Completing my first 10km race postpartum at the recent KL Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) could never be more meaningful as I ran to empower underprivileged urban poor children through the Dignity for Children foundation.

In retrospect circa 5 years ago, running 10km was as easy as ABC. Time was always on my side. In fact, I was recollecting my running experiences at races like Sabah Adventure Challenge 2014, and other marathons which ran full distances – Putrajaya Night, Penang Bridge and KLSCM.

Little did I expect it to be so hard to find time to train, after having my firstborn and relocating back to KL to work in one of the busiest hospitals in Malaysia.

Therefore, I seized whatever free time that I had, to train. At work – I ran on treadmill in hotels when I attended courses; at home – I used my toddler for weight training and core muscle training; and even on holiday, I attended free functional training offered by the resort!

Running KLSCM this year was slightly different for me, as it was also my first time participating in the charity category “Run for a Reason”.

As a new mum, the ‘Dignity for Children’ resonated with me to care for other children whom weren’t so lucky in life.

It was also rather fun to keep promoting my donation link to friends and families, from the day I registered. In a way, it worked as a reminder to train harder as well!

On race day, the weather was perfect. In the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning air was cool and crisp, with no sign of haze which had plagued our nation for the past three weeks.

I was excited and nervous like a cat! Everywhere I looked, it was a sea of blue. The cacophony of happy noises drowns out the doubt in me.

It turned out to be the best ever 10km run, with my partner-in-crime, who was a newbie mummy as well! We played tourist looking at the new skyscrapers shooting up in the city, and even took a selfie at the Petronas Twin Towers – KLCC.

We chatted the whole way, took many pictures, and still ended up faster than what we expected! Exhilarating!

Understandably, the 10km race attracted the biggest crowd and I was glad it was flagged off in three groups, 30 minutes apart, thinning out the crowd. The 10km route was mostly closed off to traffic, following the KL Car Free Morning route except for a few junctions which were manned by the Police. Water stations were well laid out with plenty for everyone.

Overall, it was a well-organized event, and I really enjoyed it. Now, I am looking forward to my first postpartum half marathon, and more!

More about the author Siah Hui Hui has completed a few full and half marathons ultra trail marathon and a few obstacle-related races. Now a busy working mother, she can no longer be as active as before, but she still tries her best in achieving her motto in life: “Carpe Diem!”.