5:30 pace group with (L-R): Rolly Tolentino, Coach Jasper Tanhueco, Me, and Allan Ray Enriquez
Two weekends ago (November 28, 2015), I was privileged to be invited by Nike Philippines for a test run of the newly launched Nike Air Zoom Structure 19. Graced by the Nike+ Run Crew and other running-bloggers, we were able to try first-hand how the 19th version of the Air Zoom Structure felt and performed on a speed training session at the track oval of the University of Makati.
Present at the test run welcoming us were Country Marketing Manager Mr. Patrick Reyes, Field Marketing Executive Ms. Ally Lim, EKIN (Nike Product Expert) Mr. Andro Torres who introduced to us the architecture and technology behind the shoe, and Nike+ Coaches from De La Salle University track team who led each of our group on a short Saturday eve speed session.
Our group was headad by Coach Jasper Tanhueco targeting a pace of 5-minutes 30-seconds per kilometer. We started with a dynamic warmup to prepare ourselves for the speed interval workouts consisting of 2x200-m, 2x400-m, 2x800-m, and a final cool-down lap of 2x400-m for a total of 3.6-km speed training run.
First impression: the Air Zoom Structure 19 is impressively light despite being considered as a stability shoe having loaded with additional cushioning and arch support. Our track speed workout was also the break-in of this shoe so we were able to try how its structure can really deliver without the need for slow-break-in periods. It is comfortable, properly securing the midfoot thus not causing any rubbing and chafing while at the same time its breathability has not been sacrificed.
Despite having zero-kilometers on my personal mileage for the past 5-months prior to the test run, the responsiveness of the Air Zoom Structure 19 felt as if I am still in good shape, if not better. My quads tightened after our 2nd lap for the 2x400-m but I was still able to push on and chase with the group for the remaining and longer laps.
My previous belief is that speed workouts are much better trained with a race flats (performance) running shoes, but with my first experience with the Air Zoom Structure 19, I'm sure it will be at par in giving the needed speed mileage to anyone who needs additional cushioning and support from their running shoes.
The Nike+ Media Run Crew
Read and learn more about the new Air Zoom Structure 19 from Nike Philippines Press Release:NIKE AIR ZOOM STRUCTURE 19: STABILITY AT UNSHAKEABLY HIGH SPEED
At Nike, innovation is the name of the game. Since its early days, Bill Bowerman, a veteran track and field coach himself, worked towards creating the world’s best shoe, apparel, services, and experience for every athlete.
Nike accelerates innovation in running footwear through the new Air Zoom Structure 19—a stability shoe loaded with dynamic support and Nike’s Zoom Air technology to help athletes speed through the lined-up races this season.
The Nike Air Zoom Structure has long been known for its reliable support and responsiveness that keep runners going long and fast. This iteration builds on that tradition with updated, thicker Flywire cables in the midfoot for enhanced lockdown, as well as additional yarn in the Flymesh upper for greater structural support without limiting breathability.
Comfortable support meets increased stability with the triple-density Dynamic Support system that supports the foot as it transitions through footstrike, providing stability when it is needed. The Zoom Structure 19 delivers increased stability with highly responsive cushioning with the Nike Zoom Air forefoot unit for a quick, crisp toe-off.
The difference between the greatest runners and those in their wake is measured in fractions of a second. When dreams are realized in milliseconds, the Zoom Air—Nike’s fastest, most responsive cushioning platform—can change how fast an athlete feels in an instant.
Elite athletes like Mo Farah, Galen Rupp, and locally, Coach Rio Dela Cruz have more in common than their unbelievable speed and unwavering work ethic—when it comes to lacing up, they reach for Nike Zoom Air. The Nike team works closely with the world’s fastest athletes to meet the needs of runners, whether under the global spotlight or everyday runners chasing their personal bests.
Locally, more and more Filipinos are getting into fitness, particularly running. “As race season kicks in, Nike motivates and enables runners to run faster, farther, and further through the new Air Zoom Structure 19. It delivers a fast, snappy, responsive ride that runners don’t fail to notice,” says Country Marketing Manager Patrick Reyes.
Filipinos can run with Nike’s global community of runners through the Nike+ Running App, which acts as a personal running coach, running buddy, and cheering section all in one. It delivers training programs, real-time audio feedback and tools to track and celebrate progress.
Since its inception in 2006, Nike+ Running has helped millions of athletes track, measure and share their runs, encouraging them to run smarter and run more. The Nike+ Running App is free and downloadable via the iTunes App Store and Google Play.
About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brands include Converse, which designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories; and Hurley, which designs and distributes a line of action sports and youth lifestyle apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at http://investors.nike.com and individuals can follow @Nike.
