Adidas Climachill: Black is Cool, Black is Beautiful!

Romanian Simona Halep, ranked presently as the world’s No. 3 female tennis player in her adidas Climachill outfit

True to its reputation in providing state of the art innovation in sports apparels for athletes, adidas has once again come out with its latest apparel range, the Climachill which contains 3D aluminium-cooling spheres and titanium woven into its sub-zero flat yarn that allow superior cooling performance.

The development of a heat management technology product from the brand was a direct design outcome from consultations with elite athletes like tennis wiz Simona Halep and basketball star Jeremy Lin to provide a more moisture-wicking technology that is also able to cool down the body the fastest way.

The adidas Climachill comes in an very unlikely color—black, which defies its capability in giving this cooling effect. Seeing this innovative advancement from adidas, i won’t be surprised if this would cascade into their other sports apparel and incorporated into their Boost running shoe!

Basketball star Jeremy Lin

adidas Climachill™ delivers maximum cooling technology for improved sports performance

adidas announced the launch of the new Climachill™ apparel range, headlined by a black training t-shirt that features intuitive body heat management technology to cool athletes in hot conditions. Perfect for the warm and humid climate in the Philippines, the adidas Climachill^TM is designed to deliver maximum cooling benefit without compromising comfort or design.

Female track speedster Octavius Freeman

“The body’s core temperature can increase by 3 degree Celsius when we are exercising. To maintain a stable temperature, your body needs to work a lot harder to lose excess heat. This may result in impaired physiological functions, which will ultimately affect performance,” explained Dr Maarten Hupperets, Director of Future Sport Science at adidas. “When it comes to performance, every degree matters. The Climachill™ apparel is the smartest and most advanced sporting product and can provide maximum cooling experience.”

For athletes who desire sophisticated solutions in order to regulate body temperature and remain cool in adverse conditions, the innovative Climachill™ apparel is their answer. In this cross-category collection, adidas has also launched training shirts in the most unconventional colour for athletic apparel – black – to showcase the process of the Climachill^TM technology.

Soccer star Gareth Bale of Real Madrid

Employing industry-first 3D aluminium-cooling spheres, the Climachill™ apparel provides an instant cooling sensation upon contact. In addition to the aluminium dots, the ground-breaking SubZero flat yarn also contains titanium and is woven throughout the inside of each Climachill™ jersey to deliver more cooling capacity.

Filipino athletes don’t have to be afraid of wearing black for fear of heat and they can now train harder, run longer and compete better.

The Climachill™ product range will be available locally from 1^st April 2015 at leading adidas Sports performance stores, adidas online store (http://shop.adidas.com.ph) and sports retailers nationwide.

–Press Release

Calf Muscle Cramps? The Zensah Calf Sleeves May Be For You!

Zensah Calf Sleeves

Calf compression sleeves! I have worn them on my trail runs lately as i was prone to having cramps on my calves specially when venturing on long, non stop uphill climbs that really puts a strain on both my calves and even my thighs.

Felt it at its worst during the Salomon 32k X-Trail run when i strained both calf muscles during the non-stop assault of those steep mountain ascents—it was so debilitating that i was reduced to walking during the last 6kms and failed to make the cut-off time! I decided on wearing calf compression sleeves (i got several of them from the Safeguard-2xU Half marathons) on my succeeding trail races and found them to be very effective as the cramps have been considerably reduced to a minimal.

Last week, i attended the launching of the Zensah Compression gear and was able to get their calf and arm sleeves. Tried them just once so far and they fit comfortably, very breathable, light and didn’t hamper my movements whatsoever. For those who have suffered leg cramps, shin splints and want added support for their long runs on trails, the calf compression sleeves will definitely work wonders!

It’s important to get the right size, so measure up!

Gianina and Maiqui Dayrit of Cascos Inc., local distributors of Zensah Compression Gear, yurbuds sports earphones and Salice Sports Eyewear

Zensah Compression Gear: A Runner’s Best Friend

Manila, Philippines / July 9, 2014 –As the demand for quality sports wear increases, runners and athletes of all ages are now on the look-out for new and effective ways to improve their performance, whether it’s by using specialized running shoes or by donning ultra-aerodynamic garments.

But now, with the introduction of seamless compression gear from Zensah, one of the world’s leading compression sportswear brands, runners from all over the Philippines can now enjoy the full benefits that quality compression gear has to offer.

For many runners, injury and muscle fatigue can be a problem, especially when they’ve been training long and hard for events like 5Ks and full marathons. Despite having the energy and the willpower to go on running, sometimes the pain can be too much, which is why having the right gear is of utmost importance. As the old adage goes, “The best defense is a good offense,” and when it comes to keeping you injury-free, compression gear is your best bet.

For the uninitiated, compression garments provide support for the body by applying varying degrees of compression to it. It keeps the muscles warm, thus preventing strain and muscle fatigue. And by wicking moisture away from the skin, it also effectively prevents chafing and rashes, that can cause blistering, which can slow you down. So, whether you’ve just started the habit or are a lifelong runner, here are some things you should know about how Zensah compression-wear can benefit you:

Improves blood circulation – For more than half a century now, compression garments have been used in treating illnesses like diabetes, edema (swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs), and deep vein thrombosis by improving blood circulation, bringing valuable oxygen to those hard-working muscles and increasing blood flow.

Reduces recovery time – By improving blood flow, compression gear speeds up the removal of metabolic waste, thus reducing the presence of lactic acid in the body. If you’ve ever experienced pain and cramping the day after a particularly grueling workout, lactic acid is the culprit. It’s a by-product produced during exercise or any kind of strenuous activity that contributes to muscle soreness and fatigue.

Zensah compression leg sleeves effectively decrease the dreaded delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS, so you can hit the pavement when you want to, without having to wait for muscle fatigue to wear off.

Prevents injury – Compression leg sleeves support the calf in a way that regular socks don’t; through graduated compression, the muscles in the calf and shin are compressed, reducing the damage caused by continuous movement and impact from long-distance running. Shin splints are a common injury for many runners. With Zensah leg sleeves, you’ll be able to get instant relief from a debilitating, and inconvenient injury.

Provides the perfect ergonomic fit – Zensah leg sleeves are engineered with chevron and micro ribbing which provides support for the calf muscle and minimizes fatigue, while Zensah Tech+ compression socks employ ultra-zone ribbing that improve ankle and arch stability ensuring a better, more comfortable run.

Zensah compression leg sleeves and Tech+ compression socks are the ultimate in athletic apparel, and are guaranteed to keep you comfortable and injury-free throughout every run.

Zensah compression-wear is now available in the following outlets: Runnr, Planet Sports, R.O.X., Arena. For more information about Zensah compression-wear, check out Zensah.com or follow us on Facebook: Zensah Philippines, Instagram & Twitter: Username- zensahph. (Press Release)

PUMA Time: Sports Watches

Before the advent of GPS watches, i’ve been using ordinary chrono watches with digital readings for my runs and i find them still effective and very useful up to this day. When i’m on an ordinary, easy run and just want to meditate and enjoy the scenery, i don’t concern myself anymore with distance, calories burned, speed, pace or any of the gizmos that come with a performance GPS watch.

Even in races, a sports stop-watch will still give you an accurate finish time whether the distance given by the race organizers is accurate or not. I still see many runners using chronograph watches but don’t see them use it during start of races.

I am sometimes astounded when runners, after a race, complain about having to wait for their official times when they would have easily recorded theirs had they pressed the START button upon gun start and pushing the STOP button when crossing the finish line. If you did, voila! You just have recorded your race time. No need to wait for the results!

Nowadays, you can buy these digital sport watches in many stalls of malls, tiangges or ambulant vendors in busy streets for as low as P150.00-P300 a pop. But these are mostly of the counterfeit variety which may last from 2 months or up to 6 months, if you’re lucky. It’s still a good investment to buy original sports watches of reputable brands.

A tiangge watch store

Recently, at the Intercontinental Manila Hotel, i was invited to the launching of the PUMA collection of sports and casual watches which came in different styles, colors and function. The affair marked the introduction of the PUMA Faas watches which came in 2 models, the Faas 200 and 250.

The Faas, also named  after their running shoes and showcased by the fast Jamaican sprinters were introduced by the Global Senior Product Manager of PUMA, Jeremie Pannetier, Asia-Pacific Regional Sales Manager, Bill Young; L-Timestudio VP for Operations Reggie Serrano and the well-loved Sales & Marketing Manager, Judith Staples. Also present was the ever chummy Jeff Paulino, Sales Manager of Timestudio.

Also gracing the affair were four PUMA Watch models, two of them well-known local Kenyan runners, Jemuttai and Elliut.

Here are more details of the PUMA Faas watches as presented to us at the launch:

ABOUT PUMA TIME

PUMA TIME has taken a new approach regarding watches in order to meet the aspirations of its consumers. Our products represent modern designs for the wrist rather than technical devices that merely show the time. Every style perfectly combines the influence of sport, lifestyle and fashion under one creative umbrella. To reach the broad target audience of the PUMA brand, the collection is divided into 2 separate segments: ACTIVE and MOTORSPORT.

Part of the PUMA Watch Collection

Trend WATCH: ACTIVE – Time is really on our minds for 2012.  Time trials and time-winnings performances at the London Olympisc…Ancient Mayan calendar calling for all manner of potentialities…the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee…and it’s a leap year too.  But where to go, who to be with and what to wear nonetheless remain the big questions of our time!

With the Big Bosses of the PUMA Time series

Puma is pleased to present a range of sleek, sexy and sporty timepieces, each and every one calculated for maximum style and pure pleasure at competitive price points.  Our sleek silhouettes offer some of the thinnest, lightest and most easy-to-use timepieces on the market; reflecting our mission to create designs encompassing true style with freedom of use.

More of the PUMA styles

Great selection of watches (the cupcakes were good too!:))

FAAS 200 & 250

Faas’ signature design is inspired by the relaxed cool style of the world-class, record setting sprinters and runners from Jamaica.  Faas, which means “fast” in Jamaican, is a mere 9.6 mm thin, echoing the record-breaking 9.6 second 100 meter sprint, achieved at the Beijing Olympics.  It offers up key lap and sprint timing functions with an easy-to-read display.  The wristband design promotes breathability for ultimate comfort during your vigorous workout activities.

The Faas 200 for men & Faas 250 for women each come is a wide range of colorways ranging from nuanced neutrals to bright sportif pops, reflecting the emergence of the active sports look into must have style. Get one and get running!

Functions :

• 5 Operation modes : Normal Time, Chronograph, Alarm, Dual Time and Timer
• 1/100 Second Chronograph
• 100 Lap memory for split and lap time measurement
• Timer with countdown stop, countdown repeat and countdown up functions
• Normal Time : Hours, Minutes, Date & Weekday
• Dual Daily Alarms
• Dual Time
• 12/24 Hour Display format
• Auto-calendar
• Electrolight (EL) backlight
• Faas 200 – 38mm case size
• Faas 250 – 44mm case size
• SRP P2,850.00

(Press Release)

FAAS 200

Faas 250

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Puma watches are available at the Puma Time Kiosk in SM Megamall, Timegear and L Timestudio boutique.

Co-bloggers during launching of the Puma Time series

The Puma watch with my Adidas shirt looks good!:)

With Alfred, Patrick, Ivica, Mars, Cheryll and moi

Fooling around with Ivy and Cheryll before the launch

Nathan Water Bottle: It’s All In The Hands

Nathan Quick Draw Plus

BACKGROUNDER:

Hand-held Hydration Water Bottle

• Moisture-wicking, adjustable Airmesh hand strap
• 22 oz. (650 mL) Hydration Bottle with Clipless Cap
• Dimensional zippered pocket
• Incorporated, waterproof I.D./medical emergency card
• Reflective detail
• Weight: 4 oz

I’ve been using Nathan’s Speed 2 hydration belts for more than 3 years now and find it very convenient on long runs and races. I really dread those races that do not supply adequate hydration specially during the last few kilometers when all you see are just empty cups on tables, no cups at all or when water is far and few in between. Ugh!

Belt-type, the Speed 2

In marathons, it comes as a security of not worrying too much if enough fluids are provided and it’s a relief knowing that you have water at your disposal to get you by all throughout the race.

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I recently got hold (pun intended) of Nathan’s hand held version, the Quick Draw Plus and it carries about 22 ounces of liquids, which is more than what the Speed 2 can carry. If you’re not used to holding a bottle of water while running, this may be quite annoying and cumbersome at first which will take time to get used to. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not that bothersome at all.

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What’s nice about the Quick draw plus is its elastic hand strap which is really snug and secures your hand around the bottle without slipping off it. The strap is adjustable, conforms with the size of your hands and eliminates tension on the hand or finger muscles while gripping it. The strap comes with a mini-pouch which can hold your keys, gels, some cash or a small cellfone.

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For runners trying out this hand-held water bottle for the first time, i suggest strapping it alternately on both hands so when your right arm feels fatigued, you can transfer it to the left hand while giving the other hand a rest. Once you get accustomed to it, you’ll not even feel that it’s there except of course when the bottle is always filled-up!

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One thing i’m not used to doing is pulling up the nozzle with your teeth and drink from the small sprays of the nozzle and slapping it back to place. I really want the feel of gushing water into my throat so i unscrew the whole cap and gulp the fluids, like drinking from a water cup. It may be time consuming especially when racing, but i feel more quenched doing this.

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The Quickdraw Plus is currently available at all major running shops for about P990.00 (US$ 23.00). However, it comes free when you register for the Nathan Ridge Run to be held at Tagaytay Highlands on November 20, 2011.