Strive for Progress with AIA Vitality

Strive for Progress with AIA Vitality

Hey I am sure some of you would have noticed that I have signed up with AIA Vitalityback in December 2016. I signed up with AIA Vitality to aid me in fulfilling my ultimate fitness goal, which is to complete my second full marathon with a respectable finishing time, which I did at the Tokyo Marathon 2017.

Strive for Progress with AIA Vitality 

As you guys know, before this I participated in many running events but usually the shorter distance runs such as the 5km, 10km, and 21km. I actually did my first full marathon at the Standard Chartered KL Marathon back in 2016. However, I did not have proper training, guidance, workout routine, and professional nutritional advice. Guess what? It wasn’t easy. I suffered from bad cramps, almost gave up at 35km and my timing was bad. However, I managed to complete it within the cut off time at 6:52:46. 

Training days before my Tokyo Marathon

So that was my 1^st marathon experience. After I signed up with AIA Vitality, things started to improve.  I became more committed to lead a more sustainable, holistic, and healthier lifestyle which has gotten me to take running more seriously. This time I know that for me to break my barrier and achieve my personal best in the marathon, I need proper training and guidance. On top of signing up with AIA Vitality, I have also joined Smart Athletic Club (SAC) training sessions before my Tokyo Marathon 2017. Although it’s only a short period of training (5 weeks), there were improvements in terms of my stamina, endurance, strength and motivation.

Strive for Progress with AIA Vitality 

The best part about AIA Vitality is that every time I workout, I earn points. The more points I earn, the higher my AIA Vitality Status and the greater the rewards. It serves as a motivation for me to do more and achieve higher. As I make healthy choices, like eating right, going to the gym or for a health screening, I earn AIA Vitality Points too. Within 6 months, I achieved my Gold Status and now I am on my way to earn that Platinum status for even greater rewards. Ganbatte!

Weekend long slow distance (LSD) at Putrajaya with SAC members

After joining AIA Vitality, my workout routine has changed drastically over time. Now, I go for my run or gym workout at least 3 times a week. Wednesday after work is dedicated for SAC training session at MPSJ Stadium, weekend is the long slow distance (LSD) either around my housing area or Putrajaya with the SAC members, then in between I go to gym for classes or strength training or run on my own within my housing area or at the park.

Workout whenever I can even during my vacation

There are many benefits being an AIA Vitality member. I get to use their online tools, partner discounts and promotions. I am glad that I bought my Fitbit Blaza via the AIA Vitality program with 25 percent savings. It helps me track my daily physical movements and fitness activities by linking the Fitbit App to my AIA Vitality app. Once I achieve my goals, I can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality points daily. The more I exercise the more points I earn!

To sum it all, you have to start from small steps before you climb up the ladder. Just like my runs, I started small with 8km, then I increased to 10km, 12km, 15km, 21km, and finally I was able to complete two 42km runs. This is what AIA Vitality is all about. To encourage us to go on our health journey through small steps which will eventually accumulate. 

Choose healthier kind of food and snacks

My health changes are not only limited to exercise, but I also practice a healthier diet and lifestyle now, like choosing the healthier kind of food, get enough rest and make sure I have a peace of mind by getting my medical check-ups done yearly. Now I feel that I am more energetic and able to handle my stress better. There are no shortcuts to health. If we want to be healthy we have to earn it. But that does not mean that it has to be difficult.

Yes!!! I made it! Completed my 1st World Marathon Major
Tokyo Marathon 2017

Through AIA Vitality, I begin to realize that there is nothing impossible. If we are determined to achieve our goals and put in the hardwork, we will enjoy the results. Not only that I began to appreciate and take good care of myself by embracing a healthier lifestyle but my family and friends also follow suit.

I completed my Tokyo Marathon in 5:50:40 hours, I know that I can do better in my next race. Keep running, training and I will come back stronger. So now I've completed my 1st World Marathon Majors, 5 more to go; New York, Chicago, Berlin, London and Boston. Will I make it? Dare to dream! I will continue to train and run. I may not be there yet but I am a step closer than I was yesterday. Strive for Progress not Perfection! 

For more information about AIA Vitality, please visit their Website and Facebook Page