ntv7 Feel Good Run 2012

Indeed! The event that first got me to run returns this year, bigger and better -- the ntv7 Feel Good Run! Quite sad about missing the launch yesterday, but here's the press release...

 

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD!

A long-distance running event that is usually run as a road race is called the “marathon”. What then do you call a run that lets you sweat and have fun, while doing charity AND running alongside your favourite celebrities? As surreal as it may sound, ntv7 made it all possible a year ago with the inauguration of Feel Good Run. Returning for a second year in 2012, the one and only Feel Good Run continues its pledge in bringing the “feel good” factor to all participating runners.

The fun run which attracted amazing numbers in its first year including over 5,000 runners and close to 10,000 visitors, and raised more than RM140,000 for its beneficiaries, will be doing it all over again this year in Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama on 8^th July, Sunday.

The mastermind behind this amazing effort is none other than Ms. Airin Zainul, Group General Manager of ntv7 & 8TV. Being an avid runner herself, Airin envisioned a platform which could cultivate healthy lifestyle amongst Malaysians, while encouraging the act of giving to those who are less fortunate. “We are truly grateful to the support given by the public in the first year where we took a leap of faith in organising this fun run. We were overjoyed when runners thank us for making their day a “feel good day” – that’s the kind of feeling which we get that’s priceless,” says Airin.

Coming in as main sponsors for Feel Good Run 2012 are world’s leading cat and dog food – WHISKAS and PEDIGREE – both of which are brands under MARS, world’s renowned petcare, chocolate, confection, food & drink company.

“We take pride in being a responsible organisation so when the opportunity came for us to support an initiative that will eventually benefit PAWS Animal Welfare Society Malaysia amongst others, we did not hesitate to participate. As a leading global food company, Mars is committed to addressing health and wellness issues and promoting healthy lifestyles. And events like Feel Good Run by ntv7 is definitely in line with this commitment,” says Ms. Ng See Meng, Marketing Director of MARS Southeast Asia.

“As the main sponsor, we will be driving communication efforts to maximize exposure of the Feel Good Run 2012 and ultimately the beneficiaries of the initiative,” she added.

With Twenty First Century Sports being appointed again as the Run Management, Feel Good Run 2012 offers the following categories:

• Feel Good Run – 7km, aged 13 and above
• Run with Celebrities – 3km, aged 13 and above
• Costume Fun Run –  3km, aged 13 and above
• Kids Run – 700m, aged 12 and below

The Organising Committee has also came out with a tagline this year – Do Good, Feel Good! – created to inspire the public to have a big heart for those in need, which not only include humans, but also animals with proceeds to be channeled equally to four participating beneficiaries – Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Pure Life Society, PAWS Animal Welfare Society Malaysia, and Yayasan Chow Kit.

Pet lovers will also be thrilled to know that there will be something special for the animals too. Feel Good Run will be introducing a unique platform for pet lovers to run with their pets on special circuit. Stay tune for more details from the Organiser.

Meanwhile, registration is open from 21^st March and closes on 1^st June with registration fees of RM25 for participants aged 13 and above and RM10 for those aged 12 years and below. Registration can be done online at Feel Good Run’s official website, www.ntv7.com.my/feelgoodrun, while manual registrations can be done at the following:

• Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (FTAAA), Level 2C, Multipurpose Hall, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat 50150, Kuala Lumpur
• Twenty First Century Sports (M) Sdn Bhd, No 51 Jln SS 18/6, 47500 Subang Jaya

Interested participants can also email their enquiries to feelgoodrun@ntv7.com.my or call 03-56373821 for more information.

Also deemed as the nation’s most prestigious celebrity running event with over 70 participating celebrities last year including Nazrudin Rahman, Aishah Sinclair, Jehan Miskin, Jaclyn Victor, Dynas Mokhtar, Leslie Chai, and Debbie Goh, Feel Good Run 2012 will once again be enlivened with the participation of a host of beloved entertainment and media personalities. Joining the press conference today to witness the launch of Feel Good Run 2012 are ntv7 hosts and news anchors, Nazrudin Rahman, Joanne de Rozario, Daphne Iking, Melissa Ong, and Fazilah Hani Harun; 8TV host, Julie Woon; Hot FM radio announcers, Suraya and Deen; Fly FM radio announcers, Phat Fabes and Ben; and one FM radio announcers, William and Wayne. The full list of 2012’s participating celebrities will only be announced by the Organiser in early May.

While Airin admits that the planning and execution of a mass run as this is as hard as running a TV station, she also assures runners that Feel Good Run 2012 will be a unique and exciting run to look forward to. “No run out there has what Feel Good Run is offering. First timers will be able to enjoy the short 3km run, while experienced runners could take on the 7km route as a recovery run after and before other marathons. What’s more exciting, runners will also get a rare opportunity to run alongside their favourite celebrities. And for those who wish to express themselves creatively could also sign up for the Costume Run, while doing charity at the same time,” Airin adds.

“We strongly urge participation from the public as well as corporations to support this initiative,” she concludes.

Joining forces to make the event a success are running partners from Hot FM, Fly FM, one FM, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Health Today. For more information on the run, log on to www.ntv7.com.my/feelgoodrun.

The inaugural Feel Good Run is organised in conjunction with ntv7’s 13th anniversary and aims to spread joy among friends and family while having fun and getting healthy. The TV station will also be celebrating its 14^th anniversary this year with Feel Good Run 2012.

ntv7 Feel Good Run: We Did It!

And so, the day finally came. But before that, I have to say that this event has in fact changed my life. When I was approached to be featured as one of the "celebs" taking part in the run, I had my doubts. Mainly because, well, I hadn't run in a long, long while! Bought a treadmill last year, but it became a clothes hanger instead. The exercise bike has been treated better, but by not that much.

So when I agreed to do this, it came with a promise to myself that I'd get my butt off the sofa more often and run as much as my body would allow me. As it turned out, the decision was one of the best I've made in my life.

I started training for the event in April and to date, I've clocked in more than 80kms. And whereas in the beginning I couldn't even go 1km without stopping and walking, now I can go on running for more than 5kms. Seriously, you are all very impressed right now, right? Haha.

AND instead of just running in this one event, I entered myself into two other prior runs, including the KL freakin' Marathon (but 5km lah).

But the ntv7 Feel Good Run was something extra special for the reasons I mentioned above, and the fact that it was for 7km, the longest distance for me yet. And you betcha I was all pumped up for it this past Sunday.

Reached Sri Pentas just before 6am, and already, the carnival atmosphere had started with runners warming up and booths being set up.

Equally pumped up were fellow colleagues and celebs...

Yes, that's Naz of the Breakfast Show in the sissy pink T-Shirt. But OK lah, he's quite cool cos he ran with his daughter on his back! Respect : )

Unfortunately, I made the same mistake as I did at KLM. Because we (finance GM/nerd Johan, Aidid Marcello and me) were berfoya-foyaing in front of Sri Pentas, we only made our way to the Start line like 15mins before the gun went off. As a result, we were already behind like 2,000 people! (a total of 5,500 people signed up FYI)

And so when the race was flagged off, we had to squeeze our way through the slow coaches (who came for the T-shirt and free ice cream, apparently) and lost some very important time.

I must say I was feeling rather good that morning. The weather was cool and the adrenaline pushed me to a decent pace.

BUT, by the 4th km, I started to struggle a bit and yearned for water... Oh yeah, running while tweeting (since I was the official twitterer for the event), didn't help much either at this point.

We finally reached the water station, and I gulped down two cups of H2O before continuing with my run.


The final km was the hardest, but I got some help from Mr. Tuansenangbesar (pic below) and some cheer-leading from these people in colourful shoes...


I probably walked for about a 100m before making one last push to the finish line...

(pic courtesy of Kadok)

And I did it! 7km (7.44 on my iPod) in 55 minutes! Better than the one-hour time I was targetting. As usual, my body didn't feel THAT tired but my legs were positively wobbly. And you know what, just minutes after I finished the run, rain came pouring down. PHEW!

With my motivator Mr. Tuansenangbesar : )

Everyone who finished the run got a certificate and a medal (a shiny one!), but the event didn't end there as people stayed on for the carnival and other special performances. And in case you didn't know, entrance fees for the event will benefit various charities.

So overall, it was good personal achievement for me, but more so for the team behind the Feel Good Run. Everything was well organised right from the start and bravo to everyone who participated.

I'm already looking forward to next year!

ntv7 Feel Good Run: The Final Prep On MHI

Yup, only a couple more days to go before the ntv7 Feel Good Run on Sunday, and to promote the event, we did a special focus on running and the run itself on MHI this past Wednedsay.

For starters, both Ally and I wore something sporty for a change; me in the feel good run T-Shirt even. And right after the news break... I started making a healthy milkshake. On 'live' TV!


Yup, it was a historic moment for me indeed. And judging by viewers' comments afterward, many feel that I have the talent to be another Jamie Oliver. Only rubbish. Haha. But hey, I'm sure it was pretty entertaining to see two awkward guys trying to work the blender and stuff :)


Then, it was time for some warming up. The Feel Good peeps from ntv7 along with some nice-looking volunteers started doing some high-energy routines, and of course I had to join in and make a mess out of it.


THEN, it was time for the main event. I was to run 2km, on national TV! And after a pre-race massage (uhuh), I was off!


Going around Bandar Utama, I ended up running 2.7km in 19 minutes. Seriously, hosting AND running at the same time. I only have one thing to say: UOLL MAMPU??? Hahaha...

And seriously, right after a post-race massage (during which I was interviewed in a compromising position), I continued doing the show, sweaty body and all...


But yeah, I'm ready for the Feel Good Run! And even if you're not running, drop by at Sri Pentas on Sunday 7am onwards to join in the festivities. See you there!

ntv7 Feel Good Run: Promo Video

Running, Man!

So by now, you should already know that I'll be running in the ntv7 Feel Good Run in July. Although I hadn't run in years when I signed up for the event (I prefer eating and watching TV these days), it's given me the proper motivation to do just that.

I started a month ago, jogging and walking as far as I could (physically and mentally), and now it's becoming more serious for me. I actually LOOK FORWARD to running and feeling this fit is just simply awesome.


Of course, I need extra, extra motivation to keep this going. Which means, buying cool new stuff. Like the latest Nike+ shoes which is hooked up to the iPod. Nothing better than knowing exactly how far you're running and the calories burned. Here's what I did on my last workout:


Even crazier, I've also signed up for two other runs these upcoming two months:
1. The National Youth Day Run on 28th May (5km)
2. The KL Marathon on 26th June (5km)

Yes, I'm a Running Man now. Wish me luck!

ntv7 Feel Good Run: Meet The Celebs!

So last Friday , the second PC for the ntv7 Feel Good Run was held at the Tropicana Golf & Country Club.


Just to recap, the event is held in conjunction with ntv7's 13th Anniversary, and it has four categories: the 7km Feel Good Run, the 3km Run with Celebrities, the 3km Costume Fun Run and a 700m Kids Run.

And during the PC hosted by Naz and Nadia, the majority of the celebs were revealed to the media!


Among those in attendance were Phat Fabes and Ben, Jac, Black, Dynas, Alan Yun, Sasha Bashir, Joanne DeRozario, Jehan Miskin, and of course, yours truly lah...


For your info, proceeds from the event will benefit various bodies and charities, including the National Cancer Society, Yayasan Jantung Malaysia, The National Autism Society of Malaysia and the Malaysian Aids Foundation.

So, jom lah! It's gonna be really awesome. Just click here to register: www.ntv7.com.my/feelgoodrun

And oh, on the very next day of the PC, this ad came out in The Star...


For other reports, click HERE and HERE

ntv7 Feel Good Run: Let's Go!

So, 2011 will see me notching up another "first" in my life. Yup, as you can tell from the title of this blogpost, I will be taking part in my first running competition! (this of course does not include all the "merentas desa" that I ran during school lah).

So you're probably asking, what sort of epiphany drove me to this life-changing decision? Well, the folks at ntv7 simply asked me to join. That was it, really. Of course, they made me feel special by telling me that I should run in the "celebrity" category. Chewah...

And so, I said yes to running 3kms on the 3rd of July 2011. Awesome, huh? Even awesome-r, I will be involved in the promotion campaigns for the event.

The first one was a photoshoot done at a studio in Manjalara about 2 weeks ago.

And hey, all of us "celebs" and "personalities" were given sponsored gear from New Balance! Damn cool.

Since the photoshoot, I've been training rather hard during weekends. I did a couple of 2km walk/jog before breaking new grounds two weekends ago... when I jogged/walked 6.22kms! Terbeliak biji mata baca, kan?

YES, 6.22kms. Had a lot of help from a couple of friends, and I felt like dying at the end of it, but it was worth it. And it made me feel so damn good.

So guys, if I can do it, YOU can do it! Let's all register and take part in the 2011 ntv7 Feel Good Run. Details are HERE .

As for my photoshoot pictures, how do you like these? :)