Nike LunarGlide+

Nike unveils a new running shoe in Boston

Earlier today in Boston, Nike introduced the Nike LunarGlide+, a new lightweight running shoe with an innovative mid-sole design architecture called Dynamic Support, a patent-pending system which adapts to a runner’s gait with each step, providing superior cushioning and as-needed stability. Nike is calling the LunarGlide+ “the next game changing innovation for runners.”

Leslie Lane, global vice president and general manager for Nike running and Phil McCartney, global footwear product director for Nike running, unveiled the new shoe during a media presentation at 21 Dry Dock Ave.

“All runners are different and therefore need specific solutions,” said McCartney. ”The new Nike LunarGlide+ featuring the Dynamic Support system responds with cushioning and stability so runners will no longer have to compromise. Runners will experience a ride which is specific to them and how they run, even as their gait changes throughout a run.”

The Nike LunarGlide+ will be available globally beginning July 1, 2009.

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A real long distance call

RunKeepr i-Phone application

Jason Jacobs, a Boston-based entrepreneur, is the founder of the company behind RunKeeper, an iPhone GPS fitness tracking application for runners and cyclists that has been downloaded more than 325,000 times since August and featured heavily by Apple in their iPhone ads.

Jacobs partnered with a team of undergrads from Emerson College as part of a social media class, they came up with the idea of having Jacobs run the Boston Marathon dressed in a giant iPhone costume.

Check out the filming the process of pulling the campaign together here.

Look for Jacobs running along the course tomorrow.

I have run the Boston Marathon a few times and every time Boston offers a new challenge! My first Boston was in almost 90 degree heat and I was also out there for the “Nor’easter” two years ago. My favorite was the year of the Americans with Meb, Brian Sell, and Culpepper all finishing in the top 5! It might also be because I finished well that year and the weather was perfect!

So, obviously there are many different challenges that can show up on April 20! No way to know right now what the weather will be but there are many other factors that can make or break your race day! Have you practiced taking water and/or fueling? Have you found your race shoe yet and broken it in? Have you done the same with regards to your race day outfit? These small details can absolutely guide your race in one direction or another.

Suggestions...

1. Fueling -- At this point you probably have at least one long run left if not two. Practiced taking fluids in during the run and also make sure your “fuel source” is agreeing with your stomach. You don’t want to find out on race day that you don’t respond well to the Gu you bought at the expo the day before. Practice a few times and get your body used to the process.

2. Shoes -- Most people have an idea of what shoe is working for them by this point. If you are running Boston you are most likely not a newbie to the sport and hopefully you have been properly fitted for your footwear by a specialist. No make the mistake of changing shoes the days before or trying to break in a new pair during the race. Get at least 2 weeks of running in your marathon shoes before the race.

3. Race outfit -- Sounds funny but it’s important. Make sure you have run at least one long run in your race outfit so that you know for sure if there are any chaffing spots or other issues that can cause discomfort. Moisture transfer tops will keep you dry and warm and lessen the chaffing, so they are your best bet.