GARMIN - TEAM 2NDSKIN RUNNING CLINIC EXPERIENCE - RYAN CHIEW

Ryan was awarded the Top Performer mantle during the recently concluded first batch of Garmin - Team 2ndskin running clinic. We had a word with Ryan to see what he had to say about his experience and take-away from participating in the Running Clinic.

Ryan (left) with Anson, AECO Technologies (Garmin Distributor Malaysia) Marketing Manager

"Firstly thanks for the opportunity to join Garmin Team2ndskin Running Clinic and special thanks to Stupe, Roy and Deo for sharing their knowledge and experience. Most importantly we had fun which makes the training more enjoyable beside managed to try different models of Garmin GPS running watches that suits different runners. My main objective of signing up is how to maximise my short hour of workout due to busy work schedule beside  knowledge and tips shared by trainers helps to improve on running techniques in order to stay injury free 

17th Jan 2015 Sat 7am Bukit Jalil Park: First running clinic topic on "Tempo Run" is something new coz all this while I had been doing it wrongly. For example my 10km PB is averaging btwn 48-50 min and had been doing my tempo run below 5 min pace which is wrong. It is suppose to be 5.10-5.30  min pace as advised by our trainers. 

28th Feb 2015 Sat 5pm Kg. Pandan Sports Complex: "High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T)" can be fun and done in different ways as shown by the trainers in order to make running more interesting. It's not necessary need to be a run but different exercise too. It helps improve max vo2 whether doing a run or exercise

21st Mac 2015 Sat 7am Bukit Kiara Park: Hillwork and speedwork conducted here help builds strength. Suitable training venue also play important role to improve performance as different venue serve different purposes for training which is good for runners whom want to improve constantly. Short introduction done before did some trail running which was exciting to explore the hidden nature before ending the sessions. 

Glad to meet other runners by making new friends during the clinic and sad when the last session ends. Till we meet at some other time"

Garmin Connect IQ using Mac : Jason

The Garmin 920xt is the first watch that has the Connect IQ function. Think of it as a function that literally change your 920xt into a full wearable - and that includes changing the "watchface". While the setup using PC is a no brainer, those using Mac (you know, they like to be different), has issue making it work for their 920xt. Fear not, as our team mate Jason, managed to "cheat the Mac" and it it running. Disclaimer though, it is with some glitches especially when you try to install more apps (or widgets). In his very few words...here you go
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Garmin Connect IQ using Mac : Jason

Want these?

How to temporary enable Apps Watch Faces & Data Fields on the OSX

1. Plug in your Garmin watch to your Mac and launch Garmin Express (Watch will automatically Sync)

2. If you are trying to apply the App via Garmin Express, an error message will prompt. This menu will not work at the moment.

3. Open up your web browser and launch https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/

4. Select your watch type: Fenix 3 Apps, Vivoactive Apps, Forerunner 920XT Apps, Epix Apps

5. Go through the option of downloading either the Popular Data Fields or Popular Watch Faces

6. Once selected the App click Send to Device

7. Sign In to your Garmin account with your username and password. If you do not have one, there is an option to Create One

8. Once signed in, select your watch model and select Confirm Device

9. Your Garmin Express will now show Sync complete and you will have the New Watch Face / Data Fields that you have selected.

Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit Review : TriStupe

A bit delayed with today's post as the team has been busy lately with a few things. We are back again this week and most of you has already read the unboxing of the new GoRun Bolt FitKnit that was shared by Tristupe. Today, we bring you the part 1 of the review. If you have not read it yet, this is a good opportunity to catch up on the latest offering.
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Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit Review

In the midst of testing the GRB FitKnit after the unboxing and it has been good so far. The GoRunRide3 (GRR3) ride is predictable and did not differ much. The cushioning and road feel were the same for me at least. OK, maybe it is a bit better perhaps because it is new (and hence the bounciness).

Fitting
My usual size for Skechers is US10 or US11, depending on the cutting as some like GoMeb or Speed is known to have narrow toe box (and for that I went US11). My feet may had grown slightly over the past year and I requested for US11 from Skechers HQ. 10 is ok, but 11 would allow me to test the shoes out with the insole, and perhaps socks. 

This shoe was fitted with socks in the morning and that was a good choice going with the US11. Again, as general rule of thumb, always ensure 1-finger spacing at the back of the shoe between your Achilles and the shoe collar. Bear in mind that when you run downhill, your feet will slide in front and you need those space else you may end up with painful toes, or toe nails that may fall off after a long race. 

First Feel
US11, at first feel, was great. Superb toe room without being overly roomy. Pull up the laces tight and the shoes just wrap up the feet like gloves. And it did felt like "gloves". The claimed seamless construction gave the shoe inner felt like you were wearing a socks (to be describing it correctly as gloves is for hands ;-)). It was tested without the insole placed inside and from experiences with Skechers' shoe, I know I have room to play with the insole. 

The GRB is a 4mm drop shoes, same as the GRR3. For those new to the term, what this really (drop) meant is the differences in height between the front/midsole and the heel height. Traditional running shoes are heavier stacked/height at the back, which lends to the possibility of the heel striking or landing first when you run.

I am running without socks and with the insole as I enjoy the more cushioned feel and to allow for a more accurate representation of how many would use this shoe. 

As the ride, as I mentioned, is same as GRR3, hence this review will try to share as much as I "felt" with the new FitKnit.

Run FitKnit

For this test I looked for the route that has a mix of well paved surface, slippery surface and uneven surface; just to feel if the knitted material effects the lateral movement and support. 

Uneven surface : I started the run on the uneven surface that is the bicycle lanes in Taman Tun. The route has never been re-paved since it was built in the 90's. Roots of trees that lined the main road and non-maintenance created a trip-galore route. Nothing better than this short 500m from the Mosque to the junction of Dato Sulaiman to test quick changes in direction. 

Verdict: Good feel. Minimal lateral movement. Good support on arch. No instances of the shoe sliding under landing. Gets more confident to bounce around after a while. Changes in direction is good with positive grip. Cushioned Resalyte absorb pretty much the loose gravels and root-bumps under the feet upon landing. 

I set my JVC Adixxion XA2 to capture images and video of my run to see what and how the shoe will moves under normal run. Took me a while to capture a good 5 seconds and going through the video yields good images of how the shoe actually moves with my feet as well. The picture on the right shows how the toe area/forefoot were firmly attached to the ground while the metatarsal (top of feet) were free to move without restrictions. What appeared to be the GRB losing shape was actually how the GRB allows the feet to move as naturally as possible.                                                                                                       Paved road: Predictable surface provides an opportunity for speed work. The power transfer were good as I increase the stride.

Verdict: The lateral movement due to the faster stride did not change significantly from the 5:00-5:30 pace I ran earlier. What was evident was the insole sliding a little as I push off more forcefully. This could be because the shoe was still new. 

is that heel striking???

Running In Park

Running in TTDI park provides good mix of elevation. This will allow me to see how the GRB holds up with the uphill push and downhill charge.

Verdict: On the uphill push, the shoe did exhibit slight lateral movement. I must try to tie the laces a bit more snug and verify again. Otherwise, the FitKnit perform as claimed (support and lateral movement).

GoImpulse pods similar to GRR3

Hot upper?
The run were short and did not allow me to check for any potential hotspot (blister forming spot). The fitting and the seamless inner does felt promising for a longer run. The FitKnit did not make the feet felt hotter than the other Skechers that I've worn. 
I've been asked to consider wetting the FitKnit and run with it to test for color run and how well the material expel water. A shoe that is waterlogged is bad and will certainly causes blisters to the feet. I am up for that challenge. 

Hill repeat with GoRun Bolt

From the first two days of using it for an easy review run and the next hill repeat run, the GRB performed as expected. I did hold the feet well, providing support and doesn't lack the lateral support. The shoe is cushy as expected and provide positive traction and feedback. It doesn't sink in as you push off despite the super flexible sole and upper. 

If there is one thing, the color (currently Red/Black or Navy/Grey) may not appeal to those wanting a more colorful pair - but that is not a bad thing either, as there are many out there that love (and long) for a subtle colored pair, that allow them to blend in as a casual wear and takes off the next moment as a performance shoe. 

I will update here again, once I get the chance to wet the shoe, and run in them. Stay tuned!

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is launched this week (today!). Retailing at RM419 for men and RM399 for women (Semenanjung). RM10-20 more for East Malaysia.

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

Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit Unboxing: Tri Stupe

New shoes in town and we are excited as it meant the chance to test out the new models and provide our feedback to Skechers. As part of the team's collaborative arrangement with Skechers, Deo, Stupe and Eugene received the GoRun Bolt FitKnit for testing ahead of the official launch. This is Skechers' first knitted shoe and we are as curious as you to find out more. Here is Stupe's unboxing review for an upclose look at the Bolt.
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Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit Unboxing

Performance FitKnit

The ball has started rolling for the new release from Skechers with the FitKnit in GoRunRide3. I was called to the Skechers HQ to collect it. As I've just retired my GoRunUltra NiteOwl after almost 500km, this pair will jump straight into service and will be used for runs from now onwards.

First Impression
When I was told that I will receive a "woven fabric" shoe as Deo, my teammate received his ahead of me, I was skeptical. I knew that another brand do have something similar and they (Nike) call it "FlyKnit". I have no experience with FlyKnit and will not be able to provide any comparison to this. What I know is that the shoes do not come cheap due to the technology.

Knitted uppers usually involve various ways to hold the yarns together providing different thickness and flexibility while maintaining breathability and cutting down on the weight. For this reason alone, they became expensive. 

So what is FitKnit? It is what Skechers call the next generation with upper that provides lateral and medial support for stability during short or long distance running, while maintaining breathability. It provides a flexible fit that is "virtually" seamless, using performance integrated yarns and extremely lightweight. 

First look and if you are as skeptical like me, would not think how this yarn-fabric will provide the support and still be breathable.  One thing very obvious though, it looked heavy due to the carpet-like pattern (or a friend mentioned, very Mongolian pattern), you be surprised that it clocks in at 240grams per side for US11. The official weight for US9 is at 8.4oz or 238grams per side. So it was pretty impressive for a 2-size up to be coming very close to the official US9 weight.

240grams, approx

The Skechers Bolt FitKnit in GoRunRide3
For ease of reference, I would call this the GoRunBolt or GRB. Skechers Malaysia will bring this in (as I am drafting this out today) this month and you will see them in store soon. The GRB is essentially GoRunRide3. I've reviewed this earlier this year in March here and the shoe has since clocked in only about 200km as I was biased to use GoRunUltra a bit more (for my SAC and also my Ironman). As far as road feel and such is concerned, I do not think it will differ much from the GRR3 I am currently using as well. What is the biggest difference at first glance is the upper - the knitted upper. 

Makes you want to touch them isn't it?

Without trying to describe more that photos can do, here are a series of photo to "storify" them. Comments added where needed.

GoRun "Bolt" with the "Ride 3" replaced. Red laces is extra, as per usual Skechers' Performance series, to provide additional laces for color matching.

The heel cup. Design is totally different from Ride3. Soft and supple despite the more structured look

Side view. MStrike is standard. It encourages mid-foot strikes. Again, do not for once think you will strike mid-foot or forefoot with shoes that re engineered as such unless you can correct your own running strides first. Then the benefit will be higher. Take your time to train to correct the running strides and gait.

The sole. Exactly the same as GRR3.

Closer look of the pods. They may looked like they are worn out faster than usual, but past a certain distance, it sort of slow down in the wearing out department, typically after 250km.

Tongue is padded. Like GRR3, it is not sewn down. 

Super smooth seamless inner. GRB promises "socks like feel". To be verified!

I've fiddled with the shoe from all angle and came to the conclusion that the support and structure for the shoe comes from the different pattern and density of the knitting. Some parts are thinner, like the non-critical upper (outside) side near the logo, some parts are thicker and closely knitted like the toe box to lend protection and structure, then the upper mesh above the toes reminds me of the 4-way mesh from the other non-knitted series allowing movement and flexibility.

Different knitting technique delivers different results to flexibility and support

The sides nearer to the sole receive the same treatment as the front toe box where it is more closely knitted to support the lateral movement as well.

Side of the shoe with three very different knitting technique, by far the most complicated and busiest part of the shoe

Together with heat-transferred rubber/silicon like lining, it looked like it will provide the many different movement the feet will force the shoe to conform in an usual run. 

Removable and customisable insole that provides different feel and additional cushioning

Similar like the other Performance series, the shoes came with insole for custom fitting. The insole is similar with the other shoes that I have and I will test the GRB with and without the insole, and in both instances, without socks. 

The original laces is flat, the spare/alternative is rounded. Flat laces is technically more secured once tied while round laces provides more "body" to the look

Summing Up The Unboxing
- Light despite the bulky look.
- Resalyte providing superb cushioning. Think memory foam.
- GoImpulse pod that is standard. Fast wear may still be an issue, especially at the heel area. 
- Knitted shoe that looked good worn casually and when running both recreational and seriously. 
- Customisable insole. If you ever need an insole for other shoes, this could be used ;-) (some older insoles is in my motorbike riding boots ;-))
- FitKnit looked impressive and convincing. No doubt it will work, else Skechers won't release it. Just a question of "how well".
- 4mm drop. Close to ground with cushioning! 

For real life test, soon

Next up : On The Road with GoRun Bolt FitKnit!

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is launched this week (today!). Retailing at RM419 for men and RM399 for women (Semenanjung). RM10-20 more for East Malaysia.

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

Skechers GoRun Ultra NiteOwl Edition Unboxing : Tri Stupe

Ed: Fresh out of the over, Stupe writes about the new NiteOwl in GoRun Ultra edition. It turned some of us in the team green with envy. But we are all happy it's glowing for him. Here is his unboxing review.
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Skechers GoRun Ultra NiteOwl Edition Unboxing
Skechers GoRunUltra has been in store for the past few months and I've used it past 250km to date specifically just for trail running and shorter run on the tarmac. If you missed the review and unboxing of this model, head over to these links:
Skechers GoRunUltra [Unboxing][Review 1][Review 2]
My last use of the shoe was at Sabah Adventure Challenge 2014 where it clocked no less than 80km over 3-days back to back. Cycled through a full dry-wet-dry condition over different type of terrain and soil condition. While clearly worn off at the sole, the shoe is still serving me for my runs in the trails and road. 

part of product testing (and torturing)

Then there were talk about "If The Trail Shoes comes with NiteOwl version". Imagine the shoe glowing in the trail or the darker/shadier part of the trail. It would be cool, isn't it?
And It Happened
I received a message last week asking me to head over to the HQ as there is a new stock of shoes arriving and the NiteOwl now comes in GoRunUltra and GoRunRide3 variant. Instantly, I could not resist to request for the GRU Niteowl. 

Hoot!

As it turned out, the new Niteowl now comes in different (color) glow. It was previously blue as seen on the GoRunRide2. Now, the additional would be Green and Fuchsia (pink). Ready for the Green RunUltra?
A Quick Unboxing
I was too excited that the GRU Niteowl came right out of the box the moment I got home. On the first impression, you will not noticed anything different compared to the existing GRU.

Glow, in capital E(xcitement)

That is until you take a longer look and realised that the shoe's material has been changed at most parts except the dual-density sole. Starting with the top layer of the new GoRunUltra, the material appears to be thinner and more cloth-like, lending even more flexibility. I am awaiting confirmation from Skechers on what they are naming this material.

The GoRunUltra NiteOwl

The 4-way mesh of GoRunUltra

 The side synthetic mesh and overlay too, received a refresh of new material.

More mesh-like to promote air circulation?

Original GRU with the closer mesh-like material

Essentially, there was the only differences (not counting one GLOW in the dark). The sole is the dual-density material that offer both stability and support. The Rigid Resagrip offers the stability while the softer midsole layer offers support. The design of the GoImpulse sensor or pods were the exact same. Other features of the shoes between the non-NiteOwl version and this is the same. M-Strike and integrated sewn down tongue just to name two obvious same.

Old (left) and New (Right)

One of the key issue is that the GRU pods doesn't seems to last too long. The wear and tear looked extreme when compared to the other model. I am not entirely sure if this is true or otherwise but I did noticed the differences especially the forefoot area. I have clocked about 250km on the older (red) GRU.

See the wear in the old shoe?

The grip or traction in the trails, however were the same as day 1 if you ask me. Seems the function of the pod to grip/provide traction did not diminish despite the seems like high wear rates. Perhaps there are material refresh for the GRU NiteOwl, and I can only tell once I put the shoe through the usual running route and abuse. 
A 360 view of the GRU NiteOwl
The GRU NiteOwl has Glow in dark material at the appropriate places such as the front, side, the back (heel cup) and the tongue. Reflective material was placed in the same location as the original.

Charging it under the sun

view from 7'oclock position

Back of Heel. The "Nite Owl" is reflective

The Tongue

The Glow
Ready? The photos will speak for itself. This was taken inside the home's slightly darker corner in mid afternoon, after leaving the shoe under the sun for about 2-hours. Photo as it is taken using my hand phone at approximate ISO1600 and 1/14s exposure.

Next: 

To be tested side by side in a run, soon?

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRunUltra in NiteOwl variation is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is retails for RM449(men) and RM429 (women) in Peninsular Malaysia and will be available in all stores this week. Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.