Shoe tally: A very expensive shoe

Shoe on the left: Nimbus 10 - 149 km - and worn down to the foam!
Shoe on the right: Nimbus 9 - 642 km, including two marathons - just starting to reach the foam.

So here's the latest shoe tally:
North Face Boa Arnuva: 189k
Saucony PGTriumph 5: 563k
ASICS Nimbus 9: 642k
ASICS Nimbus 10: 149k
Mizuno Rider 12: 45k

Early birds: remembering Harry

Rex jumped up the moment I turned on the lights and started spinning his wheels. This was 4 am. But then, hamsters are supposed to be nocturnal creatures. Not me. But for the past three weeks, I had been getting up early for the long runs, and to be honest, it was not easy. But then, what's training if there's no sacrifice?

There were quite a number of people out exercising in the early hours of the morning, and surprisingly, many were elderly folks. They were taking their walks, or working the machines at the exercise corners, or doing tai-chi. One elderly lady was telling another that she slept at 7 pm and woke up at 4 am. And out walking at 5:30 am. Came across a number of bikers along the east coast, perhaps putting in a key workout before Aviva 70.3.

The sight of these energetic folks reminded me of the old school boys dinner on Sunday. There I met up with Harry L, my sec 1 form teacher. He was then the teacher in charge of soccer, somewhat brash and full of vigor. I still remember the lectures we received, and he instilled a healthy fear in us.

Now Harry must be over 70, but even with his hair (and eyebrows) all white, he still keeps trim and fit. Of course he could not remember me, but after we shook hands, he held on to me as if wanting to reconnect over these long intervening years. I told him that even though we were in fear of him, on hindsight, we were grateful for the discipline he instilled in us. Discipline that put us in good stead even today. I think that made his day.

Sunrise at the east coast was really pretty.

It was really cool this morning, the pavements were still damp from the torrential downpour yesterday. Kept to a HR of 140 to 145 to conserve energy for the last 5 km which was to be at MP or better. Here's how it went from 19 k: 6:52, 6:22, 6:42, 6:36, 6:45. Total: 25 k. Good run. Rating: 4/5

Getting to know the Mizuno Rider 12. Light, comfortable, plush. So far so good. Should be ready for Mar 22.

Shimano R300 road test

Felt restless this morning and decided to go for an easy spin... with my new Shimano R300 shoes. Yulp. Last two bike sessions were on the Minoura M80-DW Magnetic Indoor Bike Trainer (that shaved off so much rubber from the rear tire!), and enough already of trainers. Off on to the tracks/PCN!

All fine for the first 5 km, until just before the ECP tunnel. Unclipped the right leg first. But all along I unclipped the left first. Not sure what happened, but the next thing I knew, I was falling to the left. Good thing there was a chain linked fence and narrow strip of grass there. All that hurt was my pride. :)

Further along NSRCC, I met up with another cyclist on a mountain bike. Chatted some - about biking, bike tours, children, etc, before A turned back at the exhibition road. Made it to Changi village and rode back without incident.

And how did cycling shoes help? A significant difference, to say the least. Pedaling at just 70 rpm, I was able to reach 30 kph (albeit on the large gear). And with headwind.

At the outdoor camp near to NSRCC were many school children learning to skate. Almost fell! Luckily I managed to unclip the right shoe in time to keep my pride intact. Third time not so lucky, so I took it easy all the way back. A little saddle sore, since I haven't been doing long rides for some time (2 hours).

In the afternoon, I went down to Rodalink Jurong East to get the shoes custom-fitted. Two stage process - oven heat the insoles. then stand and walk with the shoes for shaping. Next heat up the shoes, and after donning the shoes, a plastic bag is used to cover the shoes. Vacuumed to fit. All done in 30 min.

Rodalink JE is a big store - with friendly staff. Took the opportunity to look at some racing wheels, tires, gears, etc. Durace carbon wheels and Fulcrum racing zero wheels are ... nice!

New cycling shoes and bike trainer

The bike trainer has been on my shopping list for a long time. So having bought MBH her heart's desire this past Valentine day, it was a good time to add to my armoury. But what's the use of a trainer without cycling shoes? After all, there's the one leg pedal drills that require either a stationary bike or a trainer.

So after a good swim session in the morning (yelp, managed to swim 1000 m non-stop), I found myself with the enticing offer of a 40% discount of the Shimano R300 shoes. It is the top of the line moldable cycling shoes, on clearance as the replacement R310 came out last year. For SGD260, I thought it was a good buy.

Here's a review:

The Shimano R300 road shoe is designed for elite-level competition. It represents a ten-year engineering quest for the most efficient power transfer ever and a quantum leap in shoe technology. The heat moldable Thermo-form plastic infused upper panels enable the shoe to conform to the foot. A vacuum forming process is used to custom fit the shoe and insole conforming the shoe to the foot like a luxury sock. The new last better conforms to the structure of the foot giving a perfect anatomic interface.

Features

618 grams
SPD-SL and three-hole cleat compatible
Moldable insole forms to foot for a precise fit
Amazing anti-slip heel lining prevents heel lift
Thermo-form® moldable upper forms to foot for a custom fit
New anatomical curved last improves fit and increases shoe-pedal stability
Ultra rigid, lightweight Nanotec sole transfers your energy straight to the pedals
Micro-adjust buckle and dual offset straps securely stabilizes foot and allows subtle adjustments

There were many good reviews on the R300. One feature is that the shoes are heat moldable to custom fit. That should work well for my unequal-sized feet. Next stop, an appointment for shoe custom fitting.

What happens to 500km+ running shoes?

Here's a short summary:

Mizuno Precision - donated to Project Love Sneakers
Mizuno Rider 10 - hopefully Vuthy from COSI is putting them to good use
Saucony Pro Grid Triumph 4 (gold) - garbage truck driver said they are the right size!
Saucony Pro Grid Triumph 4 (orange) - last seen with the same garbage truck driver above

What happens to running shoes that did not see extended duty?

ASICS Kayano - with nephew S for over two year... but did not see much duty
Pearl Izumi Floater - with nephew D who forgot to bring them home

A few more nephews on the wait list.

New shoes: ASICS Nimbus 10

First run with new pair of ASICS Nimbus 10. Pliable and comfortable as with the 9, but heavier. Nice color though - bright citrus yellow, black and silver.


See my latest views on Nimbus 10 viz post on March 10!

Eve of LNY
Today's run called for a controlled pace run. Warm up 3 km. HR to go up to 150, but due to slower run with MBH, I started only after 3rd km. Went out too fast, HR went above 176 after 2 km. Had to slow down to bring HR down to target of 160 - 165. But still exceeded 165 for most of the 5 km controlled pace run.

Overcast weather with little breeze.