Adidas Adizero Tempo

ADIDAS ADIZERO TEMPO RUNNING SHOES REVIEW

As what its name ADIZERO suggest, this running shoes built with philosophy of lightness, even not as light as the lightest in ADIZERO family like Adidas ADIZERO Mana, Adidas ADIZERO Adios, Adidas Adizero XCS,  Adidas Adizero Rocket, Adidas Adizero Ace and the newest one Adidas Adizero F50. Weight at 270gm, Adidas Adizero Tempo is slightly lighter than Adidas Adizero Boston which weight at 274gm. Categorized as “performance stability running shoes” – what can be interpreted with this term? What I assume based on simple theory of assumption is that “performance” means Adidas Adizero Tempo is light even it hold position as the heaviest in the ADIZERO range, but not light enough to be categorized as “racing”. “Stability” means it has support of all round cushioning from heel to forefoot which transform into a slight thick cushion and firm built around ankle.  Both Adidas Adizero Boston and Adidas Adizero Tempo would be in this same category but built for different foot motion mechanic.  Adidas Adizero Tempo is built for Overponation while Adidas Adizero Boston is built for Normal and Underpronation foot motion mechanic. 

Adidas Adizero Tempo looks good for a running shoes 

My Adidas Adizero Tempo running shoe is in Black and Orange color scheme looks good. With black you have little worry about dirt and cleaning regularly. Its fabric material is light and seems to dry quick and breath. Unlike my Nike free run+ running shoes which have narrow shape that wrap tight, this one give ample space for wide feet like me and it is very comfortable too.

Adidas Adizero Tempo have  Higher Ankle Collar than Nike Free Run+ 

Adidas Adizero Tempo ankle collar even higher than Adidas Adizero XT

Adidas Adizero Tempo running shoes has mark of “full forefoot” on its sole that I think meant for wide forefoot sole that to improve stability rather than to do with cushioning. Adidas Technology in this shoe are; Ground-adapting FORMOTION moves with your motion and the TORSION SYSTEM keeps responses fast and  provides adaptive midfoot support; adiPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact and Pro-Moderator medial support device prevents overpronation, which result Adidas Adizero Tempo have higher level of cushion on inside arch sole. I easily realize this aspect at the first time wearing this shoe. With all these enhancement around ankle and heel Adidas Adizero Tempo running shoes promotes heel strike.  I’m not saying that you can’t strike with your mid / forefoot strike with this shoes but it feel not as free as Nike Free Run+ running shoes for me to practice mid /forefoot strike running motion.  Adidas Adizero Tempo’s sole around heel not as thick Adidas Supernova, AdiStar or Adidas Cushion. This not so thick sole help  reduce  it weight which deserve Adizero Tempo for “performance” title.  Height drop from heel to forefoot is there but not higher than Adidas Supernova or Adidas Cushion thus give ample possibility for forefoot strike motion.  High top collar around ankle apply some restriction on my ankle to flex for forefoot strike but this give a good firm, tight feeling around heel and promote stability which is missing in Adidas Adizero Mana. This is why I regarded Adidas Adizero Tempo as Heel Strike Shoes which is good for what it is built for. Frankly at the first time testing this Adidas Adizero Tempo running shoes I really contemplating to sell back this shoes simply because it  high collar around ankle hurt me and prevent me from practice the forefoot strike running motion that I love with Nike Free Run+ running Shoes. But all this has been blessing in disguise. I decided to give several test run with it and started to like what I found out.  To overcome pain / irritation that cause by high collar ankle, I have to land my feet as close as my centre of gravity as possible and offset the lost stride range by pushing my stride backward as far as possible, this is what really should be of How to Run Efficiently.  While Nike Free Run+ running shoes help me to discover forefoot strike mechanic, Adidas Adizero Tempo has help me to refine it.  By landing as close as possible at my centre of gravity I have further reduce the braking effect of front foot over stride and make it easier for my body to tilt forward and create forward momentum. Adidas Adizero Tempo’s high heel will not cause much problem on flat surface even though I do unintentionally heel strike when fatigue set in and posture is broken. The high heel would grab the ground when you are running on descending ground, this will create braking and further broken your rhythm.  When this happens the excellent cushioning and stability around heel area will give proper support that you need.

Nike Free Run+ is lighter than Adidas Adizero Tempo with cushion kept at minimum saw off that extra weight and with better flexibility. Nike Free Run+ also looks better - good for running and would also looks good for sight seeing

Adidas Adizero Tempo Forefoot cushion is excellent, it offer protection that you need even for a long distance run. This is a level of excellent forefoot cushioning that I’m looking for. For each step I almost could feel the cushioning effect and not hard on my forefoot – but not too soft. Its foam is firm enough to provide a solid base for toe-off. Only if this running shoe is flat with minimum drop from heel to forefoot, Adidas Adizero Tempo would be my top choice running shoes. The thick heel sole part spoilt my forefoot strike motion which also becomes unnecessary excess weight. For forefoot   strike runner or minimalist runner like me would prefer flat running shoes with excellent cushion in forefoot area rather than thick sole at heel area which should be kept at minimal.

Whether you will opt for Adidas Adizero Tempo for your marathon or race is depend on your personal choice. Some would prefer lightness over cushioning for faster run while some may prefer proper cushioning for protection to endure constant pounding on long distance.  It is a quest of finding perfect balance that varies from person to person. It may involve distance and your running objective,  for me this Adidas Adizero Tempo offer good protection for long distance run, for a race up to 10km you may opt for lighter race running shoes such as Adizero Adios or Nike Free Run+ , however Adidas Adizero Tempo would do the job just fine if you not really particular about going fast and winning first prize. This shoe is perfect for my training shoes and even good for competition but if you looking for light racing or flat running shoes there are others that could fit the term better.  I bought this for RM306 from Al Ikhsan Alamanda, I think the price is justified for a performance running shoe that lighter and better than average RM100-200 thick heel sole running shoe but if you just looking for jogging shoe and believe that heavy shoes exercise you better than just buy a cheaper one.

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Running Tips - How To Run Efficiently

How To Run Efficiently

How To Run Efficiently... A Running Tips

I’m may not be a marathon athlete, but I have run better enough now in 30’s than I’m in 20’s. My skills and knowledge may not transform casual jogger to Olympic dasher but it may be useful enough for a mere casual jogger to chase girls and control lung strong enough for a consistent conversation, or else you will look like old dog panting for oxygen.

I read and I practice of what I read about running efficiently and maintain what comfortable to me. I write down here How To Run Efficiently as reference for those who want to add little speed and add little distance in their running.  I want to share this running tips, that I practice in all this while that I feel good enough to improve my own running;

1. Do sufficient Warm up and stretching. Like car that need sufficient warm up to prepare for higher engine revolution otherwise it will ruin itself, our body also act in the same way. Unprepared muscle will show signal of tight sensation on your leg and could lead to muscle pull. In contrast, warm muscle would able to contract and stretch effectively and help for efficient oxygen calories burn and energy release. If Warm up and stretching would make less macho for you then or you are too late to chase girls then do for lower body part is the least.

2. Land on front half of your feet not on your toe and not on your heel because you are not walking and you are not flying either. This technique that mimic barefoot running motion would help you how to run efficiently and feel as natural.

3. Aim for optimum stride. Stride too long it will create a braking effect, and stride too short simply mean you are not running as efficiently you could be. Push your long nice leg as long as possible backward and land as near as possible to your centre of gravity.

4. Don’t run hard but quick. You may overtake a favorite champion on the start by doing 100m sprint but a champion would just maintain a consistent quick pace to overtake you again on the next 100meter.

5. Maintain comfortable breathing. If you have difficulty to complete a sentence to your friend then you are pushing yourself too hard.

6. Bent forward from your heel not from your waist otherwise you look like an old chap have problem with his spine. Bent forward help you to maintain a forward momentum and enable you to run efficiently

7. Do it like “macam itik pulang petang” (literally in Bahasa Malaysia it meant "like Donald Duck gait". Get what I meant? Do not crouch.. open your chest.. pull out your bumper.. and start running!!!

8. Don’t forget to keep your hand close to your body.. otherwise you are wasting more energy to keep stability.

9. Land your feet on straight line. If your are running on tar road try to arrange your steps on the white line.. on side lane please. Running in straight line will ensure smooth flow of your body kinetic energy.

10. At times when your running rhythm & posture is broken and you slowing down. Concentrate on lifting your knee higher. and remember what I has said above of "How To Run Efficiently!"

How to run efficiently is not only about winning a running competition but to enable you to enjoy your run. Next time you go for your run, you will able to focus your attention to hot guys or girls running beside you, not on your aching leg and enjoys the surrounding. If this running tips beneficial to you, spread it to your friend, if anything you want to share please leave your comment k .

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Nike Free Run+

Nike Free Run+ Shoes - Forefoot Strike Running Shoes

My Nike Free Run Shoes :)

Bear in mind that this nike free run+ shoes review is written by amateur runner not from your running star. Thus, expect a down to earth story from a person about his new running shoes and his run not of technical analysis. I bought this Nike Free Run + shoes in September 2010 for RM359, quite expensive but its all worth it.

To slip in foot in this shoes not as easy as your ordinary shoes because of no tongue /lid design to ensure proper fit. Inner sleeve design is for a snug barefoot like fit, one-piece, patterned overlay for support and flexibility that what this Nike Free Run+ shoes is for, "Barefoot Running Feel!!. with or without socks. Extensive, breathable mesh on the upper enhances the barefoot-like fit and feel.


Nike Free Run+ is so flexible

First time to have my feet in this shoes, what I notice most is its rolling effect is so real. Nike Free Run+ running shoes is like urging you to move.. or simply Run. Secondly it feel so flexible, may be because of deep cut into the outer sole known as "sipes". This enable greater flexibility and movement of the foot than a traditional running shoes design. Nike Free Run+ running shoes offer the same range of motion as barefoot running, but with added protection. Thirdly it feel so comfortable. Your feet would simply feel pampered in this shoes, so minimal restriction and so comfortable.. 

The "Fit" design may not be suitable for wide feet like me. Do not simply wear this Nike Free Run+ shoes straight from Nike Store into your running competition. My small toes suffer with blister on my first training run and end up with both side in 65+ km run in 12hour rogaining competition. But I believe you need to give it a few warm up run then it will naturally stretch into your feet shape.  Fabric material around ankle may look too soft but it wrap tight, hold and fit nicely, and give excellent support thus give you sense of stability.

I would category this Nike Free Run+ shoes as "flat racing shoes" just like Adidas Adizero Mana and Adizero Ace. Racing? because it is so light - lightness is for racing isn't?. Flat? because the sole design is flat, you may see that it have a slight higher heel but the insole design have curve with higher arch support but almost same level of heel and forefoot and with help of good flexibility which I believe that give "the rolling effect". The insole height drop from heel to forefoot is kept at minimun mm. This Nike Free Run+ flat running shoes is for forefoot strike runner. For each step you will not feel the heel touching the road which will not interfere with your forefoot strike rythm. If you are believer of forefoot strike / barefoot runner (because by running barefoot you naturally strike with your forefoot not with your heel)  or just start to practice this running technique then this Nike Free Run+ running shoes is for you.

Nike Free Run+ cushion may look so slim but I do feel the cushioning effect. The cushioning should be good enough for a half marathon for average person and may be enough for a marathon but my forefoot aching and sore after 65+ km and 12hour in this shoes. I think the need for cushioning is vary for different person, I may need additional cushion at forefoot area but there are others who complete Marathon barefoot.

Indeed this Nike Free Run+ shoes look so good too and so comfortable, I end up wear this shoes more to shopping complex than to my weekly run :).

Nike Free Run+ Men's Running Shoe was created for those who love the feel of barefoot running, yet need the cushioning, traction and underfoot protection of a shoe.

Nike Free Run series of 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 have variation of  improved fit, cushioning and support.

Details of this Nike Free Run Plus Shoes from http://nikerunning.nike.com/
Flex grooves for flexibility and stability
Weight: 238 grams (men’s size 10)

Flexibility
Deep Nike Free flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole (which doubles as an outsole) allow your foot to more naturally while adding stability. The Nike Free Run + is even more flexible and “Free-like” than the Nike Free 5.0.

Cushioning
The Nike Free Run+ is more cushioned and supportive than the Nike Free 3.0. A new heel design enhances cushioning when your foot first hits the ground, without compromising flexibility.

Additional Details
Rubber in key wear zones for traction and durability
Waffle pistons in the outsole for shock absorption and responsiveness
Nike+ ready

Nike has introduce new replacement for Nike Free Run+ = Nike Free Run+ 2! Check it Out Here!


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Running Tips

Forgive me.. this is not my 10 cent worth of tips... but from website of men-helth.. dont know who write this but just read it you may get something beneficial for you

1.
Posture Perfect your posture and you will run smoother, faster and with less fatigue. Here’s what endurance coach and two-time Badwater champ Lisa Smith-Batchen recommends: Keep your pelvis forward, your shoulders squared over your belly button, your breathing regular and puff from your belly, and your thumb pistoning straight back and forth to your hips.
2.
Incline-pushup saluteAccording to Smith-Batchen, the incline-pushup salute is one of the best static exercises to prepare for a run. Push up against a bench with two arms, then twist at the hip and raise one arm until it’s pointing at the sky. “The triceps which you build from this will power your arms and the strengthened pecs will be strong to prevent your chest from caving in when you’re tired,” she says.
3.
Train as a runner To train as a runner, your body needs to learn to have quick hands and feet, says Smith-Batchen. The best training for that is jumping rope. Keep at it until you can reel off 100 reps without tripping on the jump rope.
4.
Run smart Ray Zahab, an ultra-runner who has won an individual title in the Artic Yukon Ultra says that to run smart, you should imagine pedaling a unicycle: keep your shoulders plumb-lined over your hips and kick back with your feet instead of reaching out. “To speed up, lean forwards from the ankles instead of bending forward from the waist; you’ll create a light controlled fall instead of a muscle-intensive series of pushoffs.”
5.
To go faster “By pushing from the ankles, you will go faster with less effort and you’ll preserve your legs by stacking your weight over your strong, protectively arched midfeet, instead of crashing down on the sensitive nerves in your heels or the fragile tendons in your toes,” says Zahab.
6.
Build strengthMen's Health columnist and ultra man Dean Karnazes says distance running can be prepped by running stairs to build strength. “It will build strength in your legs and lungs. Find a staircase or stadium, ideally with more than 100 steps for a weekly workout. Start by running to the top a single step at a time and walking back down. Work your way up to 10 sets. Next phase: two steps at a time, walking down, five sets. Final phase: two steps up, single steps down, running both ways, working up from five to 10 sets. Keep at it till you can repeat this routine 3 or 4 days a week.”
7.
Running quicker, not harder You can prevent fatigue by running quicker, not harder. Karnazes says a higher turnover rate (how quickly you put one foot in front of the other), can make you faster with less effort. Elite distance runners stay in the range of 185 to 200 steps per minute. Varying your cadence/turnover can conserve energy and shift the load among different muscles. As you tire and slow down, focus on cadence, not speed. This might mean taking shorter, quicker steps. A rule of thumb: If your stride rate falls below 150 to 160 steps per minute, you’ll want to shorten your stride and increase turnover.
8.
Train for recoveryTrain for recovery. “Big distance can mean big hurt,” says Karnazes. “The day after you train for a long run, you must force yourself to exercise.” Try a bike ride, a swim, or just a nice walk. “The movement increases bloodflow, clearing the by-products of intense exercise from your muscles and helping restore flexibility.”
9.
Always have your hydrations ready“Carry bottled water and drink all day,” says Karnazes. “Your hydrated cells will thank you.”
10.
Focus on running the mile Record holder of the half marathon Ryan Hall says you should always focus on running the mile you’re in. “Don’t try to think about how far you have to go in the beginning because it can be overwhelming or how far you’ve run near the end because that will give you an excuse to fatigue.”

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Running, sports & outdoor website in Malaysia

Men Health Night Run - Putrajaya

This kind of unique event.. Running competion during night time in Malaysia.. this is not heard before for me.. no doubt the schedule is suitable with our climate .. even though this is held at night time have no worry for maniac hiding in secluded corner because in Putrajaya has such wonderful facilities and superb location.. guarantee enough street light and spot light to show off your new nike air.. count me in

interested? .. visit this site plzzzz http://www.mens-health.com.my/index_mh_run09.asp

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Running tips
How to run effectively

Running Tips - Run Effectively

I’m may not be a marathon athlete, but I have run better enough now in 30’s than I’m in 20’s. My skills and knowledge may not transform casual jogger to Olympic dasher but it may be useful enough for a mere casual jogger to chase girls and control lung strong enough for a consistent conversation, or else you will look like old dog panting for oxygen.

I read and I practice of what I read about running effectively and maintain what comfortable to me. I write down here as reference for those who want to add little speed and add little distance in their running. My 1 cent Technique that I practice is jot down here that I feel good enough to improve my own;

1. Do sufficient Warm up and stretching. Like car that need sufficient warm up to prepare for higher engine revolution otherwise it will ruin itself, our body also act in the same way. Unprepared muscle will show signal of tight sensation on your leg and could lead to muscle pull. In contrast, warm muscle would able to contract and stretch effectively and help for efficient oxygen calories burn and energy release. If Warm up and stretching would make less macho for you then or you are too late to chase girls then do for lower body part is the least.

2. Land on front half of your feet not on your toe and not on your heel because you are not walking and you are not flying either.

3. Aim for optimum stride. Stride too long it will create a braking effect, and stride too short simply mean you are not running as efficiently you could be

4. Don’t run hard but quick. You may overtake a favorite champion on the start by doing 100m sprint but a champion would just maintain a consistent quick pace to overtake you again on the next 100meter.

5. Maintain comfortable breathing. If you have difficulty to complete a sentence to your friend then you are pushing yourself too hard.

6. Bent forward from your heel not from your waist otherwise you look like an old chap have problem with his spine. Bent forward help you to maintain a forward momentum

7. Do it like “macam itik pulang petang”. Get what I meant? Do not crouch.. open your chest.. pull out your bumper.. and start running!!!

8. Don’t forget to keep your hand close to your body.. otherwise you are wasting more energy to keep stability.

9. Land your feet on straight line. If your are running on tar road try to arrange your steps on the white line.. on side lane please. Running in straight line will ensure smooth flow of your body kinetic energy.


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