Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Brook's Stride Signature: future of running shoes?
Brooks Running has recently release a new white paper, where they introduced a totally new way of the looking at how running shoes can be made to fit runners. This is the first part of an article series where we will look at the concept from Brooks called the Stride Signature.
The underlying principle behind this new concept is that ; everyone move in a different way in running, whether you are looking at how unique the upper arms are being swung, or how the legs move, from when the knees are lifted until the the toes touches the ground.
And should we pay enough attention, these uniqueness are quite noticeable, as shown even among elite Olympian marathoners. Agree?
Interesting enough, Brooks shared a picture made from combined photos from a bio-mechanics study; on how the foot strikes of all 10k runners during the 2012 Olympic trials. And here you can see how different each of the elite runners land on the track as they run. (By the way, these feet belong to world class elite runners including Amy Hasting, Shalane Flanagan, and Galen Rupp.)
So, in short, it is almost like saying we are doing the same thing, but the way we execute it is different. Just like these guys here:
These Elvis wanna-be guys impersonating the same King, singing same songs, but they still have their own unique signature uniform! Thats the point.
Ok. Back to running.
And of course most of us runners are just too familiar with the fact that we have different arches, different foot shapes and therefore need different support systems, as we were often told, every time we visit the running stores.
And according to Brooks in their research, the rational behind why each runner has a different signature running movement is because they have their own individual unique joint geometry, ligament flexibility, muscle strength and motion patterns.
Base on this view, Brooks Running is telling runners today that it is time to get excited again for the next best thing that is based on the concept of "Stride Signature", by having a new way of looking at which shoe is best for which runner.
The write-up is quite technical and lengthy, but if you want to read more about the Brooks Stride Signature, here is the link to the technical literature.
But in simple layman term, as I understand after reading numerous times:
For years, Brooks has been on a quest to design footwear which strive to create the perfect ride for runner's every stride. To do this, they are constantly trying to better understand running bio-mechanics.
For years, Brooks has been on a quest to design footwear which strive to create the perfect ride for runner's every stride. To do this, they are constantly trying to better understand running bio-mechanics.
So, Brooks proposes a shift away from trying to come up with a single right way to run; to better understanding your unique way to run; And from matching the runner to the shoe, but rather matching the shoe to the runner.
Which is in line with Brooks Run Happy philosophy : to celebrate runners differences and uniqueness.
Stay tune for the sequel of this write up on how Brooks Running executes the Stride Signature concept : The Brooks Transcend. Here is a video made from the people behind Brooks Running, their design philosophy and that they are runners too...
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Newton Challenge Run 2013 - Top 10 Results
The last time I ran the 25km Newton Challenge was in 2010. I attempted the shorter distance in 2011, and this year I was happy that I had the privilege to run the 25km again.
And indeed the name 'challenge' is worthy because of the endless hills, and the fact that it is a race of 25km, we have to run in faster pace. Another elements that add on to the challenge was that the race starts at 5:30am, and almost 1.5 hours are spent running in the dark, and with the absence of streetlight in many of the areas has made it even more difficult to go faster especially during the downhill cycle.
Generally speaking the event organization is good; 2 years ago I remember the toilet area was pretty dark. Plenty of water stations along the way, and many familiar faces (or voices) manning these aid stations with bike marshals patrolling the route. And also a big thanks to the traffic policeman whom had provided lighting as we ran the darker site of the routes. In terms of safety, the route location was fantastic, and there was plenty of cones to guide the runners.
Competitive runners are also very happy because this year there are prizes including a beautiful trophy were given out to the top ten participants of each category.
More photos here
Check your result here
Pacers
15km women veteran
15km men veteran
15km women open
15km men open
25km women veteran
25km men veteran
25km women open
25km men open
Saturday, December 28, 2013
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