Salomon XT Skin Pro 3 Hydration Bag

Not much of weather aclimatisation here in St Louis preparing for Boston. There's such a vast difference between weather in St Louis and Boston. Boston right now is in between 4° - 12°C, although this week it may appear similiar. But the weather in St Louis since I got here has been pretty hot, except yesterday and today, when it was a little cloudy, raining and temperature was around 15°C. I was able to run much better yesterday compared to the last two runs I did here. Weather in the last 3 days has been on the high 20s. Glad that I did a 13km run yesterday. I know some of you may say, "Oh, you shouldn't do too much now since Boston is just less than 2 weeks away." But seriously I have not done enough to prepapre for Boston. Longest run I did so far was only 22km. I can only hope runs done in trails and also hilly routes plus good cool weather in Boston will get me through the 42.195km (or here in America, you say 26.2miles). It's a little confusing when you come here to the US as everything is so different although English is still the main language. You have Farenheit instead of Celcius, Miles instead of KM, Gallon instead of Litre. As for currency, they have one dime and quarter dollar. Also you'll have the left-hand driving. At least I got that one orientated when I was in Germany.

Well, here is the weather forecast for the next few days in both St Louis and Boston.

Boston

St. Louis

The run I did in Forest Park on Sun was only 18km. Actually was planning to run longer but was very tired and at that moment I wish I had brought my Salomon hydrapack with me. Speaking of the bag, I was quite happy when I got my hands in one. Always wanted one and thanks to Salomon and World of Sports, they sponsored me with their latest 2012 model, Salomon XT Skin Pro 3. I thought the weather here is going to be really cold, that's why didn't see the point of bringing it.

I've used it in couple of my runs in KL, and it certainly proves useful indeed. This bag is lightweight and it's good for moderate to long runs, especially when you carry this during one of your trail runs. There are two open-top compartments on each side. However, you'll need a little get use to and some patience in taking out the stuff out from the side. And because it's an open compartment, make sure your stuff are big enough so the stuff would not fall out. There are two comparments in front of each strap-on and one open top. I only used this to put some money, just in case I want to take a cab back during my runs. : ) Maybe Salomon can improve this by putting a slight bigger compartment in front to put some of your foodstuff, i.e. gels, so you can take it out easily on the run. I tried fitting in one gel in the front compartment but it's very tight and taking it out can be a little tricky.

There's also a zip-on compartment behind, which is verygood if you carry a smartphone these days, where it's bulkier than the older phones. However, if the bladder is full, don't expect that you'll able to put a full load of stuff in it. There's a reason why this is build with lightweight in mind.This bag is like the minimalist of hydrabags as with growing minimalist shoe trend. The breathable mesh on the straps and the back allows me to run quite comfortably with it.

The Sensifit construction allows the bag to wrap around your body comfortably and it's a one-size-fits-all bag. I actually didn't realise that you can actually adjust the straps till later on. It has two adjustable velcro shoulder straps. It's important that you adjust it properly to get the right fitting. Inside the bag comes with a 1.5 litre Hydrapak PVC-free bladder. The bladder is connected to the hose through a Plug-n-Play hose connector and it is sealed with a clip, which you can just slide in and out easily when you need to refill it. Access to the bladder is easy, as it's inserted through an open compartment. Therefore, cleaning it will be easy as you can also fold the bladder inside out to clean the inside. Each component of the bag can be replaced separately so that's encouraging. This is a little embarrassing being my first hydrapack, I didn't actually know how to drink the water from the valve. Only later I found out hydrapak is using a bite valve technology as this video is pointing out. I'm sure the kid in the video is a lot smarter than I am in this matter!

A word of caution though (I had to find out the hard way), wear a t-shirt when you go running with this bag unless you have a very hard skin. I had abrasion (you'll know it when you go for a shower after the run) near my neck because I was wearing a singlet during my 17km run. The bag does have two straps that go across your chest and near your waist to keep the bag intact as you run. But still, on longer runs, you might want to consider putting on a T-shirt. Bag bouncing is very minimal but little by little as you pound the miles plus the sweat, it can happen. Maybe that's why I see most trail runners are wearing t-shirts rather than singlets.  I actually think using the top chest strap is sufficient to keep it intact.

If you are really looking for a lightweight hydration bag, this bag should be one of your consideration. It's also race-ready due to the simplicity and lightweight, as compared to others (Of course I have not experience it first hand but I've seen quite a few which is in the market). If you need a bigger capacity hydrapacks, there are other models available for Salomon. Do check out the models at World of Outdoors at The Gardens Mall to find out more. Else, you can check out at other WOO outlets in town, at E@Curve, Damansara and Sogo, KL.

More Malaysians Running Boston

My earlier post on the list of Malaysian runners is inaccurate. There are another 3 Malaysians running it, inluding, Woo Chan Yew. He will be standing near the elites! The additional 3 are based in US. Would be great if I could meet each and everyone of them and take a group photo for the Malaysian group. Haha. But contacting them and also with 20,000 runners may prove a daunting task.

Running In St Louis

Finally I've stepped foot in the land of America. It was a long long journey (as in flight time!). Took about 31 hours including transit time (plus the 3 hours delay in my flight from Chicago to St Louis). Lucky for me that I have my sister here to pick me up from airport. After 30 hours in the planes and airports, it is such a welcome sight to see someone familiar. Best of all, my sis cooked that night and I had home cooked food before retiring to bed.

Started my journey from KL Sentral quite early, taking the KLIA Ekspres. Had my bag checked in at the train station, that was really convenient. My flight was at 11.40pm from KLIA on Thu night but the flight delayed before we actually take off at around 12.15am. Reached Heathrow Airport, London at around 6am (GMT) before rushing to another terminal to catch a flight to Chicago at 7.45am. At that point of time I was already feeling a little fuzzy due to lack of sleep. Reached Chicago at 10am (NO...not 3 hours of flight, it's about 8 hours plus. 10am is local Chicago time). The dreadful thing is that I had to find out that my flight got delayed in Chicago. Never mind the 1 hour queue at the Chicago O'Hare airport custom. At least they didn't search me upside down like stories I've heard. It was quite smooth except you have to go through another scan when you check in on their domestic flight. Reach st Louis slight after 6pm and met my sis there at the airport. Finally get to me my bro-in-law, Javier in person for the first time.

 

 

So far, only did one run yesterday at Forest Park in St Louis. One of the largest parks in US, far bigger than Central Park, NY. Was thinking of doing a 20-k plus run, but ended up only 18-k. Each lap around the park is close to 10-k. I tanked doing the 2nd loop, had to walk and run for most parts. Maybe it was the heat (did my run around 9am without breakfast and still feeling a little jetlag). Although it wasn't as humid as in KL, but still it was hot.

Took some photos but didnt bring my cable to load it up. So can't post it today. But here are some photos I got from Google/Trip Advisor.

Missouri Historical Museum - My Starting Point

This photo of Forest Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I have yet to explore the whole park yet as it's too big to cover in a day. Only managed to run around it. will explore the inside another day. I was too tired anyway yesterday. Will do a shorter run another day to explore more of the park.

Less Than A Month To Boston.....

Training has been slow, but generallly my fitness has much improved compared to months ago. I won't be expecting any miracle to clock a PB this time around (as I had in my last 4 marathons). I won't be pushing myself too hard this time judging from the mileage I've done. However, with the mixture of training on roads and trails, couple with the intervals training I've done, will aim for a decent timing. As Boston Marathon is the only marathon that needs qualification, I'm going to take this opportunity to bring a camera along and snap some photos along the way and soak up the experience running it. There will be plenty of opportunity in clocking a PB in future races. Just have to be selective in the venue, the course, weather and finding the right mix of training and hopefully I'll accomplish my aim for a sub 3:00 hours timing in near future. Just hope the Newton hills in Boston will be kind to me. So much stories about the "Heartbreak Hill".

Can't see much from this video, but runners seem to be slowing down their pace here....

Here's a a quick video tour of the route.

The Boston Athletics Association (B.A.A) has released the bib numbers and wave/corral for participants. Looks like all the guys from Malaysia will be starting from Wave 1. Good stuff! I already know all the guys in the list, except I've never met Yeng (Francis) in person yet. As for the sole female rep from Malaysia, not too sure I've seen her before. Hope to meet all of them in Boston!

Just checked for Singapore, they have 17 entrants! And 3 of them are in front of me! They must have clocked a really fast time to stand in front.

I will be flying early to meet my sister and my bro-in-law in St Louis before flying in Boston. Will meet up with Moey then. Speaking of flying off, I have not packed my bags yet!  

Probably need to do another two more LSD to clock in my mileage. Never treat marathon as easy!

Dutamas Runners Goes Trail Running

In the past weeks, Dutamas Runners had organised trail runs over in FRIM, Kepong & also in Taman Lembah Kiara, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. It was also a chance for me to test out my sponsored products from Salomon (thru World of Outdoors). 

It seems Dutamas Runners are a keen bunch wanting to give trail running a go. Most of them are experience hikers. As for myself, it was an opportunity for me to test out my Salomon products and also an alternative training route to strengthen my legs and also nursing my problematic left foot which has gotten better in the past months. So far I have not done any runs longer than 20km, so I am still quite careful in increasing my mileage too fast too soon. The last intended 24km run was cut short due to an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Hopefully I will hit at least 24km this weekend.

The first two trail runs we had at FRIM, Kepong attracted a good turnout. Raymond was there to guide us through the trails

Trail Run # 1 - FRIM, Kepong

Trail Run # 2 - FRIM, Kepong

Trail Run # 3 - Taman Lembah Kiara, TTDI

The third trail run we had saw us running in Taman Lembah Kiara Trail for the first time. Most of us had no experience running in that trail so it was more as an experiment for us there. But in the end, we had a great run, although in most parts we weren't sure where we were going.

A spot we found looking out to KLCC view.

It is just too bad the haze was quite bad and the visibility was poor.

Trail Run # 4 - Batu Dam

Bin organised a trail run over in Batu Dam just last weekend. As I was back in Kuching, I could not join. From the photos that I gathered, it looks like they had an awesome time running the "pacat" (leeches) infested trail.

Come on...give it a push!

 I guess Andrew never experience what "Hitting The Wall" is like....

Nice scenery

And check out this baby.....this has got to be in the Guinness Book of World Records...

Will we have another trail run? You betcha.....and guess what?

It's on tomorrow night. It will be our first night trail run happening in Taman Lembah Kiara, 7 Mac. Tomatoman will be leading us out onto the trail. Hope nobody go banging on the tree! Anyone keen? Be there at the carpark opposite the Sekolah Kebangssan Tun Dr Ismail 2. Run starts at 8pm. Bring on whatever lights you have, torch light, head light....see you there!

I had a good run out on Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral CS. Also check out this link.

This shoe was voted as the Best Debut shoe by Runner's World. As a first timer, I have a perception that trail running shoes are hard, heavy, inflexible but durable. However, this shoe is quite the opposite. Of course, it cannot be compared to the lightness of a road running shoe, but it certainly is close to it.

I even did some of my runs on the road using the shoe. Well, I guess it's meant more for trail running. It does have a feel of a road running shoe and it gives the stability & durability needed for trail running. It can still be use as a road running but I don't think I will wear it for longer runs.

The grip on the shoe is quite good. Coming from a road running , I've always used my road running shoe even on the trails prior having my hands on this shoe. Normally I would be very worried about the grip I have on trail using road running shoe but not so much on this one. As what the Salomon site described of the shoe:

"High mileage training shoe with unique climashield™ construction for neutral runners who want one shoe from door to trail all year long."

I will review much later if the statement holds true to what it states as high mileage shoe but so far so good.

Note: Photos courtesy of Andrew Hsien, Yvonne Teo & Wong Yi Bin. Thanks!

Allergic Reaction

I woke up early today at 5.45am as the drops of rainfall startled me. Looked out the window and saw that it was drizzling. Part of me wants to go back and sleep but part of me says that I really need to get out there and build up my mileage. My plan today was to do a 24km run in a medium pace, targeting a 5:00-5:30 pace. It took a while before I made the decision to put on my shoes and head out.

Started feeling pretty tired but the cool weather plus drizzling rain helps. There were quite a few runners out there running despite there was an event over at Padang Merbok (Pacesetters 4 x 3km race). Dutamas Runners group were a 10-k run today.

As I reached Hartamas, I felt a sting above my chest as if an insect stung me. My normal reaction was brushed it off, and felt my finger killed an insect (felt like an ant). I didnt take a look at what was it and ran on. I started to feel the itch in my body after a while. As I look at my arms, there were rashes around it. Checked a couple places around my body and indeed I have developed rashes. At that time I was already at 12km, only halfway of my targeted distance. 1km on, I decided to head back home as I felt the rashes has spread across my body.

When I reached home, to my horror, my whole body showed some kind of allergic reaction. Took a shower as soon as my body dried, I took a quick shower and took some anti-itch pill and applied some tea tree oil I bought last time on the affected places. Luckily, it subside after my breakfast outside. Went back home and took a quick nap as I was sleepy due to the anti-itch pill.

I checked my upper chest again, and the swelling was still there.

Hopefully, it's nothing serious and will get better by tomorrow. Anyway, managed a 20km today in 1:49. Still need put in more runs for me to improve the timing!

Training Run - LSD 24km

I will be doing my longest run thus far for a very very long time. A 24km run. I hope my legs can survive it. Will not be pushing the pace, as I aim to finish this run strong, so will pace myself accordingly.

Those who are keen to follow, please meet up in front of Anggunpuri Condo / French International School at 6.25am. I won't be sure who will be joining but I will start at 6.30am sharp. (Note: I forgotten to put in the date of this run. It will be this Sunday - 19 Feb)

Some things to take note:

1. Please bring along your own hydration/money as there won't be any water station along the road, except if you want to stop at 9.5km mark to buy water @ Bestari, Solaris Dutamas. 
2. Please memorise the route well as there won't be any markers to tell you of the direction.
3. Do it at your own pace, fast or slow. I will be looking at running it at about 5.00 - 5.30/km pace.

Here is the map for your reference. Make sure you have Google Earth plugins for this one. If you can't view it, pls click on this link.

Salomon Sponsorship

I know there has been a delay of what my last post was all about. Well, it was still Chinese New Year & long holiday break! Of course, there's also work commitment.

I couldn't think of a better title for this post, so I'm just going to be straight forward here. YES! I've got sponsorship from Salomon. A big brand to those adventure racers or enthusiasts out there. More so the recent champion of the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, Kilian Jornet is sponsored by Salomon. Here's a short video of him running the Mount Kinabalu.



I know what is going through in a lot of people's mind is that how can a road runner be getting a sponsorship from world's leading manufacturer in trail running apparels & footwear? You may call it pure luck or maybe I wrote in at the right timing. Whatever it is, I am thankful for the sponsorship. It is not a multi-million dollar sponsorship but I am still proud of it.

Been injured for throughout the 2011 season, I thought I might need to change my training a little bit more this year and that is by adding in trail running into my schedule. It is hard to find soft grounds to run around my area, unless I travel out to FRIM, Gasing Hill or the nearest...mmh...could be Kiara Park. There are many groups out there organising trail running these days. It seems like it is gaining popularity not only to the usual "On On" by Hash Runners but also to the road runners seeking an alternative training route.

How I Got The Sponsorship
Since I decided I needed to get into trail running to mix up my training runs, I thought it's best that I get a trail running shoe for this purpose. After getting to know a friend of mine is working in Amer Sports Malaysia, which happens to be the distributor of Salomon products in Malaysia, I thought I give it a try to write in for sponsorship. I've sent in my running profile to my friend who then helped me forward my request to his counterpart in Salomon, Mori Hiroshi. It took a month or so of patience before Mori, Product Manager of Salomon contacted me, bringing me the good news that I will be getting sponsorship from Salomon. I was thrilled! I was quite surprised by the support Salomon has given to me, judging from my lack of competition last year due to injury. As for trail running, I've not done much of it in Malaysia but I am not new to it. When I was studying in New Zealand, trail running is already a popular sport and I've done a lot of runs in trails and also in cross country races around NZ.

Salomon History 
Salomon originated from Annecy, France in 1947. The company started by François Salomon together with his family. You may not know this, but in 1997 it actually became part of Adidas group. But in May 2005, Adidas-Salomon announced that it had agreed to sell the Salomon Group to Amer Sports, one of the leading sporting goods companies in the world, for €485 million. In the Annecy Design Center, it's the heart of their progressive movement, with 800 people working at the center. This is where the development, marketing & communication for footwear, apparel and equipement takes place.

The Meeting 

I met up with Mori one fine day during lunch at World of Outdoors (which is under World of Sports Malaysia Group) @ The Gardens, which is the main distributor for Salomon products. This is where he presented me with all the sponsored products and also a walk-thru on Salomon products. There were a lot of new stuff I've learned about Salomon through Mori. 

So What Do I Get From This Sponsorship
When I met up with Mori, there were already two bags of products he was carrying to hand over to me. In it were plenty of apparels, jacket, headgears, tees & fuel/hydrapack bags. Best of all, I get the latest XR Crossmax Neutral CS. The XR Crossmax was voted the "Runner's World Top Debut Shoes" award. Click on this link to read more.

That's not all, I got to choose a second pair. I had all the ranges to choose from. Just check out the next few photos below. If it's not clear, well, just walk in to The World of Outdoors located at 3rd floor, The Gardens. You can also head on to their newly opened concept store e@Curve. Kilian was there to launch the event.

As you can see photo above, there are different ranges of shoes you can choose from. XA - Cross Adventure which caters more for hikers, the XT - Cross Terrain catering for runners for all terrains, while the XR - Cross Running, are the hybrid of shoes. It's basically a door to trail running shoe.

But since the thought of doing a trail race is in my plans, I got myself a pair of trail racer, the Salomon S-Lab 3 XT Wings. It's not the latest model, but it does serves it purpose, a lightweight trail racer.

Funny how the shoes I chose are all red....not that I'm a big fan of the colour RED. Ok with an exception, Liverpool is my favourite team.

Some of the other items I got:

Twin Belt - Do come in handy for my long runs!

Skin Pro 3 Set - This bag is amazing. Always wanted one and now I got one!

There are a lot more other apparels I received, but will do a product review soon. Salomon as a brand will be going more aggressively on customer centric activities & increasing consumer engagement with their World of Sports partners. I hope I can make my partnership with them work, to promote both the Salomon products & also trail running among my group of running friends as I continue to explore & learn about trail running myself!