Running (and Hip-Hop Dancing) with the Nike Free 5.0

Friday, 12 April 2013  |  Gear + Gadgets

Nike Free recently launched its Nike Free 5.0 in an intimate gathering at Planet Sports.

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– with Vimz (Kulitrunner), Bards (Banana Running), Sandra (Runner’s World), and Lara (Women’s Health) –

Nike peeps introduced to us the features of the new Nike Free 5.0 plus their new apparel, Nike Dri-Fit Touch, Nike’s dry fit material in a lighter, more breathable material, which is just perfect for summer!  We were lent a pair of Nike Free 5.0 to road test around Bonifacio High Street.

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– The new Nike Free 5.0 for women –

When we returned, we were introduced to this woman: Madelle Enriquez.

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Turns out that Madelle was a member of the famous hiphop dance group Philippine All Stars. She was there to teach us a few dance moves and allow us to feel just how flexible the Nike Free 5.0s are.  Wait a minute, how did Nike know that it’s been my secret dream to take hiphop lessons?!

So, this runner with two left feet danced—or at least attempted to—and enjoyed every minute!  The Nike Free 5.0 were flexible all right as it moved and bended along with my feet, but, um, I think my body was quite the opposite!

ABOUT NIKE FREE 5.0

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– Nike Free 5.0 for Men –

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– Nike Free 5.0 for Women –

And this, my friends, is the Nike Free 5.0 for Women all scrunched up. Just shows you how pliable this shoe is!

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The Nike Free 5.0 offers runners increased foot strength and a barefoot-like feel.  Key features of this shoe?

  • Nike Flywire technology which delivers a dynamic, glove-like fit, and lightweight mesh providing optimal ventilation
  • Articulated flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole to enhance flexibility and help maintain stability.
  • 8mm midsole offset, lies in the middle of the Nike Free spectrum between a barefoot-like feel and a traditional athletic shoe

Download the Technical Sheet for:

Nike Free 5.0 Mens Tech Sheet PDF
Nike Free 5.0 Women’s Tech Sheet PDF

MY THOUGHTS ON THE NIKE FREE 5.0

I’m not a big barefoot running fan (It works for some but not for me and my flat feet!), but I’m a believer in using minimalist shoes at least once or twice a week to help strengthen all the tiny muscles in our feet that have been spoiled by overly cushioned shoes.  That’s where the Nike Frees come in for me.

In the Nike Free line, I was a loyal user of the Nike Free 7.0 until my dog Cosmo mistook it for food and chewed it up and I currently use the Nike Free Run 3.0 which I run with twice a week on the treadmill in the gym.  While I could use the Nike Free 7.0 on the road up to 21km (I used it at Tri United 2 last year), I can never use the Nike Free Run 3.0 outdoors because it lacks cushioning for me.

As for the Nike Free 5.0, I can’t give you a detailed shoe review because we only used it during the event.  But, during the brief time I wore it, I was happy to note that it didn’t veer away from the usual feel of a Nike Free.  In fact, since I’ve used the 7.0 and the 3.0, I do think that the 5.0, being midway, will be a great running buddy for me.  I’m guessing it will have minimalist features with enough cushioning to protect my feet.

ABOUT NIKE FREES

Aside from the Nike Free 5.0, Nike Free presents five new styles across running and training – the Nike Free 5.0+ and 4.0 in running; the Nike Free TR Breathe for women’s training; and the Nike Free Trainer 5.0 for men’s training.

The idea for Nike Free emerged in 2001, launching years of study, testing and design to make a shoe that delivered the benefits of natural motion while protecting the foot. More than a decade later, the 2013 running shoes retain the well-known flexibility of Nike Free’s articulated outsole, and introduce three new upper designs for enhanced natural motion:

  • Nike Free 5.0+: Dynamic Nike Flywire technology provides secure support without added weight.
  • Nike Free 4.0: Utilizes no-sew overlays and a tongue-wrap fit for stitch-free comfort.
  • Nike Free 3.0: Nike engineered mesh improves fit and breathability with looser patterns where ventilation and stretch are needed and tighter patterns in areas where support is key.

I used to be confused about the various products within the Nike Free range.  But, Nike released the NIKE FREE A-Z to  take us on the journey of how a coach’s insight about natural motion led to a new performance language with the Nike Free.

Nike Frees are available in Nike stores.  SRP: Php 5,295 (for Free 5.0, 4.0 and 3.0, Men’s and Women’s)

Happy Birthday, Rasselle!

Friday, 12 April 2013  |  Bullish Insights

It’s not very often that I get to play cupid. So, when I received an email from runner, Gerry Lita, requesting me to post a surprise greeting for his wife, Rasselle, who he paced during the last TBR Dream Marathon, I gladly obliged.

His note follows below. To Rasselle, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  (And, congratulations for having a hubby who was willing to run 42k for you and tell the world—or at least our running community—how much he loves you!)

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Hi Miss Jaymie,

My wife ran in your race (The Bull Run Dream Marathon) and in days she will be celebrating her birthday (April 17).

I plan to give her a surprise greeting if this will be feasible with you. My plan is if its okay if you post the attached teaser in your Blog.

I want to tell her how much I love her and also the kids. Without her care, passion and tender love for us we will be at lost. I want also to tell her even if we seldom go out just the two of us, she is always in my heart… being treasured every day of my life.

thanks again and best regards,

Gerry Lita

TBR Dream Marathon 2013 Videos…and They’re Star-Studded Too!

Thursday, 14 February 2013  |  News + Promos

We surprised our TBR Dream Marathoners with two videos last night. One was sentimental and touching…

This other one was simply star-studded! (Thank you to friends and teammates Iya Villania and Drew Arellano for shooting this for us! Mwah mwah!)

Get Your Freakin’ Shirts Now!

Wednesday, 13 February 2013  |  Gear + Gadgets

FORTYFREAKINGTWO

2013 Run United Series: Exceed Yourself!

Monday, 21 January 2013  |  Race Announcements

One of the most anticipated races of each year as the Run United races by Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc. This 2013, ULAH and RunRio urge runners to “exceed themselves” and it seems like they’ve done the same promising even bigger and better events.

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– Run United Bloggers’ Night. We’re so many here that even Coach Rio and his hair are hard to find!  Photo: Unilab Active Health –

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO FOR 2013 RUN UNITED SERIES:

1) LONGER DISTANCES

Unilab Active Health and RunRio are now focusing on longer distances.

“We noticed a trend during the previous years’ races that the slots for longer distances get filled up faster. There were instances when we had to open up more slots. So, by focusing on longer distances, we will be able to accommodate more runners,” said Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health.

Coach Rio dela Cruz added: “This is in line with our plan to be part of the growth and journey of Filipino runners. It just goes to prove that the local running community is more mature, that is why we also launched the Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) last year. Filipino runners have leveled up.”

There will be no more 3km category in Run United, but the 500-meter dash for kids will be retained.

2) BETTER SINGLETS

Run United singlets will be using a new moisture-wicking fabric designed to help improve the performance and comfort of the runners.

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– Run United 1 Singlet –

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– Run United 1 Finisher’s Shirt –

3) NEW MEDALS

Just like last year’s medal, this year runners who complete all three races may piece the three medals together like a puzzle. But, the look is now entirely different!

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– The United Medal for those who finish RU1 21k, RU2 21k, and RUPM 42k –

RUN UNITED RACE SCHEDULE AND CATEGORIES:
Run United 1: March 17, 2013 – 5km, 10km and 21km
Run United 2: June 2, 2013 – 10km, 21km, and 32km
Run United Philippine Marathon – October 6, 2013 – 10km, 21km and 42km

For triathletes, Unilab Active Health also offers the duathlon and triathlon events:

TRI UNITED RACE SCHEDULES AND CATEGORIES:
Tri United 1 2013: March 10, 2013, Playa Laiya, Batangas
Tri United 2 2013: July 7, 2013, Playa Laiya, Batangas
Tri United 3 2013: October 26-27, 2013, Subic
Tri United 4 2013: November 24, 2013, Ayala Alabang

DUATHLON
Unilab Active Health Duathlon: September 8, 2013, SCTEX, Clark, Pampanga.

For more details please visit www.unilabactivehealth.com.