Thursday, February 14, 2013

5 Things I Wished I Was Told As A New Runner

I have been running for at least 10 years. I've went from knowing nothing to at least knowing "something". Like a friend said, "we have been jay-running". 

To quote a friend :
"Running is my favourite but vowed not to run with my heart ever again. Will use my head instead."

Wise words by my friend. 
I have been giving a lot of sharing in my blog and will continue to do so. If you ever want to run with your head, read this entry here. I laid out my run training routine. This is called planning
Today, I share with you 5 things I have learnt over the past 10 years racing as an amateur cyclist, runner and triathlete.
You Don't Need To Be An Athlete In School 
The believe that you need to be an athlete to start running is not true. I grew up as an overweight kid and no way anyone would had thought I would be doing all these sports?
Spot Me. Age 12.
Many I know that has been running in the past 10 years started only after school or university. Many started due to health reasons (of being overweight or already starting to have lifestyle diseases). To start running, you only need to ensure you are in good health condition. Start easy and set realistic target for your level of fitness. There is no shame in able to run 1km in your first attempt - or walk it. You will progressively improve provided you do not give up.
You Don't "Just Run"
One of the biggest mistakes I've done was not properly stretching. This was something I took for granted and It came back and bite me hard in the form of Sciatica. This is the single main "injury" any runner and cyclist could pick up due to overused hamstring. 
The next thing that I failed to do (until recently) was working my core muscles. No one told me until 2 years ago to work on my core. Indeed this was one area most neglected muscle and it shows on longer races as tiredness sets in. The core ensure the legs, hip and abdomen works in harmony to ensure balance and stability.
These two above, coupled with some weight work such as chin-up, push-up and burpees will gives you a wholesome package as a triathlete and runner.
You Don't Need Cushioning Shoes
I started off with an old pair of old sneaker that were likely bought at a discounted rate as it was two-season old. As a struggling young adult with minimal pay and no luxury of extra cash to get those high-tech gears has most likely forced me to understand running shoes a bit better than the average runners. As I often wanted the best deal for my money, I did enough research to understand the complexity and lure of....marketing. 
No one told me NOT to heel strike but I was told that "cushioned shoes" will provide the best ride. 
No one ran barefoot, as that is too 17th century (and not cool).
If there was one thing I learnt, it was to take everything with a pinch of salt. if the shoes were as good as they claimed to be, why are world class runners going back to basic?
Bragging, I know

Buy a shoe, or I would say, invest in a shoe suitable for your feet type. There is no ONE shoe that will fit you perfectly but "close enough" is good. Do not be taken in by the hype without knowing what you need. Running barefoot is good only if you have your legs muscles conditioned (it takes a lot on your calves). Going to those "finger shoes" could be a good compromise to barefoot - again ONLY if your legs muscles are conditioned to run in them. 
Here is a money saving tip - use your existing trainer. You would had noticed that the shoe is worn off only at certain part, but look closely, most people will have the heels worn off. You been heel striking. Now, use the same shoe and start learning to run by landing mid and/or forefoot. Until you have developed the ability to run mid/forefoot, do not think of investing in those barefoot/minimalist/specific shoes. Many I know ended up injured due to this.
You Don't Need Energy Food
Or "carbo-loading" for that effect. Too many people abused these two food-items by justifying that they need to "carbo-load" a day before a race. You are actually putting yourself at a risk of tummy upset or worse, not able to race the next day. Carbo-loading has a very systematic approach and no average runners I know, let alone beginners, knows how to do it correctly. Here is how.
When it comes to "energy food" mid-way during your run, it is also something that works on the mind more than the body. Our diet has became too reliant on processed sugar and we mistaken these for "energy surges" when we take these food. Myself too, has started off with these mistakes and learnt my lessons. If the race requires, I will likely make my own energy gel from ingredients I know. Nowadays, I run with no food, even up to 42km. 
And isotonic sugar drinks too - is something you would not need. Hydration starts and stops with plain water. Unless you are dehydrated, a little salt might help - but if you allow yourself to be dehydrated during a race, you most likely already got the whole training and racing approach wrong. 
Learn To Have Fun
Too many I've came across were too serious in their quest to run their races. Some takes it too seriously and failing to achieve their target (sometimes it was set too high even for some advanced runner) causes them to give up running even. Many of us do not race for a living and uses sports as another extension to socialise and also for health - so, learn to have fun. I started off too seriously until i chance upon a group of like-minded people that has taught me to have fun while racing, which is why until today, you still see me running races with my camera, or even stopping for a drink mid-way through a marathon. 
Coconut water during Bali International Marathon
Now that you know better, see you on the road. :) Run safe and keep moving forward.

Friday, February 08, 2013

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year


I have been listening to TraxxFM (formerly Radio 4 RTM) almost everyday now. Short of the propaganda news and broadcast that comes on every hour, the channel is great without any repeated advertisements (that happens more often than songs playing). As I send my son to school every morning (for now), my timing allows me to listen to the TraxxFM's section from Dr. James Dobson. I find his sharing light, concise and touches on real life issues. The day before, they were talking about allowing the children to grow up at their own pace and not rushed into adulthood. And today (yesterday at the time you are reading this), it was about "Letting Go Of Your Kids".
It's inevitable and it will happen. This is his sharing.

More About Letting Go of Your Kids

I have found it very hard to turn my kids loose and face the empty nest. I know I need to release them, but it is so difficult. Can you help me?
Humorist Erma Bombeck described this difficult process in terms that were helpful to me.123 She said that the task of raising kids is rather like trying to fly a kite on a day when the wind doesn't blow. Mom and Dad run down the road pulling the cute little device at the end of a string. It bounces along the ground and shows no inclination of getting off the ground.
Eventually, and with much effort, they manage to lift it fifteen feet in the air, but great danger suddenly looms. The kite dives toward electrical lines and twirls near trees. It is a scary moment. Will they ever get it safely on its way? Then, unexpectedly, a gust of wind catches the kite, and it sails upward. Mom and Dad feed out line as rapidly as they can.
The kite begins pulling the string, making it difficult to hold on. Inevitably, they reach the end of their line. What should they do now? The kite is demanding more freedom. It wants to go higher. Dad stands on his tiptoes and raises his hand to accommodate the tug. It is now grasped tenuously between his index finger and thumb, held upward toward the sky. Then the moment of release comes. The string slips through his fingers, and the kite soars majestically into God's beautiful sky.
Mom and Dad stand gazing at their precious "baby," who is now gleaming in the sun, a mere pinpoint of color on the horizon. They are proud of what they've done--but sad to realize that their job is finished. It was a labor of love. But where did the years go?
That is where you are today--standing on tiptoes and stretching toward the sky with the end of the string clutched between your fingers. It's time to let go. And when you do, you'll find that a new relationship will be born. Your parenting job is almost over. In its place will come a friendship that will have its own rewards.
Remember: The kite is going to break free one way or the other. It's best that you release it when the time is right!

How does this relate back to today's posting?

Easy. With Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year just a day away, the Malaysians of Chinese descendant will be flocking back home for the reunion dinner. It is the single most important event for family other than marriage or funeral where family gather in numbers.

Many of us has left the "nest" so to say. Setting out of home, some just within 30minutes drive or nearer, and some perhaps even needing to catch a flight to seek greener pasture. 

When i heard the podcast, I could not help but to feel moved inside - for the day will come when my kids will leave, and if I am lucky, will get them to visit me and wifey once a year.

Which brings me to another sharing. The Bernas 2013 advertisement

damn those onions *sniff

For those of you going home to your family, drive safe. Have a good Chinese New Year from all of us at home.
They all grow up, too fast.

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Running Your First Marathon

This is a guest post taken from my team mate write up at Team 2ndSkin. Roy is an ultramarathoner and he is sharing some tips for first timer on running their first marathon. The tips are useful and if you ask me, it applies for anyone starting out to run 5km to 42km. Thanks Roy, for sharing.


RUNNING YOUR FIRST MARATHON
by Roy Yeow

For the uninitiated, running a marathon is a crazy, suicidal idea. But for those who intend to join the 1% of the world population that has completed a marathon, the journey to prepare for a marathon is an experience that can be fulfilling and filled with challenges. Many use the term "marathon" incorrectly to refer to any running event. A Marathon is a 42.195km footrace, period. Anything shorter is called a half marathon, mini marathon, 10km race, etc.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Malaysia Women Marathon Officially Launched

The Malaysia Women Marathon held a press conference yesterday and officially kicking off the marathon scheduled for April, 7 at I-City, Shah Alam. This is their official press release.
Click for larger image
The registration has been opened since January 8, 2013 at MyRaceOnline.com. This is the proposed race route for both the 21km and the 42km distance. Bearing in mind that the official approved/sanctioned distance will be made available soon.
21km route
42km Route
Looked like the race is shaping up really well and be prepared for a great run! Stay tuned for more update.

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Zero2Hero : Mountain Biking Skills Made Fun

I have been riding bicycle since I was 13 years old. Like many my generation, we started off with a BMX bicycle - an essential back in the late 80's when riding and performing stunts were seen as the new rebel. However, i never went past doing the Wheelies and Bunny Hops. Graduating to a bigger boy toy that comes as a Mountain Bike, the whole "riding thing" changed the game. Learning to ride a basic mountain bike was different from riding the metal road bike I use for commuting (to and fro school). With no suspension and basic cantilever brakes, Kemensah was my playground. The inclines, declines, trails and ruts were fair game. Bone-shaking descend were taken like any teenagers would be - with loads of balls (guts). Then The old ride was upgraded with suspension (or elastomer if you want to call them suspensions) that made the downhill rides more plush.
My old trusty Cro-Mo Le Run Vesuvius where it has seen much better days in the trails, here, prepped for my first triathlon
So, with that many years of riding, claiming to know how to ride like a boss, raced in them - who would had thought I would need classes?
MAD, Are We?
Two weeks ago, I received an invitation from a friend to join a mountain biking course.
Wait a minute...
Me? Joining a course for Mountain biking? Like...seriously?
What else do i need to learn to ride? I mean, I've been riding like ages. Surely I have all it takes. 
At the same time, I am intrigue. What could I possibly learn that I do not know, yet?
So, i took up the offer from that buddy and signed up for the course. It is known as Mountain Bike Adrenaline Day or MAD for short, MAD is an exciting 1 day program run by a team of professional Mountain Bike Coaches that lets you experience the best Mountain Biking has to offer in the safest of environments. Imagine conquering your fear and riding down steep hills, cornering a bicycle like you are driving a Ferrari and riding over obstacles that require balance and precision, even if you have never ridden a Mountain Bike before.
Right...MAD it is, that's a near vertical drop. Screen capture from Zero2Hero.asia website
As you can see, a short visit to their website at Zero2Hero.Asia showed me what I could possibly get myself into. I know for a fact the drop as shown in the photo above is a WALKER for me - that is, off the saddle and push the bike down. Now, if I can ride like that after the end of the 1 day, I would consider the course to be successful. To be honest, I was excited.
Un-learning And Re-learning
The day came and I got myself to the meet up point. I reached the place early and brought along my own bike though they do provide a Bike and helmet. I decided to ride on my own bike, as that would be the best representation in the quest to become-one with my Spanish Girlfriend.
What a beauty...
But of course, you don't really need to own a bike to attend this course. In fact, if you ask me, this allow any beginner that can ride a bike on a flat ground, thinking of getting themselves a bike, an opportunity to see and know if this is what they wanted aka to commit themselves to cycling. This is a plus point if you ask me. 
Registration counter with a Sweet Young Thing manning it.
After signing some forms, my buddy Raymond Tomatoman showed up. It was thanks to him that I was made aware of this.
What do you mean this bike is "buy 1-free-1"?
Zero2Hero collaborates with Polygon bicycles and if you think the "rented" bike are some crappy junks, think again. The bikes that are used/on-loan to participants are mid-range Polygon bikes. The specs could match or make my bike look outdated.
It's sized by the participant at registration, so you get the suitable sized bike, even for a 1-day lesson
Helmets are provided on loan basis as well and they are the proper bike helmet. Zero2Hero lives by the "safety is important" policy. Which is good. I've seen too many cyclists riding without helmet and many of them do not understand the severity of not wearing one. So, this is a "No Helmet, No Ride" policy.
Introductory and Safety Briefing
The participants come from all sort of bike-handling skills. There are those that know how to ride a bike on flat to those that compete in bike races. The skill sets is diverse and I immediately know that the only way for myself to maximize the coaching is to push myself and not be afraid to make any mistakes. For that is the only way to improve.
Nice tshirt by 2ndSkin.Asia
The coaching is lead by Head Coach Darcy Steinhardt and assisted by a few other coaches such as Dave Spencer, Azlan "Lan Gila" and a few more coaches. I counted six including Darcy. These are experienced riders and bona fide bike racers, and even race organisers that knows what it takes to take you from Zero 2 Hero
Short of spoiling all the fun by laying out what we went through, suffice to say that the coaching introduced the participants all they need to know about gearing, balancing, stopping, speeding, cornering, climbing, descending and most important of it all - confidence. 
For me, it was an un-learning experience as I shake off all the things i thought i knew about mountain biking and re-learning everything that was taught to me in the hours i spent there. 
Thumb - Panic Button. Index Finger - Speed Button. Two Fingers - BRAKE!
You see, the whole course was designed in such a way that by the end of the day, you can potentially do this like Darcy.
BIG drop. Darcy demonstrating what to do.
If you think the drop above is huge and "not do-able", read on and be surprised. But before that, everyone need to go through the basic. Braking is such simple thing that many does it wrongly on both road bike and mountain bike. To be honest, I never had that kind of respect for braking until yesterday. 
Cornering, are you sure you can bend it like...never mind.
I thought I knew the best way to tackle a corner, until Darcy offered some tips for improvement and I found myself more confident in taking it like Valentino Rossi. Seriously, I knew how to do it, but it was those fine tuning and pointing out that made all the differences. That is where the un-learning and re-learning comes in.
Lean in!
It is important for the participant to commit to the coaching. Like for example, the braking exercise where positioning, modulation and using BOTH brakes is important, i went from 30km/h to 0km/h within the 2m box or in about 2 seconds without losing control of the bike or flipping over the bar.
Follow the leader, but go as slow as you can.
Another essential skill critical of a mountain biker is the ability to balance with both feet on the pedal and with the bike stationery. It is not an easy skill to learn, but with those tips given by Zero2Hero, I find myself re-connecting with this skill that I once knew - and i found my dominant side to balance it all up. Nice.
I was stationery for a full 3 seconds :D
See the blue shirt guy that was behind me in the photo above and he is now in front of me pretty far ahead. I was not moving, or moving slowly!
The team prepared some hydration for everyone in the form of Hammer Nutrition HEED. Coincidentally yours truly is sponsored by Hammer Nutrition via Team 2ndSkin collaboration effort . Simple lunch was served too and it is up to you if you want to eat it or opt for your own food (that you bring).
Still not sure how it tasted like...
After the short lunch, it was time to learn to go down hills and clear drops. The program "graduated" participants by stages. We went from something about 10degree gradient and ended up with something up to 40degree gradient. 
Ray showing how to clear the second gradient (20 Degree)...getting steeper as the class progress
Darcy and the coaches evaluate you as you go along, offering advices and one to one coaching for improvement. At all time, they were at hand to "save" the participant should anything goes wrong. There were moments and at all time, participants were pulled/saved. 
20 Degree gradient...Easy does it
The key to descending is control and weight distribution. We were all taught where and when to do all that. Something I never do properly short of lowering the seat post. I now felt silly (for thinking lowering the seat WILL help the descent).
40 degree and clearing it like a Boss. Thanks to Zero2Hero Coaching
In full control
Then Darcy announced that some of us are ready to take on the Big Kahuna. Remember the photo i show above? The one showing Darcy clearing the big drop? Go on scroll up and see. That is because the "graduating" drop that the coaches want us do consist of two more than 40degree drop!
And if you missed the second drop, you land in the lake. Don't worry, Dave's a qualified life guard
If you think the course stop where Allan (red tights) stand, you are wrong. Here, Disco Dave demonstrating how to get jiggly with it.
Clearing the first descent and heading to the next one. Notice the coaches lining the drop?
Then the party begin. Oh What fun and adrenaline rush that makes you feel like 20 years younger. :)
Tackling the second drop
4 Strong Men to catch 1 Good Looking Man
Each of us has at least two go at it with each time improving a bit more as the confidence grew. The tougher part, we realised, was pushing/carrying the bike out of the second steep drop.

Now you have an idea how steep it was?
Simply Superb!
After what seems like 4hours plus, the session/coaching comes to an end. We were each given out a feedback form that we filled up. 
Then, we were each given a cert and come vouchers for purchases at Rodalink shops (the distributor for Polygon bikes) and it is a nice touch as it also allow newbies thinking of buying a bike, with some discount to do so.
A new Hero in town! Thanks Zero2Hero!
Zero2Hero has two other programs which is the Silver and the Gold membership. Click on the respective words to find out more about the packages. Or if you are just interested with the MAD, click here. The cost is RM199/MAD session BUT if you have signed up for Xterra Malaysia, you get to register this for RM80.
Has It Really Benefited Me?
I would say a YES. Not only it gave me back a lot of confidence riding down descent, it has taught me skills I once knew, but forgotten due to bad riding technique over the years. The new found confidence is priceless - both for riding in a race or riding as a leisure activity (or taking the trail really hard). 
Who it will benefit:
1. Noobs that knows nothing about mountain bike, and wonder if that is the right sports to do - without investing in a bike.
2. Beginners that owns a bike and want to learn and start to ride, and do it better.
3. Seasoned riders looking for that extra edge to improve on their current skills. You will ride more confidently. I know I did.
Never thought I could do this, ever.
With 2 months plus to Xterra, you can bet your ringgit and sen that you will see me riding more in the trail as opposed to pushing the bike up and down the trail. See you there!


Monday, February 04, 2013

Scoring Personal Best Timings

Wow. What a week. This post might sound like I am in a bragging mode so pardon me if I start to sound that way. Truth is, I am on sort of high as I am writing this. Scoring a personal best (PB) is always great. But how about bettering the same distance twice over a period of 7 days? I bettered my 5km record this time around.
5km Personal Best
A full 68 seconds shaved off
This was achieved on a relatively flat route (total elevation gain over 5km is 10m) of Lembah Kiara Park and both were done at the same time (10am). In fact, I have a list of 5km HIIT that was done at this park exclusively. Being anal, I would want something measurable over a period of time - and they it all happened mostly on Saturday.
Went from 5:19 to 4:03 in about 9 weeks
My 5km PB went from 22 minutes to a cool 20 minutes within the past 9 weeks. I see that as an achievement and most definitely more improvement can be done - and it will be done.  
1-Mile Personal Best
It has been my personal aim to run a fast 1-miler. Not because of anything but it is really driven by trying to improve my VO2Max. A fast 1-miler at sustained speed can be used as a good gauge for general fitness. Inspired by the fast 5km I did on Saturday, I decided yesterday (Sunday) that I should be fair to myself and try to see where I stand after the last 1-miler personal best that was clocked in September 2012. After 4 months of training in a structured manner and more confidently running and landing the proper way, it was time to put what I've invested (in time and effort) to see if there were improvement. I know there will be, just need to quantify it.
Do this at above 100% commitment
Looked like all the investment paid off. From a humbling 7:19 done in June 2012 to a 6:21 in September 2012...I frankly thought that "can't possibly run faster". I give everything I have in these 1-miler. Yesterday's condition was almost perfect. I had a 3km warm up run with the two dogs. It elevated my Heart rate to about 100bpm. I then took off again, running 100m before starting the count down. I know exactly where the elevation/slight slope is and it is at the fist 400m of the run. I know I have to push through it and things will start to be "easy". Concentrating on each step and landing. Putting in the strides and knee lifts. Finishing that 1610m was good. I know I scored a new timing. It wasn't until I checked the Garmin that It was a confirmed 6:01 effort.
What's Next
Continue to train hard. Staying injury free. Making sure I eat and rest well. Keep moving forward. My ultimate aim with all these training in place is a 40mins (or faster) 10km run. With a fast 1-miler, my 5km timing will start falling again. Then, it is matter of improving what I can achieve within 40minutes, which currently stand at 8.5km. My PB for 10km stands at 44:46...and that is easily 1km off from targeted pace. 

Friday, February 01, 2013

Skechers GoTrail First Impression

As part of the sponsorship under the Team 2ndSkin collaboration with Skechers Malaysia, I am allowed three pairs of shoes for 2013. With the first GoBionic reviewed (and very used), I decided to take the GoTrail in preparation for a few offroad races I will be taking part in 2013. Immediate on the list is the Hash Challenge and followed by Sabah Adventure Challenge two weeks later. As most of you know, I am wearing a Brooks Cascadia 5 for the longest time. I retired the first pair after close to 500km and now using my second pair (in Green). I will save Cascadia review for another day - but it will be the older Cascadia5, which is still sold in some shops.
Lets Get "Go"ing
Ever wished someone just leave a box (with shoes) at your home?
I collected my Skechers GoTrail from the branch in 1Utama. The sales representatives were helpful and knowledgeable in the products. In fact, I would not expect any less from anyone dealing with sports equipment. I told her I was there to collect the GoTrail and she pointed to me the "Men" color.
Blue. Brown. Grey. Black.
It was a no-brainer for me to choose the color. I somehow wished there were shocking Pink (unfortunately, there is but for women) as we runners and trailrunners are exhibitionist in disguise. So, yes, i got the Blue. 
Can I have another pair, for my wife?
Minimalist Trail Shoes
My closest experience on a minimalist trail-specific shoe is the Brooks PureGrit. I am threading on dangerous ground here if I go and compare the both of them for the sake of review like how i did between the PureDrift and the GoBionic. So, before I actually "go there", let's understand GoTrail a bit more. When we talk about "minimalist", we talk about the shoe being as close to barefoot as possible. At 4mm drop, the shoe can be considered a minimalist, though it would be better if it is a ZERO drop. With a minimalist setup, my advice is to make sure we as runners are conditioned to run in them. Minimalist shoes promote midfoot and forefoot strike as that is the most natural way of running. It takes practice and muscular strengthening to achieve that. So, if you decided on a pair of minimalist, try hard not to "heel strike", as they are not designed for that.
As how it came to me in the box
Technology and Features
I noticed that Skechers take effort to educate and provide adequate information with their products. I especially like how the shoe's techs and features are laid out on a simple brochure. See if this is easy enough for you to understand.
All features laid out. Their proprietary "Resa" sole, the "feedback" grip, the "Rock Diffusion Plate" and the impressive light weight
More. The Mid-foot strike engineering, the Ortholite, the GoDri, lacing system, heel stabiliser and the 4mm drop
If you do not understand any of them above. It is completely ok. Just stay calm and read on. :P Essentially, because these are mostly marketing materials that aims to appeal to whoever that bought it (or rather, to convince them of their choice) and also as an awareness on the technology that goes into the shoe. Just like how i did unboxing the GoBionic
M-Strike that state the shoe to be engineered to promote midfoot strike
GoImpulse Sensors - It refers to the circular shaped sole (photo below)
What it really meant was it offers flexibility and feedback for better response. Similar to how GoBionic is fitted with 18-independent sole for flexibility
Resagrip. Ultra durable compound that is also lightweight and flexible. Resalyte was in GoBionic.
The Ortholite foam insole that is integrated into the shoe. It is breathable and also inhibit odor
Agion treated. Basically it's Ag+ ion or silver ion treated to inhibit smell.
What was missing that was in my opinion a good selling point is the awareness for the GoDri feature. It is basically a hydrophobic (repel water) mesh and synthetic upper helps shield your feet from harsh elements. Also missing was the Stretch Fit, Heel Stabiliser and the Quick Lacing system. 
Real Feel
I got a size US11 sized shoe as the US10 (my usual size) was a bit too tight on the front/toebox. The decision to go one up is essential as my feet will swell after being exposed to the elements in the trails. We are talking about continuous pounding on different terrains including wet, muddy condition and rocky, loose gravels. So, if you are considering this shoe, go in the evening, wear a socks and try the shoe. 
Smooth surface with rubberised front over synthetic (looked and feel  like Neoprene) top
The bottom of the shoe reveal the Resagrip with GoImpulse feature. I must say it looked rather convincing. The aggressive sole with big spacing looked promising for both grip and self-cleaning ability. This is yet to be tested of course (and you won't expect anything less from me soon)
The yellow Ortholite sockliner is integrated. The GoImpulse looked nasty
One look one would had thought the bottom was a modified "Adidas kampung", just more aggressive looking. Not helping with the mono-color (men's version unfortunately suffers from this). The shoe has the Rock Diffusion Plate inserted between the sole and the insole. This is actually a thin plate to protect against jagged surfaces (not nails ya) and to disperse the pressure.
Quick lacing system
I see no reason for me to perform a DIY shoe-lace on both the GoBionic and GoTrail as the lacing system were more than sufficient to address any "hotspot". Certain shoes' lacing system constrict and restrict too much without allowing for a good fit and I did not find this an issue in both the Skechers I own. A good tug and the laces snug up nicely. Always remember to doubleback your laces (how to do it? rabbit ear the laces twice!)
The light grey part...it's there for a reason
One of the notable feature is the heel stabilizer that is built into the back of the shoe. It is flexible enough and yet provide snug fit on the feet. Add that with the synthetic upper (which by the way, very neoprene like), provides a very nice positive fit. When i flick the tongue of the shoe, i noticed it was sewn down on the inner side. A nice touch as it prevents two things - the tongue from riding down when you place your feet into the shoe and prevent sands and gravels from getting in via the top of the shoe.
Sewn-on tongue
The shoe was flexible. To say the least, it was as flexible as the GoBionic and the PureDrift. I did not take that photo unfortunately. Next posting ok? 
One of the feature that got me interested was the GoDri. I meant, this is not Goretex. It did not claim to be. It is simply GoDri, and I can't resist dipping the front of the shoe into a bucket of water and see what happened. 
Things I do for you readers. This is a new shoe for goodness sake (lucky it's free)
The front dip represent a quick splash in a puddle of water that would not last longer than 2 seconds. I kept the shoe there for 5 for good luck. As you can see, the water did not fully penetrate the upper synthetic top. So, perhaps, there are some merit with this GoDri. Yes. I WILL immerse the shoe in some river soon just to see how it hold up.
Can we go for a run now?
I believe I have covered most of the features out of the box. Last one, which is what interest many will be the weight. 
Lightweight Trail Shoes - Possible?
PureGrit came in at 8.9oz for the US9. That itself was impressive. GoTrail claimed a light 8.4oz for US9, that is unbelievable. 
Lets hope shoe will not be sold by weight.
However, as the shoe i took was US11, I am not getting the 8.4oz version. Putting the shoe on a mechanical scale (anyone to sponsor a digital scale in the near future?), it returned 260grams or 9.2oz.
260grams
Be reminded, this shoe is two size larger than the recommended weight-size. I say this is superb considering the US10 PureGrit came in at about the same as GoTrail. The only reason why I am starting to get anal about these weight is simply because on longer runs (beyond 40km) in the trails, as the shoe get wet, it gets heavier. So, anything light to start with will be good. Wait up for the full blown review soon.

Note: This pair of Skechers GoTrail is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair of GoTrail retail for RM399 and is available at all Skechers store.