The Nike Lunar Glide and the Botak 100
July 11, 2009
Several weeks ago our good friends from Nike Philippines invited members of the Second Wind to test out the new Nike Lunar Glide however due to the heavy rains, our test run was postponed. Due to the busy schedule, I wasn’t able to attend the next scheduled test run. After which almost every week runners have been writing a lot of positive things about the Lunar Glide. Runners enjoyed the massive cushioning, versatility, attractive orange color and also the advance fitting system. Finally I was able to have the time to test this much talked about shoes and write some of my impressions.
A few weeks before the Botak 100km ultra marathon, I decided to check out the race route and gather as much information as I can. As a race director I want to know more about the course the team designed. Overall I really don’t want to leave anything to chance, this was the first ultra marathon race in Metro Manila. One weekend I woke up real early to run the Commonwealth, U.P. Diliman and Marikina course. It was my first long run after the North Face 100km trail run. I strapped on my TNF hydration pack and my lunar glide shoes, and was out of the house, looking like an orange neon sign. That early morning I was really bored and exhausted to run the course but, testing the lunar made me excited about the run ahead. Nothing gets me excited with running than testing gears and checking out new race course.
It was a bit hard running in Commonwealth all alone in the wee hours of the morning, with a headlamp and a blinker and brightly colored outfit. I noticed several problems which involved fast cars and the long jeep and taxi lines. To solve this I decided to create a mobile blockade for the runners, roughly one or two marshals in every intersection and a police escort for the runners. While taking notes, I forgot all about that this run was also about field testing. The Lunar Glide felt like running shoes that I have been using for the longest time. The Lunar Glide preformed brilliantly out of the box without any serious problems with break in so far. The shoe collar was very soft and provided a snug fit, while providing enough support. The upper material was very soft and breathable without sacrificing protection and stability. What I like most about it was a quite roomy toe box which a lot of runners will appreciate during long runs. The black material keeps it clean simple, while the color orange creates a light and fast running shoes. You’ll be tempted to sprint and do speed workouts with this shoes, while at the same time do long runs.
Crossing the 35km mark I was on my way back to U.P. Diliman and so far my orange shoes are still in tip top shape. What I liked about the Lunar Glide is the thick sole protecting my feet as well as my knees. Traction was excellent and the weight is barely noticeable. Lunar glide is stable all through out the course. It was breathable, and roomy but the advance fit secured my feet to my shoes. The sun was slowly showing itself, and I was on my way to Marikina, it was a hot day but this is the only time I can test the course.
Lunar Glide, was amazing in the down hills going to Loyola Grand Villas. It gripped well on the road while providing a stable platform for my feet. It’s a bit higher than other shoes, raising the center of gravity, which for some might be difficult for cornering. Nearing 50km mark, my feet were still okay, and I haven’t experienced any hot spots or blisters. Leading to Marikina, I sprinted several times testing if the shoes can be used on sprints and speed workouts. Main reason for my sprints, I was really hungry and badly needed to use the bathroom.
In General Ordronez, and Champaca, I was already losing steam, my feet were getting a bit warm and the sun is not making things easeir. The road going to Champaca, was really long and steep, I started to rethink If I should include this part of the course. After reaching the top I realized it will be a good challenge for the 100km runners, and gives a unique character to the Marikina stage. Straight out of the box, Lunar Glide was still doing well, wish I could say the same to my legs.
Reaching the Marikina River banks, I started to walk and take down notes. I noticed that the Lunar Glide was doing well despite the fact I was using different running styles. In the first part, I was a bit fast for security reasons and in the Marikina portion I was just doing a base run since I was exhausted. In the last part going back to U.P. I was already walking. It is my belief the Lunar Glide can accommodate different type of runners, as long as you keep your distance and mileage to a minimum.
It was already way past lunch time, and I decided to head back home. Exhausted as expected but happy and content. I was able to gather lots of information of the course but most of all I was able to run and walk another ultra marathon. Overall the shoes preformed brilliantly, cushioning and support was sufficient. Amazing colors and the shoes were nimble and light.
The Lunar Glide, is a brilliant shoe much like my green Nike Lunar. What I like about the shoes is it can be used by almost anyone. Actually I would like to recommend it to people who are just starting to try the sport of running. I consider the Lunar Glide as “fun shoes”, the funky and attractive colors will definitely spark anyone’s interest to run. This shoe introduces people to the world of running. The design features are clean and straight forward, which doesn’t intimidate newbie’s to the sport. Seeing the Lunar Glide out of the box that morning, affirmed my interest to test run the Botak 100 course. I was lazy and complacent the morning of the run, but seeing the Lunar Gide with its bright orange design made me smile and sparked my interest to run another ultra. The Lunar Glide encourages people to run and give them another reason to try the sport of running.
Final words, this is a great shoe for anyone who wants to explore the world of running. For those who are long time runners, this might be a hit or miss for you. The cushioning might be too much or you might require more protection. Out of the box, doing an ultra, last time I did this was testing the green Lunar’s and TNF Arnuva 50 Boa. For those people who just wants to run and doesn’t want to be bothered with the technicalities of running shoes, the Lunar glide is a serious contender. It’s attractive design and uncompromising cushioning and performance, encourages anyone to start running.
Keep on running see you in the starting lines.
Neville Manaois
Team Principal
Pinoy Ultra Runners
