A New Pair of Running Shoes for the UNICEF 10k and a De-stress Spa Treatment
The Big 10K
I have loathed running for as long as I can remember. It makes my lungs hurt, my teeth ache, my legs cramp—and I never have any idea what to do with my arms. So believe me when I say that never in my life would I have signed up to do the UNICEF 10k run on November 25 were it not some kind of quarter-life crisis or other fit of insanity. But signed up I have, and I’m feeling rather daunted at the prospect.
First things first: I had to check my baseline fitness level. I hopped on a treadmill and—thank god—managed to run a solid four kilometers. It was a bit slow at 36 minutes (a good time for 10K is an hour), but at least I didn’t die—maybe I can actually do this. Buoyed by my treadmill triumph, I then had a go along the path between Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and Kennedy Town. Running outdoors is way harder, just FYI—but despite being outstripped by other joggers and passing butterflies, it was actually pretty fun. I did have a stitch in my butt at the end of it, which I didn’t know was possible, but what’s a little discomfort in the face of victory?
Onto equipment. My Seinfeld-tastic Reeboks were coming apart at the soles, so I canned them and decided to invest in a proper pair of running shoes. Apparently, Asics are where it’s at for serious runners, as they offer structure and support for people with problem feet—dropped arches, splayed feet, pronation (feet that roll inwards) and the like. Escapade Sports (1/F Merlin Building, 30-34 Cochrane St., Central, 2891-1855) and Rush (32 Wyndham St., Central, 2526-0620) both carry the brand, and really, trying them on was a revelation. They’re so comfortable and supportive (at $1,200 a pair they’d damn well better be). One niggle: women’s running shoes only seem to come in garish shades of purple and pink. One pair even had SPARKLES. I ended up buying a pair that were gray with purple and neon yellow flashes. They’re somewhat hideous but I’m sure they’ll grow on me.
With three months to go until the race, I’m feeling pretty positive, though it helps a lot that Hana, the office’s resident half-marathon runner, assures me that the UNICEF run is perfect for beginners—flat, with nice scenery, cheering crowds of kids and a non-competitive vibe. If you fancy giving it a go, enroll online before October 19. It costs $450 to participate, with all proceeds going towards eradicating infant HIV transmissions in developing countries. See you at the starting line!
Zen and the Art of Self-Maintenance
I think it’s safe to say that Japanese skincare brand MTM is better known and loved by local spa mavens than by non-Hongkongers, but that’s a wrong that should be righted. Their spa in Causeway Bay regularly receives accolades from local magazines such as Marie Claire, and the acclaim is well deserved. The “Zen Happiness Experience II” is a new treatment that aims to de-stress, detoxify and re-energize—the perfect thing for stressful Hong Kong. It begins with a ginger and milk foot bath, followed by an intense detoxification massage with moonstone oil. An abdominal massage follows, then a mask is applied to your middle and a hot herbal pack is put on top, and while that works its magic, you get a chest, shoulder and scalp massage. Finally, you get to unwind in the spa room with a healthy, low-sugar Chinese dessert. It’s pretty hard to drive home just how good this treatment was—I can only strongly recommend that you give it a go if you’re obsessed with massage like I am. If you need any more convincing, MTM is offering HK Magazine readers 40 percent off the treatment, or half-price if they come with a friend. The offer is available from now until September 30 and applies to first-time MTM customers only. The treatment is regularly priced at $1,980 and takes two hours.
Spa by MTM, Shop A, G/F, 3 Yun Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2923-7888.
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