Meet Safa: Full Time Civil Servant, Part Time Triathlete
Noor Adzura Harun, or as her family and friends fondly call her, Safa hails from the island of Penang, Malaysia and is now stationed in Putrajaya and works full time as a civil servant. When she's not immersed in her day job, you'll find her conquering triathlons, cycling through challenging routes, or pounding the pavement in long-distance runs.
A Triathlon Journey Inspired by her Brother
Safa's journey into the world of triathlon and endurance sports began with a spark of inspiration when she witnessed her brother's triumphant finish at Ironman Langkawi back in 2016. That pivotal moment ignited her passion, prompting her to dive headfirst into the world of multisport.
In 2017, armed with determination and a brand-new bike, Safa took her first leap into competitive racing, eventually culminating in her participation in the Ironman Langkawi relay category in 2018. From there, her love affair with endurance sports blossomed into a full-fledged commitment.
For Safa, triathlon, cycling, and running aren't just about being physically active – they're her lifeblood. These sports serve as her sanctuary, offering a holistic approach to fitness while providing an outlet for self-expression and personal growth. Through the sweat, tears, and countless miles logged, Safa found solace and strength, pushing her physical and mental boundaries with each race.
“The sports I am involved in are my passion. You can even say that they are my happy pill. It keeps me fit while providing an avenue to express myself apart from challenging my physical and mental capabilities,” said Safa.
A Commitment to her Purpose
Safa has tackled so many races that she’s lost count. Among her proudest achievements stands the completion of the full Ironman Langkawi in 2019 where she earned a personal best timing. A reflection of her mantra - hard work yields positive results.
But Safa's journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Balancing the demands of her day job, family commitments, and rigorous training regimens posed its own set of challenges. She also acknowledges the financial pressure of acquiring different triathlon gear which therefore needs to be spaced out and planned carefully. She credits her ability to maintain motivation and consistency to local sports clubs such as Kucing Gemok Runners @ KGR. It is with the community support and her sheer perseverance and meticulous planning that Safa eventually found a way to weave her passion for endurance sports into the fabric of her everyday life.
A Purpose-Driven Athlete at Heart
Driven by her shared belief in the mission Purpose carries and the values instilled in the brand, Safa has been a Purpose athlete for a long time. “With the emphasis Purpose places on quality, functionality, and inclusivity, the brand resonates with me deeply. Purpose offers the perfect fit for female Muslim athletes like myself and as an ambassador I hope to inspire aspiring athletes and amplify the message that endurance sports know no bounds – age, background, or profession,” said Safa.
To all the newbies out there eyeing the world of endurance sports, Safa has a simple yet powerful message: “Embrace the challenge, believe in yourself, and never underestimate your potential. With grit and determination, anything is possible."
Beyond Endurance Sports
Beyond the realm of endurance training, Safa's interests span a wide spectrum – from bowling and indulging in delectable cuisines to seeking thrills in white water rafting and kayaking. A true adventurer at heart, Safa's bucket list knows no bounds, with dreams of exploring new horizons and conquering uncharted territories.
Follow Safa’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/safa_dmartens/