“WE usually go hiking or walking in Taman Tun Abdul Razak, Kuala Lumpur, together,” said Noh Salleh of his favourite pastimes with his wife of seven years, Shazrina Azman, or Mizz Nina, as she is more popularly known.
The 32-year-old singer-songwriter and frontman of popular rock band Hujan said it was a great way to bond and also part of a healthy lifestyle.
He said Nina, 37, motivated him to get healthy, which resulted in him developing a passion for recreational running.
“A lot of things improved for me after I started running. My overall wellbeing has improved, including my stamina to perform on stage and to keep up with Hujan’s busy schedule,” he said, adding that he had been running for the past three years.
Noh frequently organises runs, some with a 10km distance, and invites people to join him via his Instagram account.
“It’s not just great from a physical aspect, but from emotional and mental perspectives as well.”
The Sarawak-born artiste said running was a good way to possibly stave off depression among youngsters.
“Depression is one of the main reasons why I’m serious about running.
“I won’t get into details, but trust me, running saved me. From a religious perspective, our bodies are given to us with trust and we have to take care of our health.
“I have a friend who was suffering from anxiety and depression, so we got him to take up running and, thank God, his condition has improved,” said the Bila Aku Sudah Tiada, Mencari Konklusi and Pagi Yang Gelap hitmaker.
He added that it was great that there were several organisations that people could go to for help, such as the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association or MIASA (www.miasa.org.my).
Noh will be performing a solo set at Media Prima Bhd’s youth-oriented festival, Gegaria Fest, at Angsana Mall in Johor Baru on Saturday and Stadium Darul Makmur in Kuantan on Feb 24.
The Johor Baru concert will begin at 9pm, but fans will get to meet Noh in a meet-and-greet session at 6pm.
“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to see my fans and sing for them,” said Noh, adding that he would also perform hits from Hujan as well as tunes from his solo retro pop album, Angin Kencang.
Both Gegaria concerts will feature performances by Akim & The Majistret, Bunkface, Masdo and DeFam. Entrance is free.
For details, visit the festival’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/gogegaria) or Instagram (@gogeria).