My New Adidas Supernova

"Hi KC, the latest model of Adidas Supernova of your size has arrived with a very attractive colour design," Ariff, the Sales Representative at Adidas, The Gardens @ Mid-Valley telephoned to inform me quite excitedly.

After waited and checked with Ariff for many weeks, I finally bought the pair of running shoes of my choice on 7 May 2011.

I have quite a big foot. They say it is very good for stability that represents whatever endeavour that I do. But with the thick socks and extra cushioning, the size of the shoes would look like the size of a boat.

My previous pair of Adidas Supernova is a durable pair of footwear. It powered me through five full marathons, inclusive of training runs. In every full marathon, I would have put in about 500km of training. The trusted Supernova actually lasted for 2,500km before it was gone for good – been stolen.

The most notable improvement of this Supernova is the sleek and attractive design complemented by the distinctive colours of a green theme. Besides, the weight of current model is very much lighter compared to my previous Supernova.

At Adidas, The Gardens @ Mid-Valley ... Ariff and yours truly. He said that if I keep my hair very long, that would look like one of the rock singers (... aisey, I forgot the name now).

 The Adidas Supernova with an acid-green theme

 Sleek and nice looking

Note by Josie: When I start watching the American Idol this new season, it suddenly strikes me that you look exactly like one of the judges, Steven Tyler who is the lead singer for Aerosmith, the famous rock group. He has long hair and you can definitely be his double if you have long hair just like him...haha.

Note by KC: Yeah... that is exactly what Ariff said ... :-)

 

Posted by KC Leong

NB 875 Off-road Running Shoes

It just happened uncontrollably. On my way descending from the peak during Gunung Angsi Climbathon (8 May 2010) click here, I was wary of the slippery ground. However, there was one sloping surface – no matter how careful I tried – when I stepped on it, and immediately, I slipped and fell.

The problem: I was wearing a pair of road running shoes. I was not wearing the usual trekking shoes as they are clumsy and not suitable for running. However, the road running shoes are not suitable for off-road challenge. I have a new requirement now where both the native running and trekking shoes are not suitable.

The weekend after the climbathon, I went to a New Balance outlet at Mid-Valley The Gardens to see how I could overcome the problem. I was glad to see that they have the type of shoes for off-road running.

New Balance 875 off-road running shoes

This is the new pair of New Balance off-road running shoes that I bought. List price is RM 320.

I shall use them for hill training and later, leading to the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon on 23 Oct 2010; or possibly, wear them for the coming Mount Fuji Japan trekking on 26 July 2010.

I went for a test run on Wednesday morning (19 May) at the rubberized track of MPSJ (Subang Jaya) outdoor stadium with this pair of shoes.

My observation:

This pair of shoes is light and flexible, provide excellent fit and perform just like running shoes despite having different design and grip at the bottom sole. It gives reasonably comfortable cushioning when walking. Nevertheless, the feel for lack of cushioning is obvious together with higher level of knee jerk when I started to run on the rubberized track.

Anyway, I should not complain too much as any shoes will provide cushion and protection for our feet compared to running barefoot, just like our famous barefoot runner, Tan Wah Seng who run marathons in barefoot.

Since this is the first time I am wearing an off-road shoe to run, I need other brands to make a comparison. Overall, I should think it is Okay since the ground on the trail is softer than tarmac.

By KC

Lead by Chiew Hong and Weng (both Mount Fuji Japan trekking and Mount KK Climbathon challengers), the team shall go for a trekking trip to the peak of Gunung Nuang via Janda Baik (Bukit Tinggi, Karak Highway) on coming Sunday 23 May 2010.

Extracted from runners website:

Runner's World Review:

The 875 delivers excellent all-weather traction by using outsole lugs made from both hard and sticky rubber spaced far enough apart that they don't get clogged with mud or slush. While the shoe does best on trails, some testers were surprised how well it did on pavement. New Balance improved the fit of the upper by adding overlays that embrace the foot more securely. Yet, even with the additional material, the 875 managed to lose half an ounce. Recommended for runners who run on wet, sloppy trails or who are in need of top-notch traction and an excellent fit.

Wear Tester Reviews:

"The shoes offered oversized lugs that overcame mud and soft ground with ease." - Mark Hauswith, 28, East Lansing
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Adidas Running Shoes Wear-test program

Good news for runners who blog or have their own blogsites.

adidas has once again brought in more highly innovative running shoes to be given away FREE to runners to wear-test them and to post in their blogsites a very frank and unprejudiced opinion about the shoes after 30 days of test run.

One of the models that is included in this program is adiZero Adois that Haile Gebrselassie used at the 2008 Berlin Marathon setting a world record in the Marathon of 2hr 03 mins 58 sec.

The sizes are limited in UK 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 &10.5. Those who wish to possess these shoes will have to comply with the following terms & conditions:

1 ) Come to the adidas office to fit the shoes.

2 ) Undertake to post a comment in their blog

a ) about the Technical features of the shoes upon receiving them

b ) about the performance of the shoes after 30 days of usage.

3 ) Must be a blogger or has his/her own website.

This offer expires on 15th January 2009. The shoes will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis. The program this year is only open tothose who have NOT participated or missed out in this program previously.

If you are interested pls call to make an appointment as appended below

Office address:
adidas Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Block B , Level 4, Plaza Damansara

45 Media Setia

1 Bukit Damanasara

Kuala Lumpur

Krishnan Karuppan

Head of Running

adidas Malaysia

Tel Office : 03 - 20804843

Mobile No : 012 - 3503668

E-Mail :

krishnan.karuppan @adidas.com
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Read previous wear-test reports written by yours truly (KC) on adidas Response CSH 16:
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click here for part 1,
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click here for part 2.
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Posted by KC

Adidas Shoes Wear-test Programme - Part 2

adidas Response CSH 16
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click here to read Part 1
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Finally, after much thoughts, and with the re-affirmation (of resuming serious running) from my runner’s friend, I decided to take up the offer. It sounded funny that to take up an offer to test run a pair of running shoes required much consideration.

On the appointment day, I gave Mr. Krishnan a call – luckily that I called him. Otherwise, I would end up at the wrong Wisma Damansara along Jalan Semantan instead of Plaza Damansara. Mr. Krishnan was really patient in explaining to me the direction to the correct venue.

While waiting for Mr. Krishnan in the Main Office of adidas Malaysia, I have the opportunity to look around the office. The area is posh with many functional rooms. The main lobby area prominently displays sports eyewear and apparel. I see a few young athletes in jersey were at the lobby at that moment, a reminder that it is a place for actively supporting sporting activities.
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The mock sole next to the acid-green ball is with adiPRENE impact-absorbing material infused with German technology

Mr. Krishnan brought in the mock shoes and skeletal. After a brief discussion, he then explained the various types of materials necessary in constructing high-tech running shoes.

Two ping-pong sized rubber balls caught my attention. Mr. Krishnan then asked me to throw the purple ball hard on the floor. I was gauging the clearance as to how high the ball would bounce back and make sure the bounce did not hit us. To my big surprise, the ball never bounced at all – it just landed and stayed on the floor.

Mr. Krishnan explained that this is the German technology in designing the material for providing the maximum cushion while absorbing the force of full impact from a runner when running.
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Mr. Krishnan: Explaining what it takes for the foot to manoeuvre from landing to propulsion stage

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I have been running for many years but I never pay attention as to the different materials in making a pair of running shoes. After that briefing, I then understood that there are a few types of materials mandatory to ensure the shoes in providing the necessary cushion, comfort and protection. It is good to share with the runners:

adiPRENE
Exclusive to adidas, adiPRENE® is an elastic and durable material which responds to the cushioning needs of a runner’s moving foot. adiPRENE® absorbs impact forces, providing superior cushioning and protection for the heel.

adiWEAR
An extremely durable and non-marking rubber (similar to car tyre) against high-abrasion contact with the road surface. It reduces wear in the heel landing area while providing the necessary traction and flexibility.

TORSION®
A shining plastic connecting the forefoot and rearfoot of the shoes. The torsion system stabilizes the foot, providing lightweight arch support while allowing flexibility of the shoes to move freely.
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Yours truly showing the brand new, glitering shoes

With my big shoe size of US 11.5 (Yes! excellent stability in supporting my body), my choice is limited with the availability of shoes that fit me at that moment.

I am glad to receive one adidas Response CSH 16 that fit me perfectly. This classic that bears the number 16 is actually the 16th Edition while CSH stands for Cushion. I believe it comes a long way for a product to have attained 16 times of improvement, much like Version 16 for software.

With a pair of wear-test shoes, it is a good start to resume serious running again from my heel injury.

I would like to extend my grateful thanks to Mr. Krishnan and adidas Malaysia.

To be continued …

Written by KC

Adidas Shoes Wear-test Programme

“Shall I or shall I not take up the offer,” I was excited and yet uncertain. I pondered after reading the email sent by Mr. Krishnan, Head of Running of adidas Malaysia.

"adidas has brought in some very high performance technical running shoes to be given away to runners to wear-test them and to submit reports on the shoes arising from the test runs,” as explained in the email. “Interested runners are to schedule an appointment at Main office of adidas Malaysia, Plaza Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.”

There are a few Pacesetters runners whom I know in the same email: Pacemaker 1, Jamie Pang, Iwata Takatoshi, Lisar Onn, Jason Thiang, Lok Chan Chuen, Tey ET and GohCA.

The photos of the shoes sure look attractive and inviting to runners. I am sure it feels good to put them on and test run the shoes.

Heel Injury

I have not been doing competitive running for almost one year since I injured my right heel in September 2006 when I keenly competed in the Executive Rat Race that secured the Champion Team.

Since then, I have been diversifying into light running (on the grass at the playground near my house), gym work, badminton and trekking. I have been to a few local mountains and the most memorable one was a 17-day trekking trip to Cho La Pass (5,300 meters) in Nepal in May 2007. Click Here.

After too many months of not putting on the running shoes, I know I need a catalyst to propel me into running again. The timing of the offer from adidas was just superb for me to resume into serious running. The brand new New Balance 1222 running shoes which I bought in 2007, only clocked in during its maiden 20km training run.

My adidas Supernova

I have been using adidas running shoes for many years. Prior to using adidas Supernova Cushion M4E, I was also using another pair of adidas.

What is of utmost concern to most runners for every step that you put forward mechanically when you run? Good cushioning! I was happy with the superb cushioning from adidas shoes.

My adidas Supernova is a durable pair of footwear. Out of the seven full marathons I did starting in 2004, it powered five marathons, including training runs and other half marathon runs! As Chee Wee, Penguin Runner-11, commented that I sure have a method to prolong the life of running shoes.

From the photos, which pair of running shoes is Supernova? Well, the golden yellow and the blue ones!
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My Marathon Records

29 Feb 2004 KLIM 4:26 Previous Adidas
07 July 2004 Ipoh Marathon 4:14 Adidas Supernova
05 Dec 2004 SIM 3:51 Adidas Supernova (my best timing)
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06 Mar 2005 KLIM 4:07 Adidas Supernova
04 Dec 2005 SIM 4:04:37 Adidas Supernova
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05 Mar 2006 KLIM 4:22:52 Adidas Supernova
03 Dec 2006 SIM 4:22:01 Nike Airmax 180

KLIM = Kuala Lumpur International Marathon
SIM = Singapore International Marathon (or SCSM: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon)
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Stolen
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I was considering to retire the trusted Supernova, possibly, only for stand-by use. One Sunday morning, after the training run, I left the shoes at the car porch area. Two days later, when I wanted to go for a light run, then only I realized that the shoes were gone – stolen by thief. That was the only time in my life that I thank a thief for taking away my shoes. It sound funny but it was true.

All these while, I would think that thieves would strike only from Monday to Thursday nights. They would not come on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with much night activities around. I was totally wrong – the thief came on a Sunday night.

To be continued …

Written by KC