When I got the invite for an epic mystery run with Nike to launch their new Lunarglide 6 running shoe, I was understandably excited, but also a bit nervous. I had stitches in my leg from a melanoma surgery a week before, but once I had clearance from the nurse, I felt completely committed to doing it for personal achievement. I used to run years ago at school and off and on since but haven’t for a while, so I was anxious about whether I was fit enough. Luckily, the shoe was so comfortable that I immediately felt at home in them and I’m sure they propelled me to run better.
I arrived with 18 other media, bloggers, and some serious well-known NZ personalities who all looked uber fit (which is apt as they arrived in Uber taxis) at Sofitel Auckland.
From there on, it was a series of surprises and delight that made the event of my highlights of the year. My suite had a view overlooking the central water fountain which was lit up with a giant Nike logo when the hotel candles were all lit. It was a real aaah moment to see. On my bed was a Nike backpack with Lunarglide shoes in my size and running kit of tights, singlet, longsleeve top, and jacket. A-ma-zing.
Back in the foyer, we were briefed and told to return at 6pm for a healthy Paleo dinner by Nick Honeyman who has recently joined the Sofitel as Chef. The food was incredible and the coconut custard meringue tasted a lot naughtier than it was, as the whole thing was gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
The spoiling didn’t end there, though – upon returning to our rooms, we all found a relaxation gift of Ecoya candle and matches to burn while having Epsom bath salts in a hot bath. Incredible. I ran a bath, it would be rude not to. This was all getting pretty damn tough to take, I tell you.
At 6am the next morning, we gathered in the hotel foyer to find out about our day. We were led off to a mystery destination, boarding a two-storey, 65 foot luxury private launch in the Auckland harbour. A launch on a launch! I thought to myself.
The sun wasn’t even up yet as they raised the Viaduct Bridge to let our launch through, and we rounded North Head off Devonport as the sun rose. That was stunning. Our destination was now made known: Waiheke Island.
Below: Ready to run: Richie Hardcore, Dai Henwood, and Ido Drent and everyone warm up before the Waiheke 10km run.
I ran the uphill bush trail and downhill road track route in my new Lunarglide 6s, their most stable and cushioned shoe yet. The name had me thinking about Michael Jackson’s moonwalk every time I heard the words ‘lunar and glide’ but it was in fact named after astronauts’ weightless walks. I especially liked the way the entire shoe tightens around one’s foot when the laces are tightened, due to the flywire adaptive fit.
Here’s me at the end of the run, below. (Photo by Olivia Boswell.) I felt on a high of endorphins as I ran in and high-fived the finishing line team. I did 8.41 minute mile times, and I am going to use that time as a goal to better my own times, and try to do 8 minute miles, and then 7.5 minutes as I improve. I also recommend using the Nike+ Running fee phone app, as it tells you everything about your run, route and pace times, which is fascinating stuff (to me, maybe not necessarily to share on social media. But you can do.)
The Lunarglide 6 is available now for $220 at selected Nike retailers. The woman’s has pink and the men’s, orange. They also come in a black shoe. Call 0508 478 478 for stockists.
Megan Robinson
19th July 2014
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