Men in Tights: My CW-X Review

I was a skeptic. I never liked the idea of men wearing tights. Two years of running convinced me that skimpy shorts are part of basic running apparel. I was wrong. 

I joined the Ateneo Fund Run to mark my last race for 2009 last December 27. I chose to run 10 miles (16K) at race pace to help determine my marathon pace for the Condura Run on Feb 7, 2010. This was also my first race using compression tights from CW-X bought at RUNNR Ayala. I was hesitant but otherwise excited to use my new tights on race day since I was told never to race with any new gear. I wore my marathon shoes (Adidas Supernova Sequence) and used my Suunto T3 for pacing. When I put them on, I immediately noticed the tight feeling around my entire leg. I picked CW-X Pro Tights since it provides support to all lower extremity joints and muscles except the core area. CW-X made it easy for runners to choose which pair of tights they should wear based on areas of support. Expert, Pro,  PerformX, StabilyX and Ventilator tights(for warm weather) all with different target areas of support. 

Despite the underestimation of the route distance(13K), poor marshall coordination, poor water supply, disorganized checking system and lack of route markers, I was happy with the race. I was dehydrated after running almost 8 kilometers without water and had to stop for directions since a small pack of runners were instructed to "GO STRAIGHT" when we were supposed to "TURN LEFT". This was ALMOST a disaster. We (MISDIRECTED RUNNERS) ran an exact 16K instead of the 13K originally directed and finished a 10 Mile race. I completed the course in 1 hour 17 mins 39 secs (Average Pace - 4:45) and was almost 3 minutes better than my goal. I broke my previous 10 Mile record of 1 hour 50 mins by more than half an hour. I was stunned. My speed training worked. 

During the run, I could not help but notice that I did not feel the usual sting in my inner knee after a certain speed and distance. It felt like my joints were in proper running alignment and I was not feeling any tired at all. I was supposed to run at 5:00 pace but instead comfortably ran a 4:45 and finished earlier than expected. Despite the obvious lack of support from the organizers of the race, I was elated. I attributed this victory to my speed training and newly found race gear, CW-X Pro tights.

These tights are expensive. Priced at P3,750 -  P4,850 depending on the model, runners think twice before buying running tights. They cost more than most running shoes in the market and are not included in the list of essentials for running. But what do they really have to offer. 

Studies show that tights help reduce fatigue and post exercise soreness due to improved lactic acid distribution during exercise. They also improve recovery by providing support and compression to target areas and improve circulation. Apart from ordinary athletic tights, CW-X pushed further and added features like the Conditioning Web which acts a suspension system for joints and helps reduce load and stress. This acts as an exoskeleton for uniting the hip, knee and ankle joints. On the downside, they are noted to feel too warm for our climate and are not very easy to don and doff. 

Thanks to RUNNR Cebu, CW-X tights are now within our grasp. Although also available from Nike and Adidas, models and sizes are difficult to come by. I have already made reservations for the CW-X StabilyX model from RUNNR since I am planning to race with them during the Condura Run. I will never run another race in shorts. From now on, Reel Runner is a member of the Men in Tights. 

Running Shoes... Explained

Recreational running is the new badminton. People run once or twice a week at the Abellana sports complex to mingle with friends or check out the "view". As more and more people continue to engage in running, more runners are also getting injured due to factors like improper running form, inadequate rest or recovery, lack of a training program or, more commonly, using the wrong type of shoes. 

Running shoes are anything but simple. Each shoe is specifically designed to match or complement your foot. Elements like foot type, gait(running) type and shoe type or function are all taken into consideration.

Humans are born bipeds (walking on two legs). Our foot was designed to cushion each step we take and prevent injuries. It is actually divided into forefoot (toes), midfoot (ball of the foot) and the hindfoot (heel). The arches of the foot are located on both inner(medial arch) and outer(lateral arch) side of the midfoot. 


When buying new running shoes, please take note of the following information:
1. Length of your foot. An easy test for the right shoe size is to place your thumb in front of your longest toe. It should have enough space to accommodate your thumb. Also take note that it should not be too constricting on your toes to avoid dead toenails.


2. Width of your foot. Most runners have regular(D) sizes. But heavy built runners can go to as wide as 2E or 4E. Most shoes have default D sizes except for New Balance. If the sides of your foot goes over the soles of your shoes then they are not wide enough.


3. Arch (MEDIAL) type of your foot. Normal, Low or High. Low arch feet are usually overpronators while high arch feet are usually underpronators. 


4. Foot Pronation type. Overpronation, Neutral and Underpronator/ Supinators. This can be determined by having your gait checked at RUNNR shop. The goal of every shoe is to attain a perfect 180 degree (NEUTRAL) foot. Overpronators go over while underpronators go under the 180 degrees. (Measured from the back of your leg to the middle of your inner and lateral malleolus then to the heel)

 (NOTE: Measurement of Pronation. Neutral)

(NOTE: LEFT FOOT)

5. Type of Shoe. Shoes are classified according to function and support. Functional classes include Racers and Trainers while support classes include Neutral/ cushioning, Stability and Motion control. Elite runners use racers which do not focus on stability and support but are light-weight for very fast runners. Examples of these shoes are Adidas Adizero Racers, Mana and tempo. These shoes are noted to have thin soles and weight 8-9 oz. Trainers are shoes for distance training or daily workout. They have thicker soles, weight 10-13 oz. and focus more on control, support and cushioning of your foot. Neutral/cushioning shoes are for runners with neutral running gait while stability shoes are for overpronators to help limit inward rolling of the foot. An easy way of spotting stability shoes is to note for the medial post in each shoe. (A change in color and consistency at the inner side of the sole. Adidas calls this Pro-moderator support, Asics calls this DuoMax Support, New balance calls this stability web and Newton calls this Medial Support Post)

 
Motion control shoes are designed to limit lateral movement of the foot and are recommended for underpronators or supinators. Popular brands like NIke (LunarGlide) and Newton (Sir Isaac) are now producing shoes for all gait types. Some shoes are also designed to accomodate heelstrikers and others midfoot/ forefoot strikers (Newton Shoes). Also take note of running shoes built for track runs, road runs and trail runs.


6. Brand. Runners can be very brand loyal. (Reel Runner has tried Mizuno, Nike, Adidas and Newton. Will try Asics and Saucony next)


7. Aesthetic Design. Color and reflectors are not a priority unless you prefer to run at night.


It is advisable that you have your foot assessed for these factors and ask for  shoe recommendations from credible shoe/ athletic stores and attendants. Each recommendation should be researched and reviewed prior to purchase at websites like www.runnersworld.com.


After careful review, purchase the selected shoe with the complete description. (Reel Runner has a low arch overpronating foot and uses Newton Motion (stability) size 9.5-D US for Road racing, Adidas Supernova Sequence for distance training and Nike LunarGlide for speed work)

For a more detailed discussion on foot type and overpronation, visit www.runnersworld.com

RUNNR RUNNR in Ayala Mall, What's the Best Shoe of them All?

Running shoes do not last forever. Some authors suggest to replace shoes after 300-500 kilometers but this is actually inaccurate. The best time to buy a new pair is when you start feeling sore or pain after using them. Their lifespan is dependent not only on your total mileage but also on your body structure. I am a medium-sized runner (<170 lbs) and need stability shoes for my low arch foot. I also need my running shoes to to have enough cushioning to avoid too much stress on my heels and knees. Elite runners use RACERS (light-weight running shoes, <10 ounces) while well built runners >170 lbs are advised properly cushioned shoes. It is emphasized that buying the right pair of running shoes will not only depend on the length of your foot but also on the width (D,2E,4E), arch type (low, normal, High) and running form (overpronator, neutral and underpronator/supinator). Therefore, when contemplating on buying new shoes you must ask the store attendant to recommend a shoe that is perfect for your foot, e.g. Reel Runner: size 9.5 US, width D, stability shoe with enough cushioning. Shoe Appearance/ Design/ Color is also important however should not be the first priority.

More often, when visiting your local shoe store, sales attendants (especially in SM or Gaisano Mall) have no idea of what runners actually mean. These people were never trained nor briefed on the proper classification of running shoes. Luckily, specialty shops for running are available. Most of them will have trained staff and enough products to provide for every runner's request. However, some are better than others. One of which is the famous running shop in Manila appropriately named RUNNR. Owned and managed by Toby Claudio (also the owner of another sports shop, TOBY's), this shop has catered to every runner's needs and wants. Situated at Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, they have satisfied many runners from Metro Manila and have become a landmark in the running community. These people provide up-to-date products and training to runners of every level. Beginners, advanced and elite runners are advised proper footwear, apparel and training to achieve their best PR (Personal Record) and remain injury free. Proper foot and gait analysis using cutting-edge technology (Footworx Fitting Process) are utilized to offer runners accurate shoe recommendations. They also provide customized running insoles (using FlashFit technology) while you wait. Products offered include popular brands like Adidas, Nike, Mizuno, Asics, New Balance, Polar, Oakley, Garmin, Hammer gels, CW-X, Skins and are the only distributor of the renowned Newton running shoes. This store is a must-visit for every filipino runner.

Fortunately for us, Toby Claudio figured that one RUNNR shop was not enough to satisfy all filipino runners and that Cebu was an ideal location for its second branch. He commented "All major cities in the world should have a running specialty store" and added "Cebu is one of those major cities where running is a fast growing sport". John Pages (Cebu Sports Blog) even described running in Cebu as a virus spreading faster than AH1N1. Toby also mentioned that he often catered to many "Bisaya" runners in his BHS shop. His only apprehension is that Cebu might be taken aback by the shop's prices. He explained that RUNNR offers its products at the same price as other sports shops and that some may even be cheaper. Indeed, buying 1 perfect pair of shoes is cheaper and more practical than buying 3 unsuitable pairs. 

"Equipments had to be ordered and shipped from abroad", he mentioned, thus delaying its much anticipated Cebu Branch opening. This time, he is confident that RUNNR will serve and satisfy all Cebuanos on the the first week of December. Providing us with all the products and services the first branch offered and probably more.

Personally, I have been saving to buy new running shoes and is anxiously waiting for their opening. I have been wanting to try out the much criticized Newton Shoes and compare it with the famous Asics Kayano or GT series.

Happy Feet, Happy Heart, Light Wallet.... for Christmas 2009. Thank you RUNNR!!! 

For more information regarding RUNNR, visit www.runnr.com.ph