Happy New Year To All

It's the time of the year again where we reflect on the final day of the year. Time is like a flowing river, no water passes beneath your feet twice, much like the river, moments never pass you by again, so cherish every moment that life gives you and have a wonderful New Year.

2ndSkin Athlete Annie Yee in "Weather Forecast". Photo credit Jun Shen. Post Production Jason 2ndSkin. Taken during a Hill Circuit. Location : Klang.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday To All Fans

We at Team 2ndSkin would like to wish all of you that celebrate Christmas a joyous celebration. For those that do not celebrate, we wish you all a very happy holiday.

Have a great celebration ahead!

Find us on the internet
www.2ndskin.asia
www.twitter.com/2ndskinasia
www.team2ndskin.blogspot.com

Jun Shen : Mount Telapak Burok Challenge Race Report

Well trained Royal Military College ex-Putera and Navy Officer Jun Shen raced what could be the most ill-prepared (gear wise) race for him. But being the ingenious person that he is, added with the spirit of "Yes I Can", it embodied the very spirit of the Team (2ndSkin). For that determination and unperturbed by the lack of "gears", he came out 9th. Now, imagine if he had all that he needed. Awesome race Jun Shen. Congrats!
ps - check out that *rear*.
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Mount Telapak Burok Challenge 2012 - Race Report

I have so much to share, so many things to write, yet so little energy left after 2 stressful days. Alright, let's start with my race Mount Telapak Burok Challenge at Jeram Toi. I registered for this race one week before the closing date. Not that I don't wanna plan, I need to check with my ship's schedule before confirming my race, or else my registration fees will go to waste. I don't remember when was the last time I did trail running, with 2 weeks left to race this challenging course, I will dig whatever that's left in my tank to finish my very last race of this year. Before pushing off, I talked to my 2ndSkin Team to ask for their opinion. =)

 I was very sleepy while driving, so I turned on the air cond to create an annoyingly-cold condition so that it'll be too uncomfortable to sleep =p I arrived Jeram Toi approximately 5pm, late by 1 hour.

Checked the race map, wrapped it up with plastic just in case I need it when I'm lost.

Most of the participants camped near the podium area, I was the only one who slept in my car. I screened down a little for ventilation, and wrapped myself up with blanket while watching Ironman Kona 2012 before I dozed off. Due to my small built, I had enough space to stretch my legs =p  In a survival condition, economy of effort is important. Why bother setting up tents which can't keep u warm and vulnerable to thunderstorm? The car is the best place to sleep! Unless u come in a huge group, then you might need more space, so setting up tents are necessary.

 My mobile shelter =p

The flag off was delayed by a few minutes. I sprinted together with the Kenyans. I'm gonna share with u what I planned and what went wrong throughout the course. 

My Plan

In an off road race, whoever gets to the "chokepoint" or 'bottleneck" first, usually will win the race. I knew that I didn't have proper training for this race, so I'll race with strategy. I ran as hard as possible to the very first chokepoint - The Tunnel. I was in top 10 position, and I fell no less than 5 times to get there. Normally, the rank will not change after the chokepoint. Because in narrow and slippery trails, it is damn hard to overtake the runner in front UNLESS you've excess energy and skillful enough. At minute 31, I was walking and panting like an old man. Today's race was like running on Secret Recipe's chocolate indulgence, extremely slippery. Tress on left and right wasn't helpful, most of them are full of thorns! Not only it was steep enough to make me crawl, all the way from check point 2 to check point 3 has no descent at all! The organizers provide 2 ropes for certain steep climb, I rushed there to avoid "traffic jam". I was dead tired at CP3, I was hoping for some tress or roots for me to hold on. I said "THANK YOU" every time I get roots to help me climb. May be I was a little crazy already =p My compression socks helped me a lot! It protects me from thorns and leeches, and saved me from cramps. To not damage my 2ndSkin race shirt, I made myself a homemade race belt =p I came straight from my ship, so I didn't have all my race gears with me. This race was a survival one.

 I made 2 eyes for pins at both sides, then another knot I learned during my sailing lesson to shorten it.

What Went Wrong

I was wearing running shoes, the dumbest mistake. Actually, I didn't have my trail shoes with me. I left it in UPNM.  So it is not totally my mistake. Lock laces are meant for triathlon, not trail running. My left shoe stuck and left inside the mud, wasted a few seconds. =p With lock laces, the shoes can be released very easily for quick transition. In trail running, u need the traditional laces to snug your feet so that the mud won't accidentally take your shoes off =p If I was wearing gloves, it'll be easier for me to hold on tress and roots instead of crawling like a big baby, that give me a few minutes of advantage. Nutrition wise, remember to ask what type of water they offer. Normally organizers will just offer plain water, but this organizer is too kind to give us 100 plus at all the 3 check points. I took gels, and gels should be taken with plain water. Without plain water, my nutrition plan need to be changed.

 The damage. 

The extremely technical course really put my descending skills to test. Being overtaken by other competitors because of my tortoise pace descending was no fun at all! I changed my game plan, I rested during the descend, then punch hard on the final 3km on the road! I successfully caught them up and pulled away from them. Haha =p My mum was by the roadside telling me I'm ranking No9. 

Overall, I would say the organizing committee has done a good job, all the junctions are marked clearly, they managed to deliver all the water supply to every water stations on top of the hills! Thumbs up for them=)

Completed the run in 1 hour 27 minutes.

This is my very first time racing with a T-shirt instead of running vest.

The 2ndSkin Vaporskin technology kept me light and cool. I poured half bottle of 500ml on my body before flag off and I didn't feel the weight at all. Checkout 2ndSkin.  

My parents came to support me without telling me. It was a surprise.

The car was having problem before the my journey, they sent it for repair, even fueled it full tank for me. Thank you very much. 

Ranking No 9 Men Open 17 - 45.

There's so much to improve for my trail running techniques.

More pictures of Telapak Burok Challenge here

Team 2ndSkin Launched

2ndskin is please to announce the launch of TEAM 2NDSKIN, an in-house Athlete Program that we have built (to celebrate the fact that the world did not end!) with a pilot group of age-grouper athletes.

We would like to take this opportunity to Thank Skechers Malaysia /Skechers Performance Malaysia and also Hammer Nutrition Malaysia for their trust and support and collaboration with TEAM 2NDSKIN for the year 2013.

Fans, friends, fellow athletes and just about everyone can follow the exploits, updates and news about TEAM 2NDSKIN at our newly launched blog http://www.team2ndskin.blogspot.com/. Follow us on twitter too at @2ndSkinAsia.

Engage and interact with us at our blog and do come over and say 'HI' if you see us at races and events. Don't forget to like our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/2ndskin.asia

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your utmost support of which without all of you, we would not be where we are today.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

- TEAM 2NDSKIN -


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2ndSkin Official Twitter : @2ndSkinAsia

TriStupe : Malakoff 12km Run Race Report

Fresh from the Putrajaya Triathlon done two weeks ago, TriStupe ended his "racing for 2012" with a superb run. Armed with the brand new 2ndSkin All Weather Runner T-shirt made from VaporSkin and the Skechers GoBionic, he scored a 17/1232 position in Men Open (results here). All we can say to you is : You GoBionic Bro!
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Malakoff Run 2012 Race Report
It was an accidental race. The last I ran Malakoff run was way back in 2007 if i am not mistaken. It was so long ago that all i remembered was running up Bukit Kiara (those days before it got evolved to Sperm Loop). The race was sold out fast and thanks to a lucky star alerting me about "Media Entry", i tried my luck using my Blog to see if I would be considered to run as "Media". As it turned out, my blog was legit and I was allowed entry. Thank you - to both the Lucky Star and the PR group handling Malakoff run.
Race Morning
I set my alarm clock at 5.15am and it was breakfast immediately after I took a shower and brushed my teeth. The cold shower helped to jolt me up. As usual, it was the good old proven rolled oats and raisins/nut mixes that I have for breakfast. Provides enough energy for a 5km run. As I have trained my body to run on empty and rely on body fat to sustain the system. There was no carbo-loading or fancy "sports food" the morning before and this run should not be any different from my usual early Sunday run. It was supposed to be my Hill Circuit day as well, so everything falls in nicely. I drove to the starting point which was about 15minutes from my home. I was tempted to just park my car about 5km away and run there - but I had plans to push myself hard and do not want to risk anything. Arriving at Bukit Kiara Equestrians Park, I started to bump into many familiar faces. Thanks to all photographers that has captured the moments. I ran without my usual camera yesterday.

With Nazrul and Puzi. Thanks Kam for the pic.

As the race got closer to gun-off, more friends came in and the usual laughter and banters were exchanged. I was said to look like Jane Fonda's era with my headband. :) A (bald) man got to have a headband to prevent eye-stinging sweat from getting into it.

With Puzi and Pat. Thanks Mr. Chan WK for the pic!

About 10minutes to the race start, the MC, Adele and Kannan ushered everyone to the starting line. For the very first time in my life, i actually stood right at the front of the starting pack.

The Don't Know Shy Pose. OK. That's too to the FRONT. Move back now Stupe! Thanks Mr. Chan for the photo.

Actually, it was me being lazy not wanting to walk all the way back. Since my intention was to give my best to the "training run", I thought why not? After all, it will be a good experience to gauge my own progress with the country's best athletes.

In case you do not know who A0208 is, that's Ronnie "PM1" See. Next to me is the ever strong Puzi. Thanks Max Lim for the photo!

Some might say I am delusional like the rest of the (amateur) runners standing in front. I felt I was. More so knowing the like of Shahrom, Moey, Ronnie, Puzi were just within arm reach from me. Bear in mind these are all very fast (and super-fit) athletes that hold 9-to-5 job/s and inspired me to work hard towards my goals too. Of course there are many others in the group, and I know the moment the gun goes off, the real-deal will start breaking hearts of the wannabe runners (like me).

Ok, now clap people. Thanks Gus for the photo.

This is also a first race I wore something different from my usual running gear. Being in Team 2ndSkin, naturally, I will wear what was provided to me. Choices was for me to decide what to choose to wear - and it is none other than the newest edition "All Weather Runner". In a way, it does define my recent run training that was done in any weather, much to the annoyance of my wife (for fear of my own safety).

Hell Yeah! Taken from my Instagram. Can be Purchased from 2ndskin.asia

I ran this race using the Skechers GoBionic minimalist shoe. It made it's debut during the Putrajaya Triathlon about last week. This will be the first time I take the shoes for run over 10km distance.

Skechers GoBionic in it's first race

Back to the race. As the VIP (CEO of Malakoff and PACM president) lined up for the gun-off, I have the last visualisation of the race route. Mental visualisation is a very strong thing to do. It allow ourselves to prepare for that will come our way. I posted a guideline/tips a few days before the race and I hope it help some of you that read my blog.
Ready Set...GO!
The air-horn went off sharp at 7am and the runners sprint to the front. I saw two runners, sprinting so fast only to start slowing down at the base of Science Centre. More experienced runners will know to hold back enough to maintain their own race pace. Puzi, that was next to me the last 30minutes were seen at least 50meters ahead. I then saw Moey, Raymond and Ronnie passing me. A quick glance at my Garmin says I am doing my race pace.
4:15min/km. 158bpm. Damn I lost 1-second looking at the watch.

Chasing the main pack. Ah Thiam pirated the race, but gave his all nevertheless. Thanks for the photo Vivien and Foo.

As expected, the first hill took out a lot of the less experienced runners. You see them slowing down and hyperventilating. 

Chasing the main pack up Science Center. Mark Williams (B1553) was the eventual winner for Men Veteran and overall fastest timing. In the photo was the strong Don Khor. Thanks Elaine and Victor for the pic.

Turning right, the pace for everyone started to pick up and I know not to let the pace settle into an over-relaxed recovery pace. Hammering down, I could see about 20people in front of me as we passed the first water station after the Beringin roundabout. I skipped the station and ran down as fast as I could.

Suffering while running on a "flat" route. One loop done. Thanks Team PACat for the photo.

I know immediately after the John Hancock building will be a climb. And just like that, Gavin Bong ran past me. He must had started late and with his sub 4:00min/km pace, he ran up the hill like it was a downhill. Inspiring.
The PACM volunteers set up the ribbon station half way up the climb. 12km runners were to take two ribbons. This second climb was a bit tougher due to the longer distance. I saw myself being very consistent on the climb; overtaking those that blasted past me on the downhill sections. That was when I secretly hope the race finishing is an UPHILL. Would be nice to break some hearts sometimes. At the top of the climb was a water station which I slowed down to take a sip and a timing station. Made a mental note to remember to run past the timing device the second loop around. It was downhill from the top of the hill (SK Bukit Damansara) and the third hill welcomes you. I usually max out at this climb. And indeed it did. I was glad that I covered the first 5km in a decent time. 22:35.5, which was 30 seconds slower than my 5km Personal Best of 22:04. Considering the climbs/slopes, That's pretty encouraging. I know if I continue the pace, I will be able to finish the race within an hour with fatigue factored in.
Second Loop
Running the second loop was pretty much autopilot. Toughest task was to maintain good running form. I then started to run with the 7km and the other 12km runners. The road turned into a sea of pink (or slightly orange/fushia). I passed a few friends i know and they shouted for me. I apologise as all i could manage was a wave of acknowledgement. I skipped the water station after the roundabout and decided to run as fast as I could all the way to John Hancock and decide from there if i want to hold the same pace, or speed up. The fourth slopes up to SK Bukit Damansara was when I realised my pace slowed down by almost 15seconds from my average - not good. 5:02.  

Heel Striking running to Finish line. Damn it!. Thanks Elaine and Victor for this pic that I can use to improve on my running  form.

Knowing the race will end in approximately 4km, I shifted to high gear and push for it.
Those tempo hill runs got to help me. Stay there.
With the last climb in sight and I realised my 10km timing actually improved from my 48:00 (during Putrajaya Night Marathon that i did 21km) to a fast 45:56. I shaved off almost 3minutes off my 10km timing on a hilly course. 
I know my heart rate was at all time high as I speed down the last downhill section to the finish line. As I pass Science Center and running into Bukit Kiara Equestrians Park, I was hyperventilating.

BREATHE! Thanks Tey!

As I sprint towards the finishing line, I felt proud that I managed to hold the pace that I did. I reflected (even before the race finish) that it was my 100% that I gave. And it showed.

Hurry run, the Zombie Horse is coming after you! Thank you Mr. Chan for the amazing capture of my "pia" expression

Seriously, I pushed myself, Vivien (Foo's wife) too this photo close up as I ran past...I looked like a Zombie running away from Zombie Slayer actually!

Girls says Droopy eyes were cute. What do you think?  Thanks Vivien for the photo.

I crossed the line in (my Garmin) 52:06. I was right behind a man that got third placing in the Men Senior Veteran category. These guys are at least 10 years older than me! Inspiring.
For my effort, I got one medal and a timing I can be proud off. I can only hope that I will be able to maintain my training and continue to improve.

A bit more, come on! Thanks Max Lim for the photo.

Yesterday's run opened my eyes to how the top runners ran. I still have much to catch up and come close. I am not sure my official finish timing or position in the Men's Open category. Not that it mattered since I am not in the Top 5.

OK. Managed to run fast enough from the Zombie Slayer. Thanks Max Lim for the photo finish.

However, it was a super nice feeling to finish the race that fast as the goodies bag collection was with no crowds.
Race Stats
The race route on my Garmin 910XT.

My time split for the 11.3km

Split 
4:35.9 
4:20.0 
4:22.6 
4:52.2 
4:24.8 (5km : 22:35.5) 
5:11.6 
4:29.2 
5:02.1 
4:33.6 
4:44.6 (10km : 45:56.6) 
4:14.8 
1:15.2 (314m : race course under-distanced)

After Race Celebrations

Soon after collecting my goodies bag, I went to my car, took a shower and returned back to race site to complete the reason why I was there in the first place...as part of the MEDIA. :)

The Malakoff CEO and his team

The Top5 winners of all categories in Kannan's hand

Buddy Dicky with fellow PACM Volunteers ensuring everyone is hydrated

Whole group of fast runners

Michelle was second in her category while Raymond made it looked too easy with a sub-50mins finishing

All ready for Christmas!

With Nannoor and Ib. Power running couple in the making.

Men Veteran winner. Mark Williams (second from right) was overall winner (though there is no prizes for that). 12km in about 42minutes! Congrats to Gavin Bong for coming in third (pink shirt in middle)

The Women Open winners. Congrats Jesicca (second from right), Michelle (third from right) and Lynn Guan (in black). 

Men Open winners. Congrats Shahrom (in dark blue, second placing).

And that was me, as captured by Max Lim, whoring for the winners' photos. :)

Race Pros
1. Superb route. I train here at least once a week.
2. Superb organisation. PACM and Quickrelease make a lethal combination of race organisers!
3. Superb host - as usual Malakoff has set the precedent to how corporate companies should contribute to the development of local talents and races. Their involvement in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program are well known.
4. Superb Volunteers tirelessly ensuring sufficient water and Gatorades for all runners.
5. Superb race. Will make this a yearly affair from now onwards.
Race Cons
1. Race distance short of 700m. Perhaps getting the runners to run through the main entrance of Bukit Kiara Equatrian park to finish might solve this problem
2. Runners need to be more responsible to throw the paper cups into the bins provided. For every rubbish that was thrown, there is a person picking them up.

All Weather Runner - Yes I am.

With that, my "race calendar" for 2012 officially ends. With many good timing clocked in 2012, it is time for a reflection before year end. I will save that for the next posting. I would like to thanks:
- Malakoff for being the title sponsors;
- Co-sponsors such as Athlete Circle, Powerbar, Gatorade, Chief's Boot Camp, Nestle Fitnesse , World of Sports and Quick Release Adventure for their huge involvement in this;
- Not forgeting the PR agency (Perspective.com.my) that granted me this run (and opportunity for write up);
- That Good Man (which shall not be named) that has linked me/alerted me about Media entry; and
Special appreciation to my sponsors 2ndSkin Asia and Skechers (Performance Shoes) Malaysia.

Thank You!

See you all in 2013!
Update December 17, 2012 10.30pm
Official results is out Here. Yours truly scored a 17th Position (out of 1232) Men Open. Timing was 52:07.74 (my Garmin 52:06.5). 4.3km took me 19:06.06, 8.8km took me 40:16.08. Looked like my target of being able to run 9km in 40minutes is just about 30seconds away. Time to put in more effort during training!

Jun Shen : Skechers GoRunRide Review

Team 2ndSkin has an athlete that is serving in the Malaysian Military Forces as a Navy Officer. Known for this petite size and cili padi power, he has been terrorising the camp with his swimming, biking and running streaks. Chan Jun Shen has reviewed the awesome Skechers GoRunRide just two weeks ago. This is his take on the Skechers GoRunRide. Thank you Jun Shen, SIR!!! (we were told that we just need to make sure we address the Military officer with a SIR behind their name ;-))
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Skechers GoRunRide Review

Every weekend I'll be scratching my head not knowing how should I entertain myself. My duty rotation with my 2 other shipmates has refrained me from leaving the ship for more than 2 days. This weekend was a special one, the announcement by my 2ndSkin Team about Skechers sponsorship really lured me back to KL. Cut short the whole drama, I went to Skechers an hour after I reached home. 

went there with 2ndSkin red shirt "Hills are speedwork in disguise" to match with my new shoes=)

All of their running shoes are EXTREMELY light, lighter than ALL my current running shoes, so weight is none of my concern. They claimed their size 9 weigh 7.9 Oz. If this isn't light enough, probably you'll have to go barefoot. The staffs very really helpful to allow me to test all of their GoRun before deciding. She went in to get my size, after I finished my short run testing their shoes, she went in again to get me another pair, next another pair and then another pair. I ran around 400m with all the 5 shoes =p I forgot to ask her name, her informative briefing helped me to understand their products very well.

Thank You so much! =)

 Tested GoBionic first.

Too stiff, very barefoot feel, toe box a little tight, afraid of blisters

 GoRun

It feels alright, quite responsive, but arch area a bit snuggy.

GoRun ride

 My choice =)

Round the Base is the loop that I normally do, since I started my ship appointment, my runs are mostly long 17km ones. My last 5km speedy Base Run was probably 2 months ago. Just now, I wanted to test the speed of my GoRunRideRedRoar!!!! The first time I saw this red colour eye catchy GoRunRide, I felt like adding Red and Roar at the back to make it sound more aggressive =p Anyway, here is my review.

 The heel and the toe is off the ground.

Let me give u an idea how it feels like to run with Skechers. I raced with Newton before, the lungs under the sole can be felt right when u put your shoes on. It took me around 2 weeks to adapt to Newton's forefoot landing, needless to tell, I got serious calf soreness just like the other new Newton runners. The pain paid off when I scored a few PBs wearing Newton. Everyone knows that Newton is meant for running only. The GoRun ride feels somewhat like Newton, just imagine Newton with all the lungs extended to the midfoot (That's how I feel it). I could feel the black colour circular GOimpulse pillars every time I land, it helps me to land correctly with better stability. Every strike feels like landing on a pillow. 

There are many circular GoImpulse Sensors to deliver feedback for you to feel with precision. Rocker bottom helps the transition between foot strike and take off. When I run, I feel the pillow first, then the pillar.  As u can see, my heels are clean coz I don't heel strike. The GoRunride is very flexible, allowing the foot to move naturally when reacts to the ground. 

 The shoe can be twisted multi-directionaly.

Midfoot strike, no heel strike

Normally shoes with lots of cushion come with extra material, extra weight, and it makes things worse for runners who like to shower when racing. When my shoes get wet, the weight doubles up, I'll end up soaking my toes till the finishing line. By the time I crossed the finishing line, I should expect blisters around my feet. HOWEVER, Skechers offers awesome cushion with less material. The upper material is really breatheable, I need not to worry about getting wet. The toebox made of flexible stretchy material, suitable for runners with duck feet like me who needs very roomy toebox. 

 Super soft heel collar.

I was not expecting PB for my evening run due to lack of preparation. I thought the super nice cushion might have absorbed some of my energy. Guess what, I scored my PB for the Base Run! 5.03km in 20mins 13 sec. I finished the run painlessly. Imagine scoring PB for my first run !

I'm positive that the runner's transition process to GoRunRide will be an easy and painless one. May be I get faster because the GoRunRideRedRoar is much lighter than all my running shoes. May be the my running gait suits the design of this shoes especially the GOimpulse pillars and rocker bottom. 

 I would prefer slightly less cushion, so tomorrow I'll take the insole out to make it more responsive.

 Not long after I was about to finish my review, I saw another special thing about GoRunRide. 80% of the tongue is sewn, triathletes will love this shoes for easing their transition. Triathletes don't have to worry about the tongue getting flipped inwards. 

That's about it. =) Good Night readers =)