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The Best Nike LunarEclipse

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The heritage of Nike’s LunarEclipse running shoe dates back only three generations, but I must say that the latest LunarEclipse 3 is the best one to date. Ha, that’s an easy conclusion with so few models. But I have all three LunarEclipses, and the LunarEclipse 3 continues to improve, fixing problems in previous pairs.

UntitledLike there were improvements between the LE1 to LE2, there are more adjustments with the LE3. The LE1 featured Flywire which was ditched for the “fingers” of the LE2. Flywire makes a reappearance on the LE3 and stylishly so as cables for lockdowning your foot.

The toebox is snug like the LE2, and it feels like the LE3 includes stiffer foam under the arches for better crash protecting support. I don’t think the floating heel cup is in the LE3, but it does feature a “heel support clip” (whatever that is). Visually, the off-centered lacing gives the shoe an edginess to it, not following the norm of laces down the midline. I like it. Maybe this asymmetric orientation actually affects performance, maybe it doesn’t, but it definitely looks cool.

The sole of the LE3 looks much the same as the LE2. The flex grooves may be marginally deeper and wider.

Soles look the same
LunarEclipse sole, LE3 (top), LE2 (bottom)

The engineered mesh upper seemingly gives the LE3 less (visible) layers than the LE2. This should help with weight and ventilation.

Toe box
Engineered mesh of LE3 (left)

As a runner who needs support both in the arches and heel, the LunarEclipse 3 provides an excellent combination. The LunarEclipse is now my running shoe of choice with its great balance of support, lightness, and comfort.

More pictures of the LunarEclipse 3 and comparisons with the LunarEclipse 2.

I’m a Liar with No Will Power

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There I was in the beginning of November ready to contain my kicks buying bender. I had everything I needed kicks-wise with my latest addition of a Roshe Run. I needed no more kicks for 2012. Then Black Friday came. Nike online features a clearance section as always, but couple that discount with an additional Black Friday 25% off and free shipping.

I didn’t stand a chance, succumbing to temptation and picking up a pair of Nike LunarGlide 4. But at 50% of the going cost.

nicholas-goda1

I Am Nicholas Goda??

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Apparently in the realm of Nike+, I’m known as Nicholas Goda. But then again, so are a few other runners.

After upgrading the Nike+ Running iOS app to version 4.0, my profile quietly messed up. While my nickname, icon/avatar, and email address remained the same, I took on the running identity of Nicholas Goda. I’m not 5-10 at 175 pounds. Though not shown here, Nicholas does own a fair amount of shoes.

Logging out of the app and logging back in seemed to have restored my proper identity, but now I’m having issues syncing runs with Nike+.

Nike Zoom Structure Is For Me

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I can’t deny it. Nike’s Structure line of running shoes is for me. No matter what other Nikes I experiment with, I always come back to the Structure. I used to run in the Moto but moved up to the more supportive Structure line. I’ve had the 12, the 14, and recently, picked up the discounted 15. Darn Zappos for telling me about these shoes!!

I guess my flat feet need the stability provided by these shoes. I wasn’t completely sold on this wolf grey colorway, but in person, they’re not bad. And you know you can get away with the most outlandish, gaudy shoes while running. In fact, it’s expected!

Did I Not Blog the LunarEclipse?

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Looks like I completely missed blogging about my Nike LunarEclipse+ 2 running shoes.

I got them in March after reading rave reviews online. Sadly, these just ain’t for me. They do feel hella good, but there isn’t enough support for my fallen arches. I tried changing up my running style, using the balls of my feet and reducing my heel strikes, but I’m not quite there. I can feel how the LunarEclipse is more suited to this gait, but it doesn’t come natural to me. When I’m not concentrating, I can feel my heel striking the pavement. Overtime, this shock is starting to affect my knees and shins. The discomfort comes and goes, but I think prolonged running in these will eventually lead to persistent pain. I may split my runs with different shoes to see if that helps.

I do like walking in them as with the original LunarEclipse. I gotta say that there are improvements in the LunarEclipse 2. There’s less wiggle room with a smaller toebox. The FlyWire didn’t do enough to shape the LE1 to my foot. The customized fit system and its “fingers” in the LE2 do a much better job. BUT, it’s odd to feel the fingers. I noticed that recent Nike Free Run shoes feature the customized fit system but covers up the fingers so they don’t directly touch your feet. The floaty-ness of the heel cup is no longer noticeable in the LE2. I kinda like and don’t like the floating cup in the LE1.

Style wise, the LunarEclipse 2 is eye-popping and beats the look of the LunarEclipse 1 any day. And for that, I’ll keep these LunarEclipses around.

Nike Zoom Structure Triax 14+

Ready to Run

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Loving my Zappos-bought Nike Zoom Structure Triax+, the 14th edition of this stability running shoe. I’ve owned and run in a few Triax over the years so my feet were accustomed to the shoes’ shape and feel. Right out of the box, I could comfortably run in them without needing a break in period.

This 14th version adds FlyWire to provide additional stiffness and support without adding weight or bulk to the shoe. And for running shoes, these actually look pretty good, especially with the high contrast white and grey laces.

Zappos Powered by Service

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It’s 2011, and only now have I made my first purchase on Zappos.com. Was in the market to replace worn out running shoes and took a look at Nike.com and Footlocker.com. Then I went to Zappos and found the same shoe, the Nike Zoom Structure Triax 14 with no tax and free shipping. So I placed my order on Sunday night.

On Thursday, the off-roading mail carrier came by with a Zappos box in hand. I must say, the Zappos box is enchanting. It’s a regular cardboard box but check out the adornments reiterating the Zappos way.

Powered by Service
Next day shipping (but not to Hawaii)
Be Humble

I Slowed Down in 2010

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According to Nike+, I slowed down in 2010.  For the year, I ran 179 miles but 286 in 2009. Here’s a comparison between 2009 and 2010.

What’s with the slowdown? A look at my monthly breakdown of runs might help.

Now I remember. In April and May, I had some medical work done so I didn’t run for awhile.  In June, I went on an epic trip.  Not sure what happened in August.  Maybe I got sick?  October was just a tough time.  All that plus I got a stationary bike to ride on so that probably stole away some runs.

But overall, I did achieve the “blue” status in Nike+ surpassing 620 miles run.

Looking for an iPod Touch 2G Armband

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Since I seriously think my customized iPod Nano is really, really zapped, I’m looking at using an iPod Touch, 2nd generation, during my runs. The Touch is much bigger than the Nano, and it does support the Nike+ running sensor and the new Nike+ GPS app (sans the GPS part for a Touch).

Now I need to find an armband for running. This Belkin DualFit armband looks okay and has good reviews.

Hmmm, I got my Nano in September 2007 and before that, a Shuffle in August 2005. Now in September 2010, my Nano is flailing. What’s with the months of August and September and faltering iPods?

I’m Blue!

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My Nike+ system just let me know that I’m blue, the blue running level that is. I’ve surpassed 620 miles of running, going from level green to level blue. Next up is level purple at 1553(!) miles then level black at over 3107 miles.

Here’s the movie clip that greeted me when signing into Nike+ online.

This calls for a reward! Maybe some Civil Beat-inspired kicks?

First Run in Awhile

It’s been close to 5 weeks since I last ran so who knew what this first run would be like. According to Nike+, I ran 2.28 miles in 22 minutes and 23 seconds (that’s 9’48” per mile) and used my Power Song on the home stretch. Felt pretty good though the legs are little wobbly now. I’m sure it’ll be worse tomorrow.

Did Perseus Have Blistered Feet?

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Is that how Perseus felt riding atop the winged Pegasus? I surely doubt it, but for me, I am getting blisters from running in my new Nike Air Pegasus 26+ shoes. I’m hoping this is just part of the break in process.

With the 26th model, the Pegasus line has a long history of running, and it is a no frills runner’s shoe with the right amount of tech in the right places, no more, no less.

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