Posts Tagged with: "Nike"

Three days to race day.  I fly off to Portland, Oregon for the Nike Hood to Coast Relay tomorrow!  To say that I am excited would be an understatement.  Can you see me doing cartwheels?!

Last week, I received a detailed plan for our team: “Chili Crabs.”  I’m Runner No. 10 in a team of 12.  Each of us will be running three legs each.  I’ll be running Legs 10 (6.43 miles – moderate), 22 (6.81 miles – hard), and 34 (4.13 miles – moderate).  Click here for course map.  The distance is manageable, but the terrain, temperature, and my ability to run with little sleep in the dark will be a fun challenge.  Truth be told, I think I’m more concerned about how to change clothes in a van full of people or if there’ll be a restroom at all in the mountains!

Today, I read through a more detailed itinerary of the entire 6-day trip, which had me raising my arms in the air yelling as if I’d won the lottery.  Aside from the race, I was looking forward to touring Nike Campus.  I thought we would roam about, go shopping, and perhaps look for Lance in the area (oh, I think that’s just me!)  But, I was overjoyed to see this on our schedule: CAMPUS JOG. Woohoo, we’re even going to run in there a couple of days before the race!  And, it doesn’t stop there.  We also have a WILDWOOD TRAIL RUN pencilled into the sched!  This is truly a runner’s adventure and, to be honest with you, I couldn’t have thought of a better trip for the runaholic that I am.  I cannot wait!

As of this writing, I’ve just finished most of my work deadlines, which clears the rest of the day for the following important activities before I leave for Oregon tomorrow:

1. Run 10k
2. Meet with iamNinoy Runner Group steercom
3. Shop for toiletries and snacks
4. Pack!
5. Bond with the kiddos
6. Figure out how to use Twitter on my cell so I can update you (and the hubby who will be missing me lots!)

Two months ago, I got a call from Tony Atayde of Nike asking me what my plans were for August.  Scratching my head, I answered “Uh, no plans for now…” And, excitedly he interrupts me to talk about the Nike Hood to Coast Relay, the largest relay in the world with 1,000 teams of 12 runners each running from the ski lodge at the 6,000-ft level of Mt. Hood down to the Pacific Ocean at the town of seaside where a beach party awaits the runners.  The race is held in Oregon, USA annually where Nike’s headquarters is located.  This year, it will be on August 28 to 29.

I wondered why Tony was telling me all this until he paused and said “We would like to invite you to join.  Will you be available?” I smiled and answered “Tony, even if I were busy, I would clear my sched just for the trip!”

– Nike Hood to Coast website –

And so began my training and preparations for one of the biggest adventures of my life.  

I “met” my other Southeast Asian team mates online by way of email where we were all asked to confirm our participation, enter our 10km race times, submit our sizes for apparel and shoes as well as our preferred flights.  Most of the runners from the two teams Nike is sending will be coming from Singapore; there are only 3 of us from Manila.  I believe our team will be called the Singaporean Chili Crabs, but I have to confirm if this is final as I’ve never tasted those crabs myself. Hah!  

As early as mid-June, we were sent a training program created by Racer’s Toolbox, especially for our teams.  I started out following this to the letter until my long runs, including the Run for Home half marathon, was throwing it out of whack so I decided to use my own program instead.  I also informed my PT at the gym about the race, so he’s thrown in some exercises that should help me in trail running.

I emailed rockstar trail runner Rick Gaston (365me) for some training tips which scared the hell out of me (ex. “The third leg will be hard because of the sleep deprivation.” or “At night in the dark, you can spot your van in the distance and it will be a reassuring presence.”), but it also got me even more excited about this adventure.

I hope that we’ll have enough time to tour Nike Campus which is, as I was told, an experience in itself to visit.  If one is lucky, they say you’ll spot Lance Armstrong on his stationary bike or Tiger Woods walking by your side. Good thing Lance is a good friend of mine already, well, via twitter that is…heehee!

Official HTC Relay countdown begins now!  26 days to go…woohoo!

Links:
Official website of Nike Hood to Coast Relay 
Open Space
Run Oregon blog

– Men’s Nike LunarGlide+ –

– Women’s Nike LunarGlide+ –

[Nike Lunar Glide+ Test Run – Take One]

Date: May 30, 2009
Weather: Rainy

 A number of runners were invited to test the new Nike Lunar Glide+ at Bonifacio High Street, myself included.  But, on that Saturday morning, the weather was terrible.  Runners were squeezed tight into tents, chatting away about everything running, while waiting for the sun to appear; it never did.

– Tony of Nike keeps his cool despite the rain… –

– Others (like Vince, Coach Rio, and Ben) simply go insane –

– Runners love to run under the rain…only if their shoes aren’t brand new –

Nike decided to hand out brand spankin’ new pairs of Nike Lunar Glide+ for everyone to test on our own.  With our orange boxes in tow, we headed over to Pancake House for a hearty, rainy-day breakfast.

[TBR Nike Lunar Glide+ Test Runs]

Date: May 30 to June 13
 
I wore my Nike Lunar Glide+ at every single run from the moment I received it to the present, including Mizuno Infinity 15k and Animo Triathlon.  The only day I didn’t use them was the day I road tested my Newton Stability Trainers.  

[Nike Lunar Glide Test Run – Take Two]

Date: June 13, 2009
Weather: Sunny

Finally, the weather allowed for us to reconvene!  We met up again yesterday at Bonifacio High Street for Part Two of the test run.  Unfortunately, this time, I stayed on the sidelines as I was still recovering from the illness.  The runners ran a few loops around BHS together to complete 3k.

– Who’s foot? –

– Finally, the actual test run –

– Take 2: under the sun this time –

[The Verdict]

One word for the Nike Lunar Glide: PERFECT…well, for me and my feet, at least.

I have the Nike Pegasus, Nike Vomero 2, Nike Zoom Elite 4, and Nike Lunar. I use these occasionally and never fell head over heels (no pun intended) in love with any of Nike’s shoes..until now.

Last year, I had a few issues with the Nike Lunar—the first Lunar shoe Nike ever released—and posted them here.  For this second Lunar—the Nike Lunar Glide—I feel as though Nike listened to my rants about the Lunar and addressed them with the new Lunar Glide.

PROS:

1. Comfort: Feels like I’m wearing socks.  
2. Dynamic Support System: a new technology which adapts to the runner’s gait so that with each step the runner gets cushioning and support to guard against overpronation. Best of both worlds.   
3. Handsome shoe: Love the color combination of both the men’s and women’s shoes.
4. Light: It’s not as feather-light as the Lunars, but it still doesn’t weigh as much as the other stability shoes out there.
5. Arch strap for Women: The shoe for women has a strap on the side for additional arch support for women.

CONS:

1. None.  Told you it’s perfect…for me.

Philippine Market release: July 2009
Retail price: P5,995.

For you shoe nerds out there (and I know there are many of you), here are the technical sheets about the shoes:

Men’s Nike LunarGlide+ 

Nike introduces the new LunarGlide+, the first running shoe to feature an innovative midsole design architecture called Dynamic Support — a patent-pending system that adapts to a runner’s gait with each step to provide superior cushioning and as-needed support.

Key Product Features

• The Nike LunarGlide+ is the first running shoe to deliver both top-tier cushioning and as-needed support with the new Dynamic Support system.
• The Dynamic Support system in the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole is comprised of a lightweight LunarLite foam core that sits within a firmer foam carriage. The LunarLite foam core is cut to fit into the carriage at an angle creating a deeper cushioned lateral side. The medial side of the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole features a rear-foot wedge that has been contoured into the firmer foam carriage which provides stability on an as-needed basis.
• The Dynamic Support system delivers great cushioning for neutral runners, as well as the necessary support for runners that overpronate. This makes the LunarGlide+ appropriate for a remarkably wide range of runners.
• Nike designed Flywire technology into the upper to provide the necessary support with a dramatic reduction in weight versus a conventional, overlay-based upper construction.
• The men’s LunarGlide+ provides the cushioning, support and durability necessary for daily distance training in a lightweight, 10.6 oz package.

Upper

• The breathable mesh upper provides comfort, protection and durability.
• Soft yet strong microfiber synthetic overlays are ultrasonically welded in place for targeted support and luxurious, seam-free comfort.

• The men’s Nike LunarGlide+ features a gender-specific external heel counter for exceptional comfort, fit and support. It is formed as a curved, external piece to more effectively retain its shape than a conventional internal heel counter, which is traditionally built into the shoe as a flat sheet of material.
• Nike Flywire technology boosts support and lockdown around the midfoot, while reducing weight.
• A high-resilience foam sockliner with men’s-specific geometry provides exceptional step-in feel and added support.
• Reflective elements add peace of mind in low-light conditions.

Midsole

• The Dynamic Support system in the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole is comprised of a lightweight LunarLite foam core that sits within a firmer foam carriage. The LunarLite foam core is cut to fit into the carriage at an angle creating a deeper cushioned lateral side. The medial side of the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole features a rear-foot wedge that has been contoured into the firmer foam carriage which provides stability on an as-needed basis.
• The Dynamic Support system delivers great cushioning for neutral runners, as well as the necessary support for runners that over-pronate. This makes the Nike LunarGlide+ appropriate for a remarkably wide range of runners.
• The Nike LunarGlide+ features an Archbridge specially designed for men that cups the midsole along the arch side of the rear-foot for added support without  withousacrificing a smooth transition.

Outsole

• The rear-foot crash pad is made of BRS 1000 carbon rubber for maximum abrasion resistance.
• The entire outsole features next generation Nike Natural Motion engineering – informed by the Nike Free line of shoes – to encourage a smooth, efficient stride.
• Deep flex grooves specially designed for a men’s foot are aligned along the length and width of the outsole mirror the grooves in the midsole to promote a smooth, efficient stride.

WOMEN’S NIKE LUNARGLIDE+

 The women’s Nike LunarGlide+ features a number of key design differences from the men’s shoe that address the specific needs of a female runner.

Key Product Features

• The Nike LunarGlide+ is the first running shoe to deliver both top-tier cushioning and as-needed support with the new Dynamic Support system.
• The Dynamic Support system in the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole is comprised of a lightweight LunarLite foam core that sits within a firmer foam carriage. The LunarLite foam core is cut to fit into the carriage at an angle creating a deeper cushioned lateral side. The medial side of the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole features a rear-foot wedge that has been contoured into the firmer foam carriage which provides stability on an as-needed basis.
• Women, on average, pronate more than men. The Dynamic Support system delivers great cushioning for neutral runners, as well as the necessary support for runners that overpronate, making the Nike LunarGlide+ appropriate for a remarkably wide range of runners.
• Nike designed Flywire technology into the upper to provide the necessary support with a dramatic reduction in weight versus a conventional, overlay-based upper construction.
• The women’s Nike LunarGlide+ provides the cushioning, support and durability necessary for daily distance training in a lightweight, 8.6 oz package.

Upper

• The breathable mesh upper provides comfort, protection and durability.
• Soft yet strong microfiber synthetic overlays are ultrasonically welded in place for targeted support and luxurious, seam-free comfort.
• Women tend to have broader forefeet which can lead to fit issues, abrasions to the skin, even bunions. Nike has applied its Dynamic Fit Technology, a stretchy material on the medial side adjacent to the fifth metatarsal, which expands and telescopes out to accommodate the varying width of the female forefoot.
• Women tend to prefer a more supportive fit than men. The women’s Nike LunarGlide+ upper incorporates a medial-side Arch Strap teamed with Flywire technology to provide better lock-down in the mid-sole.
• A two-part, gender-specific external heel counter is engineered to accommodate the higher variability in heel volume exhibited in women’s feet. By framing the heel instead of fully encompassing it, this unique heel counter balances a woman’s distinct needs for comfort, fit and support.
• Molded “high-resilience” foam sockliner features women’s-specific Heel Cradle geometry for enhanced step-in feel, cushioning and support.
• Reflective elements add peace of mind in low-light conditions.

Mid-sole

• The Dynamic Support system in the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole is comprised of a lightweight LunarLite foam core that sits within a firmer foam carriage. The LunarLite foam core is cut to fit into the carriage at an angle creating a deeper cushioned lateral side. The medial side of the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole features a rear-foot wedge that has been contoured into the firmer foam carriage which provides stability on an as-needed basis.
• Women, on average, pronate more than men. The Dynamic Support system delivers great cushioning for neutral runners, as well as the necessary support for runners that overpronate, making the Nike LunarGlide+ appropriate for a remarkably wide range of runners.
• Women, on average, weigh 10 to 15 percent less than men, and therefore will have less mass compressing a shoe’s midsole. To account for this, the women’s Nike LunarGlide+ includes more soft foam under the heel than the men’s model, providing the softer cushioning women need.

• The Nike LunarGlide+ features an Archbridge specially designed for women that cups the midsole along the arch side of the rear-foot for added support without  withousacrificing a smooth transition.

Outsole

• The rear-foot crash pad is made of BRS 1000 carbon rubber for maximum abrasion resistance.
• The entire outsole features next generation Nike Natural Motion engineering– informed by the Nike Free line of shoes – to encourage a smooth, efficient stride.
• Deep flex grooves specially designed for a woman’s foot are aligned along the length and width of the outsole mirror the grooves in the midsole to promote a smooth, efficient stride.

The winner of TBR’s Guess the Cover contest, Joms Paras of Happy Feet, claimed his prize from me last night at Bonifacio High Street.  I presented to him his new Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ (woohoo, what a beauty) which came fresh out of the box when I picked it up at the Nike head office plus Paul Calvin’s deli gift certificates worth P500.  Congratulations again, Joms!

Don’t you just love these contests?  It’s time for another one next week.  Stay tuned.

Thank you very much to Tony Atayde of Nike Philippines and Jay Em of Paul Calvin’s Deli.

As mentioned, Nike will be giving out free Nike attire and shoes to Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon runners who were able to register with Coach Rio. 

Click here to confirm if you’re on the list.  

According to Coach Rio, you may have registered with him, but due to lack of available sizes for singlets and shoes, your name may not be included in the final list.  Shorts won’t be given out anymore too.

If you’re listed, as I am (woohoo!), you may pick up your items from Coach Rio at Ultra, 6 to 9am and 5 to 9pm, until Thursday.  See you in Singapore!