Food for the run

JUNE 1, 2011: Some people take up running to lose weight, some to compete in marathons, while others simply because they love the wind in their hair.

But pint-sized Ilyanna Ayob, 28, runs because she has a passion – a passion for food, that is.

Professing a weakness for sweet treats, the marketing and advertising manager took up running three years ago because her love for food meant having to find an exercise regime she could fit into her busy schedule, and into her limited budget.

"I run so that I can eat!" she joked in an interview with SunBiz.

While she had always been athletic (playing futsal regularly, among others), she took to running easily as it was affordable, fun and was good for meeting new people.

"All you need is a pair of shoes and you don't need expensive equipment," she said, adding that the running community in Malaysia has been growing significantly in the past few years.

Having already participated in several marathons overseas, she is heartened to see that more Malaysians are participating in marathons.

"I remember going for a marathon in Paris, where a team of firemen were there to cheer the runners from the sidelines. Of course, the female runners enjoyed the sight very much!" she said, adding that marathoners in Kuala Lumpur tend to get honked by annoyed drivers instead of getting cheered on.

She said, with a hint of mischief, that it will be nice to run past these impatient drivers along the rarely-empty KL roads in the upcoming Standard Chartered KL Marathon.
The marathon, which takes place on June 26, has 16,500 registered participants from Malaysia and 45 countries worldwide so far.

Although Ilyanna will not be able to run the full marathon like she did last year, she is nevertheless training hard for it... or at least, eating hard for it.

"The best part... before a big marathon, a group of us female runners will gather to have what we call a carb-party. We eat pizza, pasta and bread to stock up for the run the next day."

Her only concern? Her too-often-to-be-a-coincidence jinx of having health problems just before or during a major run.

"I've had high fevers and stomach cramps, health complications and even minor surgery performed – but each time I've just continued running," she said.

Ilyanna will be up against both professional and amateur runners from all walks of life for a chance to win a total of US$ 100,000 (RM301,660) prize money in the 42.2km (full marathon) and 21.1km (half marathon) categories. Other categories include 10km, 5km and kids dash (3km and 950m) categories.

More information on the marathon can be found on www.kl-marathon.com