Monday 31 October 2011

Nike Lunarglide +3


I have been lucky enough to receive these running shoes to review. I say lucky because I currently run in the previous model, the Lunarglide +2. I've had two pairs of the +2 model previous because I love them a lot so although I was looking forward to putting the +3 to the test, I was also a little apprehensive having been happy with the previous model.

Sometimes a new model of a trainer is not necessary an improvement, and there comes a time when you keep re branding a model, that over the years it becomes a totally different trainer. Take the Nike Pegasus for instance, this is one of Nike's oldest models. If you look at the design when it was originally brought out, it looks and probably performs like a different trainer. Something I need not worry about with the Lunarglide (at the moment!).

My initial thoughts on the Lunarglide +3 as I took them out the box was that I was not so impressed with the new look of the trainer. The new mid foot strap that has been added in my opinion looks ugly but on the positive side holding the trainer, it is still amazingly light for a support trainer.

Putting the trainer on, immediately you notice how comfortable the trainer is underfoot. The new mid foot strap does feel a little tight across the top of the trainer when you lace up, in all it's quite a snug fit. I guess this is down to personal preference and how you like a trainer to feel, I prefer to have a little more room, but having said that, once I got on the run the snugger fit was not a problem and actually felt quite secure and comfortable. A heel-support clip has been added that helps to moderate excessive pronation.

The Lunarlon sole looks a little chunkier than it's predecessor, but again once running any additional support felt beneficial and not a hindrance. The Lunarlon sole is a bit of genius by Nike, light,cushioning and supportive.

I've been out on 3 relatively short runs with these now and have to say they are just as comfortable, if not more so than it's predecessor. The mid foot strap actually works rather than a new gimmick added and with more ventilation than before, overall the updated model is a winner, if not on looks. As with all Nike's trainers they are Nike + ready with a place under the left inner sole to fit the sensor.

Overall Performance 35 out of 40

Cushioning - 9 out of 10, Better cushioning than previous, but still super light.
Comfort - 9 out of 10, Very comfortable on the run.

Flexibility - 8 out of 10, Generally Flexible.

Responsiveness - 9 out of 10, Very High with good movement with the foot.

Saturday 15 October 2011

Virgin London Marathon - British Heart Foundation


Next year I will be running the 2012 London Marathon, which is exciting because a) It's London,one of the worlds major Marathon's and b) It is the Olympics here in the UK, so what a year to be doing this race.

I did not get a ballot place this year but found out a lot earlier that I had gained a place with the British Heart Foundation (BHF). I could not run for a better charity because it will give me a chance to give something back.

In October 2007, my youngest child had to undergo open heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart. A harrowing time for the family but I'm glad to say a huge success thanks to the amazing surgeons and staff of Southampton General hospital. Ideally I would love to give something back directly to them but am doing the next best thing by running for the BHF.

Although 2012 is a great year to be running London it's also going to be, I expect another tough year on people's finances. I need to raise £1500 which is going to be tough in these times we live in.

The easiest way of doing this is if I can get 1500 people to donate to me a single pound. Hopefully I will be able to achieve this and spread the word with the help of readers of the blog and followers on Twitter.

People have already been generous and donated more than this amount and hopefully family,friends and work colleagues will continue to do so, but I would not expect people who I don't know to do the same.

So all I ask of followers of the Blog and Twitter that they can help spread the word and retweet messages etc, to help me achieve this goal.

A massive Thank You in advance!

You can make your donations by clicking on the banner on the right or follow the link: Virgin Money Giving to my page.

Winter Marathon training, here we come!

Er..Maybe double this for my finishing time!

Sunday 2 October 2011

New Balance 1260


This stability shoe has recently taken the Editor's Runners choice award in the Runnersworld Autumn shoe guide, so if you overpronate and have low arches, then this is the trainer for you. In it's previous life this trainer was the 1226, but has been updated with a new heel collar,more pronation support and a more flexible forefoot. Weighing in at 349g (Men's), 285g (Women's) it's up there with the heavier stability shoes on the market.

The first thing I noticed when putting the trainer on was the comfort, the fit was perfect and felt snug around the foot particularly around the upper part of the trainer. I'm not necessary a one brand running man, so I've tried different makes of trainers in the past but this was by far the most comfortable I can remember.

Out on the run the trainer responded well and although the medial support of the trainer was not obtrusive, the chunkier support could be felt, but this is a stability trainer so it needs to be there. I also run in the Nike Lunarglide +2, I don't want to steal the limelight of the 1260 in this review but Nike seem to have created the perfect sole which not only supports well but has taken away the chunkier stability of most other trainers on the market. If I could combine the base of the Lunarglide with the upper of the 1260, then you would have the perfect trainer.

The lacing system, as always with New Balance is brilliant and the grip of the trainer is designed well. Overall a great trainer and easy to see why it went down so well at Runnersworld.

Overall Performance 33 out of 40


Cushioning - 8 out of 10, Plenty of cushioning, firm with medial support.

Comfort - 10 out of 10, Perfect.

Flexibility - 7 out of 10, More flexible in the forefoot.

Responsiveness - 8 out of 10, Good, but chunky mid sole holds it back.