Mother's herbal recipe helps athlete stay in shape

Kolumpa sisters Jassica latinga (left) and Adelina (right) are collaborating with Hutan Ration founder founder Jazrul Fuad (centre) on formulating energy bar based on the ultra trail runners’ "mother’s recipe" for peak sports performance and recovery. - NSTP/OLIVIA MIWIL.

By Olivia Miwil - September 13, 2019 @ 12:01pm

PENAMPANG: A Sabahan who regularly participates in international ultra marathon endurance trail running races says moringa herbal drinks help her stay in tip-top condition.

Jassica Latinga, 35 said she and her sister Adelina, 33 who is also an athlete, take the herbal drinks prepared by their 68-year-old mother Sainah Mading.

“We find that the moringa herbs are really good for the body as we are able to recover better after an ultra trail race,” she said, adding both of them could resume their daily training within two days after consuming the herbs.

The sisters, who have branded themselves as “Kolumpa”, which means shoes in Dusun, are collaborating with a Terengganu-based company Hutan Ration to include moringa plants' properties in Kolumpa's energy bars.

Jassica added that they informed the company about their mother’s recipe several years ago and hope to assist other runners to stay in tip-top shape.

“It is an honour that a company is willing to trust and give us a chance, do research about the benefits of the plants, as well as produce the ‘Kolumpa’ version of energy bars,” she said, adding that both of them are hoping to contribute more to ultra trail sports.

For the past five years, the sisters have been running and making podium finishes at international ultra trail events.

Jassica made heads turn when she wore her traditional costume in some of her races. She also prefers to speak in her Dusun native dialect during interviews with international media.

She and her sister hope to start a training academy one day to help Sabah athletes excel in long-distance races.

"Based on our experience in running events, there are many good runners from Sabah (who could win ultra trail races). It will be good if the state could produce more talents in future.

“Besides that, long-distance running can be a career. Runners can use their experience, knowledge and network for entrepreneurial ventures in the future,” she added.