Bukit Kiara Trails with the Pure Grit

Sunday, 1st December 2012. 

Finally I had the opportunity to tag along with a bunch of light footed trail runners (Ray, Mich and Karen, to name a few) for what Ray promised was an easy run.

"Puh-leese," I could imagine YB rolling his eyes at me.

"When they say easy, it's THEIR definition of easy, not ours!" He advised.

So I double checked with Ray again whether it was indeed an easy run and he assured me so.

Hmm.

Nevertheless, I turned up at the TTDI park's car park, eager to further test out the Pure Grit again AND run the Bukit Kiara trails.

A quick headcount before the guys led whilst the ladies took it easy.  :)

Various colours and brands of trail shoes. From Brooks to Salomon to Innov-8 ... and kampung Adidas!

We even had a discussion on which type of shoes were good. 

Someone commented that the Salomon (don't know which model) had a hard outsole which proved to be less responsive as your foot landed, whilst someone lamented that the Brooks' Cascadia 7 was too flexible that it provided less ankle support.

It was interesting to note that everyone had their own views of what type of shoes they preferred and were more suited for.

My Pure Grit received some feedback as well, which as you know, lacking of grip on slippery surface.

We exited the Bukit Kiara trails and found ourselves within the vicinity of the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club. It was lovely to see the horses!

Running along the Sprint Highway towards Desa Sri Hartamas.

I thought we were going into Desa Sri Hartamas for breakfast first, before continuing with our run.

But alas...

As we turned back into the hills and headed back to where we came from, I became the sweeper to make sure Cheryl wasn't left alone and lost.

True to Ray's prediction, our run took 2 hours to complete - a slow and easy 9.4km!

I loved the trails so much, as it's a different terrain altogether, compared to FRIM. Pushing leaves and branches out of the way as you run along the often used narrow paths, it was exhilarating.

Oh, it was also rather fun shouting out to your friends to watch out as there's a "BIKE!!!" on the way!

On mossy like tarmac, I noted that I had to be cautious as I walked up the slope. It was slippery and my shoes were definitely lacking in strong grip.

It was fun jumping over puddles as I felt agile for a nanosecond when I leaped into the air and landed safely on the other side.

Wheeee~

The graveled incline reminded some of us so much of TMBT all over again. :)

Now what do I do with you, Pure Grit?

I can't walk on slippery smooth surface for fear of falling flat on my face. (I also noticed that about my GTS 12, but that's a different story.)

There was chafing at the usual spot for me - near my bunion on my right foot (head of the first metatarsal), but most probably because the skin was already sensitive from yesterday's chafing from my Skechers GoRun Ride. :S

There was a blister above my right heel as the heel collar rubbed against it. I think I was wearing the wrong pair of socks that day, which I have already chucked into the bin.

All in all, I have no qualms about putting on the Pure Grit for a dry trail, as its outsole grip remains a huge concern.

The entire support remains good, flexibility of the sole and toe flex is there and the shoes secured my feet well. I'm not sure whether the nav-band is of any use, as my shoelaces were already tight enough.

Nevertheless, that does not matter.

Our trail route for the morning!

Testing Out The Brooks Pure Grit

My earlier introductory post to the Brooks' Pure Grit can be found here.

As mentioned earlier, the good people at Brooks Malaysia were kind enough to gift their Blogs with Brooks' participants a pair of Pure Grit each. With August and September being crazy busy for me (with work and TMBT training), I didn't have a chance to take them out for a test ride til November.

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I've worn them twice, the first was in October for a 14km run within FRIM. I found some bloodsuckers leeches on my left ankle.

And proceeded to screech like wussy lady.

No fault of the shoes, I'm sure!

I probably stopped too long along Dream Trail.

The shoes were very confortable.

As my run was broken into 2 segments, the first along Dream Trail and the latter at Mountain Bike Track / Tongkat Ali Trail, I didn't have much time to pay attention to my shoes.

So I figured I'd require another visit to FRIM in this lovely magenta/fuchsia/ what-colour-is-this pair of shoes.

I made my way to FRIM once again on 11th November 2012, this time with the prime objective of paying attention to the feel of the shoes.

Did I tell you that I really love the colour of the shoelaces...

They're so vibrant!

*admires shoelaces*

I've never really enjoyed the beginning of the Mountain Bike Track because it's intensely quiet and flat. Or perhaps it's just a matter of warming up the muscles and my body feels rather sluggish.

Chugging along the way, I noticed a few things about the shoes.

They were really light. :)

They wrapped my feet in a snug fit.

I could feel the unevenness of the ground every now and then but the Brooks' DNA soles were cushioned enough to protect my soles from any harm.

Once you've reached the Mountain Bike Track signage, head straight towards Steroid Hill / Tongkat Ali Trail. (If you're not sure where you are, you'll see a huge group of mountain bikers gathered and casually resting on your right.)

A swift change of the ground leads you up a gravel path.

Elevation is about 140-150 metres. Depending on my mood, I'd jog-walk-jog-walk up or should I be lazy, I'd just walk up the path.

The shoes were sturdy enough on gravel.

Reaching the end of Tongkat Ali Trail, you'd have an option to run along the trail up to Salem High Country or climb up a path which was readily created by someone (I'm not sure who) amidst the tall trees.

Anyway, the path was rather muddy but not slippery. I tested the shoes' grip, making sure I wouldn't slip and I was pleased that they were doing just fine.

Some of you may have already heard of horror stories regarding the shoes' lousy grip where runners were slipping and sliding on slippery roads and floor, and I was pretty concerned that I would be one of the casualties to report such an incident.

I was expecting Ewoks to pup out from the horizon.

Upon reaching the peak, I took a few deep breaths before making my way down the same path again.

I checked my shoes every now and then, making sure that mud would not cling to my outsoles too much.

I made sure I was very careful when going downhill.

Check out the clump of mud.

And see those little steps? I made sure I secured my foot firmly to each step before going down!

So what do I really think about these shoes?

At that moment, I could only surmise these points:
Breathable.
Flexible, yet supportive.


Other reviews:
Moving On AC
Tristupe.com

Runblogger
Bikernate
The Runiverse
TriBomb

Brooks Run Happy Profile: Khoo Yit Kiat

Khoo Yit Kiat (KYK) is known as the 'Kenyalang' or 'Kenyan Kuning' within the KL running community. He is THAT famous!

I didn't know he was that famous until I joined his running group and every runner on the street would greet him along the way. ;)

Previously, Jamie did a mini interview on him (here) and I thought since it's been a while now, we'd better catch KYK for a quick update!

[I am also taking this opportunity to label this as a Dutamas Runners' Interview!]

1. You have been lying low for a while now and the last we saw you was running the half marathon at the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012. What’s up?

I can’t even remember what races I’ve done. I’ve been so busy at work plus getting married this year (well, we just had our wedding reception!). Anyways, my niggling left foot injury can’t seem to heal as well as I thought.

I'm putting on weight (I guess no one would believe me in this, but I have put on almost 7kg!). That’s explain why I cannot rush back into speed in my training, which I was able to do last time.

(photo credit to Lim Soon Chung)

2. You’ve been running since your high school heydays. Do you think you will ever get tired of running, and maybe venture into something else?

I don’t know. But I’ve seen my running friends still doing well over 50 years of age and I guess I will try to emulate them. Although it’s embarrassing to get beaten by a 50-year-old at times but it’s something we should look into as to why they can still perform well at that age.

Especially when you talk to the younger generation who keep giving excuses, “Oh, I'm too old too run”. I hope I can still run as long as I can.

It will be a privilege to do so, don’t you think?

3. What’s your favourite race distance – 5km, 10km, 21km or the full marathon at 42.195km, and why? 

I started my running days racing the 1500m, 3000m and 5000m and I’ve always love the speed endurance race. As I aged, a 10km-21km race seems to be the preference. But once in a while, I still love to test myself in the shorter distances. Speed thrills!

I still have not mastered the marathon race as well as I want. Hopefully I will get to train for another one soon, as it does take a proper program to take you through the distance in a respectful time.

4. What’s your favourite pre-race and post-race food? 

I eat as I please. No special pre or post race diet. I used to try out eating “Chu yok chap + fan” which means “mixed pork + rice”. I thought it worked well. Anyways, the only advice I have is don’t try anything out of the ordinary on pre-race day.

5. You’re the Captain of the Dutamas Runners group, which seem to have a passion for food. If you woke up one day to find that the Dutamas Runners have renamed themselves to Dutamas Eaters, what would you do: 

a. Tearfully leave the group and never look back; 
b. Delete the group and recreate a new one, guns ablazing; or 
c. Happily participate in the next nasi lemak and bah kut the gathering. 

Haha. I’ll choose d. None of the above!  

Hey you are crazy asking your captain this sort of question! You know it’s hard to keep the Dutamas Runners to focus on their running when each conversation seems to lead to food. Well, I am a culprit myself sending photos of food over whatsapp. 

Anyway, I hope I can find time to really focus on the group since there are many who are looking to improve on their running, and I hope I can pass on my knowledge and experience to those who need it. 

6. You own one or two pairs of Brooks shoes. What models are they and what’s your take on them? Have they served you well? 

2? I actually have 3! My first Brooks model was the Racer ST 3. It was one of those shoes that I was looking for, lightweight and a little bit of cushioning. I actually did my marathon personal best (PB) in the 2009 Melbourne Marathon. 

Since then I had Brooks Ghost 2 as a training shoe and the latest I bought was Brooks Racer ST 5. I did my 2012 Boston Marathon in that shoe. However, it was one of those race where I was ill-prepared. I did my personal worst timing of 4:30. I can’t blame the shoe, as I was just too busy at work, left foot injury still bothering me and also finding the motivation to train after a long injury lay-off is hard. 

But I am looking forward to be back on the road soon! 

7. Any wise words for the newbie runners out there? 

I don’t think this page will be enough. Anyways, the way I see it is that these days, newbies tend to run the distance too far too soon. You need time to get your legs accustomed to running on hard surface (as you hardly get to run on softer ground in KL, unlike in overseas). Also newbies tend to get influenced by their friends in doing longer distance that they are unprepared for. Preparation is the key in distance running plus consistency in training. 

Well, I hope you enjoyed reading his interview as much as I had fun (especially with question 5) coming up with the questions for him. Hehehe!

Run Happy with Brooks!

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 Other profiles:

Jamie Pang
Me!
Steph
Ooi Wei Min

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 http://brooksmalaysia.com

Brooks Glycerin 10 - Best Neutral Shoe 2012

 
Oooh.. Brooks' Glycerin 10 is awarded Best Neutral Shoe!

Apparently what convinced Running Network to award it the Best Neutral Shoes were simply three points: protection, plush comfort and great cushioning.






The first thing I noticed about the Glycerin 10 is its bright colour scheme.

For the men, they can choose either the red/black/silver or lime/black/white whereas the women can choose either the pink/silver or blue/silver/white pair.

 

From what I have seen of the shoes, they actually look pretty chunky. Nevertheless, from what I read, the key differences against its predecessor Glycerin 9 are:

• More cushioning added to the lateral side for a softer landing.
• It preserves the full midsole DNA cushioning from the Glycerin 9 - retaining the connected feel to the ground.
• Better arch support with the midfoot arch bridge hugging your foot for a smoother transition.

So, tons of cushioning hence the chunkiness? I wonder how it would feel in terms of the weight. Yet some runners have commented that these shoes are so comfortable that it's like walking on air/clouds - so soft, so cushioned and supportive.

Sounds like a dream to me!

  

The outer sole looks pretty chunky eh? But apparently it's flexible enough. At least I would think it's stable enough to give you that much needed support as you pound the roads. It's worth considering if you're looking for very good and wide stability, yet comfortably cushioned shoes when you run. (People with weak ankles, take note! ;D)

Some runners have also commented that these pair of shoes are good enough to avoid pain in their knees!

Some reviews:
halfmarathoners.com
phil.im
running shoes guru

By the way, do check out this site I found, it's really cute!!!

My thoughts? Cushioning effectiveness remains subjective as we all have different knees and sensitivity to the ground. But I'd consider heading to the store to test it out for its colour range, weight, cushioning and wide sole stability. 

Unless of course, Brooks decides to let me review them for free instead. ;D *hint*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Why not head out to your nearest Brooks' outlet right now and get yourself a pair? Bring your old pair of shoes for the RM150 rebate to buy your Glycerin 10 - you'll be paying just RM379 for this award winning shoe!

The rebate ENDS 30 SEPTEMBER 2012! For more details, just visit Brooks Malaysia at http://brooksmalaysia.com.

Brooks Run Happy Profile: Ooi Wei Min

I first met Wei Min at the Bareno 2011 event where we were waiting for our friends at the finish line, cheering the runners as they passed us by.

But the one thing which I will remember vividly is when I passed him by during the PJ Half Marathon 2011, I heard him singing his heart out to a Chinese song!

~

1. How long have you been running?

Started running in the gym around October 2008 to prepare  for 5km Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009. Started running seriously since September 15, 2009 till now.

2. Do you remember how many events you have taken part since then?

Can't really recall, but maybe around 30-40 races.

3. You recently completed the 25km The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) on 15th September 2012. Yay! How was it?

TMBT is not an easy race, the route is basically uphill or downhill, seldom do we encounter flat routes. The running was torturous especially after the 2^nd water station. It was all the way down with pebbled rocks, stones and mud. Furthermore, we began to feel hot. It made Dragon Back or the Newton route (Amah Hill) route look like child’s play. They do not have water station every 3km, don’t have medical personal spraying anti cramp every 3km. In fact, we were even warned during pre-race briefing that if we encounter cramp or blister, we will have to deal with it. 

Even so, it still gave me a great running experience. The weather was cooling and the view is just simply superb. There are no words that can be used to describe what I have seen. You have to be there to understand what I mean. The race really brings the best out of runners. During the race, I almost cramped 3 times. But every time, there are runners who'd automatically offer their anti-cramp gels. Even runners with cramping issues who were resting by the side of the road voluntarily offered me their gel. I really thank them. 

The locals were out cheering for us. I had a lot of fun throughout the race. I remember seeing a kid waving at us with split index and middle fingers around 3-5km before hitting finishing line. It somehow reminded me of Star Trek. So, i took my Experia Ray horizontally and show it to them saying: "I come in peace, I come in peace".  

The organizers somehow managed to make the runners feel honoured and proud of themselves for completing the race. Even though the race was over for more than 1 week, I can still remember the race as if it just happen yesterday. It is indeed a wonderful race.   

  

4. I noticed that you were wearing the Brooks Cascadia during the event. Did they treat you well?

To be honest, this is my first pair of trail shoes.  I don’t really know how to compare as there is nothing for me to compare against it. But I do feel that this shoe does give me a better grip compared to normal running shoes whether during the Orang Asli Trail Run, Nuang and FRIM training or TMBT. 

I bought the shoe since February this year and I've put a lot of mileage into these shoes especially while training for TMBT. It still looks good. I will be using it for coming Salomon X-Trail Run. 

5. OK, how many pairs of running shoes do you own? Did you choose them based on brand names, feel, colour, price, etc? 

As a runner, I believe in good quality shoes instead of the name (brand) because good quality shoes will help prevent injury. Injury for runners means no fun. For me feel/comfortable comes first, lasting (durability) second. Of course price also plays a role, but as long as the shoes are proven to be worth it, I don’t mind spending the money. Colour does play a role, but a minor one. 

Maybe because of wrong running posture, I went through a painful journey of shoe selection last year. I tried different brand of shoes but they either lasted less than 3 months or end up hurting my legs more. It burned a big hole in my wallet. I had no choice but to live with the situation. 

The situation continued until early this year, when Brooks did a clearance promotion. Under Manson Chew‘s (Brooks salesperson) personal assurance, I bought Trance 9 with doubts. To my surprise, it last for more than 6 months, outlasting another brand. Since then, I mainly use Brooks shoes. I currently have 4 pairs of shoes of which 3 of them are Brooks (2 running shoes, 1 trail shoes). 

6. What's the one event that you are looking forward to for 2012? Tell us how you're preparing for it.

Powerman 2012, as this is my first run cycle biathlon event. I am currently training with some of Lyn Runners. We will be doing the first simulation in Putrajaya on Saturday.

All the best for that, Wei Min!

And see you in the upcoming races. ;)

 Other profiles:

Jamie Pang
Me!
Steph

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Don't forget, just 3 days left (including 30th September!) to the GO GREEN CAMPAIGN - get a new pair of Brooks shoes with a RM150 rebate from trading in your old pair of shoes, any shoes!

for more info: http://brooksmalaysia.com.

Brooks Run Happy Profile: Steph Chin

Brooks Run Happy Profiles is a short series of mini interviews of people who run with Brooks.


Meet my friend, Steph!

Steph is a bubbly girl who enjoys the outdoors from a little jog in the park to swimming with the fishes in the ocean. She believes in keeping fit and having a balanced lifestyle - all work and no play will is just oh so boring!

1. do you enjoy jogging/running?

of course! it's a great way to relief stress and keep the doctors away. and sometimes, just like most golfers do, i tend to get inspiration and fresh ideas in the midst of running too.

(And when are you joining the Dutamas Runners for a run again? ;D)

 

2. what was your favourite event and why.

you mean running right? :) 

ermm I think it has to be the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon 2010 where i participated in the 10km women open category. it was the most well organized and detailed running event ever! running the 10km felt like a breeze, not to mention the colourful pom pom girls kept me distracted as they were running together with the crowd.

3. is it easier to work out the body and sweat it our to watch what you eat?

i think there is no easier way and it should be a combination of both. i love my food (I'm malaysian!) and it's hard to give it up; I love the feeling after a good workout but the challenge has always been the motivating factor. Especially after a tiring day at work all I can think of is my bed instead of putting on my running shoes!

4. so show us what's your current pair of Brooks shoes. tell us what you think?

I have a pair of Brooks Ariel as I've been blessed with flat feet and bunions. It gives better stability and comfort, my pasts trainers could never last more than 2 years due to my protruding bunions, just imagine. Although Brooks Ariel is considerably heavier in weight, sprinting never felt easier :)

5. if you could organise a running event, what and how would it be?

err never thought of it haha but if i had to organize one, i would pick somewhere exotic like an island or a safari of sort :)

(Great idea!)

You can follow her blog right here.
~

Other BRH Profiles:

Jamie Pang
myself!

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Don't forget! The Go Green Campaign ends this 30 September 2012!
If you haven't traded in your old shoes for the RM150 rebate for a new pair, you'd better hurry!

*Applicable for purchase of the Pure Project collection, Glycerin 10, Ghost 5, Ravenna 3, GTS12, Trance 11, Cascadia 7.

http://brooksmalaysia.com

Brooks PureGrit - First Impression

You hear the description 'minimalist' so often these days that I'm pretty sure that some of you are as equally blur as I am. In fact, I've pretty much decided that the term 'minimalist' is loosely associated with barefoot running.

Close to it.

While barefoot runners believe that shoes with cushioning impede your natural running stride, not everyone is comfortable with running barefoot.

So here comes the minimalist shoes, providing you with lightweight shoes that offer little support, but keep your soles protected from the ground, yet allowing you to feel as much of the ground as possible.

FEEL MORE WITH LESS

Brooks' Pure Project Collection gives you a selection of shoes for minimalist running, be it for the road or on the trail. Currently available in the Malaysian market are the PureFlow, PureCadence and PureGrit. (The PureGrit was designed with ultramarathoner Scott Jurek's input.)

Participants of the Blog with Brooks contest were each given a pair of PureGrit, the minimalist trail shoes to test and review.

And this is my pair! :)

I LOVE the striking violet-red / magenta colours!

The stretchable navband (underneath the shoelace) wraps around your arch to give you an assured fit. Keeps your feet nice and snugly fitted.

The toe flex to enhance the flexibility of the forefoot and encourages the activation of the big toe to help align the foot at toe-off.

Grip lug pattern to give you maximum traction when you're off road. [They look like mini tractors. ;) ]

Ultra-light mesh which allows your feet to breathe.

Flexible.

The one-piece outsole that is made with Brooks signature DNA technology, where its cushioning material customises your ride according to your feet size and type.

With TMBT last weekend and Rat Race training this weekend, I haven't had the opportunity to test this pretty pair of shoes.

I did, however:

1. hop around on the grass and found no issues with my foot landing. Well-cushioned, indeed.
2. hop around on the 'brick pavement with grass' (I honestly don't know how to describe them) and noted that the soles didn't absorb the impact. I could feel the hard surface.

But the shoes are so comfy without socks. ;)

Nevertheless, I can't wait to test them out during a trail run to keep you posted. Stay TUNED!

If you're interested to get a pair for yourself, don't forget to bring an old pair of shoes to swap them for a RM150 rebate via Brooks Go Green initiative (which I've mentioned about for only like the millionth time now!) and purchase the PureGrit for (RM429 - RM150 =) only RM279 (Is my calculation correct??) at your nearest Brooks outlet!

And maybe we can go and try them out together. ;)

[http://brooksmalaysia.com for more details!]

P.S. Feel free to write in to me so I can feature you as a Brooks Run Happy Profile too! I'm serious!
P.P.S. You can follow my Facebook page too. ;)