Roxanne Martin, Author at Modern Athlete

The Long Road Back for Debbie Fass

26 October 20218 March 2022 Roxanne MartinFeaturesLeave a Comment

Shortly after fulfilling her dream to earn her Comrades Green Number, Debbie Fass was given the devastating news that she needed a hip replacement, and she thought her running days were over. However, through determination and dedication, she has returned to the road. – By Roxanne Martin

Read the Magazine

Tuck into good reads about Glenrose Xaba’s great SPAR results, Stef & Sabrina’s Oyster Catcher father-daughter adventure, the comeback story about Comrades Green Debbie Fass after her hip replacement, a welcome back for sprinter Carina Horn, Mindlo Mdhluli’s journey from learning to swim to ultra triathlete, and Sue Ullyett describes the hard times she went through in coming back from being seriously ill with COVID, PLUS all you need to know about the record-breaking adidas adizero shoe range.

Under Armour Introduces UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone

21 October 20218 March 2022 Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment

Less is more – until you’ve tried UA HOVR – Under Armour’s unparalleled cushioning system that has runners wanting MORE. The UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone, the newest member of the UA HOVR running shoe family, offers maximum cushioning for ultimate cruise-control comfort. With 32mm stack height, the new UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone is for the runner who wants the most protection for their training.

ZERO-GRAVITY RUNNING

Designed for zero-gravity feel and great energy return, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone features a HOVR midsole and wide heel and forefoot gauges for a more plush feel. The transition from landing to toe-off feels incredibly smooth with an exposed UA HOVR foam outsole through the midfoot and forefoot pressure zones, providing a soft and pillowy yet responsive ride. Encased in a dynamic Energy Web, the UA HOVR foam is engineered to protect from impact and provides a smooth, stable ride. With comfort as a priority in the design of the shoe, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone features a padded heel collar that protects the achilles from irritation, a padded tongue, a thick sockliner, and an upper constructed specifically to meet the runner’s anatomical need.

NEW CLONE UPPER TECHNOLOGY

After making its debut in UA football shoes, the UA HOVR™ Mega 2 Clone is Under Armour’s first running shoe offering a 1:1 personalized fit with the new UA Clone technology that flexes and adapts to your foot as you move through your stride. This running shoe feels like it was made for you. The UA Clone upper locks in and centers your foot over our UA HOVR™ cushioning for a smoother run and better energy return.

The unique material of the UA Clone upper adapts to your foot’s shape and movements for a more precise fit. It also helps keep your foot centered, making sure you get the most out of the soft, responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning. Less rubbing, more comfort – for every runner.

The woven structure of the UA Clone upper gets stronger when stretched, becoming thicker perpendicular to the applied force. This internal layer of flexible, auxetic material moulds around the foot for a precise, glove-like fit and feel that’s truly customized to every foot, no matter the size. A 3D moulded sock liner made of 6mm of open cell PU foam cradles the foot with enhanced step-in comfort allow the HOVR Mega 2 Clone to perfectly adapt to the runner’s foot – not vice versa. The cushy but efficient HOVR Mega 2 Clone running shoes are great for long runs and high mileage training.

RUN CONFIDENT WITH ADDED SUPPORT AND DURABILITY

The HOVR Mega 2 Clone features an enhanced rim and core construction that offers enhanced properties of cushioning and energy return. The rim provides structure and allows for a smooth transition. The carbon rubber in the heel of the outsole extends durability in high-impact landing zones, and the exposed foam on the outsole ensures a comfortable heel-to-toe transition. An external heel counter locks in the heel and guides the foot into its most efficient foot strike, adding to the effortless and plush feeling the HOVR Mega 2 Clone running shoes offer. The blown rubber frames the forefoot outsole to maximize cushion with minimal weight.

7% FASTER & 3% FARTHER

These shoes form to your foot and coach you. Connect your shoes to UA MapMyRun™ for real-time Form Coaching tips based on your cadence, pace, and stride. An embedded sensor tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform ways to improve performance. And it can really pay off. In 2020, UA MapMyRun Form Coaching users ran 7% faster and 3% farther.*

Available for R3199 you can get a 25% discount using the code MEGA25 click https://bit.ly/3AVt5ST to shop now!

Sunglasses Built for Modern Athletes

19 October 20218 March 2022 Roxanne MartinAdvertorialLeave a Comment

Under Armour Launches Performance Eyewear Collection in SA

Apollo Brands, the official distributor of Under Armour in South Africa continues to take performance innovation to the next level with the unveiling of their new, best-in-class eyewear range.

The collection has performance, innovation and quality at its core and sets the benchmark for athletic eyewear. Designed to meet specific athlete needs, whether going for a run or engaging in high impact sport, the eyewear range protects an athletes eyes from harmful rays and enhances player performance.

Designed with the lightest weight thermoplastics to provide the highest level of durability and maximum flexibility, the frame construction provides an anatomical fit that auto-adjusts without pressure points.

Under Armour Eyewear boasts vision performance solutions you never knew you needed and can’t imagine living without. From the scientifically engineered lenses for ultimate visual clarity and precision by sport to the 100% UVA & UVB lenses featuring enhanced impact protection that provide the armour to protect your most valuable asset, your eyes.

There is no bouncing and sliding down off the nose when engaged in high impact activity, nor any side of the head “squeeze” that causes discomfort. Athletes can experience Under Armours renowned comfort and fit that stretches and recovers with your movement to let you perform at your highest levels.

PERFORMANCE

Every Under Armour piece of eyewear offers key performance features and benefits. Whether it’s the Nose Pads, Temples, or Lenses there are no shortcuts to provide long lasting wear and all day comfort. UA is built on performance and key to the eyewear is making sure athletes are prepared to perform at the highest level with no setbacks.

INNOVATION

Innovation is a fundamental pillar for Under Armour. UA Tuned TM performance lenses are built to give athletes an advantage in varied sport environments. Under Armour has developed UA ArmourGrip and UA BubbleGrip Nose Pads for the utmost levels of comfort with added performance benefits, giving an edge on the competition.

QUALITY

The collection is manufactured with top technical materials. For example, TR90 Frames lock on the face to avoid stress fractures or eyewear bouncing or sliding off during exercise. Rubber nose pads fit more securely whilst sweating and built-for-Sport Temples are flexible and designed with laser engravings for comfort.

LIGHTWEIGHT, FLEXIBLE AND ADJUSTABLE

All of the frames enhance the capacity for longer wearing during sporting activity. Lightness is important for zero distraction which is key for extended sessions of running, training, cycling, golfing, or even high impact sports like baseball.

WATER AND SMEAR RESISTANT

All Performance Sunglass lenses & UA TUNEDTM lenses have hydro/oleophobic coating applied to the front & back of the lenses. The hydro/oleophobic coating repels water, dust, oil and dirt from the lenses and stays clean longer offering optimal visual results.

UA TUNEDTM

UA TUNEDTM performance lenses are scientifically engineered for ultimate visual precision by sport. Each UA TUNEDTM lens filters in the light you need to create a sharper colour separation enhanced visual detail and heightened contrast within varied sport environments

100% PROTECTION – defends against 100% of harmful UVA/B/C rays
DEPTH PERCEPTION – increase depth perception and deliver the brightest field of vision with maximum image definition.
SHARP VISION – the right compromise to see higher contrasts and vibrant colours in their surroundings and details of the environment with more balanced colour perception.

POLARIZED LENSES

The Polarized lenses contain a filter that polarizes the light, blocks reflections, and prevents glare.

High contrast polarized lenses have filters with a special dye inside the mixture which blocks the areas of overlap between the colours offering greater contrast between the colours and consequently higher definition of the image.

MIRROR LENSES

Multilayer mirrored lenses are a combination of mirror coatings offering top quality, performance, durability & scratch resistance. Specific colours, such as the Infrared Mirror, additionally absorb harmful infrared waves offering further protection to the eye.

To shop the new UA Eyewear Range visit the website: https://underarmour.co.za/collections/sunglasses

Win a pair of UA HOVR Machina 2!

9 September 202119 October 2021 Roxanne MartinNews1 Comment

INTRODUCING THE NEW, FUTURE FORWARD UA HOVR™ MACHINA 2

Under Armour in South Africa, recently introduced its new, high tech UA HOVR™ Machina 2 in South Africa. Following the success of the original UA HOVR™ Machina launched in 2020, the new and improved Machina 2 takes run coaching to the next level and comes complete with an embedded chip that allows runners to connect with the UA MapMyRun app to access a bevy of features. These features include Form Coaching, cadence and gait tracking, audio-coaching, interval training and tracking, and more.

Whether you’re looking to knock off a few seconds on your personal best or aiming to attempt your first 5k, the Machina 2 is the perfect running shoe to help you peak your performance. The UA HOVR Machina 2 mixes the speed of a racing shoe with the comfort of a long-distance trainer. Combine that with real-time Form Coaching and you’re equipped with the tools you need to reach your fitness goals for 2021.

The original Machina was designed to be a high-end trainer or entry-level racing shoe and is UA’s first plated shoe. The NEW Machina 2 is Under Armour’s highest cushioned shoe to date. It is a neutral shoe designed for runners who need a balance of flexibility & cushioning. The shoe provides a soft, energy efficient ride with a propulsion plate built in for added springiness.

TOP 3 FACTS ABOUT THE MACHINA 2:

Excellent Energy Return : Cushioning is known to improve running energy, a factor that can make a difference of several minutes when it comes to marathon racing UA HOVR™ foam + mesh Energy Web has been uncaged with more cushioning allowing you get more energy back in every step to help make the last mile your fastest.
Fast function, Soft Feel, Light Weight : What gives the UA HOVR Machina 2 its fast-feeling speed is its propulsion plate, designed to keep the pace quick no matterwhat distance. The 2-pronged carbon-filled Pebax® spring plate helps runners get up on their toes to keep their turnover quick and their transition snappy.
Data Driven Coaching: All of the footwear in Under Armour’s run suite, including the UA HOVR Machina 2, come digitally connected, allowing runners not only to track and analyse their runs, but also to gain unprecedented insight into their running form. All of these features are available with a seamless, easy-to-use connection to MapMyRun, part of the world’s largest digital health and fitness community of 270 million users, all working to make the sport and athlete better. Connect seamlessly with UA Map My Run for personalised coaching based on your pace, cadence, stride length and distance with or without your phone.

The UA HOVR Machina 2 was launched globally in 2021 and is currently available in Under Armour Brand Houses around South Africa at a retail price of R3299.

PRODUCT DNA:

Connects to UA MAPMYRUN™: tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help make you a better runner
UA HOVR™ technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact
Compression mesh Energy Web contains & molds UA HOVR™ foam to give back the energy you put in
Ultralight 3D spacer mesh upper for increased breathability & ultimate speed
As your body emits energy, the mineral-infused UA RUSH™ lining absorbs & reflects it back, improving endurance
External heel counter for added stability & a locked-in feel
Sprint spike-inspired Pebax® speed plate for increased return & more powerful push-offs
Carbon rubber pods under the heel deliver greater traction & durability at high-impact strike zones

Your Chance To Win

Exclusive to Modern Athlete we will be giving a pair of these amazing UA HOVR™ Machina shoes to one lucky reader weekly for simply joining the UA All Out Mile simply follow the steps below and not only will you improve your running, you can win amazing prizes too!

Join the UA All Out Mile Movement

STEP ONE

First things first, you start by registering for the challenge, by clicking the image on the right or the “Register Now” button below!

Step Two

Then, automatically track all of your runs by linking your UA MapMyRun™ account on FitRankings. If you don’t have the UA MapMyRun™ it can be downloaded by simply scanning the QR code below! You can link your app to Garmin, Suunto, and Apple.

Step Three

Set your benchmark mile and train from AUGUST 30 TO SEPTEMBER 30. Take advantage of the weekly training plans and video tips directly from UA’s professional athletes, coaches and Human Performance experts.

Need Help Training?

Everything you need is in the UA MapMyRun™ app, see below what you can look forward to!

Step Four

During the UA All Out Mile competition period, go all out and crush your PR from October 1 through October 11.

After completing your UA All Out Mile (you can try more than once), your results will automatically be pulled from UA MapMyRun™ and appear on the FitRankings leader board.

See how you stack up versus runners from around the world.

WIN BIG!

What’s great about bagging your Mile results is that you can compare with your running buddies and everyone else all over the world. And because we are all about rewarding you, we are offering local SA prizes exclusive to Modern Athlete!

Every week we will be drawing one lucky winner that will win a pair of Connected Under Armour running shoes valued at R3500!

Adding to that one lucky runner that enters the All Out Mile Challenge before the 31st of September will win a full kit experience, Under Armour will kit out the winning runner from head to toe in everything you need to smash that mile!

Making her Daughter Proud

7 September 20218 September 2021 Roxanne MartinFeaturesLeave a Comment

No matter what life has thrown at Natascha van Zyl, she has found a way to keep going. In the last 13 years she has lost her mother, was diagnosed with cancer, got divorced, lost her father, lost her brother and then lost her young daughter as well, but she is still moving forward, still running, still climbing, because she made a promise that she would. – by Sean Falconer

No Holding Her Back

7 September 20218 September 2021 Roxanne MartinFeaturesLeave a Comment

When Harriet Kruger was diagnosed with breast cancer, she decided to fight it with her running shoes firmly laced up, no matter how slowly she was moving. That saw her take on the recent Pondo Coaster Trail Run, and then she did something she wasn’t sure she was actually physically capable of, she ran the Comrades Marathon! This is her inspiring story. – by Sean Falconer

Running for Mental-Aweh-ness

7 September 20218 September 2021 Roxanne MartinFeaturesLeave a Comment

Joburg runner Henry Cock is well on his way to running 133 half marathons on consecutive days in the Mentally Aweh Challenge. He will cover just over 2800km as he makes his way around the South African coastline, from Mozambique to Namibia, and he’s doing this not only to set a new Guinness World Record, but more importantly to raise funds for to promote mental health and ‘aweh-ness.’ – by Sean Falconer

The Magic of the Enduring Mile

24 August 202119 October 2021 Roxanne MartinAd Free, News1 Comment

Under Armour launches the UA All Out Mile Campaign in South Africa

No running distance or field event has the historic and enduring appeal as the Mile. The Mile, much like the 100 meters and the marathon is still widely considered as one of the most iconic distances and the pinnacle of athletic excellence.

The first sub-4-minute mile was smashed in 1954 by Roger Bannister. His time of 3:59.4 has since been broken by over 1400 athletes worldwide.

Two unmatched records stand today in the ladies and men’s categories. The men’s world record stands at 3:43.13, set by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco in 1999 while the women’s record sits at 4:12.33 held by Olympic sensation Sifan Hassan, set in July 2019.

However, the mile isn’t only for a considered ‘pro’ or Olympic athlete, it’s the ideal fitness distance for runners looking to test their speed endurance and pace up their tempo, regardless of age or ability.

With the continued popularity of the distance, Under Armour recently announced the launch of its popular Global Under Armour All Out Mile Campaign in SA.

UA will be challenging pro and novice runners across SA to go all out for 30 days to break their personal record over 1600m and benchmark themselves against competitors from around the world and at the same time stand a chance to win a host of exciting prizes.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this fierce campaign to South Africa. SA plays host to some of the most popular running events in the world and we have an ardent running community here. The Under Armour ‘All Out Mile’ has been created to challenge runners and encourage them to reach their best. We are excited to see it all unfold over the next few weeks” says Lorrianne Cloete Head of Marketing, at Under Armour SA.

Smashing the Mile

Training with the fast tempo of the mile is a great benefit to all distance runners. If you’ve never tried it before, this is a great opportunity to follow the challenge and surprise yourself with your abilities to improve from your initial benchmark time in Aug to your fastest All Out Mile attempt in Oct. The tech is all simple and free to use from UA. The hard part is the fun part, giving your everything over 1.6km.