Raleigh Round Island Challenge 2014

Blog entry edited to correct my initial misinterpretation of the race entry fee to be RM350/team member, not RM350/team. Apologies for the wrong info.

Last year, i helped the good people in Raleigh International to highlight their inaugural race in Perhentian. This year, I am doing the same as I believe their reason and cause is a good one. Adventure racing at Perhentian island that include lodging and logistic at RM350/ RM1400/team of 4? That is not a bargain, it is almost FOC if you ask me. Read more about it here. Sign up soon if you are interested!

Date: 9-11th May 2014

Requirements: 4 team members to swim a relay of 15km to be completed in 10 hours around Perhentian Island (There should always be 2 members kayaking and another two swimming at all times during the race,switching roles is allowed at alternative checkpoints.) Knowing how to swim is a must.

Fees: RM 350 per team member (Includes 3D2N stay on island, return transport from KL-Perhentian, insurance coverage, Marine Park fees, food, medal, and event t-shirt). This made the fee per team to be RM1400.00

Below is the link to their Facebook page. All updates are done mainly through there.

https://www.facebook.com/RaleighRIC

Registration link can also be found at the following: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AMOlgeTcoLH_hsKa2U8xIWfGY0pyj8PxL4t98290bpI/viewform

For any inquiries from the public, they can do so by dropping a message at ric@raleighinternational.org.my or on their FB page.

Volunteers

They are also recruiting volunteers to come help out during the event day itself. Those who are interested can drop  an email titled 'Raleigh RIC: Volunteer' at the same email mentioned above.

Below is a little background on Raleigh Kuala Lumpur:

"Raleigh Kuala Lumpur is a non-profit organization which supports the process of Malaysian venturers and staff participating in local and overseas expeditions organized by Raleigh International. They carry out various adventure, community and environmental projects locally. Following 2013's event success, this year we are aiming at challenging all our swimmers to push themselves way over their physical and mental limit with the grueling distance of 15km out in the open sea."

Race FAQ

Blog entry edited to correct my initial misinterpretation of the race entry fee to be RM350/team member, not RM350/team. Apologies for the wrong info.

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Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition : Press Release

Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition
Pour Femme & Pour Homme

Gucci’s connection to rock and the music world dates back to the days when the House first started to dress the international jet set, and is based on a shared spirit of glamour, power and style. Today, the relationship continues to flourish with the support of Gucci’s Creative Director, Frida Giannini, a passionate music lover who has a personal collection of some 8,000 vinyl records.

To celebrate the House’s bond with glamorous rock attitude, it has created a limited edition of Gucci Guilty, its iconic fragrance the Stud Limited Edition.

We know Gucci Guilty’s sensual hero and heroine as audacious, rebellious thrill‐seekers – trailblazers who indulge in passion and dangerous seduction. The scents that express their defiant attitude now appear in a new and striking guise, their limited edition flacons adorned with more than 400 studs per bottle (silver for pour Homme, gold for pour Femme); exclusive collectors’ items for iconoclasts everywhere.

Gucci Guilty pour Femme is a warm and striking Oriental floral with hedonism at its heart. Gucci Guilty pour Homme is an aromatic fougère that provokes as it seduces. Both assert their presence with an opening spike of pink pepper, and close with a suggestive pulse of patchouli.

House Creative Director Frida Giannini says: ‘I have always had a love of the rock aesthetic, and it is a constant source of inspiration to me. I like to think of Gucci Guilty Stud as bottled rock attitude."

From the early days to the present, Gucci has dressed rock legends like Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Kings of Leon, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and John Legend. The House enjoys an exclusive ongoing partnership with the GRAMMY Awards®, and supports the preservation of milestone musical recordings. This year, Gucci also sponsored the Victoria and Albert Museum’s globally acclaimed David Bowie exhibition in London.
Evan Rachel Wood, who embodies the Gucci Guilty woman, and her co‐star in the Gucci Guilty campaign, Chris Evans, are both rock fans, and the powerful chemistry between them has the electricity of a rock performance. In director Frank Miller’s films for Gucci Guilty, the plot unfolds to the strains of Depeche Mode’s ‘Strange Love’, given a gutsy rendition by London‐based Mercury Prize nominees Friendly Fires.

THE LINE UP
Gucci Guilty Limited Edition Pour Femme EDT 50ml RM285
Gucci Guilty Limited Edition Pour Homme EDT 90ml RM305

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Skechers GoRunUltra Review Part 2

Trail setup. 4mm.

My Part 1 review of the Skechers GoRunUltra was about the shoe going from Door-To-Trail and the question remained how well this shoe "keep to trail" aka 100% trail work? I intended to run the GRU minus the insole that will convert the shoe from 8mm to 4mm. For the record, I've no issue with the GRU at 8mm. Infact, I would be lying if I say it made so much different to my running or landing. Without the insole and at 4mm drop, I get the closer feel to the ground, which is something I've gotten used and accustomed to ever since shifting 95% (the last 5% is because I have an underused conventional shoe I use for additional weight when running).

Fittings minus the insole
The shoe without the insole fits slightly looser on the top of my feet and it takes just another tug at the laces to secure it down. The side stitches as exposed in the photo above does not interfere or should I say I did not feel it against my feet. 

Oh yea! SOckless too! Love the reflective materials. So swanky!

The cushioning is there and the dual-density material on the sole and mid-sole were felt. Support were good as the only worry I have is the fast turn and changes in direction running in trails may twist your ankle if land wrongly. So, in this instance, I am comparing it against the GBT when it comes to stability in trail. So, lets get going!
Into The Trail
Plan was a quick 1hour (max) run that will cover about 8km in the trail. The idea was to go as fast as I could (due to time) and to run it as normal as I always do (meaning at same pace I would usually run my trails) to check for slipping of grip on multiple different surface, climbing/scrambling ability, technical downhill. This all sounded very complicated - and I am about to make it easy for you in this review. 
For this run, i had Charles Frew (Charles) running with me. My time slot fell in nicely with his timing and with great honor, it was good to run with a fast trail blazer.

"Too slow Stupe", Charles telling it without saying it

I ran the GRU in the trail before and taken note of the good grip and stability over the shorter 1.2km (Office and Overtime). The initial feel from the first use (the Review 1) as still very much there. The trail condition was dry and covered with leaves so I would not be able to test it in wet and silty surface. It was a good day to go all out - and we did.

GRU coming alive in trail

UpHill At Speed
Running uphill (Carnival and Twin Peak) was good on GRU. The multi-directional lugs provide good grip and power transfer while running up. The thicker sole buffer a lot of sharp edges and roots when I step on them. This translate to lesser "feel" compared to GBT as the GRU just soak up whatever you throw (your feet) onto. Do not be mistaken that this lesser "feel" meant you won't feel anything under you. You will still feel them, just not as obvious and you will be left wondering what you actually stepped on as the shoe bounce you off for the next stride and landing.

Running up Twin Peak

The biggest challenge running in trail is the sudden change in direction and the shoe need to keep up with where the toes (aka the leading-most-further point) goes. The GRU did not disappoint. I was actually impressed that it kept up with my direction changes. It seems, based on those that run trails with me, it is not unusual to see my legs crossing each other while running but I won't trip on my own feet, or see me bouncing off a surface/stone/edge on the side to compensate for landing or switching corners fast. The fact that the GRU allowed me to still do the same without losing any momentum, that itself speaks for the confidence I have running the trails with GoRunUltra GRU.

Faster!

Charging Downhill
One of the key highlight after a 230m elevation climb in Bukit Kiara is the very fast descent via T'n'T. Like it's name sake, it's "the bomb". A short 300m run at minimum of 40% grade, single trail, with at least 3-sudden drop, 1-S corner, 3-switchbacks (of which 2 is with 3-feet drops) adds to the fun. Check the video in my Youtube channel here specific for this run and you will see how technical it can be.
Into The Wet
The trail run I had with Charles then lead us into Sungai trail, which runs/flank the pristine (previously) river. And yes, I took a wrong step and into the water half way. Hated to get the new shoe wet. But I then realised it was a good opportunity to test how the shoe is running wet.

Sungai...

Lucky for me, the water level was low due to the hot/drought season. However, certain sections has ankle deep water section sufficient to soak the whole feet into the water, and that is where I landed (and verified the depth).

After the soak...Chasing Charles in front

Grip of the GRU over uneven surface and the rocks on the stream was good. It was sure and no slippage. This was consistent with the feel of the shoe over loose gravel and sandy surface during the first run and subsequent (this) run.

Secure on the logs as well

Running with the shoe soaked, there wasn't much squishy feeling after 10minutes. The worry that the wet inner may cause blisters did not happen as I run the last final 2km back to my car. The shoe went from wet to damp. It did drain out pretty well apart from the inner part that is damp. 

Impressed outing

Verdict

1. Responsive shoe that offer great cushioning and yet forgiving on the fast twist and turn typical of a technical trail. Sure grip on the sprint up hill and confidence on the downhill at speed. 

Giving this shoe a proper wash (or rinse)

2. Wear and tear of the shoe is being monitored at the moment with every trail run done to check for excessive wear. Still too early to tell and from my experience with GoBionic (where the sole seems to wear out faster than usual during my use, were not really true as the shoe clocked close to 500km and still being used for walking in park)

Take note of the middle lug directly under my forefoot (darker shade of white, if there is such thing)

3. Highly breathable, which contributed to the shoe drying out fast under the sun. From 100% wet to 10% damp, it took me less than an hour thanks to the hot sun over the past few weeks. Yes, i know, fish also will become dry in this heat. I should not had compared to a 100% canvas shoe that is my kids' school shoe being dried out at about the same time.

Those yellow hue is the insole of the shoe, visible through the outer shell material

At point of writing, the shoe has seen additional mileage as it is still under active review. Over the past 2 weeks, it has clocked in about 50km and counting. I am starting to appreciate the softer ride during recovery run and tempo runs. This shoe will be used for my Sabah Adventure Challenge in April. No doubt and that is when it will be put to it's full potential going through trails in jungle of Sabah. If it survive the outing, it will potentially survive many other trails in urban setting. I will post more reviews or notes in my Facebook Page and Twitter. So look out for it if you are user of these two social media sites.

For the record, my fellow teammate Deo has used this shoe for his 2XU Singapore 42km run and posted a PB on it. So, that speak for itself that the perceived size of the shoe (to look heavy due to how it looked) were unfounded as this pair is at 220grams (based on my own weighing). It is easily 100grams lighter than the next cushioned trainer.

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRunUltra is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is retails for RM419 (men) and RM399 (women) in Peninsular Malaysia and has been made available in all stores since February 16, 2014. Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

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Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 October 12, 2014 Is Back!

Image from SCKLM Facebook Page

It is official. Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 has been announced to take place on October 12, 2014. Registration will open in April 2014, so hang on and be ready for the race! For latest updates and promotions, do follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Running Your First 42km or 21km
To help you along, and for those of you that may be running your first 42km, this is my 4-months plan to run a marathon. With almost 8 months from now until race day, you can enjoy the luxury of building your base fitness the first two months and then move along the 4-months plan and stretch it to 6-months.

For those of you attempting the 21km as part of your graduation from the 10km runs, the plan can be applied to you as well, only differences is the level of mileage and intensity. My personal advice is to train as if you are running a marathon, and ace that 21km run easy-peasy.

Head over to the articles below, which I've written over the past year to help you along.

Building your base fitness - including unlearning and relearning how to run, routine and basic fitness parameters

4-Month plan to run your first 42km

I will be running the SCKLM 2014 in the usual 42km segment this time, which is approximately 2-weeks after my Ironman Langkawi (which I hope to finish strong). Don't forget to sign up for SCKLM!

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Skechers GoRunRide3 Unboxing

Fresh from the 40-footer container, so to say. The GoRunRide3 were given to me when I collected the GoRunUltra after Chinese New Year. This is a refresh from the GoRunRide2 (in the form of Nite Owl) that was reviewed by me previously. If you want to know what the GoRunRide2 (GRR2) looked like, hop over to this link here : GRR2 Unboxing and Review. Unlike the GRR2, the GRR3 is not "glow in the dark". That said, the GRR3 is a totally different permutation when compared to the GRR2 in many aspects. Here is the unboxing.

Skechers GoRunRide3 

In recent months, Skechers has released shoes using better material that are better than the previous instalment. Improvement based on feedback from world known running blogger such as Pete Larson and US top marathon runner Meb Keflezghi. No less than that, regionally in South East Asia, some of us lucky enough to receive shoes seeding (sponsorship, review or local athletes) has provided feedback to help Skechers to improve on. As some of you may know, I've noted that GRR2 were (back then) the most plush among all the Skechers I've reviewed. The theme carries over with GRR3 as it is intended to be a cushioned trainer. 

Notice the newer material - unique 3D printed side details

First Feel
The sizing/fitting session at Skechers HQ allowed me the first feel of the shoe with socks. I took the US10 sizing, which is the same as some of the other Skechers I have. The toe box is wide, so no issues with tight front that requires a size up. When I tried the shoe for size, The thicker insole was not inserted into the shoe, giving me the 4mm feel. I then insert the insole just to confirm that the US10 will be a-ok for me as well. Seems the sizing is pretty good as the disparity with and without insole felt the same at least for me.

Custom fit  = without insole or with insole

The shoe comes with removable or customisable insole similar to the GoRun3 and GoRunRide2. Without the insole, it is a 4mm drop shoe. With the insole, it transform into an 8mm drop shoe. This "customisable" ride seems to be the theme for the Go-series with GoRunUltra having the same (identical) insole.

Smooth inner, allowing for sockless run or 4mm drop

Aesthetically, with the insole removed, Skechers has given the footbed the same treatment as GR3 and GRR2 with satin smooth feel. From experience (all 300km of it in the other two shoes), there is no hot spot or issues with the feet running on the inner surface of the shoe.

Cushioned and Structured
The "plushness" from this shoe comes mainly from the thicker add-on (insole). After running in the 8mm drop shoes, there is very little differences to the feel when compared to a 4mm drop shoe. So, it doesn't really bother me much. 

Sleeker profile compared to GRR2. Less bulky looking as well

One thing that I immediately noticed was how much the GRR3 looked like the GR3 - the sleeker cousin. The GRR2 was a bit on the bulky side due to the thicker cushioning but the refresh of materials has the GRR3 looking sleeker. 4-way mesh on the top with synthetic mesh on the side pretty much built the shoe on the upper portion. The use of synthetic overlay similar to GoRunUltra snug fit and structure to the shoe.

Non-stretch nylon on the toe box and the lacing down to the side, providing snug fit and support once you pull the laces.

Maintaining What Works

The pods at the sole were same as the GoRun series with a bit of additional changes to the tip of the toe that now looked like an additional crash-pad. Not entirely sure how this will aid in propulsion as it appear more of a design decision from Skechers to me.

That right. GoImpulse Pod

Like the other Go-series or Skechers Performance shoes, the M-strike comes as standard. The bump however, felt the same as GRR2 aka reduced (on paper) by 2mm. Perhaps it is also myself being used to the bump that function like the rocker-type of shoe (think see-saw).

Closer look at the front of the sole

The tongue of the GRR3 wasn't sewn down like the GRU, but it comes with a notch for you to lace through to hold the tongue up when you want to wear them. Not an issue for road-specific shoes as the chances of sand/grit getting into the shoe from the tongue will be minimal or at best, not going to happen unless you run offroad, or purposely run in a gravel road and kick up pebbles, literally.

Tongue not sewn down

The tongue is thicker than usual, which sort of remind me of the GoRunUltra. Doesn't bother me much but it has been a while since I come across a non-padded tongue similar to GoBionic and GoBionicRide. Perhaps the feedback from the other users is for thicker tongue?

Sexy curves

The heel portion is upturned and this minimises or help lessen the chances of heel striking on normal run. Again, I wish to reiterate that the M-Strike feature will encourage you to mid-foot strike, but won't change you from a heel-striking runner to a mid/forefoot lander. You will have to unlearn your running style and learn the best way to land - then the shoe WILL work in your favour. Having said that, my whole unlearning process was with the Skechers shoes with mid-foot strike, and I've successfully managed to run in a more efficient manner, thanks to Skechers.
Flexible!
I would like to see how other brands do this.

Talk about turning shoes to pretzels. Enough said.

Lightweight Despite the Bulk
Skechers rated the shoe to be 8.4oz for Men size 9, or about 238grams. My trusty scale scored a 230grams for US10. Perhaps it's time to get a digital scale and minimise these reading error eh?

about 230grams!

Anyhow, even at 240grams, the shoe is considered light for a cushioned trainer. Bearing in mind the additional material that goes into the Resalyte sole and the thicker tongue. 
Summing It Up
The GRR3 comes with:
- Resalyte sole that is actually memory foam
- GoImpulse pod that help distribute landing pressure and react to provide bounce and response
- M-Strike for that midfoot strike encouragement
- Ag-ion treatment for odor control (not that I have smelly feet)
- Lightweight 8.4oz for Men US9. Much lesser for women definitely

And with extras:
- Customisable sole 
- Newer materials that help to keep the weight down, while offering more cushioning and structure
- Swanky 3D print on the side, you see some pattern under the 4-way mesh
- Streamlined cutting and "takes away the bulk"
- Support for lateral movement  via synthetic like overlay on the side and more protection for the toes with the same synthetic overlay as protection

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRunRide3 is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is not launched yet. No pricing available at point of writing, but should be the same RM399 for men as indicative pricing. 

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

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Onwards to Week 20 Ironman Malaysia Training

Recapping the past 19weeks of training. Hardly believable. This week mark my 20th week of training consistently in my quest to my 4th Ironman race. Of course, this training serves as a basis for me to work on a better fitness level apart from tackling the Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya, Sabah Adventure Challenge Ultra Trail (multi-days) and the Xterra Malaysia World Championship Qualifier. These are my A-list races. Many has asked me why am i putting myself through this endless training. Some predict a superb finishing time ahead as I've "trained this hard".

Week 19

19 weeks and a total of 3400km covered. I've spent no less than 127hours training and that works out to an average of 1hour per day. This 1-hour represent 4% of my daily time. Many of us spent this 1-hour in the toilet per day. You can't blame me if i felt under trained. The bulk of my training comes during the weekend where I will have more time and opportunity. It is at time at the expense of family time. Balancing sports and family is tough, as if having a 9-to-5 job is already a chore to begin with.
Week 19 Weekend

Bigger mileage over weekends

Last weekend was no difference. Trying to put in more training. It started with a quick 20km ride on the trainer - as a tribute to the Ultegra 6500 that was given to me by a friend to encourage me when I got my first roadbike in 2007. It powered me through 3-Ironman and it was time for me to re-flash it and give the bike a new leash of life.

The 6500

I sent the bike over to Edwin (Joo Ngan Son) for the work - the crank, the chain and the 10-speed cassette will go into the training wheels. The rest of the groupset (i got a complete 5700 105 groupset from Chris, at a good price) will be used as I slowly build a steel frame I have in store, which I inherit from another friend Kok Aik (he sold it to me so cheap it's obscene). This is how the bike drive-system looked like with the new crank, cassette and chain.

Woohoo!

12-25 setup. Great for climbs. Beyond 21 cogs now!

This upgrade gets me excited as I remember back in 2009, I was envying those with the newer, lighter and stiffer cranks. Those of you that ride on older version of bottom bracket and cranks will know how they flexes under fast acceleration and you will literally feel the bottom bracket moving slightly under hard pedalling. The 9speed to 10speed doesn't bother me more as the additional is just on the climbing gears. It is "good to have" as at least I may be able to ride up hills easier. 
I did a few other tweaking - having ridden my Orbea Ordu the past 19 weeks for training, I am very comfortable riding in the aero TT position. I decided to drop the bar a bit lower to achieve a better position. Yes, it is all about comfort and efficiency. So, work to stay in aero position if you intent to use a TT bike in your race.

Setup since I restarted training to "ease" into Aero again

Drop 1 full inch

My next project is to replace the 90mm stem with a 32mm stem. That would bring the cockpit closer to me and allow a steeper seating position favourable for TT bike; that is if my fitness and body allow me to sit in that position at 90% of the 6hours I will be cycling. For the record, I got the bike back the next day, eventhough Edwin say he got it done by the end of the day - I was looking for excuse NOT to spin in the evening as a mean to allow my body to rest. 
Immediately after the spin session, I sent the kids to skating classes. Wifey had her earlier 15km run with Pat Ee and Between 9am (when the daughter has class) to 10am (so I can rush back to get my son for his class at 11am), I went into Kiara. I love trail running! I was lucky that day as Charles (Frew) were heading in as well. Nothing beats having someone to run with especially if he or she is faster than you! On my way in, I bumped into Razman and Kimbeley. :D

Awesomely fast

The GoRunUltra was put to it's pace that day without insole (making it a 4mm drop) and in the trail fully. Wait up for the part 2 review of the shoe.

Faster!

We ran the usual loop around Bukit Kiara and bumped into more friends along the way. This time, into Winston and Mike Phoon as they make their way up Kiara for some Mountainbiking training.

Super fast on the bike

Charles and myself decided to take Bar-A-Kuda and then continued to Sungai Trail, which JLN renamed into some name that doesn't reflect what the trail name is.

Trailing Charles now

The additional 2km gave me a good workout and I had to say goodbye while Charles continue to run the 2K and 4K loop by himself. Here is a short video of us running down T'n'T - a fast technical downhill sections with a few twitchy switchbacks that even when running down, requires fast leg work. Enjoy.

View in HD if you have the bandwidth

Saturday continue with attending Kak June's daughter wedding and the kids back to their skate classes in the afternoon. As the bike wasn't there, I had no excuse to cycle in the evening. :) Much has been accomplished as well, apart from sports and family. My daily commute motorbike get a service in between those hours! Talk about time management and collaboration of timing with wifey!
MountainBiking Sunday
I am bad at mountain biking and this is compounded by me wearing clip shoes. With the feet stuck to the pedal, reflexes required to put feet down or move feet about for balance is taken away. 

Much Improvement needed!

For the 12km effort of riding Bukit Kiara, it took me no less than 90minutes. I officially run faster than I bike in Kiara! Enjoy part of the ride below in HD. You can see why Kiara is a favourite among many MTBikers with the single track and technical trails.

View in HD if you have the bandwidth

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Skechers GoRunUltra Review Part 1

Skechers GoRunUltra (GRU) has been unboxed by me in this blog entry here. Head over for some photos of the shoes when it was still new and not used for any runs. Being the most cushioned Skechers to date, I was eager to try it out. Many of you would know that the GoRun3 score high on my list for a cushioned ride (for being a GoRun series). With this GRU in the shoerack, it is at least 65% more Resalyte cushioning compared to the GoRunRide series - and that simply meant more plush ride (my experience with GoRunRide is with the NiteOwl).

The Fitting

Upturned heel - M-Strike enabled. Midfoot strike for the win

It took me about 10minutes to decide if i want an US10 or US11. With some variation to the fitting of the Skechers shoe recently due to material upgrades and also more support overlay, size US11 was too large upfront for me and US10 was tight on the top of my leg. Knowing the insole to be thicker, I decided that I will run sockless and will experiment with different Skechers Go-series insole (from the thin GoBionic to the thickest GoRunUltra and GoRun3, which share the same insole profile). It wasn't a gamble I took, but an informed decision based on my knowledge of my feet. Good thing the GoRunUltra has wide toebox. US10 fitting allow me to put in 1-finger behind and still has about 1/2inches in the front. That sealed the deal.

GoLikeNeverBefore

First Feel
For my first test, I ran with the insole. This is 8mm drop setup. Putting on the GRU made me taller. It is a very conscious kind-of-tall as I've been wearing flats over the past 13-months. The claimed additional Resalyte (which is memory foam) felt great under the feet as it provided the claimed cushioning. Toes were cleared from the front of the feet and the fitting without socks were great. I did not need to loosen the laces more than I thought I should. The shoe upper was snug. If there was a thing, it was how the left side felt funny - as if there was a lump/bump somewhere on the heel. I removed the insole and check - none. Maybe I've became the case of "princess and the pea" after all these Skechers-pampering.

From (car) door to Tarmac

The chance for me to take the shoe for a run came when I need to send the kids to Sunday school. With about 50mins to spare (have to give myself some leeway in case the class finishes a bit earlier than expected), I will have to cover as much distances as I possibly could. More so, it was my BRICK Sunday - having cycled on the trainer for a full-hour before the kids woke up. 

Kicking the feet up high to recover faster for the next feet stride

I started near the old Muhibbah Restaurant in TTDI (Rahim Kajai) and begin to run towards Jalan Datuk Sulaiman via Burhanuddin Helmi. First 500m felt great with the shoe being very eager to bounce with every step. It is as if it has a life of it's own. Sort of like the Newton Third Law of motion. 

In Lembah Kiara

I turn left and head towards Rasta and turn right into Jalan Datuk Sulaiman (JDS). Ran the short slope up and the shoe did not sink under sprinting up the hill towards rich man area of Changkat Datuk Sulaiman. I then turn right and ran along JDS6 and turn into Lembah Kiara Park next to Kiara View Condo. I wanted to see how the shoe sole will react to smoother park pavement that can be slippery sometimes.
The shoe sounded "squishy" and I suspected it was the aggressive lugs and progressive flexibility coming into play.

Downhill and caught myself heel striking to control the speed of descent

Sprinted up the slope and charged downhill towards the smaller loop in the park. The shoe went where I pointed it and took in all the bumps in form of sand, gravel, stones i stepped on. Yes, the Park is under renovation and it wasn't hard to step on something not meant to be there. 

"offroad" by the side of the park pavement

I then transitioned into the grassy area next to the pavement. The squishy sound disappeared. I then ran on the pavement again and it came back. Confirmed my initial thoughts that the aggressive sole contributed to the sound. No issues with this actually. Just personal observation as I want to run like a (silent) Ninja.

Into Kiara Trails!

Running from tarmac to trail was an easy transition for me. Made even better with the GRU. I was apprehensive. What if the sole fail to do what it's supposed to do and I go tumbling all over, hurting myself or getting the protruding peg-marker by JLN poking through me as I fall and die a horrible death?

Dry trail made the surface trickier as the sand grains made the surface slippery

OK, that is just the drama part of me. Kiara is safe really. Monitor lizards and Python usually will run and slither away when they sense human presences. Back to the trail!
I took the Office and Overtime loop. a short 1.2 to 1.3km run through fast switchbacks and faster flat trails. Good mix of sudden drop and downhills, coupled with the need to quickly jump over a few slopes. As i gain more confidence about 100m into the Office, i knew I can push it a bit more. My usual "time trail" to cover the Office and Overtime is about 7.5minutes, which meant I will run it between 5:00 and 6:00 pace. That Sunday, with the GRU, it was done the same way. 

Skimping over loose rocks

The thick sole and the Rigid Resagrip played it's part well. Stones and protrusion on the ground was felt, but minimally when compared to GoBionicTrail. Do bear in mind that GBT is an out and out trail shoes with a stoneguard/kevlar-like insert between the sole for protection and dispersion of shock/sharp edges. 

Photos taken with JVC Adixxion XA2. 60fps burst photo!

Running in the trail brings the kids out of me. For that short distance, I felt the rush and the GRU just keep bringing it on. The bounces of the GRU and it provides good feedback and surefooting. Did I feel the bumps and stones? It did despite it being 8mm drop. I am now wondering what 4mm would feel like. It could be a full trail run with GRU soon!

Was I flying?

Checking for heel strikes - none. :D

More of this on 4mm, i promise!

The trail portion ends as I exit the park connector and I headed back to my car (and kids) via Jalan Abang Haji Openg, then the Bike route along Jalan Datuk Sulaiman. It is back to the tarmac and that allowed additional information on how the shoe felt after about 6km of mix surfaces.

Underutilised bike route of Taman Tun

Hot weather of February

The GRU did not give me any hotspot or blister. With every Skechers I own, I am more confident with the fitting and running without the socks. Either my feet has gotten used to the shoe, or callouses has form at those usual hotspot (wide feet curse). The initial thoughts that the tongue is thicker and thus hinder breathability did not show in the short 8km run. I believe a longer run using this would be able to show how the GRU will provide continuous cushioning and responsiveness. 

Lift your legs up when running!

Last 200m

Thumbs up!

Hope this review on 8mm, without socks help you to have a virtual feel of what this shoe offer. For me, it is still too early to conclude. I intend to run it without insole and sockless, in the trail. It will be interesting to feel if this will be a good potential shoe for my upcoming Sabah Adventure Challenge and Xterra.

Later!

This will not be the only review for GRU. Stay tuned, more to come as I put different combination to work. 

Verdict After First Run

- Cushioned without feeling heavy

- Initial thoughts that 8mm may be too high. I ran with full 8mm and it was good.

- Sure-footed grip.

- Very responsive and flexible outsole.

- Noticeable squishy noise on tarmac. May go away after breaking in past 50km?

- Capable of speed. Sustained a good 5:00 tempo pace on average and registered the usual 4:30pace for 2km on slopes. Question is : How fast can you hold?

- Truly a Door-To-Trail shoe. Or Trail-To-Door. This shoe is dual-purpose in a large (no pun intended) sense.

- Forgiving on those hard downhill. I hammered downhill on the park pavement and had to apply (heel) brakes to slow down. 

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRunUltra is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is retails for RM419 (men) and RM399 (women) in Peninsular Malaysia and has been made available in all stores since February 16, 2014. Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

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