Thank You 2025

2025 was meaningful in quiet ways. This year taught me the importance of slowing down and being more present. 

Runs that kept me steady.

Time with family that truly mattered. Travels that reminded me how big the world is. 

I am grateful for the kindness, love, and everyone I met this year. Even the brief conversations, shared moments, and quiet support meant more than you’ll ever know. 

Ending the year with gratitude, and carrying these moments forward into whatever comes next ☺️ 

May x

Putting Some Dates on the Calendar

I didn’t announce anything.

No dramatic goals.

No “this is my year” declaration.

After sharing how my running journey started and where I am now, this felt like the right next step. Nothing loud. Nothing flashy. Just giving my running a bit of direction again.

AI-generated image 

All three runs on the calendar are ballot races. I know how lucky I am to even get a spot, so I’m genuinely grateful. No expectations, no entitlement. I'm just thankful for the chance to stand on those starting lines.

Putting these dates down isn’t about making big promises. It’s about giving myself direction without pressure. Training steadily. Respecting my body. Allowing recovery. Accepting that some weeks will be better than others.

There may be a few more races along the way if one becomes available and timing allows. No fixed plans. Just joining when it feels right.

For now, it’s simply about showing up and seeing where the road takes me.

May x

Reflections from My 2025 Races

2025 wasn’t a big race year for me. I only participated in 4 running events.

And for a while, that felt… small.

But not to forget, I took part in #Global6KForWaterSG, clocking 694.69km from Sept to Nov 2025, and raised some funds along the way. Knowing that every kilometre represented something bigger than myself made it meaningful. 🫶🏻

Looking back, this year wasn’t about chasing medals or filling up a race calendar. It was about staying connected to running, keeping the habit alive, and simply showing up.

Every run, whether in an event or not, reminded me of why I started. Not gonna lie, keeping momentum isn’t easy. I do have a big, fat lazy worm in me 😅.

2025 reminded me that progress doesn’t always look loud. Not about numbers. Not about speed. Just the simple joy of finishing the run and enjoying the race.

It’s been 4 years since my lifestyle changed. I moved, I left, and with remote work and frequent travel, it hasn’t been easy to build a regular running circle like before. I miss the days when every run, every event, and even evening jogs in the park meant seeing familiar faces.

So I’m really hoping to slowly get back into the running community — to meet new people, exchange running tips, and learn from each other along the way. Hopefully, with the power of the digital world, we’ll find each other. 

May x

My Running Journey

I wasn’t athletic when I was young. I loved running, but I was never fast enough to compete properly. The only “competitions” I joined were school sports days, running for my house. That was about it.

After I started working, keeping fit wasn’t a priority at all. Exercise wasn’t even in my dictionary. Running? Training? A healthy lifestyle? I didn’t think about any of that. Life was about work, getting things done, and moving on to the next thing.

I started running again in 2012 with my 🐷 sister and her friend, our adik bongbongsu. My first run was a 10km race. No training. I honestly thought, “How hard can 10km be?” Trust me — it was brutal. My legs were so sore I walked like a crab for days.

But somehow, I went back for more. Slowly, my sister and I continued this running journey together. She has always been my biggest motivator to keep running. My second race — again, with no proper training — was 17km. Painful, tiring, uncomfortable… yet I started to enjoy these little tortures and challenges. Our motto back then was “lambat janji sampai” — and I added “dan selamat”. Years ago, there were quite a lot of accidents during races. It was scary. Finishing safely mattered more than speed.

I couldn’t fully commit to running at that time because I was doing my degree and later my master’s, mostly on weekends. But once I completed my studies in 2016, I ran whenever I could. Weekends became running days. I met many running friends through events. I even flew to nearby “overseas” destinations just to run, because there weren’t many running events in Penang back then. I was addicted.

There were podium finishes at small races. The excitement. The community. The routine.

Then COVID happened. Everything stopped. We were locked inside our homes. I lost my running momentum. I lost touch with my running friends. When things slowly opened up again, work took over. My job demanded more time and presence, and running became my way to release stress rather than something competitive. Events no longer crossed my mind — I never knew where I would be in a few months’ time anyway.

I still enjoy running a lot. Training matters. Friends matter. Having people around you makes a difference — you push each other, encourage each other, and show up together. Most of those friends are now on their own paths, and that’s okay. Fair play to them. I’ve been away from home for a long time since COVID. I left Penang. I left Malaysia.

Running stayed — just in a different form.

Age is catching up — I feel it. Recovery takes longer. Niggles don’t disappear overnight. I’m not as fearless as I was in my twenties, and I don’t bounce back the same way anymore. But I also know myself better now.

I don’t want to run aimlessly anymore. I want objectives. I want goals. Not to prove anything to anyone. Not to chase podiums. But to give my running a direction again — something to work towards, something that makes me show up even on days when motivation is low.

This comeback isn’t about being faster than others. It’s about being consistent with myself. Training smarter. Respecting my body. Setting realistic targets — whether that’s finishing strong, improving endurance, staying injury-free, or simply showing up week after week.

I’ve learnt that running changes as you age, and that’s okay. These days, my goal is simple — finish the run and enjoy the race. No pressure, no chasing others, just showing up and getting it done.

This comeback is quieter, more intentional, and hopefully more meaningful in its own way.

May x

My First Run in the Brooks Glycerin 22

I’ve been running mostly in the Brooks Ghost range for training and the Launch 8 for events, so trying a different shoe felt like taking a slight step out of my comfort zone. I’m not someone who knows much about running shoes, so switching models usually means I need a bit of reassurance first.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried a few different shoes and some of them ended up causing discomfort and pain in my legs. Coupled with an ankle injury from a year ago, it has made me much more cautious about the shoes I wear. These days, comfort, stability, and how my body feels after the run matter more to me than anything else.

So, I put on my thick skin and reached out to a fellow runner I’ve only chatted with online, the sifu himself, @im_tristupe. Thankfully, he was generous with his advice and explained things in a way that even someone like me could understand. That gave me enough confidence to give the Brooks Glycerin 22 a go.

Brooks Glycerin 22

The explanation that stuck with me was this: DNA Tuned foam.

In simple terms, it’s dual-density cushioning — soft when you’re running slow, and firmer when you pick up the pace. I’ll be honest, I’m still scratching my head trying to fully understand how it works, but the idea made enough sense for me to give it a try.

On paper, it sounded like a shoe that prioritises comfort without feeling dead or overly soft — something that felt suitable for where I am right now, especially with an ankle that still needs a bit of care.

I took the Glycerin 22 out for a 10km run and ran over the new Gurney Bridge, a familiar route that allowed me to focus more on how the shoes felt rather than the scenery (though I still ended up taking photos anyway).

Straight away, the comfort stood out. The ride felt smooth, cushioned, and stable. There was no awkward breaking-in phase, which is always a relief. Despite the extra cushioning, the shoe didn’t feel sluggish. It still responded when I increased my pace slightly.

And yes — I did feel a bit taller. The extra foam underfoot provides a subtle lift, which took a few minutes to get used to, but never felt unstable.

What stood out for me after this first run:

• Very comfortable from the start
• Soft and well-cushioned, but still responsive
• A stable ride that gave me some confidence, especially with my ankle

It feels like a shoe that’s more focused on taking care of your legs rather than pushing you to go faster.

Is It a Race Day Shoe? From what I’ve read, the Glycerin 22 probably isn’t the shoe I’d pick if I were chasing a PB on race day. It leans more towards comfort than speed.

That said, I’m not chasing a PB for a while until I’m ready again. So in my case, it feels like one stone hits two birds (literally, not real birds). It works well for training, could still handle race day if needed, and I don’t feel pressured to buy another pair just for speed. That alone saves some money.

Unless I have a sponsor — then having another pair wouldn’t be a problem. 😅

This is only my first run and just 10km, so these are very early thoughts. I’m not making any big claims yet. Shoes tend to reveal their true personality after more mileage — longer runs, tired legs, and different paces.

For now, the Brooks Glycerin 22 feels like a comfortable and sensible choice that matches where I am in my running journey — cautious, healing, and focused on consistency rather than speed. I’ll share more once I’ve spent more miles in them.

If you’ve run in the Glycerin range, feel free to share your thoughts.

May x

Mindful Running: Small Acts Matter

I recently came across a race clip shared by a runfluencer. Later, I had a casual chat with another runner who had reposted it on social media. I usually don’t watch clips all the way through, but that day — helped by Instagram’s x2 fast-forward — I did. And it made me pause.

It got me thinking about something we rarely talk about: how we use hydration stations during races.

Image created by ChatGPT

In the image, which I recreated using AI, a runner grabs a cup of water and splashes it over himself. Totally relatable. Anyone who has raced in the heat knows how desperate that moment feels. Cooling down can feel like survival.

But here’s the part that made me stop.

Hydration stations are hectic. Sweaty runners rush in, their hands moving fast, as cups are everywhere. The water being splashed often comes from the cups meant for drinking. And just a step behind that runner, volunteers are carefully setting up cups for hundreds — sometimes thousands — of runners still to come.

From the front of the pack, this probably looks normal. Efficient. Quick. No time to think.

From further back, it looks… different.

Sweat, water, and fast-moving hands are happening right next to cups that others are about to drink from. And honestly, I don’t want to drink your sweat. I believe most runners wouldn’t want to either.

Perhaps this stood out even more because not long ago, we were all far more conscious of hygiene. COVID-19 changed how we thought about shared spaces, contact, and cleanliness. For a while, we were careful, especially with things near our mouths. As races returned and life felt normal again, that awareness quietly faded.

I’m not saying we need to panic or race in fear. However, a bit of mindfulness around hygiene, particularly at shared points like hydration stations, still matters.

To be clear, this isn’t about blaming fast runners or calling anyone out. Racing at speed is intense, and decisions are made in split seconds.

I’m a runner too... just not an elite or front-packer. I experience races from the middle or back of the pack, where hydration stations are more crowded, slower, and sometimes chaotic. Maybe that perspective is why this stood out to me.

It made me wonder:

• Can we be a bit more mindful at water stations?
• Is there a way to cool down without affecting drinking water meant for others?
• Can race etiquette include hygiene too — not just pacing and racing lines?

I know saying this might invite comments like “then don’t race” or “just stay home." But that’s not the point.

Hydration stations are shared spaces. They rely heavily on volunteers who show up early, stand for hours, and do their best to support every runner — fast or slow. A small action at the front can create a ripple effect further down the course.

Just a gentle note to fellow runners, please don’t cancel me 😅 I’m not here to judge, shame, or act like I know better. I’m simply sharing what I observed, and how it made me think a little deeper about race etiquette and consideration for others.

If this post makes even one person pause for half a second at the next water station, then it’s done its job.

Running may be individual, but races are communal.

And sometimes, awareness starts with noticing the small things.

May x

Up High, Doing the Hard and Dirty Work

Watching from my unit today, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and gratitude.

Over 20 floors up, workers were on a gondola, blasting our building walls with high-pressure water to get ready for a fresh coat of paint. Our block is almost 40 storeys — and seeing them handle this “dirty job” so steadily, rain or shine, really hit me.

Most of them are foreign workers. It’s the kind of work nobody notices, nobody thanks them for, and honestly, it’s not considered glamorous or professional. But someone has to do it. And it matters.

I had a short chat with one of them — he’s been here for seven years and says he loves Penang. It reminded me that behind every wall we take for granted, in our building or anywhere else, there are people dedicating their sweat and courage.

Next time anyone looks up at a building or property, I hope they’ll think of these workers — and appreciate the work they do.

May x

Pattaya Marathon 2025

Yesterday, I took part in the Pattaya Marathon 2025. I ran the Half Marathon instead of the Full Marathon. And honestly, that was one of the best decisions I made. I wasn’t trained enough for the 42km beast, and by the end of my 21km, I knew I made the right call.

Credits to photo@thai.run

My only goal was to finish — no pressure on timing — and I crossed the line in 2:29:58 (though my Garmin said 2:30:05, but let’s not argue with chip time 😅).

The morning started off with a drive to the starting line, and as I was on the way, I saw full-marathon runners already on the route near where I stayed. They were probably 12–15km into the race, and I had one of those “oh wow, 42km is really far” moments. It made me respect the full marathoners even more.

The weather held up — thankfully, no rain — but it was incredibly windy throughout the run. While running along Pattaya Beach and Jomtien, the strong winds were blowing sand straight into my face and onto my body. It honestly felt like I was getting a free (and not entirely pleasant) scrub. 😂

Credits to photo@thai.run

One thing I really loved about the experience was the energy along the route. The cheer crews were fantastic — colourful, loud, and full of good vibes. The water stations placed every 2 km were a real lifesaver, especially with the wind and heat.

But not everything was pretty. There was a stretch along Beach Road that had the most brutal sewer stench. I’d been warned about it beforehand, but nothing quite prepared me for how awful it would be. It hit hard, and I definitely held my breath longer than I thought possible.

Physically, the race had its challenges. I had one pee stop, and cramps decided to visit me right at 18km and again at 19km. I slowed down, walked a little, and just kept going — and I’m grateful those moments weren’t caught on camera (I hope 😅).

Crossing the finish line felt amazing — not just because of the sense of accomplishment, but because of the food trucks waiting there. I’m not exaggerating when I say they made the effort feel completely worth it.

A big shoutout to the organisers, volunteers, and photographers — the event was so well-run, and I truly appreciated all the support along the way. And I absolutely loved the photos that were taken — such great memories to keep.

It wasn’t the easiest run, but it was a meaningful one. A test of endurance, mindset, and a reminder that sometimes, just showing up and finishing is more than enough.

May x

Running with Purpose: Why I’m Taking On the Global 6K for Water

Image from World Vision Singapore

Every day, children in vulnerable communities wake up and begin a journey, not to school, not to play, but to collect water.

Nearly 6 kilometres.

That’s the average distance they walk just to fetch water that’s often dirty, contaminated, and dangerous.

And that’s the same distance I’m running — but for a very different reason.

This year, I’m participating in the World Vision Singapore Global 6K for Water, and I’ve set a personal goal:

🏃‍♀️ Run/Walk 600KM

💙 Raise SGD 1,200.00

Why? Because I believe every child deserves the chance to be healthy, to learn, and to simply be a child.

But this daily walk for water robs them of that chance. It steals their health as they fall ill from waterborne diseases. It disrupts their education because they’re too tired or miss school altogether. And it takes away their childhood, time that should be spent laughing, playing, and dreaming.

💧 Clean Water Changes Everything

It’s so easy to take clean water for granted — the simple act of turning on a tap, filling a glass, or taking a shower. However, for many children and families around the world, access to clean water remains out of reach.

The good news? We can help change that.

Just $60 can provide one child with sustainable access to clean water through World Vision's life-changing water projects. These include the installation of boreholes, water tanks, and piped water systems, bringing clean water closer to homes and schools.

This year, World Vision Singapore aims to reach 10,000 children across Asia and Africa — and I want to do my part to help achieve this goal.🌍 Want to Learn More?

You can read more about the Global 6K for Water movement and how it’s changing lives by visiting:

🔗 https://global6k.worldvision.org.sg

There, you’ll find more inspiring stories, learn how the funds are used, and even register to take on the challenge yourself.

🙌 How You Can Help

I’m inviting you to join me on this journey. You can:

✅ Donate to my campaign — any amount makes a difference

✅ Take on the Global 6K yourself — run, walk, or hike anytime, anywhere between 5 Sep and 20 Nov 2025

✅ Spread the word — share this cause with your friends, family, or community

Together, we can make every step count.

✨ Running with Purpose

Running has always been personal for me — a space to challenge myself and clear my mind. But now, it’s about something bigger.

With every kilometre I run, I’m thinking of the children who walk those same distances daily, not by choice, but by necessity.

- I’m running for them.

- I’m running for clean water.

- And I’m running because every child deserves that chance.

🔗 Support my campaign here:

👉 https://global6k.worldvision.org.sg/participant!P00047GO

Thank you for reading — and for walking (or running!) alongside me on this mission.

May x

Update: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025

The latest update from the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025 (ATMBKK2025) Facebook page!

Image credit: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok official Facebook page

The eighth edition of ATMBKK will be held on 30 November 2025, starting at the familiar MBK Centre. Registration opens on 1 July 2025, 10 a.m.!

For more information, please visit the official event websites:

• www.atmbkk.com 
• www.amazingthailandmarathon2025.com
  

For those who’ve followed my running journey, you might remember that last year I chose ATMBKK over Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) because, for the past few years, the 2 events were scheduled on the same weekend. I also blogged about how the ATMBKK start was a bit chaotic, with both half and full marathon runners starting together, and honestly, being placed in Pen 4 was a bit depressing for me. 

You can read more about my experience here: My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024.

Well, interestingly, this year the event dates don’t clash. ATMBKK is on 30 November, and SCSM is on 7 December 2025. That opens up the possibility of doing both! I’m still undecided if I’ll sign up again, but if I do, I might just go for the half marathon instead of the full, since the following weekend I’ll be aiming for the SCSM full marathon. It actually gives me the opportunity to treat the ATMBKK half marathon as a long run — a good prep to keep my legs fresh without overdoing it.

For now, there’s not much more information released, but I’ll be keeping an eye out and will share updates when they come.

Anyone else planning to join ATMBKK 2025? Let me know!

May x

Moving, Even When It’s Hard

After being knocked out sick for the past few days, I had absolutely zero energy to do anything. Even lifting a finger felt heavy. I’ve been sluggish, just lying around binge-watching Netflix. Yesterday, I still had an excuse because of all the rain, but today… Well, I watched five episodes of a K-drama, downed three cups of coffee, and ate the leftover food from the fridge.

I felt like I was melting into the couch while my mind was itching to restart my fitness journey.

It’s a strange feeling. In my head, I wanted to do so many things, but my body simply wouldn’t cooperate.

Still, I guess my stubborn mind won out today. It’s a small victory, but it matters.

My body had no energy, honestly — I was half-hoping the rain wouldn’t stop so I’d have a reason to stay put. But when the rain cleared, I told myself: just walk out the door. There's no need to push. Just try. My chest still feels hollow from this cough, so I didn’t aim for anything big. I started with a 1 km walk, then ran 3 km. By the end of that third kilometre, I felt like I was about to pass out, so I cooled down with another 1 km walk.

It was getting dark anyway. It was muddy and there were dogs around, so I headed home and did a few easy dumbbell reps. Nothing fancy, nothing intense — just doing my best.

And you know what? I’m happy I got out there. The beach was lovely. The breeze helped. I’m learning to listen to my body and simply do what I can. Trying, little by little, to feel a bit more like myself again.

Anyway, that’s my little update today. Anyone else out there pushing through the blah days? Drop me a comment or DM — I’m curious how you deal with days when your body and mind aren’t quite in sync.

May x

Just When I Thought I Was Back, I Got Knocked Down

Believe it or not, just the day after I posted my last update, I got sick. The symptoms felt like COVID. I didn’t get tested, but the tiredness and cough were enough to tell me something was off.

My running shoes are also in healing mode. 

It was frustrating because I was just starting to get my momentum back. But maybe it’s a reminder that progress isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and we have to slow down, rest, and be kind to ourselves.

So, I’m taking this as part of the journey. Healing first, then getting back on track — stronger and more determined.

Have you ever faced a setback just as you were gaining momentum? How did you get back on track?

May x

Finding My Way Back

I won’t sugarcoat this. I’ve been slacking on my workouts, and now my body’s paying the price.

I noticed it after last week’s run. Actually, no—I lied. It’s been a while. This didn’t happen suddenly. It crept up slowly, skipping a workout here, cutting a run short there, convincing myself that a walk or an occasional PT session would balance it all out. I thought I was doing “enough” to maintain things, but the truth is, I wasn’t paying attention.

And then the signs started showing. My clothes, the ones that used to make me feel good, stopped fitting the way they used to. I noticed it first when I pulled on an old dress, and it felt tighter than I remembered, with my belly hanging out. Then came the feeling when I was running, the uncomfortable bounce and that little voice in my head asking, "How did I get here?"

It’s tough to admit, but I let it slide. I’m the one who got myself into this situation.

But here’s the thing: I don’t want to stay stuck. I’m not chasing perfection or some unrealistic ideal. I just want to feel like me again — the version of myself who moves with energy, feels strong, and is comfortable in her own skin. I'm 44 this year.

So now, I’m trying to find my way back.. one run at a time, one small choice at a time. It’s not glamorous, it’s not instant, and honestly, it’s humbling. But it’s necessary.

If you’ve ever felt this way, too, lost your rhythm, lost motivation, or felt like you’ve drifted... how did you get yourself back? What helped you regain your momentum? I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or even just your story.

Progress is progress, no matter how small the step.

May x

Supersports 10 Mile Run 2025 Bangkok Presented by PUMA

It’s been a while since I last raced. My last one was back in December. So, stepping into the Supersports 10 Mile Run 2025 felt like a good way to ease back into things. There was no pressure or expectations—just me showing up to run, and I’m glad I did.

At the starting point, 3:30 a.m. – waiting for the gun.

The race kicked off at 3:30 a.m. While most of the city was still asleep, the traffic certainly wasn’t. We ran on shared lanes with cars and motorbikes zooming past, which was honestly a bit scary. Bangkok truly never sleeps. Volunteers did a great job managing the roads and placing cones to divide the lanes for runners, but we still had to stop three times to cross busy roads—the most frustrating one just about 100 metres from the finish line.

The face of no-pressure running.

I'm grateful that it didn’t rain—running through Bangkok in a downpour at 3 a.m. would’ve been a different kind of challenge. Water stations were set up every 2km, which was a huge help in staying hydrated in the early morning humidity.

Finding joy in the miles.

Now for the less glamorous part—no toilets. There were two mobile units along the route, but both were locked, and the only usable one was near the end, across the road, which meant I’d have to run through traffic to get to it, which I didn’t do. Running with a full bladder wasn’t ideal. Let’s just say that holding a full tank of pee for 10 miles was not part of the plan.

Trying to look chill—bladder says otherwise.

Despite the challenges, I really enjoyed being part of this event. It reminded me how much I love the energy of race day, the shared spirit among runners, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line—my net time was 1:58:13, and I’ll take that with a smile.

The smile says it all.

I had prepaid for unlimited race photos from Thai.Run during the expo—THB790 instead of the usual THB890. The photographers were impressively quick; the photos were already up not long after the race. I’ve included some of my favourites throughout this post—worth every baht to relive the morning!

This face says: 10 miles, no toilet, still got it done.

Proof that I survived 10 miles

Big thanks to the organisers, volunteers, photographers, and everyone else who helped make it happen. My first race of the year is done and dusted.

What’s your strategy for staying hydrated and handling bathroom breaks during longer runs?

May x

Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon 2025

The AMAZING THAILAND PATTAYA MARATHON 2025 presented by MAMA is now open for registration! Happening on 19-20 July 2025, this is one of those races I’ve had my eyes on for a while, and this year, I’m finally going for it!

📸 Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon Official Page

Ever since living in Thailand, Pattaya has become one of my weekend go-tos. So, running a race there? It just makes sense. Last year, I had to give it a miss because I was away in the UK for the summer—but not this time.

I’ve signed up for the 21km category to prepare for full marathons later this year (October and December are going to be big). It feels good to be easing back into a proper running routine, and I’m hoping this weekend’s run will help me rebuild some consistency.

If you’ve been thinking of joining a race or want a destination run with sea breeze and tropical vibes, this is your sign. And there’s good news:

✅ Early bird rates available until 17 May 2025.

✅ 4.5km category is FREE – but only for the first 2,000 slots!

📸 Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon Official Page

Race Information:

🗓️ Race Day: 19-20 July 2025

🏃‍♂️ Categories: 4.5km, 10km, 21km, and 42.195km

Don’t wait too long—those spots will go fast.

👉 Register here

Let me know if you’re signing up #PattayaMarathon2025 too! Would be fun to see some familiar faces at the start line 😊

May x

The Joy of Giving Something Handmade

Little pieces of love, ready to travel across the miles. #Handmade bookmarks and birthday cards for my sponsored children. 💛

This year, I’m sending my sponsored children handmade bookmarks along with birthday cards. They may be small, but each one is made with a lot of love and thought.

With birthdays spread out throughout the year, I make time to prepare these little gifts because they’re my way of showing how much I care. Even though the gifts are simple, I hope they bring a smile and let them know they are thought of, remembered, and celebrated.

Making these bookmarks has become a special part of my routine. It’s not something rushed or done out of obligation. It’s something I genuinely look forward to. Sitting down with some quiet time, choosing the colours, thinking about each child as I craft their bookmark, these small moments fill me with a sense of connection, even across the distance.

Each time I put a card and bookmark together, I’m reminded of how precious they are and how grateful I am to be part of their lives, even in this small way. Being able to support and encourage them, even from afar, is something I never take for granted.

It may not be anything grand or expensive, but it’s meaningful, not just to them, I hope, but also to me. These little gifts are my way of sending love, encouragement, and a small reminder that someone out there is cheering them on.

If you’ve ever thought about creating something handmade for someone you care about, I really encourage you to give it a try. Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean more than we realise.

Thanks for reading. If you have any simple gift ideas you love to share with others, I’d love to hear them too.

May x

On the Road: Why We Need to Rethink How We Drive

Lately, I've been seeing more and more news about highway accidents in Malaysia—almost every day, there's a report of a collision, injury, or worse, a fatality.

I'm currently on a road trip from north to south, travelling from Bangkok to Singapore, and I've had the chance to observe the driving culture firsthand. And to be honest, it's frightening.

Some drivers treat the highway like an F1 track—zig-zagging through traffic as if every second saved is worth risking a life. But for what? To be one car ahead? It's really not worth the danger. Getting to your destination safely should always be the goal.

With the rain pouring down, I noticed some still driving as if the roads were dry and empty. A sudden swerve or hard braking on a slippery surface can cause a serious accident, not only affecting you but everyone around you. One wrong move and the consequences can be devastating.

Motorcyclists, too, have been weaving through traffic, even between the fast lanes. I get that time is precious, and many are just trying to get to work or home. But squeezing between speeding vehicles, especially in wet weather, is extremely risky. Our roads may be generally alright, but let's be honest—no road is perfect. One small stone or an unseen pothole is all it takes to lose control and skid.

Some of the traffic delineators here are clearly missing or broken.
These are meant to guide vehicles and create safer merging or give-way zones. 

A random shot while heading towards Terowong Pechala.

Snapped this from my hotel room—can really see how busy the roads are.

At the same time, I've noticed slower drivers occupying the fast lanes, even when they're clearly not in a rush. If you're driving slower, it's important to be mindful and move to the left lane. Blocking the fast lane doesn't just create frustration for others—it creates a dangerous situation that could easily be avoided.

Having experienced different driving behaviours across countries, it's clear: the road belongs to everyone, and we all share the responsibility of keeping it safe. It's not just about your own journey—it's about being considerate and mindful of everyone else on the road.

Drive responsibly, respect the lanes, and remember that your actions have an impact on the safety of others.

Let's Hear From You!

Now that I've shared my thoughts on the state of driving on Malaysia’s highways, I'd love to hear from you. What’s one thing that frustrates you the most while driving? Is it something you've noticed during your own road trips or in everyday traffic?

Feel free to drop a comment below and share your experiences. We can all learn from one another and, perhaps, make our roads a little safer together.

Stay safe and drive responsibly! 

May x

KLSCM 2025 Is Here

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is back this year with exciting updates. For the first time ever, the race will finish at the Stadium Merdeka, a dream come true for many runners. Due to ongoing upgrades at Dataran Merdeka, the start line will be relocated to the city centre (exact location to be confirmed).

I’m grateful to be eligible for priority registration again this year. I had signed up in 2024 but couldn’t run due to an ankle injury after a fall in Mongolia — it was a real disappointment.

KLSCM holds a special place in my running journey — it’s where I achieved my personal best for the full marathon. I love the experience of running through Kuala Lumpur, with its energy, the crowd, and the shared sense of purpose among fellow runners. The atmosphere is always lively, and it reminds me why I love joining big races like this.

Throwback to KLSCM 2023

Here’s what you need to know about KLSCM2025:

Race Dates:
Saturday, 4 October 2025:

• Pantai KL 10km: 6:00 am
• 5km Fun Run: 7:45 am
• Kids Dash: 10:00 am

Sunday, 5 October 2025:

• Full Marathon: 3:30 am
• ASICS Half Marathon: 4:45 am

Registration Info:

• Priority Registration: 17–21 April 2025
• Public Registration: 22 April – 31 July 2025 (or until sold out)
• Run for a Reason (RFAR) & Corporate Challenge: 17 April – 31 July 2025 (or until sold out)

And with a brand new route this year, I’m curious to see how it feels — who knows, maybe the fresh route will bring a pleasant surprise! I’m excited to experience the course and enjoy returning to KLSCM.

Looking forward to making a strong comeback this year and experiencing the new finish at Stadium Merdeka.

📍 For more info or to register, head to the official KLSCM website: www.kl-marathon.com

May x

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025 is Back

After missing last year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, I told myself I would be back—and now it’s official. #SCSM2025 is now open for registration, and I've signed up.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2023

Why did I skip 2024?
It wasn’t about trying something new. I went back to a race I hadn’t run in a while. One that used to be a regular on my calendar - The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok. I used to run it every year before COVID. It was usually held in February and had become a fixed part of my race schedule. However, after the pandemic, the event was moved to December, and for years, it clashed with SCSM.

In 2024, I made the tough decision to skip Singapore and return to Bangkok.

You can read more about that journey here.

So why come back?
There’s just something about SCSM that kept calling me back. And no, it’s not because I missed the humidity.

Maybe it’s because this run is where I track my growth. And every year, I show up as a different version of myself.

Or maybe it’s the same organiser, same vibe, smooth logistics, the crowd energy, or the feeling of crossing the finish line in a sea of sweaty, proud runners.

Honestly, part of it might also be the FOMO. When race day rolls around and everyone’s posting medal selfies and finish-line shots taken by those amazing photographers... you just want to be in that frame, too.

And let’s be real—who doesn’t want a good race photo? The SCSM photographers are pros. 

Whatever the reason, I’m back. Even after a season of lazing around, skipping runs, and making excuses, I’m ready to get moving again.

Shout-out to the event photographers.
Somehow, they manage to catch you at your best.

Here’s what you need to know about SCSM2025:
Date: 6–7 December 2025
Registration Fees (Super Early Bird):

• Marathon – $137

• Half Marathon – $115

• 10km – $93

• 5km – $71

• Ekiden (per team) – $545

• Kids Dash – $44

In 2025, SCSM will switch to a two-day format, replacing the usual three-day schedule. This change is intended to enhance the race-day experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable for all participants.

• 6 Dec (Sat): Half Marathon, 5km, and Kids Dash

• 7 Dec (Sun): Marathon, 10km, and Ekiden

To register for SCSM 2025, visit the official website or head here.

For more details and updates, check out:

• The official site – www.singaporemarathon.com 

• Straits Times coverage – Stanchart Singapore Marathon’s half-marathon, marathon to run on separate days

So, who’s joining me at SCSM2025?

Let’s train, suffer, and celebrate together. Drop a comment or message me if you’re in!

May x