What is your Stride Signature?

So, what is your stride signature?

We all know what are strides (as in for running) but do you know what is your own personal signature style of running?

Well. As for me, I used to be a underpronator when I started running. But with consistent training and guides, I've been able to improve my running style to a more natural stride and to run more efficiently. And once in a blue moon, I'll actually record myself to see whether I'm improving. When I invested in my Nikon AW100 Tough Camera (which has an amazing slow motion video feature), it has helped me to understand my running style better.

Below is a video taken back in March 2013 and December 2013 (from ACEndurance Training Programme) to analyse my running form. The test is done using my own Brooks Ghost 4 (which is a pair trainers I often trained with). So far so good but I still need to improve on my arm swings and strengthen more core to keep my upper body more stabilized. That is my signature stride.

Everyone's running style is different and the body will find a motion to adapt. Our bones, joints and soft tissue align to work together as one to suit our very own style of running; so to achieve a more comfortable and smooth run. 

So when Brooks unveiled it's new line to us; the new Brooks Transcend, we were pretty excited and impressed with its technology. It's a shoe definitely suited to adapt every runner's own personal signature stride. More to come on this on the next blog post but to wet your appetite, here is a brief teaser video to know what this new shoe is all about.

For more detailed information, do also check out Brooks Malaysia.  

Brooks Transcend unveiling & Blog with Brooks Contest

Well, we finally got our chance to touch and feel the new Brooks Transcend!

After months of teasing us with adverts and news through social media to the viewing of the actual shoe during this year's Putrajaya Night Marathon; the selected few of us got a chance to finally see what is the fuss is all about.

For all Brooks fans and users,the new Brooks Transcend is supposedly a new category in between a support/cushioning shoe. More news about the shoe in later write ups but at the moment we could tell you that it's going to replace the Trance Series in the future.

Bloggers were invited to the event to touch, feel and try the shoes and also announce this year's Blog with Brooks Contest. Similar to the contest last year, bloggers are required to write up about the new Transcend leading to its official launch in Feb 2014.

So far on testing the Transcends on site, the shoes are slightly bigger than the usual Brooks. Comfort wise is pretty good and its definitely plushier than usual.

More about the Transcends in later write ups but what we can divulge now is that this is probably going to be a "Limited Edition" shoe cause there is going to be ONLY 360 pairs of them in Malaysia. Yes, that's right. All sizes , all colours and gender combined. The retail price is RM759 a pair and be launching on February 2014.

Just in time for Valentine's or Ironman perhaps?

For more news and information, do check out Brooks Malaysia for more info.
For more photos from the event do click on to this link.

Shoe Review : Li - Ning Super Lite 9

Li - Ning. The brand name that kept blasting during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. For some fun facts, Li - Ning is actually the name of the founder of Li-Ning Company Limited who is also a former Olympian gymnast Gold medalist. He is actually more well known as the last torch bearer before the lighting of the cauldron. Yes, the one he "flew" around the stadium.

Li - Ning and the infamous "flying" of the torch bearer.

Besides coming to know the brand more during the Olympics, I've only related the brand more towards badminton. Especially the brand spokesperson is Lin Dan.

Lin Dan, mostly associated with the brand.

So I was actually quite surprise when I found out that Li - Ning produces more than just badminton attires and equipments.

Just late last year, I've won a Men's Health Li-Ning Contest and redeemed a pair of their latest Superlite 9 running shoes. Yes, you read it right. RUNNING SHOES. I've never would had thought.

At first I was pretty skeptical about trying them on but I gave them a try nonetheless. Of course I had to pick the wildest colour they have; the vibrant red with leopard side prints. I just couldn't resist.

So here are some quick review of features of the shoe (as per brochure) :
- A mesh material to improve air circulation.
- Front Sole Stretches for better support and Stability
- Mid Sole Ventilation for extra comfort and stability
- FoamEVA Lite & NON-GAP to improve performance.

The heel side of the shoe.

The Foam EVA on the sole of the shoe. Makes up pretty much the construction of the shoe. 

So now here is my personal review. Upon trying on the first time, it's surprisingly light and could rival the lightness of most lightweight shoes in the market. There are midsole ventilation on the side of both shoes so you wouldn't feel the heat on long runs. Personally I felt the same.

The treadmill test.

My first few tries were on the treadmill; as I usually do with lightweight shoes before I pound them on the road. It fared pretty well but I did feel a tiny pinch on my left toe but it's not something that it's majorly bothering. The cushioning is fare; something expected from a shoe this light and it does lack the "solidness".

The bottom of the sole features a pretty standard design and markings. The first impression it looks very much like a non-marking design mostly featured on cross training shoes. Upon closer inspection, the grooves of the shoes are very minimal and almost too bare looking. I assume this is probably the brand's approach to "barefoot feel" but there is no statement to support this. Honestly, I didn't feel it has any barefoot feeling characteristics.

The sides that features the mid sole ventilation. 

The bottom sole that features very minimal grooves and grip. 

Nonetheless, the shoes passed the treadmill test and are comfortable enough to get through a decent run.

My next trial on the road proved otherwise. Of all days, I had to try them on a rainy day and I didn't had my camera with me to take some pics. The testing ground was at Desa Park City and I actually slipped a few times. After taking them out for 2 rounds (total of 16km run) the soft bottom part of the sole started to tear a little. That was the last time I tried them out on the road. But in all fairness, I was pretty rough with them and I think my weight was a factor.

In conclusion, the Li-Ning Superlite 9 are pretty good treadmill shoes but pound them on the road cautiously.   In terms of design, the vibrant red I have is brilliant. It's always a conversational starter every time I wear them out on a casual day. In terms of functionality, it's good pair of trainers for beginners who is on a budget. It also fares very well as a pair of cross trainers as it flexes quite well.

Pretty good pair of trainers especially being this "red", they are a real major standouts. ;)

Brooks PureDrift (Men) Review - A Quick look at that "Yerrow-yerrow" shoe

Yup, I know it's kinda late but I kinda purposely left it last minute just right before the official launch of the new Brooks PureDrift this early January 2013. Yup, a birdie told me it's gonna be real soon within this 1-2 weeks or even earlier. Keep your fingers crossed!

But of course, a few of us reviewers had the chance to earlier review the shoes. I've previously mentioned this in my previous blog entry on the unboxing of the PureDrifts. Link here.

The first time I laid eyes on it. 

In this blog entry, I'm gonna review basically the feel and expectation of the shoe. For more technical parts of it, please do review them in this link of my previous entry of this shoe.

The Brooks PureDrift from the Pure Project 2 series. 

First and foremost, I have to give a huge thumbs up for it's awesome striking "Yerrow" (Yellow, I prefer to use the more street word) colour of the shoe. Of course there are other choices of colour but this is by far the most striking and coolest. I always have this notion if I ever get lost or disappeared in some forest or something; at least I have something striking to stick out (like a sore thumb...ahem). But that of course is the aesthetics points of it.

I've previously mentioned before that I would test the shoes in various conditions. So far I've tested it on a few training runs (on road and treadmill) , a couple of running events and a wet test. Yes, that is running in the rain with the Drifts.

Bare in mind that in all my test, I've worn socks with it and left the sock liner in it as I felt the 4mm drop was just the good amount of "barefoot" feel I like and the socks were just more for sanitary reasons and comfort. The only time I can go without socks are with the Vibram Five Fingers.

First time trying the Brooks PureDrift during the DR Handicap Run.
Running along side Seng Chor, the Vibram Five Finger Kaki.
Photo courtesy of Mien Yee.

The first time I tried them on was during our DR Handicap Run back in October. I've worn them for a few times but I've yet to run in them yet. The first initial feeling that it's really lightweight and it has a very similar feeling like my previous Adizero F50 but also has a snug and low profile feel of KSO Vibram Five Fingers (but not as much).

So at ease, so lightweight that you float when you run.
Photo courtesy of Mien Yee.

The PureDrifts were surprisingly comfy during my 8km run and there is a definite feel of a great lift off from heel /mid foot to toe. This also lead to a tendency of wanting to go faster which was much easier than a heavier shoe.

Testing on treadmill.

Note the clumsy pounding as I was adjusting to as the heat started 30 minutes into it.

Other trials after that was on random road training. Running on tar road is pretty good and I had no issues with it except the occasional midfoot pain whenever I run on something flat. This is very evident especially running on a treadmill. In my personal opinion, the Drifts are not so great on really flat surfaces and I actually had so much pain on my midfoot that I had to stop several times. Other reviewers had commented it does have a "burning sensation". Besides that, I had no issues as long as I'm on the road.

I've used the PureDrifts on 2 running events; namely Malakoff 2012 and Chandrikala Run 2012.

Longest distance ran with the Drifts. Malakoff KL12KM. Grinning smile (pain)
Photo courtesy of Victor & Elaine.

During Malakoff, the Drifts were initially fantastic during the first 7-8km but the burning pain and sensation started right after that. So I can only theorize is that  because I'm a heavier runner, I pound a little more than usual hence the reaction. No problems with the shoes; just a matter of getting used to it.

Chandrikala Run 2012. Soaking wet but still feeling awesome.
Photo courtesy of KF Chong.

Chandrikala Run was a fantastic time to test out the PureDrifts. It was a short 5K Run and it was pouring cats and dogs. Already soaked wet but surprisingly still comfy with the shoes. Because the way the shoe is wrapped around the feet tightly, the shoes are unable to soak in much water and it's still quite well ventilated. Albeit wet, there was almost no sensation of sogginess and I was still able to feel the lightness of the shoe when running. Pretty impressive.

All wet but still feeling smashing alright. 

During all this period with the shoes, I've come to realise that I'm working a lot of running muscles. This experience is very similar to when I was training with my Vibram KSO.

So here are some highlights from my test :
1. Excellent lightweight shoes. For those who prefer minimalistic shoes.
2. A unique barefoot feel. For those who also are experimenting or transitioning from minimalistic to barefoot.
3. 2 for the price of 1! Sock liner can be removed and customized. So you can have either a minimalistic shoe or a near barefoot shoe.
4. A very good wrap feel around feet; so it feels like you are one with the shoe. Almost nude-like.
5. Great for short distance races; especially for people like me who don't like to lug a heavy pair of trainers for such distances.
6. Great shoes to train your running muscles (especially the calves) and helps you naturally land mid foot instead of heel.
7. Excellent colour! Of course, I love the Yellow one so much but there are other colour variants available.

All in all, it's a pair of excellent running shoes and it would be another great collection to the current Pure Project Series users AND also to new users experimenting/ transitioning to minimalistic shoes.

For more info, do check out Brooks Malaysia.

Brooks Malaysia Year End Sales Update

The Brooks Malaysia Year End Sales are back! Go grab a new pair of trainers to prep for the coming new year runs.

Here are some quick info :

BROOKS WAREHOUSE SALES 2012
Discounts up to 70%. While stocks last!

Venue: Forum 19, Lot 1, Jalan 19/1B, Petaling Jaya
Date: 1st Dec 2012 to 9th December 2012
Time: 10.00am to 9.00pm
For enquiries, please call Mr. Cheah @ +6016 229 9561

Concurrently, the Brooks Boutique shops are having a 50% off on a wide range of selected Brooks Shoes. But hurry as sizes are limited. So far I can confirm that Brooks The Curve and Brooks Sunway Pyramid are having this promotion.

For further info, do contact Peter (Brooks The Curve - 03-7725 8775) or Manson (Brooks Sunway Pyramid - 03-5631 7831)

There is a wide range from the Pure Project Series and the usual "go-to" shoes available. Selected Trail shoes are also available. 

So hurry! :)

Brooks PureDrift (Men) Unboxing Review

You know how excited I get every time I get a new pair of shoes. I can self proclaim myself as a Imelda wannabe judging from the shoes I have. I lost count (actually I could, but it's just plain scary). No I don't have any shoe fetish. Don't get any ideas. ;)

The good people of Brooks Malaysia recently selected a few individuals (runners/bloggers) to give a test drive on the new Brooks PureDrift. How can I say "NO". I can't turn down shoes, u  know....

This is just a quick review from the unboxing and merely a review on the aesthetics and the technology behind the shoes. An in-depth review will be up as soon as I give them a few more trial runs.

Get it? The "UN-BOX-ING".

Hello there! What have we got here?

 When I first receive the shoes, my first reaction I got was "Wait, this box can't be this light?". The box was unbelievably light, almost as if it was empty.

Opening the box reveals a bright yellow pair of shoes. So majestic, so royal, so ME!

Yes, I do have a thing for funky colour shoes. I usually like something that is out of the norm.

Brooks PureDrift revealed! A thing of beauty.

 The shoes were extremely light upon holding it. Even holding it feels like a glove. The Brooks PureDrift would be the lightest shoe in the current existing Pure Project range. It weights only 5.6 ounces. It's a new addition on top of the existing Pure Connect, Pure Flow, Pure Cadence & Pure Grit. PureDrift would be launching in early 2013 (that is January 2013) under the Pure Project 2 line.

Let's look through and see up close on the PureDrift.

The PureDrift logo on the back of the shoe.
Features the Ideal Heel for a more secure lift off and support on every foot strike. 

Features 2 split toes for a more natural lift off.
The 2nd split is on the lateral side of the shoe for a more natural feel.

Close up of the tongue. Features a one piece tongue so that it wraps around the feet like a glove. A Navi band further secures the foot for more natural support. 

Side view of shoe sees a more curvier outsole to mimic the feet natural shape when running.
Outsole is made with the same Biomogo DNA material for adaptable cushioning. 

A close up view of the tongue with the PureDrift logo and featuring the P2 (Pure Project 2)

A slightly wider toe space to adapt weather you are wearing it with or without socks.
Shoe is made with a breathable mesh for comfort.

Bottom sole of shoe.
If you look hard enough it's shape like a human feet.

So there you go with the technical aspect of the shoes, but wait... there is more!

Here is something that I wouldn't had expected from a running shoe. PureDrift is designed in such a way that the runner can customized it accordingly to their running needs. The runner can either use the PureDrift with or without the insole. By default with the insole, the runner will feel a 4mm drop giving it a minimalistic feel to the wearer. By removing the insole, the runner will feel a 0mm drop and every strike will be closer to the ground. That is like running barefoot (almost). Let's have a look.

With the insoles intact. 

Insoles removed. Very lightweight. Comfy too.

All the components spread out.

I've been asked if once the insole is taken off, wouldn't the structure of the shoe change and in turn become loose for the wearer? Not really. Because of it's glove like design and one piece tongue, removing the insole is not an issue. It would still give the wearer a secure feel as it wraps around the feet like a glove. The breathable mesh is not a rigid material and very flexible. It still works the same with or without socks.

All in all, it's an impressive looking shoe. I've tried on with or without the insoles and with or without socks.

Look at that sexay beast!

I will write more about the PureDrift once I've given it a few more trial runs. I've given it a spin a few times and I'm pretty impressed. I would say it's a shoe worth looking at for those transitioning towards a more minimalistic lightweight shoe.

ps:/ I've also a user of a Vibram Fivefingers KSO and the barefoot feel is definitely (almost) identical to the PureDrift. More about that in my next entry. :)

Brooks Frunner : Putting that "Gly" on that Glycerin shoe.

Glycerin, oh Glycerin. I've always had this strange obsession with you the first time I set my eyes on you. Well, mainly because I need a better cushioning shoe to cater for my heavy duty runs and my full marathons. Although I'm quite loyal to my GTS11, as time goes by I realised that I change my running style a bit needed a little extra cushioning for those heavy pounds on the road. But also I needed something light and not too bulky.

Brooks Glycerin 8. My lovely trainers won Runner's World Editor's Choice Award. 

 I was introduced to the Glycerin 8 previously and slowly transition to a more neutral and cushioning shoe. This was done in prep before my virgin full marathon at Sundown Singapore and Standard Chartered KL Marathon this year. Although it looks bulky, but in reality it's very light and it really gives the sensation of "floating".

OK, you won't fly. That I can guarantee.

Putting my Gly 8 to the test. Virgin Full Marathon in hard pouring  rain at Sundown Singapore 2012. 

During Sundown when I wore it for my first virgin Full Marathon, it carried me through a quite unforgiving route with the additional thunder storm thrown in. Generally, I was all wet till I finally crossed the finish line. But the shoes still coped well and zero blisters!

Float all the way to the finish line at SCKLM 2012. Photo courtesy of Wong Yi Bin.

Then in less than a month, I embarked on SCKLM Full Marathon with my trustee Gly 8 and again the "flotation" thing happen again. Sometimes I feel like I'm not wearing anything at all.

Oh...that horsey dance at KOTR 2012. Photo courtesy of Victor & Elaine.

 I usually reserve my Glycerin for competitive, long distance runs after that. I still wore them for LSD training and it still kinda looked brand new. I still find it surprisingly light for its size and the shoes always make me do funny things with it. I just had to try them out if it sustained the "Horsey Dance Test" and yes, it has passed it when I've had it tested in the last KOTR.

On the technical side, Brooks Glycerin series is ranked as a premium shoe at it's neutral shoe category. What makes it so light is it's Biomogo Midsole and Brooks DNA. Hence, why I feel so comfortable in them.  The energy return from these technologies are undeniable as you could feel them as you run with them.

Well, you have to try it to know it.

Glycerin 10 awarded " The Best Neutral Shoe" by Running Network for Fall 2012 

So when news broke out that the Brooks Glycerin 10 was launching, I got giddy and excited as usual. Finally when the shoes came in stores, I had to try it and give it a comparison with my Gly 8. It's definitely a different feel without sacrificing the built and weight. But one thing for sure, it's more plushier! It's like a pillow wrapped around your feet. It's also now Full DNA vs. the partial DNA in previous models; giving it even more cushioning and responsive energy return with every step.

It's no wonder it was awarded "The Best Neutral Shoe" by Running Network for Fall 2012.

I still itching to get a pair. Well there is 3 more days to think about it and don't forget about the Brooks Malaysia RM150 rebate that will be ending on the 30th September 2012.

Brooks Frunner : Can you feel your calves tonight? A quick review on Brooks PureGrit

As some of you know, I'm quite a newbie when it comes to running. Albeit being quite active in the gym scene for the last few years, I've only took up running a couple of years or so. This was to tweak and give more variety to my workout routine besides the usual gym classes. Never had I thought that I would be so hooked into running that its turn into quite an addiction. But running on the treadmill and on the road has it's limitations. Just over a little a year ago, I've started to do some trail running as well. 

I've read a lot about the benefits of trail running before embarking into it. As time goes by, I got really bored on just running on a "straight line". Where else with trail running, you be able to run on a rough terrain, work lateral movements, get wet, get dirty and etc. And running in a jungle or forest is just pure awesomeness.

I have the pleasure of staying close to FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) and it's my usual "go-to" trail playground. Just recently, I've obtained the new Brooks PureGrit (under the Pure Project line) to test out. 

Lets look at the design and specs of the shoe.

Look of Brooks PureGrit overall. 

Brooks PureGrit is a minimalist shoe, so it's lightweight (weighing at 8.9oz - that's light!). A collaborative effort with ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, you know this shoe is something. A first look at it and you can tell that everything is designed to it's minimal. The heel-toe offset is about 4mm, giving it an almost barefoot feel and your feet is closer to the ground. You won't be sacrificing comfort as the sole is made from Brooks BioMogo DNA midsole, so it does give a little cushioning.

A closeup on shoe material.

Upon wearing it the first time, it feels like you slipped on a pair of gloves. The shoe is designed to anatomically fit the natural form of the feet. The shoe is well ventilated as well.

Closeup of the tongue of PureGrit

The tongue of the shoe is pretty standard but don't be fooled. It's actually quite padded; almost like it has a pocket of air tucked underneath it. Unlike most lightweight shoes I owned, the tongue is usually a piece of flat material and can cause quite a discomfort. So the the comfort over the top of my feet is a good feature.

The Nav band

Next up is a Nav band. It's like a giant rubberband that wraps around the feet to give it a right amount of secure feel without over tightening it. Nifty little idea, especially every runner's feet is different.

The ideal heel. 

On the back, there is the "Ideal Heel". Doesn't sound so exciting. What it does is it helps to promote a natural foot strike by landing in a more forward position on the foot.

The Toe Flex. Ninja soles?

Then there is the Toe Flex. This is one interesting bit that caught my attention. First thing that came into mind was "Ninja Toe" shoes? Well, it's suppose to allow the big toe to function independently and engage the runner's balance. Hmmmm...something new.

Base of shoe.

Last but not least, the base of the shoe. Besides it's awesome looking colour, it has the usual grooves of what you expect from a normal trail shoe. But because of it's minimalist approach, the grooves were smaller and further apart. Perhaps not to my liking but let's see how it fares on my trial.

Is that a wink of approval or pain?

Now see my face. This is the face I made after 1km on a pretty standard trail road. I'm feeling a bit of pain cause my feet is adjusting to the shoe and the sole of my feet is hurting. But all this were momentary and I soon forgot about the pain as I started to observed how my running patterned "changed".

A minimalist or a lightweight shoe usually has a less dense sole, so you would feel the ground more. Sooner you will feel that you actually land mid or land forefront more. These shoes were meant to assist runners to run in a more natural style (or the correct term is - the CORRECT running style). That is why in recent years, more and more runners are embracing lightweight shoes or even going barefoot.

Well, there is always the constant debate of running with shoes or going barefoot. To me, either way works. In the end, it's what the runner themselves feels most comfortable in.

Observe the fore front lift off.

Initially the pain started to go away and I ran quite comfortably in them. I'm usually quite observant when I run; constantly reminding myself to land mid or fore front. With the PureGrit, it's almost quite natural. Most of the time I'll be landing mid or front. It's almost like running barefoot.

You can always try this experiment. Try running barefoot and observe most of time you will always land front instead of heel. There have been studies that suggest that running in this manner lessens or prevents injuries.

Stride shortened.  Fore front landing.

I've dabbled with "barefoot running" with the Five Fingers (aka. Hobbit Shoes as I like to call it) and it has almost the same feeling. Nowadays, I just use them as my "conditioning shoes" for walking. I've noticed that I don't take my usual longer strides but shortened. I could feel my calve muscles were activated more and more engaged; resulting in a more faster lift off. Sounds so powder-full!

Half way running through the trail, a thunderstorm was about to start and rain started pouring! Even better as now I could test out the shoes in wet muddy conditions.

A little faster and I'm sorta back into my original landing. Midfoot landing. 

As I got a little faster, I felt a little more energy return with each stride. But soon my calves were burning and alas I could only do so much speed at a short amount of time. I was told that this is because my leg muscles is adjusting. But this is a good thing as it works the calve muscles more for more better lift offs.

Soon hell broke loose. The thunderstorm was a little too much to take and the rain was heavy. Already soaking wet from head to toe, I had to cut my noon run short. But I had still about 3km to my car!

While running back, I tried to at least rough it out on rougher terrains and muddy patches. So far so good. Then came the tar road. Cause it's still raining heavily, the road is quite slippy and I had quite a few (near) slips.

Muka siaran thergendala.

Albeit the slips, it still fared quite well on leveled tar road as long it's not too much of an elevation. As soon as I got to my car, the rain stopped completely! What siaran tergendala is this? Anyways, I had to stop anyhow as it was very cold and I'm seriously too soaked. But how were the shoes?

Amazingly clean after the rain.

One look down and I'm amazed. Besides looking clean, it still looks like it's new! Another surprising factor is that it's very well ventilated although I'm wearing quite thick socks. It doesn't feel soggy and heavy albeit drenched wet.

So clean!

In a nutshell, it is a great shoe. I've yet to test it on more rougher terrains like what I did with my Brooks Adrenaline ASR 8. It's still quite good for anyone thinking of going minimal or something less bulky for trail. As for me, it's good to at least have another pair of lightweights and have another variety in my trail arsenal. Hopefully in the future I will be able test these babies on some "serious business". So far I'm quite liking it.

As for now, let's ease out the calve pains...

Ps: Don't forget that Brooks Malaysia is still having their RM150 rebate promo of their latest line. Offer still valid till end Sept 2012. Do hurry!