Introducing Saucony Malaysia's Ambassadors

At Saucony, we existed because of runners and it's runners that inspire and drive us to go further. And together with elite athletes and ambassadors around the world, new ideas and inspiration are born to further improve ourselves. Over at Saucony Malaysia, we drive the same manifesto and have our very own ambassadors to drive us. The 3 of them has been a driving force behind the brand, representing Saucony out on the field and filling us with ideas at the back end. We are proud to have them on board and here's just for you to get to know them better. Do say "HI" should you meet them running or training somewhere near you.

TAN ZIJILL

Growing up, I was never into athletics and had no interest in any kind of sports. I was the classic example of an overweight child who stood at the corner at every annual Sports Day. Everything changed 2 years ago on one hot sunny evening when out of the blue I just felt like running. I did just that and never looked back. Not long after that, I joined a running bootcamp to learn more about running and to meet other runners. It gave me just enough confidence to attempt my first 10K at Siemens Run 2011 and the subsequently a big step towards my first PJ Half Marathon 2011. I attempted my first Full Marathon at the Penang Bridge International Marathon a year later and surprised myself with an 11th placing in the Malaysian Women Category.

Running has always been my private time which I safeguard dearly but as time passed, I realized a large part of what kept me going was my running mates. Taking up this sport has also brought me closer to my family. I try to bring my mom to most of my races so she could see and participate in the excitement and camaraderie that comes with each event. My dad is always the first to ask me how I did in my race and it means a lot to me to have their support.

While running has a huge part in my life, the other love I have is music. I am constantly on the lookout for new music as well as discovering and reliving music from the past. Music, like running knows no boundaries. It’s the language of the universe.

I count my blessings every time I head out the door for a run as there are many who are not able to be in my shoes. Therefore, every race that I join means a lot to me as it gives me another chance to go out there and give my best, no matter the distance or reputation of the race.

Favourite running distance – 42.195KM (official marathon distance)

Favourite running shoe – Saucony Kinvara 4

JASON TAN

Jason is a born and bred Penangite. He led an active lifestyle during his childhood days. As one of the leaders of his school’s scouting movement, he spent countless hours in outdoor adventures. He also had a short stint of representing his school in short distance running races.

Upon completing his secondary education, Jason went to Nilai to pursue his undergraduate degree. He led a sedentary lifestyle during this period which saw his weight ballooned by 40kg. By the time he left his university, his weighing scale tipped at 92kg.

Life went on for him until 2012 when he suddenly felt a series of shortness of breath and chronic fatigue. Realizing his unfit state, he began to look for a sport which would return him to a better shape. He took up running and signed up for his first 10km race in June 2012 (Standard Chartered KL Marathon). Running was difficult for him at the beginning but he soon became a running enthusiast and completed 14 races in 6 months (including finishing a full marathon).

Today, Jason weighs about 69kg and can be seen training regularly at Desa Park City. Jason is also deeply passionate in using running as a platform to raise awareness for charitable causes.

Jason works as an IT lecturer at SEGi University College. He is also an avid reader and when he’s not running, he prefers to spend his time with a book and a cup of coffee.

Favourite running distance – Anything ultra marathon (beyond 42.195KM)

Favourite running shoe – Saucony Mirage 3

FRANK CHONG

Frank was born the only child in the family back at the town of Johor Bahru. Raised and completed his primary and secondary education back there, he soon moved up to the Klang Valley to pursue his tertiary education before joining the workforce in the corporate IT sector for 6 years before moving on the sports, health and fitness sector and finally currently in the sports retail management sector.

Frank started running since young following his dad to the park for evening jogs. While in his teens, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer call Rhabdomyosarcoma that affects the connective tissues and muscles on his left wrist.

Upon successful treatment and declared cancer free in 1994, Frank ventured into mountain biking and after a successful spell in the sport, Frank decided to call it a day.

While pursuing courses in fitness certification and sports medicine, Frank ventured into serious running participating in running events in year 2007 and has never look back since. He also has successfully completed the Comrades Marathon twice, the world’s oldest and also regarded as the world’s toughest road race at South Africa. With the knowledge and certification acquired, Frank has successfully trained 43 normal individuals in tackling their first marathon distance in a short span of just 2 years. Today, Frank no longer provides personal training but instead still do give advice and guidance to runners and also assistance to running event organizers.

Outside the world of running, Frank manages the day to day operations of a speciality running retail outlet and also supporting his charity cause for cancer research together with CARIF (Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation) under the Be Frank initiatives which was inspired by him. Frank is also the Malaysia official ambassador to the Comrades Marathon Association.

Favourite running distance - 89.28KM (official Comrades Marathon distance)
Favourite running shoe - Saucony Kinvara 3 and 4

The 5th Generation Of Fast, A Sneak Peek at the Kinvara 5

At Saucony, we run… and when we develop products, we listen to other runners, too. For a variety of reasons, it’s never been easier to gather constructive feedback from our audience, so we relied heavily on these types of insights while brainstorming the updates to the Kinvara 5.

Several updates to the Kinvara 5 were made as a result of requests for more durability. Runners love their Kinvaras, so naturally we want them to get more miles in their favorite shoe! Previous Kinvaras featured a mono-filament mesh that was great for its lightweight and breathable characteristics, but for Kinvara 5 we chose a new mesh that, while still lightweight, offers more flexibility and durability than before. The Kinvara 5 midsole/outsole platform is also new, and made from an enhanced EVA+ material with better abrasion resistance than ever before. On the outsole, we also added small placements of iBR+ rubber to provide more durability and cushioning on the outer side of the foot, where heavy wear is typical for many Kinvara fans.

We also heard requests for a smoother, softer collar lining next to skin (or sock). This version of the Kinvara features a super soft new material called RunDry® that creates an amazing step-in feeling and helps guard against hot-spots and chafing during the run.

Finally, Kinvara runners prefer a locked-down midfoot fit, and that’s what the addition of PRO-LOCK® technology in the upper will provide. PRO-LOCK® is a dynamic fit system that moves and flexes with the foot, making the shoe feel more like an extension of the body. PRO-LOCK® first appeared in Saucony’s track spike lineup and is another example of design DNA originally created to meet the needs of our elite athletes making its way into the rest of our line.

Perhaps the best news for Kinvara fans is that, despite these upgrades, the weight hasn’t changed at all. The Men’s still weighs in at 7.7oz (size 9) and women’s at 6.7oz (size 8). We’re confident that Kinvara fans will enjoy the same fast, lightweight feel, and now for even longer.

Here’s a closer look at the Kinvara 5!

Men’s weight: 7.7oz | 218.3g

Women’s weight: 6.7oz |  189.9g

Heel-to-toe offset: 4mm
Expected Malaysia release: Mid Q3 2014

* source - Saucony blog @ http://blog.saucony.com/saucony-lab/product-corner/kinvara-5/

Saucony Kinvara 4 Review

The Saucony Kinvara 5 may be soon to be release in the United States (we folks at Malaysia will have to wait till about August or September 2014), but the Kinvara 4 is still a performer that is highly sought after. The following review written by Frank back in November 2013 is worth the read once again in case you have miss it. We thank Frank for his contribution.

By Frank

Sorry that my review for the Saucony Kinvara 4 (K4) took this long. I had my reasons you see. Besides being busy as usual, I was trying to figure out the difference it has as compared to its predecessor, the K3. And after having to run at different pace in numerous distance with a max single run of 72KM from a DNF at the Craze Ultra 2013, I guess I've spotted at least a few upgrades to the K4 which is rather noticeable.  But before I continue on, you may want to re-read my review on the K3 (here) back then to have a slight recap on it as I will just keep it short on the K4 since I will only be highlighting the major changes. Another read will be my first impression of the K4 (here). So yeah, let's go...

The Saucony PowerGrid Kinvara 4

The K4 was launch on back in May 2013 during the Boston Marathon but only arrived on Malaysian shores early September 2013. Together with RSH (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and together with new ambassadors Jason and Zijill, we had a successful launch for the highly anticipated shoe.

The official unveiling of the Kinvara 4 during its launch day

The K4 shares most its DNA from all its past 3 predecessor. At 4mm off set with a 22mm heel stack height and 18mm forefoot height, it hits the sweet spot for those who are looking a natural running shoes combined with reasonable cushioning. It looks pretty much the same since the first version was released and weights in at about 220 Grams for a size men US8.5, the same weight as compared with the K3. Every generation, small changes were made based on feedback gathered and I am pleased to know (and feel) that most of the changes made to the 4th generation has been a positive one, at least for me.

Let's start with the upper. The most obvious change here at least to our eyes will be the re-positioning of the FlexFilm layers. Gone are the "zebra stripes" at the front which resulted in lesser films hence allowing a slightly more flex and also air intake. Try putting the shoe on without socks and swing them in an air-condition room. You will feel a slight increase gush of of air entering the shoes compared to the K3. As for flex, it was not really noticeable until you really pay attention to it.  However, with the "zebra stripes" gone, I felt less secure on the toe box which resulted some swaying of my feet. A slightly thicker socks solved my problem though.

Repositioned FlexFilm on the toebox

FlexFilm pattern on the toe box as seen on the Virrata (left), Kinvara 4 (middle) and Kinvara 3 (right)

Moving to the rear of the shoe where the collar is, is where the"zebra stripes" new home is. The FlexFilm layers are now concentrated around the collar which gives the ankle a very secure fit. I really adore this new change as it held up my ankle securely especially when I take sharp turns during my runs. And with the HydraMax foam within the collar and a new improve collar which is said to be a bit softer and less irritating on the Achilles region (not that I can feel over the K3), my ankle felt great!

FlexFilm "zebra stripes" around the collar region

The next major change will be the midsole, an upgrade from ProGrid to PowerGrid, a lighter, bouncier and more durable foam. Honestly speaking, this is rather a protection feature for those who strikes the ground on the heel. A 4mm heel to toe offset encourages mid to forefoot striking but do not forget that one does loose concentration at times especially when fatigue sets in. And that is when heel striking will generally come at times. With a cushy rear, it may just help with it. Personally for me, I didn't find this upgrade useful for me as I weight pretty light. However, it may come in handy for those who weight heavier. So yes, it's a positive upgrade here.

Midsole upgraded to PowerGrid

Same outsole pattern from the K3

So there you have it. Only some slight upgrades to a already magnificent shoe, a legend of its class in Saucony's stable. Nothing much has changed from the K3 and I certainly hope the successor K5 will retain most is DNA from here, perhaps securing the toe box a little.

I've used the K3 for my Comrades Marathon 2013 which fared really well and the K4 will most likely be my shoe of choice for the 2014 "Down" run edition. Just hope that next year's colourway which I've targeted will arrive just in time. *grin...

The Saucony Kinvara 4 is now available at all Saucony authorized dealers such as  Running Lab - Tropicana City Mall, selected RSH, Studio R  and Stadium stores nationwide retailing a recommended selling price of RM399.00.

This review pair of Saucony Kinvara 4 is given complimentary to me by RSH (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd as part of my sponsorship program with Saucony.

About Saucony

WELCOME to Saucony Malaysia's blog! This blog is not only managed by the admin group from Saucony but also by the ambassadors representing the brand. Our aim is simple, to share our strong together with the rest of you in previews, wear testing, reviews and also news from Saucony.

ABOUT SAUCONY

Saucony, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, is a leading global running lifestyle brand that fuses performance, innovation and style to create compelling footwear and apparel with its widely recognised brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. Founded at Kutztown, Pennsylvannia in 1898, and based now at Lexington, Massachusetts, United States, Saucony continues to inspire runners everywhere with its award winning innovation.

The Saucony brand represents the Saucony Creek's constant flow, and the boulders lining its creek bed.

SAUCONY's MANIFESTO

At Saucony, we exist for runner. Runners inspire us, bring us new ideas, force us to be better. They drive our design and engineering. They keep us competitive. They keep us hungry. They keep us honest.

Whether it’s in a conference room or out on a lunchtime run, we’re constantly talking about and arguing about our sport, runners and the products that fuel them. We love our products and we run in everything we make.

This focus and passion fuels us as we strive to create the best running shoes and apparel on the planet. We leave work each day knowing we’ve done everything to make runners’ lives just a little bit better.

At Saucony a good day is when we get to run.

A great day is when we inspire someone else to run.

Saucony is distributed by RSH (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in Malaysia.