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First off, I feel like your Grandmother having to go through the history of these Nike+ running products, but, at the same time, it’s nice to see the product innovations from Nike.

In the early days, they had the Nike+ SportsKit (I had one!), then the Nike+SportsBand (I had the first version and 2.0!), followed by the Nike+ FuelBand (which I didn’t even bother to check out).

Just a week ago, Nike launched the Nike+ SportWatch GPS—yes GPS!—here in Manila.  Finally, Nike comes up with a GPS watch! Footpods and calibration are just too cumbersome and most of the time inaccurate based on my experience.

– the new Nike+ SportWatch GPS retails for P8,495 –

Nike sent me a product for testing and I used it for an easy 10k run last night. Usually, I test a product for a week or two before I post about it. But, let me give you my feedback already because I’m just pleasantly surprised:

PROS
1) It was accurate! It was! It was! Admittedly, I had my doubts about the accuracy of this product given my experience with the Sportsbands of the past.  But, this time, I compared the distance and pace with the readings of Garmin Forerunner and it was spot on down to the average pace.
2) User friendly. I spent less than 5 minutes going through the manual, downloading the Nike+ software, and starting the watch for a run.
3) Attractive. Love its look. Cool and sleek. My favorite part: the end of the strap is a USB plug! So creative.
4) Fun. True to the Nike spirit, it’s a fun watch to have. It congratulated me for my first run. Almost like having a buddy out there on the road with you.
5) Tap watch. Timex has a tap watch and Garmin 910 can be tapped too. This watch can be tapped for the backlight and laps for convenience.
6) Connect to the Nike+ community. I used to join the challenges here. As a beginner, they helped to motivate me to run longer distances or, at the very least, look forward to each day’s run.
7) Works as a regular watch so you can use it even for non-running days.
* Note: You can read about other features below. I mentioned those that, for me, were significant features that should be highlighted.

CONS
1) A bit pricey compared to the older Garmin models.
2) Durability.  I’m a bit concerned about its durability. I ran with it under the rain and I must admit I was quite worried about it.  I’m not quite sure if this would last you over 2 years.

Press release from Nike…

NIKE AND TOMTOM UNVEIL GAME-CHANGING NIKE+ SPORTWATCH GPS
New Watch Delivers World’s Most Dynamic Running Experience

PHILIPPINES, MAY 31 – NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and TomTom (AEX: TOM2) have collaborated to create the Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom and will launch in Philippines on June 1. The new running watch will provide athletes with the most dynamic and motivational running experience in the world thanks to its unique functionality, beautiful design, and direct connection to www.nikeplus.com, the world’s leading running community with more than 6 million members.

The Nike+ SportWatch GPS is designed for high-performance with an extremely clear and readable user interface that delivers the information necessary to the user while in-run. It adds personalization and motivational features to the running experience, including audible sounds, challenges, run reminders and more.

“The Nike+ SportWatch GPS is a game-changing product that furthers our commitment to provide all athletes with unparalleled motivation and the tools to get better,” said Stefan Olander, VP of Nike Digital Sport.

“It is part of TomTom Consumer’s strategy to move into the fast-growing sports and fitness market. This true partnership with Nike combines the strengths of two leading companies to deliver a game-changing product for runners,” said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director, TomTom Consumer. TomTom is the world’s leading provider of location and navigation solutions.

On-Watch Experience
The Nike+ SportWatch GPS is designed to be simple and intuitive with only three buttons and a Tap Screen for navigation. During the run, the new Nike+ SportWatch GPS captures location information while showing runners their time, distance, pace, and calories burned on an easy-to-read screen featuring a customizable layout. Throughout the run, the GPS receiver works in tandem with the shoe-based Nike+ Sensor to deliver highly accurate pace and distance data.

On-watch features include:
• Tap Screen for setting laps and activating backlight
• Run History with data from past runs
• Personal Records including those imported from Nikeplus.com
• Quick Start with optional shoe-based Nike+ Sensor
• Heart Rate Monitor compatibility

Some of the unique motivating factors the Nike+ SportWatch GPS offer runners on-screen include:
• Recognition (or “Attaboys”) for personal records
• Run Reminders that appear after five days if a run has not been logged
• Post-run acknowledgement and encouragement

Post-Run Experience
The Nike+ SportWatch GPS plugs neatly into any USB port on a Mac or PC, then immediately launches the Nike+ Connect interface which automatically transfers information to www.nikeplus.com.

“With more than 150 million runs logged since its launch in 2006, Nikeplus.com captures the pulse of the running world everyday,” added Olander.

Nikeplus.com presents runners with the GPS mapping, total miles, pace and elevation data for their most recent run in a rich and engaging way that will be familiar to users of the popular Nike+ GPS iPhone application.

“Providing runners with accurate pace, distance and location information during and after their run gives them the information they need to better train and track their progress,” added Vigreux.

Data from each run is automatically applied to all current Nike+ Challenges, Nike+ Goals, and Nike+ Coach programs in which the runner is participating.

Additional Features at Nikeplus.com
Athletes who want to get the most out of their run and from the Nike+ SportWatch GPS will have access to a huge catalogue of run routes logged by Nike and published by other runners on streets and trails around the world.

Each run will be graphically mapped with the help of TomTom technology, and include route notes, elevation and length. Runners will also be able to find the perfect route by searching the catalogue by location, length, difficulty, and even landmarks.

Since the 2006 launch of Nike+ in partnership with Apple, a variety of Nike+ enabled devices have been introduced to help runners reach their full potential including the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano and iPod touch, the Nike+ SportBand, and the new Nike+ GPS App for use with the iPhone.

Nike+ Sportwatch GPS will retail at Php 8,495 and available through the following stores:

NIKE PARK
• Bonifacio High Street
• Trinoma
• Glorietta 4
• Robinsons Galleria
• Robinsons Ermita Manila

NIKE STADIUM
• Rockwell Powerplant
• Alabang Town Center

RIOVANA
• Bonifacio Global City
• Regis Center, Katipunan

RUNNR Bonifacio High Street

So Father’s Day is coming up.  And Mother’s Day just passed (uh oh, failed to give my mommy a gift!)  If you’re thinking of a gift for your dad or making up for missed presents for your mom like me, here’s a gift I highly recommend that my old officemate told me about: ENERVON PRIME MIND & BODY WELLNESS PACKAGE.

Before you think this is just like any other promo, read on.  I’m posting about it because 1) You’re a runner.  You know the importance of good health. 2) You’re probably concerned about your parents’  health as well.  3) This is really a good deal that I hope you can avail of for your parents.  I’ll probably get one for my Mom.

Okay, here’s how the ENERVON PRIME MIND & BODY WELLNESS PACKAGE works:

1) You buy 4 boxes of Enervon Prime 400g.  Total product cost – P1,600.  You give the Enervon Prime to your parents for consumption.

2) Then, in return for the purchase, you receive a Executive Check Up GC for your parents at St. Luke’s Medical Center.  You basically get a FREE Executive Check up for your parents worth P3,446.

Told you it’s a great deal!

Here’s the Press Release for more information…

GIVE YOUR PARENTS THE GIFT OF HEALTH! GIVE THEM THE ENERVON PRIME MIND & BODY WELLNESS PACKAGE!

WHAT WE LOVE

Enervon Prime has higher levels of Mind & Body Nutrients (versus other nutritional milk supplement brands) your senior parents need at this stage of their lives.
– Enervon Prime Energizes the Mind with Taurine, Folic Acid and Vitamins B6 & B12 to help maintain healthy nerve, brain and memory function
– Enervon Prime also Energizes the Body with Vitamins C & E and Zinc to help promote optimum immune function. It is also high in Calcium for optimum bone health

St. Luke’s Medical Center’s legacy of excellence surpasses all expectations. For over a century, St. Luke’s superior brand of healthcare service has made it truly world class. Its continuous passion for healthcare innovation makes St. Luke’s one of the best hospitals in the Philippines and a top choice of medical and health-related practitioners and patients for executive check-ups.

On the free Executive Check-Up at St. Luke’s Medical Center:
– Despite our busy lifestyles, one should not forget to keep one’s health in check. The best way to keep yourself healthy and productive is by having a comprehensive health or executive check-up. When done regularly, you can prevent the onset of disease as well as seek early medical treatment for any health issues that may be detected.

– At St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City and Quezon City, the Wellness Center provides programs that are designed to promote preventive care and help patients achieve success in lifestyle change. A wide range of services are available to keep you informed about your present health condition, as well as help you develop a plan to achieve specific health goals.

ABOUT THE DEAL
Do you want to show your parents you care? Do you want them to experience the best healthcare in the country? Then take advantage of this great CashCashPinoy deal! For only P1,600, the ENERVON PRIME MIND & BODY WELLNESS PACKAGE comes with 4 boxes of Enervon Prime Choco plus a FREE Executive Check-Up Gift Certificate from St. Luke’s Global City Health and Wellness Center worth P3,446!

Enervon Prime is a nutritionally balanced milk supplement specially formulated for older adults to cope with the changes in their bodies’ physiologic function as well as nutritional and dietary requirements. It contains high quality milk protein and other essential nutrients to maintain general good health, and is available in delicious chocolate flavor.

The Wellness Center provides expert quality care and attention from highly respected physicians and healthcare providers, and is equipped with state-of -the-art diagnostic equipment. At Global City, the Felicidad Sy Health and Wellness Center provides utmost patient convenience as all procedures for a comprehensive medical check-up are located at one, well-appointed location at the hospital’s 7th floor.

The Free Executive Check-Up included in the ENERVON PRIME Mind & Body Wellness Package is a basic out-patient annual physical examination. It contains the following tests/procedures:
– Complete Blood Count (CBC)
– Urinalysis
– Fecalysis
– Chest X-ray (PA View)
– ECG – Electrocardiography
– Physical Examination with Wellness Triage Physician

If necessary, these can be backed up by supplementary tests and consultations.

There’s no better day than today to show your parents how much you love them. Avail of the ENERVON PRIME MIND & BODY WELLNESS PACKAGE and give them the gift of health!

WHAT TO KNOW
• Fill up the Delivery Form after making the online purchase
• The Enervon Prime bundle and Executive Check-Up Gift Certificate will be delivered to the address listed on the Delivery Form (Philippine address only), within 1 week of purchase. Delivery is free of charge.
• Purchase as many times as you want.
• Participants must go to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City or in Global City to avail of the free Executive Check Up, after scheduling an appointment.
• The Executive Check-Up Gift Certificates are valid from June 1, 2012 to May 30, 2013.

It’s June! Gasp. By tomorrow, I only have exactly two months of training left before Ironman 70.3 Cebu.  It’s crunch time, but, I’ll have to be honest with you, it’s also beginning to get a little more exciting.

Coach Andy tells me that, beginning this week, we start focusing on speed.  We built the mileage the past few weeks, but now it’s time to push harder and go faster.  It almost feels like I’m on a roller coaster ride, climbing steadily and slowly up toward the peak.  I’m not quite there yet, but just a few more weeks and I’ll be ready to free fall.  Weeeee!

SWIM

I swam my longest last Tuesday: 2.7km, swam easy 1.5k Thursday, then swam 2.4k with friends on Friday. I could use a lot more speed, but hey, at least, I know I won’t drown in Cebu.  Unless, of course, a humongous jelly fish swallows me up.  Okay, okay. Delete the last line. Positive thoughts only.

RUN

My nemesis has returned: ITBS.  He’s bugged me ever since I started running.  Last Thursday, after a short but fast run, I suddenly felt knee pain (a sure sign that my tight ITBS was tugging at my knee cap already).  Grrrrr!

ITBS is a recurring injury for us runners.  Once you get it, it lays dormant when you rest or train less, but once mileage increases, he starts rearing his ugly head once again.  Double grrrrr.  This time, when ITBS showed up, I told myself that I wouldn’t let him win. Thankfully, after “bringing out the big guns” to get rid of him all week, he did go away!  (Full post on exactly what I did to fight ITBS in a few days)  By Tuesday, I ran a 12k and another 10k on Thursday.  No ITBS!  Wooohooo!

Come Sunday, I had the pleasure of running 22k under near perfect cool and cloudy weather with friends, Lit, Jun and Leana. We bumped into Peter Coyuito too who ran with us for a bit.  It was a relaxed run that capped my stress-filled week because of ITB.

BIKE

> Tuesday, Coach Andy and I met in Daang Hari for my Power Meter test.  I was to bike for 1 minute and then 20 minutes as fast as I could.  All the while, we monitored the distance and my heart rate.  Aaaack, it was the l-o-n-g-e-s-t 20 minutes of my life.

After all the suffering, Coach Andy emailed me a file providing me with the recommended power and heart rate training zones for the various workouts I’ll be doing.  I’ll be trying them out this week!

> I dropped by Starting Line at West Gate Center, Filinvest Corporate City to finally get a Speedfill bottle for hydration.  I still have a hard time grabbing the bottle (As I said before, don’t laugh!) so I thought this would solve the problem.  I was right!  (Thanks to Raoul Floresca of Starting Line for the help!)

– Still a work in progress. I wanna pull this lower to make it look cleaner –

> Last Saturday, Jun, Ton, and Unilab ActiveHealth teammates, Mike, Jake, Backy, and Coaches Ani and Dan Brown, and myself set out to ride 100k in NUVALI.  (Is it obvious that I was pretty determined about making up for the missed long ride due to ITBS last week?!)

The weather was cool, even chilly at some points, and cloudy almost the entire ride.  I was a bit nervous, as I always am, at the start about all the things I have to consider—mounting, dismounting, aero position, drinking while riding, and more—but, as the hours passed, I got comfortable with the Shiv.  Maybe even too comfy because I didn’t pull as hard on the brakes anymore, stopped over analyzing my movements when I rode in aero, and—oh boy, I’m embarrassed to admit it—but, I really do think I’m falling in love with my Shiv!  If I start talking to him while I ride, then maybe I should have myself checked (although I do know a couple of triathletes who do that.)

I was so slow that I would’ve spent the entire day biking just to reach 100k!  So, we called it a day at 82k and I promised myself I’d reach 100k soon.  Um, to be exact, the next attempt is this Thursday.  As Coach Andy always tells me: You Will Do It!

Total training hours last week: 12 hours.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Epic Relay 250 Contest.

I have a confession to make. I had such a hard time choosing the best answer (and I didn’t want to be accused of favoritism choosing TBR Dream Marathon alumni over other groups), so I decided to raffle off the prize among all submissions that complied with the rules.

And the winner is…HANNAH ROSE PUA! Her Team Captain is: Arlene Cheryl Calleja

Here’s Hannah’s submission to the question:

Q: Why does your team deserve to win a slot for Epic Relay 250?

A: We are SNAIL RUNNERS ALABANG, our team deserves to win the free slot to Epic Relay 250 because we don’t just run with our feet, we run with precision fueled with our passion. This will make us achieve a great work as a team, it is not the prize nor other stuff but it is the TEAM WORK that we will all share.

Congrats to Hannah and Snail Runners Alabang! I’ll be emailing you on how to claim your prize! Enjoy the race!  Thank you to all the runners who joined the contest.

Remember I told you about Epic Relay 250?  One of the most thrilling and adventurous race concepts in the country where a relay team of 10 (or 5 if you’re in the Ultra Category) run 250km through the scenic route of Subic Bay to Bataan and Zambales.

I’ve always wanted to do this, but something always comes up to keep me from doing so.  This year, I’ll be at Phuket Marathon.

So far, I’ve heard that an astounding 33 teams have signed up for the race.  33!  How cool is that?  Registration is still open until tomorrow, June 2, 2012, 5:00PM if you wanna join in on the fun.

Now, if you wanna try your luck, I can give 1 lucky team a FREE slot to Epic Relay 250.  This will be a quick contest because the winning team has to have their Team Captain attend the Team Captain’s meeting tomorrow at 5:00 PM.  So, check your calendar, think about this race, call or text some friends, take a deep breath, and, if you’re game, scroll down below to join my contest for Epic Relay 250…

HOW TO JOIN

1) Like Epic Relay 250 on FB

2) Like The Bull Runner on FB

3) Email 1 photo of at least 3 of the 10 team members to thebullrunner(at)gmail.com with the Subject: Epic Relay 250 Contest.  In 2 to 3 sentences, explain why your team deserves to win the free slot to Epic Relay 250.  (Please do not expect a reply from me to confirm receipt. I will make sure to check all emails that come in.)

4) Include in the email the following details:
– Full name of person who submitted entry
– Username on FB
– Full name of Team Captain (Note: Team captain must attend the Captain’s meeting tomorrow at 5PM. Details to be emailed upon announcement of winner. Also, for this contest, you do NOT need to submit the names of your team members yet.)

CONTEST RULES

1) Deadline for submission of entries: FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012 at 9:00 P.M.
2) TBR will choose the best answer among all entries submitted. Only those which fully comply with the contest rules will qualify to win.
3) Winner will be notified via email on how to claim the free slot to Epic Relay 250.
4) The free slot is not applicable to teams that have already signed up for the race.  Prize is not convertible to cash and not transferable.
5) The winning team must fully comply with race rules and regulations of Epic Relay 250 organizers.

May the best team win!