March Distance Challenge – Tokyo Edition
On 28th February 2016, Azryck, Aima (both from Kyserun Krew) and I run our first World Marathon Majors in Tokyo. It is my first race ‘representing’ the crew since joining them. During the marathon, something unfortunate happens when I incidentally paused my GPS watch few kilometres into the marathon. I ran almost 40 kilometres without knowing my time.
After crossing the finish line and collecting my bag, I received hundreds of WhatsApp messages from Kyserun Krew members. I scrolled through their messages and only got to know my finish time from them. Their endless support was uplifting as if they were there with us. They seemed to know what is going on better than the three of us.
Encouraged by my experience in Tokyo, I know I have to give something back to the crew. Being in the running family has changed my perspective on running and a lot other things. In hope to inspire others, I come back to Malaysia and make an announcement of my own challenge. The person who runs the farthest in March will win a Tokyo Marathon 2016 merchandise tee that I bought during the expo – with a twist. Eligibility is only restricted to those whom I know have never run 200 kilometres a month before. This rule is imposed in order to encourage those who have just started running to challenge themselves to do something that they have never thought is possible before. The competition is neck and neck with only one kilometre separating the winner and the second-place when the challenge ended.
Kyserun Krew Miles May Maniac
Kyserun Krew achieved yet another milestone in April 2016 when it is announced that a partnership deal was struck between Kyserun Krew and adidas Malaysia. To commemorate the newly-formed relationship, adidas Malaysia are generous to provide Kyserun Krew with some running goodies from the leading sports apparel and equipment company. In a typical Kyserun Krew way, a challenge is held to determine those who deserve to win the goodies. Like Strava January Battle, we get too excited perhaps too easily upon hearing the word ‘challenge’. Prizes are kept secret from us but crew members are motivated to clock as many miles as possible before Ramadhan and festive seasons.
Once again, the competition is intensely-contested. Apart from the usual suspects, there is a surprised winner. One of us, who just started running, ran his first full-marathon in May, surprised many by running 300 kilometres in May to finish third. He may have won himself a ClimaChill tee, but Kyserun Krew gained yet another indispensable member to the growing family.
Barely a year after joining my first running session with Kyserun Krew, I have witnessed many lives transformed through running in a close-knit and supportive community. Personal Bests (PB) are tumbling down. There is a lot more to running than chasing personal bests though. Weight loss and self-esteem boost are common occurrences among crew members. People, who, before joining, are barely able to complete a 5k run are now bossing marathon and ultra-marathon distances. I have also seen people who used to swear by their Gucci’s dresses and Jimmy Choo’s shoes, but are now rocking stretchy moisture-wicking tees and running shoes. All made possible through commitment, determination, camaraderie, healthy rivalry, and plenty of good vibes.
Back to the African proverb above, I beg to differ.
If you want to go far, go together. If you want to go fast, go together too.
Amirul Afiq Nasruddin
Kyserun Krew
29, used to run for his secondary school in 1,500m, 5,000m and cross-country. However, he stopped running altogether after high-school until he picked up his running shoes again in 2013 when he realised that he was not as fit as he thought he was. His passion lies in trail running, but after completing his first 100km ultra-trail marathon last year, he turns his focus to qualify for Boston Marathon before he turns 30 in December next year. His dreams are to run all 6 World Marathon Majors as well as Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB). You can follow his running journey on his personal blog, ingerunner.wordpress.com, or on Instagram @ingerunner, @kyserunkrew.
