espnW

I just received this thank-you note from espnW regarding an essay I wrote to them for a competition. Thanks so much espnW! I just love that they cared enough to recognize my efforts and acknowledge me as a fan. It just goes to show that when you follow your heart and write about something you truly care about good things happen. I hope to someday be involved in an organization as focused on advancing women and sports as espnW.

If you haven't checked out their website head on over to espnw.com. Their website focuses on women and sports and is a great resource for fans and industry professionals to keep up on current trends and live scores. They also have a twitter account and you can follow them and get up to date scores as well as motivational quotes. Check it out today. 

Core Power

Fear often stops me from trying new things, but lately I have been pushing myself out of my comfort zone in the realm of fitness. I just recently joined a new gym and tried out my first class tonight. I was a bit timid at first, especially when everyone else seemed to know each other, but as I warmed up to the class I began to thoroughly enjoy myself. I felt energized and amped to be learning new moves and lifting weights in ways more challenging than usual.

For 60 minutes I was free to just follow along and be the new kid. Tomorrow I will be hitting the mat with a yoga class and then friday I have a tennis evaluation and will be joining a league soon. I have never felt better and more energized than I do now and I know that each time I try something new I will grow into a stronger and better person.

What are you doing to try new things. Get yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things, you will be so glad you did. 

Ekin

My dream job is to work for Nike and I just found the perfect job for me. Becoming a Nike "Ekin." This job sounds amazing! The idea behind this job is to be a wealth of Nike knowledge and to impart that knowledge to sales associates and Nike enthusiasts everywhere. I can't imagine a better job for me. The only problem, the limited number of jobs like this available. So far I have found one posting and it is for North Carolina, unfortunately I can't move my husband and I out to NC for this, but if one ever comes open in the Sacramento/Bay Area I will be sure to apply.

I've been following Nike since I was 10 years old and even wrote down my goal to work for them at that young age. I have never veered from this dream and continue seeking out opportunities. I have merchandised Nike socks through Winston Retail Solutions, a private merchandising company, been a Nike Fit Model through Sports Unlimited Talent Agency, and participated in numerous contests on NikeWomen, finishing in the top 10 for the Nike Field Reporter competition. Currently I am a Nike Product Tester and enjoy every minute of testing Nike tennis products and offering my feedback. Unfortunately none of these jobs have turned into full time Nike opportunities.

With everything that I have done, I know that someday I will realize my dream and I will never quit seeking out opportunities to work for this amazing company. My passion can't be matched and all I need is that one great opportunity, because when it comes I will be there to seize it. Nike, here I come!

Calm after the Storm

It's been a week since the completion of my marathon. As I got out of bed this morning I rejoiced as my body had finally recovered from the strain of 26.2 miles of running. The kitchen chairs which were once my nemesis now have become my refuge and the ibuprofen has finally found it's way back to the shelf. I will resume cross training monday and know my body will be thanking me for the much needed yoga and stretching workout I will do to regain my flexibility.

I have been rejoicing in my success and now feel inspired to begin training for another marathon. Perhaps someday I will be able to qualify for Boston. The training will be intense, but after achieving so much this year athletically I know that anything is possible. 

NWM 26.2

This past Sunday I completed my first marathon. It took me 4 hours and 35 minutes, but it was so much fun! For my first marathon I chose the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. I was lucky enough to be chosen in the lottery and was one of the 20,000 strong women (and a few men) who enjoyed this weekend together. Nike really knows how to put on an event. Every activity they had was amazing. Nike brought in Olympic runner Kara Goucher, my personal hero, to motivate and inspire us before the race. They also had excellent trainers there, Jay Blahnik and Marie Purvis (NikeGetFit). I was even able to participate in a live Nike Training Club session with Marie. It was amazing, Marie is so inspirational.

Sunday morning I lined up with 20,000 others and took off across San Francisco at 7:00am! The run was beautiful with views of the city, fisherman's wharf, the ocean, through the park and around Lake Merced. I was doing well until about mile 20, then my legs started to falter, but I kept going. Nike's power songs, food and water breaks, and all of the spectators cheering me on kept me running to the finish. Once I crossed that line I felt so fulfilled, and as I claimed my Tiffany's finisher necklace, finisher t-shirt and post race snacks I realized that I was now part of an elite group.

I am a marathoner and no one can ever take that away! Thank you Nike for making this such a great event, I hope to be a part of it next year!

Free Yourself

This past weekend I had the privilege of participating in a Taekwondo tournament. I was nervous for the performance and competition, but this was something I had dreamed about for a while. This tournament was big, nationals and I was expecting a lot from myself. After waiting for hours while the other participants finished, my division was finally called. I gave it my all, performing my form as I had practiced and then dominating the sparring portion. I surprised myself with my ability to use the skills I have been practicing over the past year to achieve first place in this competition for sparring. My long legs definitely helped, but most of all it was my confidence that got me through. My training finally paid off. I hope that next weekend when I participate in my first marathon I can rely on my training, skills and perseverance to get through it and achieve a personal best performance.

Nike Women's Marathon

The Nike Women's Marathon is coming up very soon. I can hardly wait. On October 16th I will be an official marathoner! I couldn't be more excited. It's been a long journey with training, injuries, and a marriage, but I finally made it. While I didn't reach my final training goal due to a knee injury, I know that I will complete this race and be better prepared for my next one. I can't imagine a better first race either. It has always been my dream to work for Nike and running this race will give me more information on how Nike runs events outside of their apparel and shoe sales. If you haven't yet trained for an event or a race I encourage you to set a goal and go for it. There is no better feeling than achieving a goal. So get out there and start training today!