that after a short conversation I was able to discover that all I wanted was to get close to him. To talk to him like normal friends would do. I no longer have to pretend that he doesn't know my feelings. And most important, I felt relieved that I know how to response to his presence every time I bumped on him. No, it did not end with happy note. Nor it ended sad either. We just carried on with our lives. I with mine and him with his.

The pressure to keep my feelings in the dark had eventually gotten out. I felt way happier and I no longer look at him at the corner of my eyes. Instead, I was able to smile to him albeit coyly whenever we met.

Where is Aru now? 

I don't know. But I wish him a happy life.

My point is, should I still keep my feelings hidden from him. I could ended up bitter until now. I would still think of him often and feel incomplete, hang and unanswered.

So yes, being direct (in my case, action) is not that bad. You just need to be prepared of the consequences. Just like any other actions we take in life. Cos being happy is a choice.

P/S : Speaking of crush, I have a new celebrity crush. And I don't always fall for Korean guys knowing Koreans and their love for plastic surgery and such. But this one is exceptional.  ^_^

SO JI SUB.

A different kick-off

Not really a New Year post eh?

I am still here. Still blog hopping whenever possible. Still browsing my blog once in a while. Just no intention to post anything. Life has been pretty busy on my other social networking sites i.e. Facebook, Instagram. Hence, the lack attention in here.

42 days had passed since New Year and proud to say that, I have not been sleeping past 9am anymore. On working days, it's inevitable to wake up at 5am because of work. But on weekends, it would be 6am. Why?

My first Yoga at the beach on the first Saturday of 2014.

If it isn't Yoga, I would turn to running to get my ass up in the morning.

I say, this is a different start to my 2014. Before, I always look forward weekends to wake up after 8am. Now, even though I am still depending on alarm clock, waking up isn't much of a problem anymore. Of course, there are times when I feel like cuddling under the blanket. Like those time in Jan when rain continuously pouring night and day. But, the thought of 'If I wake up late, I'll miss my morning yoga session' kind of bugged me.

And why do I love morning work out?

I've ran and do yoga in the evening. Most of the time actually. But, nothing beats the feeling of having to see the sun goes up while you run. Or doing the Downward Dog while listening to birds coming out of their nests. The quietness of morning before it turns to buzz due to day time activities. It just feel so refreshingly amazing. 

The great post-work out sensation plus the wonderful experience of nature very much affect my soul, my perception of life and how I would live it. This may sound cliche but yes, this whole working out thingy makes me feel content about living my life. I remember blogging about this end of last year; feeling unfinished. Somehow, the blockage that I was experiencing at that time kind of drifted away now. I feel... cleared.

Another great thing, my other half is on the bandwagon as well. And really determined about it too. He started his gym routine in Jan at 95kg. Fast forward a month and almost half, he is now 87kg. Almost 10kg! He is very disciplined on his work out regime that I am expecting he would soon turn to a work out junkie more than I.


So yeah... this year seems to be looking at fitness and health in our book in the hope that with such healthy life style will eventually bring more goodness and benefits into our lives. Whatever they are.

A toast to a healthy way of living!

*hugs*

Best of 2013

I usually browse through my blog entries in order to do my yearly reflection. But not being religious in posting blog entries here since early in the year (Read: 1-3 post a month) as well as decided to terminate my self-domain when it reached its 6th year anniversary, there's nothing much to reflect from my blog.

But.

I do Instagram!

Most of my best moments were captured and posted on Instagram. So, I can safely say that my reflections are mostly documented there.

Here's 5 snapshots of my best moments on Instagram.

They pretty much conclude what I have been up to this year.....
My love for dressing up, yoga, relationship and my dog, Bam Bam the Mini Pinscher. Although, I'm positive my Cerita Kuku would have topple the rest cos they always get the most likes. Too bad I have removed them from my personal account to another account on Instagram.

Another year passed by, with many bitter and sweet memories, experience learned and hope and faith for the future.

Au Revoir 2013 and Happy New Year 2014!

*hugs*

Ring the bells, Emmanuel has come!

Blessed Christmas to all!

From:

Mr & Mrs Alvin Ting

XOXO