This is my new New Balance shoe, MR92B! The shopping experience was superb, really!
I walked in to the store, saw this design and colour that I preferred, and requested for my shoe size from the uncle assistant. Then, I ended up with a very beneficial 'running' lesson from him for the next half hour!
1. He assessed my feet and confirmed that I suit this 'stabiliser'-type, as it would tend to correct my running, if it ever steered unbalancedly.
2. He taught me the 'secret' features of the shoe. I learnt about the 'N-lock' of the New Balance shoes, which really gripped my ankles well.
3. He taught me how to tie the "runner's knot", which when complemented with the 'N-lock', really gave me 10 times more comfort than my previous running shoes.
4. He got me to try running on the in-store threadmill, and gave me valuable advices on how to improve/correct my posture. I learnt about the merits of not having my hands swing past the 'centreline'; not moving my hands too much; keeping the wrists by the side; relaxing my shoulders; and tilting my posture slightly forward.
5. He praised my footwork, and said they were very straight, but cautioned me that usually this can only be maintained till the 30km-mark. As a seasoned marathoner himself (15 times!), he said he, too, has perfect footwork, but after 30km, he had to be very conscious about his feet. This is valuable advice, as the associated cramp areas that he pointed out, are what I usually experience.
6. He conducts running programmes free-of-charge for New Balance Customers weekly at Junction 8!
What was supposed to be just a simple shopping agenda for a new pair of running shoes, turned out to be one filled with professional advices. Had I went to any other stores, the assistants might just bring out the shoes to me without even telling me the right way to wear/tie the knots or even bother checking if it's really a good fit!
I'm glad I decided to make the trip today!
人生是黑白的.
5:47 PM <3
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