Press Release : Get ready for the first Men's Health & Women's Health Night Run

Kuala Lumpur, 28 November 2014

The wait is finally over! The much anticipated Men’s Health  Night Run is returning—with a twist. 
Kicking off on 21 March 2015  (Saturday) at Presint 3, Dataran  Putrajaya, we’ll be celebrating the 
launch issue of our sister magazine Women’s Health Malaysia on the same night. Limited to 7,000 entries registration begins online on www.hooha.asia on 1 December 2014 and closes on 21 February 2015 at midnight.

The very first Men’s Health & Women’s Health Night Run lets you work up a sweat while taking in the fantastic lights and sights of Putrajaya amidst friendly camaraderie. Here’s also your chance to take part in fun activities and walk away with awesome prizes.

The participation fee is RM55 for Non-Competitive Category—Fun Run 5km (18 years and above), and RM65 for all Competitive Categories—Men’s Open 12km (18 years and above), Men’s Veteran 12km (40 years and above), Women’s Open 12km (18 years and above) and Women’s Veteran (40 years and above). 

An exciting goodie bag including a Karrimor high-performance running tee await each participant and fantastic prizes will be awarded to the top three category finishers in the Men’s and Women’s Competitive Categories. All participants will receive a runner’s kit and a certificate will be given to every race finisher upon completion of the run. 

The event is proudly organised by Mongoose Publishing and co-organised by Twenty First Century Sports.

Press Release : The One and The One for Men Collector’s Edition

Dolce&Gabbana celebrates the timeless elegance of The One and The One for Men with a powerful Collector’s Edition: The One interpreted in Dolce&Gabbana iconic red and The One for Men in deep rich brown.

This duo of fragrances emulates their wearers -the enigmatic woman of fierce yet sparkling splendour, and the man whose sophistication commands the attention of all around him - proving The One’s unique character, which denotes this Collector’s Edition capsule.

The Character of the Collector’s Edition

The One Collector’s Edition takes inspiration from the iconic symbols treasured by the Designers. Each flacon bears the imprint of a gold coin, a strong motif in the Dolce&Gabbana’s fashion collection for 2014 representing a journey of discovery of ancient Sicily and the Greek culture that lies deep within its history. The profile of mythical Greek gods are emblazoned upon the coin, a female for The One and a male for The One for Men: representing wisdom, courage and intelligence. They personify the voyage to Sicily’s roots and capture the spirit of The One Collector’s Edition, crossing between reality and surrealism.

The colours of the solid lacquered flacons were selected to epitomise the fragrances’ characteristics: The Dolce&Gabbana red for The One is a symbol of ultimate luxury, and The One for Men in deep brown evokes a regal richness which completes the jewel-toned set of this Collector’s Edition.

The fragrance

Like the woman who wears it, the strength and uniqueness of The One fragrance come from contrast. The rich Oriental Floral perfume opens with a sparkling and modern interpretation of fresh top notes of zesty Bergamot and Mandarin combined with juicy Lychee and Peach.

The journey to the heart of the fragrance follows into the timeless scent of the Madonna Lily with its voluptuous intensity and enveloping femininity.

The fragrance finally unfolds to reveal a deep and sensual base of rich Vanilla and resinous Ambery notes combined with smooth Musky notes to leave a lingering presence.

The One for Men is a concentrate of elegance and sensuality: a fragrance that is classic and modern, vibrant and engaging. An Oriental Spicy perfume which is developed from the harmony of Tobacco notes and refined spices.

The vibrant elegance of the top notes comes from the mouth watering combination of Grapefruit, Coriander and Basil. Spicy and warm notes of Cardamom and Ginger drive the strong sensual signature, which over time yields to the authentic masculinity of the deep dry down of Tobacco and Ambery notes along with Cedarwood.

The line up

Dolce&Gabbana The One Collector’s Edition 50ml RM348

Dolce&Gabbana The One Collector’s Edition 75ml RM463

Dolce&Gabbana The One for Men Collector’s Edition 50ml RM222

Dolce&Gabbana The One for Men Collector’s Edition 100ml RM308

Dolce&Gabbana The One and The One for Men Collector’s Edition will be available nationwide in November 2014.

Lifeline-ID : Companion ID Review

I ordered myself and wifey a set of Lifeline-ID Companion about 2 weeks ago and got it delivered the week after (as the manufacturer are very spot on with the timing). The decision to get this on top of the Lifeline-ID Pro I have is because I wanted some level of redundancy. The Pro is superb for everyday use; but for swimming or racing, it adds a bit of drag in water and in the case of Ironman where bands are given out, I ended up wearing more than 4 bands!

The Companion and the bands

Priced at RM46 for the tag and choices of 3-color band, it is affordable and versatile to be used as long as you can secure the loops onto something fixed. The real intend is of course for it to be used on a sports watch, or any watch with straps.

On my 910XT

They say the real test of the product is to use it as it is intended to. With the Companion strapped to my 910XT, i went for a run or two. What I was looking for is how the strap holds on a normal run. Also, to see if it will cause any discomfort.

After a 7km run

As the Companion is about 1.3inches in length and with the strap makes it about 1.5inches, the worry is on smaller wrist person. My wrist as a guidance and you can see it took up the 8th slot. However, do not be overly worried as It can also be fitted on the other side where the buckle resides without any issues.

Pros
- Smaller and more compact.
- lighter
- work best with sports watch
- flexible loop that are able to be stretched rather large-loop
Cons
- too long that it may not fit smaller wrist nicely
- if you are hairy, not sure if it will catch your hair and pull when you remove the watch

I will test the durability of the strap for the next few months being exposed to the different element. Being Silicon, I do not expect the strap to show much degradation except if i nick it against something sharp. For that, I would need to be very careful.

Note: This set of Lifeline-ID is self-bought by me. Lifeline-ID is a collaborator with Team 2ndSkin and the decision to buy this is personal choice. The Companion retails online at RM46 and comes with 3-different color band to choose. Get them at www.lifeline-id.com

Boardman AiR 9.8 TT - The Beginning

After a good 7 years of using the Orbea Ordu, I've made a very difficult decision, and a costly one, to replace her for something that may potentially provide me for better more efficient cycling.

The chance to own a full-fledged world winner TT bike was just too hard to ignore. More so when the bike is just super sexy with the curves that are hard to beat. Dare you say this bike is not sexy enough? This bike is so rare that owning one is a collector's dream by itself.

As they say, all good things has to come to an end; and it has been pretty much delayed. There is nothing wrong with the bike. She rides beautifully, climbs wonderfully, speed fantastically. Underwent a few upgrades along the way from the groupset (though it's a combination from anything 105 to Durace, from year 2006 to 2012). 

The main reason for this change is the size. I've been riding a bike that is a size or three too big for me.

Photo from Swim Bike Run Singapore during Ironman 2014 Malaysia at Langkawi.

Look at the photo above and you will see how much I am tip-toeing on the down stroke. It is something that I've made my body gotten accustomed that my cycling bio-mechanic works with the Ordu. My biggest issue is that the seat is at the minimal height and can't go any lower. Compare this with photo with this guidance setting of a Optimal Bike Fit from BikeSplit.com

Click for full specs

I am at the extreme of "seat too high". After savings for that many years and after turning down a few offer for a better fitted bike (at $$$), I was linked up with Hee Hong Cycle by a friend and was told that I could potentially own a Boardman AiR 9.8 TT frame at a good price. To put on record, Bike Elementz, the distributor for Boardman in Malaysia, has also offered me the same, but a full bike instead. 

I am all about a a good bargain. Hee Hong's owner, Mr. Koh (or Ah Siang as he is known) were gracious enough to let me have a chance to be part of the Boardman family at an offer I can't resist (and by that meant the discount quantum is confidential).  

After speaking to Ah Siang and evaluating the parts I have on my Orbea Ordu, It is possible for me to transfer almost everything over to the Boardman.
I know what some of you are thinking - new swanky tech frame, and using old parts? 

The whole cockpit aka the HED Delta wing will be transferred over to the Boardman AiR 9.8 TT. This alone saved me close to RM2K. The rear derailleur (Durace 2006), the front derailleur (105 2009), chain (Durace 2014) will be transferred over together with the pedal (105 2012). The Frame comes with integrated brakes, so that is money saved as well.

A composite of my old Ultegra 2006 crank and the newer 105 2012 crank

The crank is the only thing not coming over. Shimano bottom bracket or BB (Ultegra 2014) can't come over as the Shimano system is 24mm instead of the 30mm required by Boardman frame. Oversized BB offer stiffer ride and better power transfer. The only one available for this are the SRAM and FSA cranks. 

Lucky for me, Ah Siang has his older FSA Force Crank (53-39 combo, circa 2012) that he will provide FOC to me. This takes away the need for the BB24 to BB30 adapter. Best thing about this? It is a 170mm crank arm, which meant better fitting for me instead of the 172.5mm I am currently using. If you wondered what is the differences, the main point is the ergonomic, secondly I will be able or have to spin at slightly higher cadence. This may allow for more efficient pedalling over a longer distance instead of having to rely only on raw torque.

I was tempted to upgrade to SRAM Red with Q-Ring...but that would set me back another RM2K...which I decided to use what I have until nearer to race day (IMMY2015).

Last equation to the parts is the wheel set. The Zipp 1080 and 808 I acquired from another friend will complete the bike. With the 12-28 (Tiagra 2014) gearing, this TT setup will be good on the flat and ride like a boss up hill.

Having shared all the above, ever wondered how the AiR 9.8 looked like? To start with, the frameset (frame and fork) weight in at 1.25kg. How is that to start the ball rolling?

As it turned out, I will need a XS size with 500mm BB to seat post length. This will then allow for the seating to be near perfect (as there are nothing perfect in this world I must say). 

The 9.8's Road Bike frames

I visited H2C again on Saturday, there was one 9.8 TT setup for another friend that will ride the XS size. I went on top of it and felt, for the very first time, how a correctly sized frame feels...

I can't wait for it to be ready. 

I promise to write more and show more photos once the AiR 9.8 TT is ready. 

As for the Ordu, she is a keeper. I may consider to turn her into a Fixie (a very expensive one!) and use it for my training on the trainer. However, never know if she will be up for sale one day. 

Note : The above has been made possible thanks to Hee Hong Cycle or H2C. They are the authorised distributor of Boardman bikes in Malaysia. The frameset of AiR 9.8 TT retails at RM9500.00. To view the complete bike or other Boardman bikes, head over to H2C by clicking here. 

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by H2C or Boardman. 

Garmin 920XT Available Soon In Malaysia

The ever reliable Garmin 910XT will soon see a new upgraded version in the much anticipated 920XT. Many of you would know how well the 910XT works for me in my races since owning it the past 2 years. I've written extensively on the 910XT in this blog and the link is available here:

Garmin Forerunner 910xt [Full Review][Quick Release Strap][GPS Signal][Shakedown]

Since the last write up on the 910XT, i've stopped using the QR strap (it broke before my IM 2014) and I had it repaired under extended warranty for rubber housing leakage (at power button). Expected for the wear and tear as I've clocked in no less than 5000km using the 910XT for both training and races. 

The New 920XT

Pic : Garmin Website

With splash of color and an overhauled casing. One look you will realised the fully rubberised casing is now with individual press button ala Fenix and Fenix 2. The next obvious change is color display on the 920XT. It is now thinner compared to 910xt by a good 3mm. Clear reduction in overall size and weight as well - which may appeal to those with smaller wrist. With a tighter package, the display obviously shrunk as well. I rather like the huge face of the 910XT as it allows me to view all 4-metric at one glance. 

Not Just Physical

As the unit is not in Malaysia yet, and there is no clear indication if I will obtain one for testing or will be able to afford one (hey, selling my 910XT seems to be an option???), I ran through the Garmin website and check the features out. 

In the heart of the watch is the GPS function which include GLONASS, which meant the capability to utilise the Russian satellites together with the US (GPS) satellites for a more accurate location and speed of locking. In short, the 920XT has access to 24 GPS satellites and 24 GLONASS satellites!

Here is my summary to help you along and decide if the 920XT is worth the upgrade from the 910XT.

Swim Features

No changes to what is already in 910XT.

Bike and Run Features

No changes to what is already in 910XT

On one look, it doesn't seems that there is a major overhaul where the basic swim, bike and run functions resides. That is a good thing as Garmin is not fixing anything that is already working superbly well.

Pic : Garmin Website

As you look at level of features deeper, the addition to the running features are the incorporation of the Garmin 620 I reviewed here that includes VO2max predictor, race predictor, accelerometer for treadmill use etc. In short, the whole "running dynamic" features.

Going one step up, the 920XT even include what the Vivofit could do like steps counting, sleep quality, daily goal settings. 

Then Garmin throw in the battery capability of Fenix/Fenix2 to have the UltraTrac and upped the battery performance of the 920XT to 40hours (Ultratrac) or up to 24hours in "training mode" (which often meant in race mode as well) and 4-months if used just as a watch on a single charge. 

And lastly, to make this "wearable", full watch functions including dual-time, alarm and calendar is included. 

For a full comparison of the 910XT and 920XT, click on the link here and get all nerdy with the features like I just did in this blog entry.

Worth it?

The functionality for multi-sports, with the capability of 620 and Vivofit, throw in the battery life of Fenix2, I can already see many 620 and 910XT being sold as second hand unit when the unit launch in Malaysia. Price wise is unknown at this point, but if the indication on Garmin website is to be consistent after tax, expect the Garmin 920XT to be about RM200 more than the top range (now) Fenix2 or 910XT.

Yes, I am excited.

Press Release : LACOSTE L!VE

See life from a new perspective with the new fragrance from LACOSTE L!VE  It embodies an irrepressible energy - blending edgy style and authenticity, and attracting creative spirits with new possibilities.

The addition of a fragrance to the LACOSTE L!VE universe was a natural step, but it had to embody the same creativity and uniqueness, helping one to see beyond the obvious.  Every component of LACOSTE L!VE is expertly blended, coming together as one dynamic scent, and also standing out individually.

The dynamic burst of lime hits you first. This zesty unexpected and energetic top note is bright and sharp, to awaken your senses.  Green leaves and aquatic notes are at the heart and brings vibrancy and freshness.  The flacon is edgy, strong and playful. The cube is a clean and modern shape with its minimalistic aesthetic and contemporary colours.The primary colours on the bottle provide a base for creative minds to visualise different possibilities. The six sides of the cube give the LACOSTE L!VE generation the opportunity to see things differently depending on the perspective. 

The campaign “New Fragrance, New perspective,” inspires you to step aside, step back, and see life from a different angle.  This has been challenged through anamorphosis art created by renowned graffiti artist, Zoer. Directed by H5, this twenty-second clip features two young guys (including Zoer) energetically painting, colouring and taping the walls of a white loft. When their work is done, the camera pans to show a new perspective of the room, and the surprise result of their art is that the seemingly random elements assemble to recreate a 3D LACOSTE L!VE flacon.

The Flacon
Edgy, strong and playful.
The creative inspiration is everywhere in this fragrance; in the juice, but the flacon as well.

Edgy.This cube is a clean and modern shape. With its minimalistic aesthetic and contemporary colours, this unexpected object offers a smart and edgy container for thedynamic juice within. The primary colours on the bottle provide a base for creative minds to build upon as they visualise all the possibilities. From any perspective you look at it, the flacon’s lines are, above all, LACOSTE L!VE in style and design.

Strong. The unexpected and bold design of this flacon, with a subtle play of materials draws a unique and instantly recognizable envelope for this fragrance. Once you see it, you won’t forget it.


Playful. The six sides of the cube give the LACOSTE L!VE generation the opportunity to see things differently depending on the perspective. It pushes people to go and see beyond the obvious, to be surprised and energized, exactly as the fragrance does.

Line-up

LACOSTE L!VE Eau de Toilette 100ml            RM268

LACOSTE L!VE Eau de Toilette 40ml              RM161

LACOSTE L!VE Deo Stick 75ml                      RM84

LACOSTE L!VE Shower Gel 150ml                 RM84

Available at leading department stores and perfumeries from Nov 2014.

Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit Color Run Test

Does the material in the new Skechers FitKnit runs when soaked in water for 24hours? Even with a white handkerchief soaked with it? Answer is a short NO. How long does it takes to drip dry under overcast sky on November 2, 2014 afternoon (estimated to be 32 degree C with UV index of 8 and 21% chances of thunderstorm).

The video  at the link below covers the test.
 :)

Skechers GoRun Bolt Color Run Test Link

Impressed?


Note: This pair of Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is launched this week (today!). Retailing at RM419 for men and RM399 for women (Semenanjung). RM10-20 more for East Malaysia.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit Wet Run Review

An extended version of the FitKnit material to see how a wet GRB feels like when it is wet. I used up 1.5liter of water; to simulate potential soaking of the shoe when pouring water over my head, and onto the shoe during a run. This is on the extreme as you will not likely to soak up a shoe that much unless you literally pour water onto the GRB. I then took the GRB for a run around the park clocking in a short 7km in 39mins - an average of 5:30 pace to feel how it is like.
No socks were used, which limits the water soaking up and retaining water (which was the lifesaver I believe in many of my runs).
How did it feel?
It was funny wearing a wet shoe on purpose on a rather cool morning. The squishy feel were definitely there. It did not impede the pace of my run uphill (slower) or downhill (faster). The material did not felt like it became softer or harder, or the GRB felt it shrink or expanded due to the wet condition. In short, it remained as it should and similar to when it was dry (and new). 

In short, nothing changed. The material seems to be pretty stable.

Some of the comments is in my video review below. Click on the link to see it. 

Skechers GoRun Bolt Wet Run Review - YouTube

Video captured using JVC Adixxion XA2 in 1080p 60frame per second resolution. Unedited.

Next : Color run test. Soaking the GRB 24hours with a white cotton handkerchief, will we end up with a pinkie-chief?

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRun Bolt FitKnit is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is launched this week (today!). Retailing at RM419 for men and RM399 for women (Semenanjung). RM10-20 more for East Malaysia.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.