As a normal human being, I do have bad days from time to time. Those are the days when I don’t seem to have any motivation to go out running and secretly wish I could skip a training day.

Little did I know that a vibrant-coloured running shoe like ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 22 has a hidden capability to improve my mood. Whenever my eyes meet this diva, I couldn’t help but put on a cheery smile. Its blue colour calms down the anxiety that usually accompanies my bad days, while the orange colour fills me up with enthusiasm and optimism.

Features and Benefits

Featuring ASICS’ lightest-ever midsole technology, FlyteFoam, this ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 22 is so lightweight that I always wear it for my tempo runs and races. If you haven’t heard about FlyteFoam before, it is ASICS revolutionary technology that uses organic super fibres which bounce back to their original shape with each stride, unlike traditional soft, low-density foams that tend to compress over the time.

No matter how gloomy my days seemed to be, after each run with ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 22, I just felt happier. Maybe it’s the runner’s high from the fast runs made possible by FlyteFoam.

As someone who has slight overpronation based on the FOOT ID analysis, I’m glad that GEL-DS Trainer 22 is equipped with Dynamic Duomax system because this high-density foam acts like a stabiliser that provides support and stability for people who overpronate. Also, the space in the toe box felt right for someone with wide feet like me.

Do you know what does DS stand for? It refers to Duo Sole technology which can be found at the outsole. Duo Sole is a combination of two different outsole materials which aims to reduce weight, improve flexibility, enhance traction and durability.

The use of seamless materials for the upper means I can wear GEL-DS Trainer 22 without worrying about skin friction or abrasion caused by traditional stitches and seams. I just need to slide my feet into the shoes carefully so that the tongues don’t get folded at the sides.

ASICS Pace Academy on RunKeeper

Since GEL-DS Trainer 22 is part of FlyteFoam Fast Series, I am determined to push my limit in terms of speed. To accomplish this, I engaged the help of ASICS Pace Academy Challenge on Runkeeper. Launched in mid-April 2017, it is a series of Runkeeper workouts with audio coaching to help runners improve their speed.

When I enrolled in the Pace Academy on Runkeeper, I was asked to enter my average 5K pace. Based on this information, Pace Academy would prepare a set of training program which consists of 5 sessions, namely: Surges, Short Fartlek, Progression, 400m Repeats and Ladder Fartlek. At the end of 5 sessions, there is a final workout of 5k to see how much faster I’ve become.

Most of the sessions in the Pace Academy are interval runs, except Progression. During intervals, you alternate between running fast and slow for a certain distance or certain time. I enjoy the workouts in the Pace Academy.

My only challenge in the ASICS Pace Academy is adjusting my pace to meet the target pace. It’s difficult for me to tell the difference between 6:40 pace and 7:00 pace. Fortunately, I can set the audio cue to include split pace at certain interval, so I know whether I’m ahead or behind the target.

One thing I hope Runkeeper to improve is showing workout type in the past activities. Sometimes, I want to know how I fared in my previous Surge, but I couldn’t remember which day I did it. At the moment, past activities don’t indicate the type of workout.

After going through all 5 sessions in the ASICS Pace Academy Challenge, I’m glad to report that my 5K timing is 3 minutes faster from the baseline. I couldn’t stop smiling after the final 5K challenge. This ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 22 is a keeper.

Runner’s Boon

• GEL-DS Trainer 22 is lightweight, fast and furiously energetic. It’s perfect for tempo runs as well as race days.
• The ventilation of the upper mesh is laudable. I didn’t feel the heat building up in the shoes at all despite occasionally running during the day.
• It has a snug fit but it’s not restrictive at all. The fit is just nice.
• The traction on wet road surfaces is great, thanks to the AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) outsole.

Runner’s Bane

• It is a bummer for some people that GEL-DS Trainer 22 Women only has 1 colour (I actually love the colour).
• The sides of the tongue get folded too easily because they are not stitched or connected to the upper. The tongue is only connected to the upper at its end (near the toe-box).
• Bright-coloured shoes get dirty easily, so does GEL-DS Trainer 22.

Conclusion

ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 22 has countless ways to make a girl cheerful. First, the blend of blue and orange colours warm your heart and fill you up with energy. Second, it’s so light that you hardly feel the weight as you conquer the terrain. Third, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how fast you run with this shoe. Fourth, maybe you’ll run a PB with it.

The list will go on and on. The only way to discover how many ways ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 22 will make you gleeful is to try it yourself.

ASICS GEL-DS TRAINER 22 retails for S$199 at ASICS stores and select running outlets.