With every inevitable setting of the sun, comes the morrow, is the rising of it.
It's a renewal. After 2020, we're looking to start anew, thus ASICS is using the sunrise as an icon of hope and continuum. In conjunction with that, ASICS release the Sunrise Red Collection, which contains the GEL-NIMBUS 23 TOKYO, the GEL-KAYANO 27 TOKYO, the GEL-CUMULUS 22 TOKYO and the NOVABLAST TOKYO models sporting a new red look (which actually looks more like neon orange or pink, if you ask me); each model catering to your running styles.
The GEL-NIMBUS 23 TOKYO (SGD259) helps with long-distance running with enhanced protection and performance. The the GEL-KAYANO 27 TOKYO (SGD259) is a long-distance running shoes that's gender-specific—the midsoles have a Space Trusstic feature that prevent the shoes from twisting. This is great to counter over-pronation (where you ankles lean inward). For the women's pair, it adds support in forward mobility and for the mens', it has added support for the inside of the arch due to the physiology.
For the neutral runner, the GEL-NIMBUS 22 TOKYO (SGD189) model is perfect. With a cushioned run and a smoother transition, thanks to the new segmented midsoles/outsoles design under the heel.
If you're looking for a responsive performance, the lightweight NOVABLAST TOKYO (SGD199) might be your thing. Like its namesake, its FYLTEFOAMTM Blast tech acts as a trampoline, pushing you off with each step.
We tested out the NOVABLAST TOKYO model by running with the ASICS team in the morning. Like, the wee hours of the morning. Like… there are seats on the train in the morning kinda-morning, y'know. But it was an enjoyable 5km jog from Swissôtel the Stamford to Chinatown and back again. The air was chill, traffic was light and the lack of people in the streets made the experience more liberating.
And at the end of the run, we were treated to yoga on the helipad of the Swissôtel the Stamford. Why yoga? Well, why not yoga? We're on top of the highest vantage points of the city and the backdrop of the peeking sun was perfect as participants centre themselves as they set their intentions and goals for the year ahead. It's a settling of the mind, which falls neatly with ASICS' ethos of a "sound mind and a sound body", which is 'anima sana in corpore sano' in Latin; the acronym for ASICS.
(Also, we took the lift to the top of the building, in case you're wondering.)
So, morning runs aren't terrible. It just needs a little, uh, time management. ASICS invite the public to take part in a competition called The Sunrise Challenge, where you—surprise, surprise—go for a morning run or activity; take a selfie with some added write-up about how a physical activity at sunrise helps improve the body and mind; nominate and tag three friends to do the same in the post (because virality); upload to Instagram with the following: #SoundMindSoundBody and #ASICSSunriseChallenge; finally, follow and tag @asicssg. You'll be entered in a draw to win either a GEL-CUMULUS 22 TOKYO or a NOVABLAST TOKYO shoes.
ASICS Sunrise Red collection retails from SGD189 and are available at all ASICS outlets, as well as, online at the ASICS website.
