I bought a pair of Adidas Response Stability weeks ago to take advantage of the 30% discount that Runnr store gave to some runner-bloggers. When I had another gait analysis, Julius of Runnr noticed that my right foot overpronates from time to time. So he suggested a couple of stability-cushion shoes but with more emphasis on the cushioning part. My eyes were fixed on New Balance 1225 then, however he mentioned that the shoes I should purchase must weight more on the cushion side to straighten my right foot. Additionally with my “heavier” built, I was hoping a cushion shoes will help soften the impact on my knees plus hopefully avoid any incidents of a painful butt.

To help me with my choices, he had me ran on my barefoot, Nike Vomero and then Adidas Response Stability and compared video captures of my foot strike on each. Adidas Response Stability seems to improve pronation on my right foot, so I purchased one on the spot. Julius wants me to try other shoes but with tight budget, I knew that what he recommended is the cheapest but reliable shoes within the cushion-stability range.

I tried this at the oval track and in a fun run I joined weeks ago. Here are my observations:

• Witha very thick cushion, I’m surprised it feels very light and its cushion softer than any shoes I have so far.
• Very durable, I will use this on 21km and marathon races in the future. But then no one can stop using me using this pair on lower distances as well
• It may lack that “kick-ass” look/style, but it made it up with its great traction and comfort even on wet roads.
• Excellent arch support.
• The only thing I don’t like about this shoe is its too wide for my feet.

So if you’re looking for cheap running shoes with good joint/impact cushioning, long lasting, lightweight and fair elastic rebound sole, Adidas Response Stability might be for you.

Available at:Runnr Store
Cost: Php 4,495

For geeks, check the specs:

• Air mesh upper
• Mesh tongue for maximum ventilation
• Lace-up front
• Nonslip lining
• Anatomically molded EVA insole
• Dual-density midsole for pronation control
• FORMOTION(R) for motion control and ground adaptability
• adiWEAR(R) outsole for durability in high wear areas
• Blown rubber outsole

While doing our grocery last Saturday, I spotted a blind massage center in Waltermart Dasma which is interestingly located in the same section where DVDs, mobilephones and PSPs are being sold. As I haven’t got myself a massage that week, I hurriedly scheduled a massage for myself on that day. There were four massage therapists available and all of them NOT wearing dark sunglasses. This scene made me remember the time I had my massage from another blind massage center in another mall here in Dasma. As I paid my fee to the supervisor and gave a tip to the “blind” therapist wearing sunglasses, on my way out, I actually saw the guy removed his sunglasses and overheard the guy blurted out “10 pesos lang kuripot!” (translation: 10 pesos only, stingy!). So I thought having “real” blind masseur this time will probably make the experience more positive

While inside their small booth, the person in charge asked me to choose one from the available therapists and I chose the guy because I thought a women therapist might be too “soft” for me. And so the session begins. He did a few sample pressures on my back while asking me if it’s too soft or too hard. I told him he could massage me the “hard” way. He first started at my back, using his fingers to apply pressure by pressing it along what he said was my body’s “energy pathways”. He later said it’s called Shiatsu massage. I told him it sounds Japan and asked if it came from Japan. He said yes. He mentioned that he felt lots of air nodules on my back and asked if it felt painful. I said yes and told him to explode all the air nodules he can locate. He then started working through my neck, head and even did some pressing on my ear lobes (which I honestly though unnecessary but funny). He then started working on my arms then on my feet all the way up. As he was applying pressure points on several areas of my legs all the way to the bony area near my butt, he also accidentally almost press his thumbs against my b@lls. I have to inform him gently he could press any part of my body and will even pay him for it except the family’s crown jewel. He laughs. He commented I have surprisingly muscled legs and I have to inform him I run. He then applied oil on his hands and walk through the same steps only this time he was doing it with long gliding strokes which felt really wonderful. He said it’s called Swedish massage. Kidding aside, I asked him if it originated from Sweden and he said firmly no. I didn’t ask him again.

The session ended after 1 hour and 15 minutes and I only paid php160 (US$3.33) ? I honestly thought it should not last for more than an hour but I guess they weren’t tracking the time spent at all unlike in another mall where massage therapist are wearing wrist watches that would sound an alarm every 30 minutes.

Now for the boring part, here’s what massage can do for you. If you’re a competitive runner, massage should be a regular part of your training schedule:

• Break up scar tissue that may have built up in your muscles.
• Improve blood flow to your muscles.
• Loosen muscles that have contracted (shortened) with continued use.
• Allow more oxygen to move into your muscles.
• Improve the flow of lymphatic fluid, which aids in healing.
• Reduce the chance of injury, through proper stretching, race preparation and through deep tissue massage.
• Improve range of motion and muscle flexibility, resulting in improved power and performance.
• Shorten recovery time between workouts.
• Maximize the supply of nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow.
• Enhance elimination of lactic-acid build up (a by-product of exercise).

I did some research in the Internet and found out the best time to have your massage is two days before the race and a day after the race. Not satisfied with my own research, I asked elite runner Cris Sabal for his thoughts and he suggested the same schedule. I went home with what I felt like relaxed body and slept for two hours after that.

Oh by the way, I gave a tip of 20 pesos this time!