Eat Healthy

It's so important to eat healthy. These last few weeks have been tough, but I think i've handled the sweets rush quite well. As you're thinking about your goals for the new year make clean eating one of them.

My eat healthy lunch for the day.

Garden Greens Sandwich:

Cucumber slices
Tomato slices
Artichoke hearts
Spinach
Spring mix
Hummus spread
Sun-dried Tomato pesto spread
Two slices whole grain bread

Pair this sandwich with an apple (my favorite are honeycrisp apples) for the ultimate power punch and to help fill you up!

Delicious and nutritious!

Personal Trainer Benefits

Often it's hard enough to afford a gym membership, let alone personal training sessions. I know I don't have extra money to spend on weekly personal trainer sessions, but I recently had the opportunity to have a session with one of the trainers at my gym and I was pleasantly surprised.

The trainer I spoke to was incredibly knowledgable and had many new exercises and ideas to share with me about training. He listened to my goals and created a training program to help me improve my tennis game. I loved being able to tap into someone else's knowledge and learn more about training and improving my body.

Here are some options if you are thinking about getting a second opinion on your training goals:

• Set up one or two sessions with a trainer at your gym so that you can get new exercises to do and apply their suggestions to your current routine.
• Check out the many exercise apps for your phone, ipad, or tablet. My favorite is the Nike Training Club app for iphone. It is like having a personal trainer in your pocket. It provides workouts and video demonstrations so you can see the exercise they are asking you to do and gauge your form. And best of all, it's free!

• Check out a few classes at your gym like strength training or TRX classes to give you new moves to work on in your personal workouts.
• Get a workout buddy and plan different workouts with each other. Alternate days in which you each plan a workout and teach each other different exercises. 

Remember to keep mixing up your workouts and teaching your body new drills every few weeks so you keep your body guessing and keep those muscles growing. Good luck and happy training! 

Hydration Questions Answered

Often when I see people at the gym working out they are toting their traditional sports drink alongside them. I admit I have done this as well, but before you go out and spend a fortune on the newest gatorade or electrolyte drink take these points into consideration.

1. Sports drinks are loaded with extra sugar and calories that you do not need, in fact, if you are working out less than an hour or at a low intensity water will be just fine and much better for your body. After all, do you really want to reverse all the progress you made with your workout by replenishing those calories from sugar in your sports drink?
2. If you are working out longer than an hour or at a high intensity a sports drink may be necessary because water alone cannot replace the sodium you are losing. 
3. Sports drinks taste better than water so you will be more likely to hydrate yourself during the workout.

Alternatives to sports drinks are:

• Traditional water - for shorter, less intense workouts
• Coconut water - packed with 5 essential electrolytes and as much potassium as a banana, coconut water can rehydrate as well as the leading sports drink without the sugar and calories. It tastes great too! (I recommend VitaCoco). 
• Lemon water - if you like your water flavored but don't need the extra calories 

As always, it is up to you to gauge the intensity and needs of your body during a workout, but if you want to cut down on extra calories try one of the alternatives. You just might find that you like it!

Fitness Staycation

Staying active after Christmas is sometimes harder than it should be. When I start to feel the slow downward pull of the post Christmas blues I know that is when I need to go to the gym the most. This coming week I am taking a fitness vacation. I am trying classes at the gym that I normally couldn't take because I am at work and jumpstarting my New Years resolution fitness goals.

What have I learned so far:

1. Spin class is no joke and is a total body workout. I was huffing and puffing halfway through this class and I loved every minute of it. I burned 450 calories in a one hour class. Also, Spin is  a low impact class that provides a killer calorie burn. Definitely worth trying. 
2. Yoga class can provide my body with a challenge unlike any other fitness challenge I have experienced and it is definitely a new staple for my gym experience. I recently had an injury due to decreased mobility and am doing yoga to get back to running soon. I am already feeling more flexible. 
3. Weight training classes can provide me with that extra push to lift a little more and introduce new moves that I can work into my personal weight training routine. 
4. While I always looked at group classes with a bit of skepticism, I now realize the benefits of sharing fitness with a group of other like minded fitness fanatics. It is motivating as well as challenging. 

I challenge you to try a new class at the gym. You'll feel the benefits right away, it is a great cross-training opportunity and you can get some great instruction and ideas without paying the high fee for a personal training session.

Holiday Exercises for the Family

This is me after a trail hike sporting my Nike gear! 

The holidays have arrived and sometimes it is hard to fit in a trip to the gym when relatives from across the country are crashing on your living room floor. This year turn your exercise time into time with the family. Here are some fun activities to do with you family and friends that will get you moving without feeling like exercise. 

1. Go on a hike through the woods, or go on a trail run. Not only will this up your heart rate and burn off those Christmas cookies and holiday parties, but it is also a great way to relax the mind and body. Nature has a way of healing the soul and a brisk walk through the woods may be just the thing you need to get your mind off crazy aunt Gertrude and back into the Christmas spirit.

2. Go sledding. Trudging through snow and climbing up and down hills is a MAJOR calorie burn. So grab the kids and some inner tubes and head for the nearest snow covered hill. You'll be having a blast in no time! Only an hour could torch up to 600 calories!

3. Take a few extra laps around the mall when finishing up your Christmas shopping. You'll feel better about yourself once your heart is pumping and you will be less likely to stop in the chocolate shop if your are speed walking by rather than merely taking a stroll and window shopping. 

4. Do 10 jumping jacks and squats in the fitting room in between trying on clothes. Every small movement counts and this is an easy place to get in a few quick leg strengthening drills. Plus it'll make you feel like you have earned your purchases because of all your hard work.

5. Do lunges around the kitchen while baking. Every time you take a dish out of the cupboard or go to the oven lunge your way there, you'll be surprised how quick you feel the burn! Tired of  lunges, then power press your rolling pin over your head. It's your kitchen, make up a workout...squats while mixing, back kicks, it's up to you! (Just be careful of sharp objects and be aware of the space around you)

I hope you are all with family and friends this Christmas and enjoying yourselves. Merry Christmas everyone, I hope these simple tips helped. Let me know if you did any of them and how they turned out in the comments below! 

Nike Brand Marketing

Nike does all the right things in Brand Marketing. They sell a feeling, a state of being, in essence they sell soul. In everything they set out to do they think of the athlete first. They product test their new designs on many product testers, sometimes thousands of product testers before they let them hit the shelves. I was lucky enough to be one of these testers and have experienced Nike's commitment to excellence in their products. They are always striving to be more, to achieve more and to make a better product for their athletes, whether professional or simply a consumer.

Some people say that I am obsessed with Nike and I would have to agree with them to some extent. I think I am more obsessed with what they represent. Nike represents everything that I hope to embody in myself. I am always striving to become a better version of myself, always working harder to try to become more.

Success is not measured by how many times you failed, but by the result of you trials and errors. Success comes as a result of working hard every day, of always pushing for more. Nike is just one brand that stands out above the rest because of their global presence. Nike has embraced social media, immerses itself in college and professional sports, and focuses campaigns on improving an athletes performance rather than on their product. Isn't that what it is really about? Nike would have achieved nothing if they didn't back up their promises to athletes to constantly be striving for more. Nike practices what they preach in every way possible and I hope that I do the same.

I'd be lying if I didn't say that it is my career goal to work for Nike and become one of these game changers. I know that I have the passion and the knowledge of Nike and their culture to succeed, it's just a matter of always striving for my best and getting that first chance. Someday I will be proud to walk their Beaverton campus and work towards achieving a better tomorrow for athletes everywhere. Until then, I'll keep on running, running towards my goal.

Nike ID

Customization is awesome! I love that Nike has so many different items that you can customize at NikeId.com. They even have a NikeID iphone app!!! I can't imagine a better way to personalize your own athletic gear and really make something fun and motivating for yourself to workout in.

From shoes, to shirts, to bags. At NikeId you can customize almost anything Nike makes. What a great Christmas present. I know I would live to get something customized for me. Whether you want to include your jersey number, life motto, or name. Whatever you choose, Nike can make it for you.

I think the coolest feature is being able to customize your shoes. You can pick the colors, style, and then add a saying to the tongue of the shoe or to the heel. Nike has given the creativity to you. You are the designer and you pick what you want.

I hope there is a shoebox sized package under the tree this year for me!

Nike Women's Half Marathon

Nike had a great idea with this one. What better idea is there than to give the gift of fitness? Now you can gift your running friends the chance to participate in the Nike Women's Virtual Half-Marathon taking place on January 15. All you have to do is sign up online and then sync a run with your nike+ enabled device totaling 13.1 miles. Best of all, 25% of your entry fee goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and will make a difference in many lives.

To gift this amazing race to your favorite Nike athlete just go to the Nike+NHM Gifting page and sign her (or him) up! This race can be run anywhere and with anyone. So recruit your friends, recruit your relatives, maybe even recruit some enemies, this race is just too good to pass up.

Oh, and every finisher gets a Hurley Finishers bracelet! How fun is that?

What do you Run to Be? Come race with me on January 15, 2012 and find out. 

Yoga is for Everyone

I am NOT flexible. I never have been and probably never will be able to do the splits, so until about a month ago I never felt like I would make a good yogi. Alas, thank goodness for a moment of inspiration, those super cute yoga mats and the courage to try a new class because now I am hooked!

Yoga is such an amazing workout. I never thought that even at such a rudimentary level such as my own, I would feel the burn. Not to mention how much looser and more relaxed I feel after every class. Yoga truly is a great exercise for anyone, the flexible and the inflexible.

The great thing about yoga is that it is a personal journey that only you can take. It is your journey to center yourself and to work towards achieving your goals. My number one goal is to become more flexible and I think with regular practice I will be able to achieve this.

I started my yoga journey with a yoga dvd, then worked up to the Leah Kim yoga workout on the Nike Training Club app for iphone, and now I have started going to a regular yoga class at my gym. Sometimes it just takes a spark to light a fire and this new yogi is all in! Also, a special thanks to Jenae at YogaEatRun for her yoga blog post that helped push me towards taking a class, and for her ever inspiring attitude!

Are you a yoga fanatic? What inspired you to start? And if you have never tried yoga before I dare you to sign up for a class. You won't regret it.

Travel Friendly Holiday Fitness Tips

The best holidays are those where you don't leave your exercise routine behind. I have included a few tips for essential items to take with you when traveling for the holidays (or to add to your Christmas list) to keep you fit and healthy all through the holidays!

Nike Legend Slim Training Pant. $70 Nike.com

These pants are by far the best I have ever worn, they fit amazingly well around the back-side and don't bunch up or show off unnecessary skin while performing complex movements. By far my favorite pant! Plus, they are part of Nike's Better World campaign and are made out of at least 10 recycled water bottles! 

 Nike Victory Shape Sports Top. $37.97 at Nike.com

This Tank is so versatile, it is perfect for yoga, has enough support that it can be used for running and comes in great neutral colors for the holidays. It comes in an amazing stretch fabric and would even be perfect layered under your favorite hooded sweatshirt while traveling on the plane!

Nike Yogirl Pilates/Yoga Mat. $51.97 at Nike.com

This mat is perfect for travel and you will be able to still do your favorite workouts in either yoga or pilates because of the thicker mat. It has excellent grip and can easily be wiped down after a hot yoga session. 

Nike Plus Sport Watch GPS. $199  at Nike.com

This watch is perfect for all your runs while traveling and is small enough to be worn daily or thrown into your bag for easy access later. It tracks your miles, calories, records, and laps. It is the perfect way to keep logging those miles and burning calories even when away from the gym.

Nike LunarGlide 3+.  $100 Nike.com

My absolute favorite running shoes. I ran my first marathon in my Lunarglide's and they felt amazing the whole 26.2 miles. These shoes have just the right amount of cushioning and stability to be perfect for running long distances. 

Monica Standard Bag. $175 at Nike.com

This is by far the best gym bag I have come across, it has high quality construction with real metal hardware, leather accents, a yoga mat strap, multiple pockets, a shoe bag, two large compartments, a side compartment, a lined zipper pocket for jewelry and delicate items, and comes in a color to match your training outfits. It is even stylish enough to use as a carry-on for the plane. My top recommendation! 

Nike Training Club App.  Free for ipod touch, ipad and iphone

This is my on-the-go workout buddy and personal trainer. I can't think of a better workout program that provides the same variety and instruction that this app does. It talks you through the exercises, has three levels of difficulty and allows you to choose between cardio, strength and toning. It was created by Nike Master Trainer Marie Purvis and is the best app for travel since you can do the exercises with or without equipment. I have completed over 4500 minutes of training with this app and take it everywhere I go. I love it and I know you will too! 

Running and Nike+

The great thing about running is that it is one of the only sports that you can do whenever and wherever you are. You can run in the daytime, at night, on a treadmill, on a track, at a field, on the sidewalk...I never run out of places to run. Thanks to nike running now I can track all my runs via GPS with their sport-watch and Nike+ gadgets.

I love the ease of use Nike puts into their GPS products and the simplicity of their website. In a way, their approach to outfitting the athlete is the same as my approach to running. It is simplistic, yet can bring you more joy than anything, and is always something you can count on. I love my new Nike+ sport-watch and can't imagine running without it now. It is so accurate and pushes me to go further every run.

Nike has given me top notch shoes, clothes, and accessories to turn my ordinary runs into exceptional runs. Nike began with running and so it is fitting that they have transformed the running community into what it is today.

Check out Nike Running on Facebook and follow @nikerunning on twitter for up to date news and motivational tips from their global running community!

Ads That Inspire

Click on the image to enlarge print.

Marketing is my passion and Nike pretty much encompasses everything that I dream a great marketer can do. They have managed to make me an unconditional believer in their product and in myself. Their ads are inspiring, empowering, and tastefully done. They show such raw athleticism and incredible talent. They inspire me to always strive for more.

The advertisement above is one of many that is focused on women and they are all so inspiring to me. Nike took an aspect of the body, like the arm, thigh, butt, and made an advertisement that praises muscles. They took beauty from a place of skinny, anorexic models and made beauty become a toned body, an athlete's body.

I grew up with these ads and they helped to shape my life in such a positive way. I will never apologize for being strong or athletic. Being able to keep up with the boys will never be something I am afraid of and I will rock this body because I worked for it! What ads inspire you?

Nike Free TR Fit

After weeks of perusing websites, trying on shoes, and going back and forth between all the shoe options out there, I finally settled on a pair of Nike Free TR's.

The smile on my face has not left me for days. I love working out in my Nike Free's. They are so light on my feet that I sometimes forget I am wearing shoes. And their flexibility is unmatched. I folded the shoe in half and it sprang back as if it were a boomerang, always returning to where it originated.

I can't believe I didn't own a pair sooner. Now I want to buy them in every color and version (they come in a style made for winter training). The winter version is treated to keep the cold and wetness of winter out, while allowing your feet to breathe.

My Christmas list this year has a lot of Nike products on it. Hopefully some of my wishes will come true! If you haven't checked out the Nike Free TR's, do so soon, you won't regret it! 

NTC Challenge!

If you are looking for some motivation to get that workout in every day then follow @nikegetfit on Twitter and everyday you will receive a new NTC (Nike Training Club) workout to do. All you have to do is download the app for you iphone or ipad and you can take your workout on the go! No matter where you are you no longer have an excuse to miss a workout. This app worked so well for me over Thanksgiving. When I was unable to get out of the house and a thousand miles away from the gym I just pulled out my trusty iphone and let it give me a killer 45 minute workout!

This is by far the best training app I have tried, and I have tried a lot of them. Not only does it time every move, but it also shows you a video so you can see the correct form. No matter how fit you think you are, this app will make you work hard. With three different levels; beginner, intermediate, and advanced, there is always a workout for your mood. I even do the fifteen minute workouts on my breaks at work, they are the perfect way to get my blood flowing and my heart pumping. So far I have logged 4515 minutes and am still going strong. 

Another perk to this app is the fact that you can be some of the first women to try out Nike's revolutionary workouts. With NTC classes popping up at studios and gyms all over the country, I can only imagine that it will be coming live to a city near you in the coming months. 

Check it out today, you won't regret it. Thanks Nike, and thanks Marie Purvis - Nike International Trainer. 

Nike Vapor Flash Jacket Review

Just last night I wanted to go for a run, but it was dark outside. With the recent time change and the sun setting before I'm off work, it has gotten more and more difficult for me to get my daily runs in. Leave it to Nike to come up with the perfect solution.

The Nike Vapor Flash jacket is an amazing innovation in running apparel. When wearing this jacket you increase your visibility by 400%! The 100% polyester twill fabric uses retro-reflection to take light and reflect it back for better visibility. The jacket is also wind resistant and keeps you warm, while providing appropriate ventilation under the arms and down the spine.

If you aren't looking to be seen by everyone within a 1 mile radius you can also reverse the jacket and wear the reflective material on the inside and showcase the sleek other side for a night on the town. This two-in-one innovation is one of my favorite features.

I had the privilege of trying one of these jackets when I participated in the Nike Women's Marathon and I fell in love. While it is a little pricy, $350 at Nike.com. I know it will be worth it in the long run. This is one piece of running apparel that is going to the top of my Christmas list.

Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

I thought I would share the recipe for the muffins I mentioned in my previous post. Give them a try, they are delicious and a healthy breakfast treat.

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup low fat buttermilk (can substitute almond milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
2 tablespoons flaxseed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus more for topping)

(For a sweeter treat, mix in 3/4 cup chocolate chips!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then whisk together the wet ingredients in another bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Pour batter into cupcake paper-lined muffin trays. Sprinkle muffin tops with walnuts.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Tips for Maintaining Your Fitness Progress

Smells waft through the air daily this time of year, from cookies and pies, to turkey and stuffing. The holidays can wreak havoc on any great exercise or diet plan and I am one that has suffered the consequences of eating more treats than I can burn off in a workout. Here are some important tips I use to curb my eating during the holiday season.

1. Eat slowly - the slower you eat, the fuller you will feel and the less likely you will be to eat that extra cookie.

2. Sneak healthy ingredients into your recipes - I always try to throw something healthy into my holiday treats, a few tablespoons of flaxseed in muffins, walnuts substituted for half the chocolate chips, or applesauce for oil in any recipe. These simple additions to treats will give them a hint of health benefit, without ruining their flavor. I think many taste even better. (The pumpkin muffin pictured above has flaxseed mixed into the batter and then walnuts sprinkled on top, yum!)

3. Be sure to maintain you workout routine - Often during holidays we tend to eat more and workout less, just making sure you workout every day while on vacation may give you that extra willpower to say no to that extra cookie, after all, you don't want to waste all the hard work you just did!

4. Remember to still enjoy the day - It is still ok to have treat foods, just eat them in moderation and next time you feel that extra craving coming on head for the water jug, not more cookies. Staying hydrated will keep you full longer and help you manage your cravings.

Enjoy the holidays!

Bloggers I Love to Follow

I thought I would dedicate this week's post to my two favorite bloggers. The two bloggers I love to follow are i heart spandex and yoga eat run.  These bloggers share my passion for fitness and fashion. I want to give them a shout out and let them know how great their blogs are and how much I appreciate their motivational tips and ideas about fitness. They not only inspire me, but many others to get out there and be active.

i heart spandex is a blog that gives fitness and fashion advice and was started by an MBA student after she discovered her passion for the fitness industry after working for a major sports apparel company. I love her sense of athletic style, as well as her tips and passion for fitness. She goes above and beyond in her posts and her sense of style is  very similar to mine, so I love to see what athletic apparel choices she posts.

yoga eat run is a blog sharing one exercise and wellness student's fitness journey and motivating others to follow along in her passions. She shares video updates, pictures, tips and tricks for being your best self and is very motivating along the way. Right now you can join her in her most recent fitness challenge with the Nike Training Club App for iphone. Trust me, this challenge is no joke. This blog motivates me to get out there and work hard at the gym every day.

I always enjoy learning from others and I hope that I can create a better blogger experience because of other blogs that I follow. What fitness blogs motivate and inspire you?

Featured on the Nike Blog!

This time I am going to just tell you all to check out the Nike Women Blog. I recently participated in a challenge on Twitter and was given the privilege of being featured on their blog as a fellow Nike enthusiast and lover of my Nike Tempo Track shorts! Just wanted to share this link with you guys and inspire you all to join the Nike community.

Exercise of the Week

Here's a new ab drill for you to try this week. Try it out and once you have mastered it raise both legs and do a crunch.

Nike Women and Hope Solo

Twitter is an amazing tool and my favorite account to follow is NikeWomen! They always have amazing tips to share and contests to enter. This time it was my tweet that won the limited edition "Hope Knows" tee. I couldn't be more excited. If you're interested in keeping up with all things Nike Women and like the chance to win free workout apparel, then follow NikeWomen on Twitter today. You won't regret it and you may even end up with some amazing workout apparel too.

Also, be sure to check out Nikewomen.com and the Nike Women Facebook page for more in depth updates. While you are there check out the Nike Training Club page and then download the App for your iphone today. It has in depth workouts that you can do at home for free with little to no equipment. Trust me, this workout is no joke either, you will get results and feel the burn every time you complete a workout. And every month there is a new 15 minute celebrity athlete workout to download, like the Hope Solo "Unbeatable" workout. 

Inspiration

What inspires you to rise to new heights? What drives you to achieve more? For me, I get inspiration from others that have gone before me. Professional athletes drive me to push myself more in the gym, they show me that I can always train and practice to get better at anything I do. Even at such a high level athletes are always training to improve and this inspires me to reach for more.

I may never become a professional athlete, but I can certainly train like one. I have recently begun playing tennis again so I have realized my need for inspiration. In this instance my inspiration comes from professional players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Caroline Wozniacki. When I see their fire, their relentless drive to achieve more and to be the best they can be, I can't help but feel inspired.

Follow Your Dreams

Working out at the gym is always the highlight of my day. I love feeling my body moving and my muscles getting stronger. Today, as I was doing my routine of squats, push-ups, lunges and TRX moves one of the trainers asked me if I just had a crazy routine that I did or if I was a professional trainer. I said no, but someday I hope to be. He was very helpful in recommending certifications for becoming a trainer and promoting the field.

This got me thinking about why I sit behind a desk all day when what I really love is fitness. Why do something I dislike when I could be doing something I love? While I won't be quitting my current job any time soon, I do plan on getting my trainer certification and testing out that career field. I plan on following my dreams and right now those dreams are pointing me towards fitness. 

Who knows, maybe someday I will be the next Jillian Michaels. 

What Makes an Athlete?

What makes an athlete? Is is the way they carry themselves, the size of their muscles, the clothes they wear or their amount of flexibility? Is it fame and fortune, or relative anonymity. According to Bill Bowerman "if you have a body, you are an athlete." I couldn't agree more. Every athlete has something different to offer than the last, some are stronger, some are faster, others have endurance or perfect reaction time. Each athlete has something to give, something to achieve and an end goal. Whether you are training for the olympics or training simply for the love of sport, you are an athlete.

I train every day to get stronger and faster, to achieve my personal best. When I do a crunch I don't cheat myself. When I do a pull-up, if I can only do one, I will do one, because the next day I may be able to do 2 and the next week 3. Everything in sport and in life is a learning experience. Everything I do, I do for me, not for someone else. The bottom line is that athletes are athletes because they enjoy their sport. They enjoy the way their body feels when it is pushed to it's true potential, when you have given all you have and have nothing left. That is when you triumph.

Athletes make the world a more interesting and competitive place, athletes also know how to better work in teams and adjust to changes in their daily life more quickly than non-athletes. Next time you head out the door for a walk, spin class or a 26.2  mile run, remember you are an athlete. Make every second count.

Sole Mate

I laced up my shoes to go to work this morning and a rush of thoughts crossed my mind. What if I were lacing up my Nike's? I wish that when I was heading to work I was lacing up Nike shoes instead of my dress shoes. As I continued my pre-work ritual I couldn't shake the thought of my dream to work for Nike someday. Maybe it's because of the new book I have recently been reading titled "Just Do It: The Nike Spirit in the Corporate World"  by Donald Katz. This book gives insight into the company and the culture of Nike, something I hope to one day be a part of. In the words of Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, it's "about much more than a business-a company with soul."

Soul, that is what my daily grind is missing. I find that the best part of my day is after work when I lace up my Nike's and lose myself in training and fitness. When I lose myself in the lifestyle that is Nike. As far as dreams go, mine is pretty big. But hopefully someday I will be able to combine my marketing degree, love of fitness, and passion for Nike. Someday I will work for my Sole-mate....

Winning Ways

Before the Nike Women's Marathon Jay Blahnik ran a Twitter contest asking for his followers to complete the sentence "I Run to Be_______." I replied with "I run to be ferocious and fierce!" Well a week later I discovered that I won the contest and just today my prize arrived in the mail. My bright and shiny new Nike Duffle bag! It came with all the bells and whistles, a wet/dry bag, shoe bag, yoga mat pocket, fun inside print and two bonus headbands. I just love the color too! Thank you Jay Blahnik and Nike! You definitely made my week.

For your chance to participate in upcoming contests follow @NikeWomen and @JayBlahnik on Twitter. They also offer great diet and fitness tips. You won't regret it and you might be their next winner!

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!

EspnW Summit Part 2

Athletes do better in school, athletes achieve more, sports cause more education, and athletes gain better opportunities in the job market. All of these were points made at the espnW summit opening presentation. These results are remarkable, they prove the importance of sports and athletic programs at a young age and throughout life. What are you doing in your life to enhance your involvement in athletics and in the lives of those around you? EspnW is dreaming big, dreaming of a world where women's sports have achieved equality with men's sports. This summit brought together leaders in Women's sports from all over the US in an effort to spark a movement to achieve more in women's sports. "Together we're stronger" said Laura Gentile the VP of espnW. This is so true! The speakers were amazing and inspiring. I wish I could explain it all here, but it would mean so much more if you watched the presentations for yourself. Check out the recorded presentations at www.livestream.com/espnw. There is even a q&a session with the USWNT and Abby Wambach! You don't want to miss this.

espnW

From afar I have been keeping up with the espnW summit in Tuscon, AZ. This conference is amazing. The speakers I have heard via live stream put their heart and soul into advancing women and sports. From Billie Jean King to Julie Foudy, the speakers and athletes have shared their experiences from the past and their hopes for advancing women's sports in the future. If you get a chance check it out at ESPnw.com/summit. I'll share my reactions in my next post.

Exercise of the Day

Crossback Lunge to a Power Press with a Leap

Fitness App Review-NTC

I have tried numerous fitness apps and my new favorite is the Nike Training Club app. This app has to be the most comprehensive app on the market. It features 3 levels and hundreds of different workouts that can be customized to my needs. Whether I want to focus on strength, cardio or toning, there is a workout for my mood. Also the workout can be from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the length of time I want to spend working out. For every session you log on the app you cam get special rewards and unlock celebrity workouts and healthy recipes. NTC pushes you to keep reaching for the next level. Best of all this app is free! I have even been able to do the 15 minute workouts during breaks at work and recruited other coworkers to join me. This app can do the work of a personal trainer without the hefty gym fees. International trainer Marie Purvis developed this workout for Nike and she didn't leave any muscle group out. When you get a chance check this app out. Right now it is only available on apple devices but with it's rising popularity I am sure it will be available for every device soon. These workouts are catching on everywhere and you can even experience them in person at select 24 Hour fitness clubs. Check out NTC today, you don't want to miss this! For daily tips and workout ideas featuring the NTC app follow @nikewomen and @nikegetfit on Twitter. Get NTC today and make yourself unstoppable!

Nutrition Challenge

Nutrition is so important to fitness. Here is one thing I have done recently to improve mine. Vegetables are necessary for so many reasons-vitamins, fiber, minerals. I have implemented a 2 veggie policy at dinner. I can't eat unless there are at least 2 different vegetables on my plate. It's not always easy, but I feel so much better after dinner, I feel refueled and healthy rather than full and sluggish. Veggies are my new nutrition challenge. What's yours? If you can't think of things to do with veggies try making kabobs, a veggie burrito, stir-fry or mix veggies in your pasta sauce. There is no wrong way to eat vegetables, the secret is you have to eat them to get the benefits!

Living in the Moment

Some things are easier said than done and living in the moment is one of them. I seem to be held back by my uncanny ability to over analyze. Recently I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to participate in the EspnW Women+Sports Summit. The only problem is my lack of vacation time from a job that has never been my dream. Being involved in sports marketing has been my dream since I was 10, over 14 years ago. The opportunity of a lifetime...can I afford to miss this? Should I quit my current job to peruse my dream? My heart is telling me yes, but my head is saying no. Should I live in this moment, should I throw caution to the wind and throw myself head first towards my dream? Can I live in the moment? I'm terrified of what will happen if I give up a practical job in pursuit of my dream, but I don't think I can afford to give up on myself! This moment will be fleeting, but I want to be involved in the moments that make athletics great. The only way to achieve my dreams is to give up my practical life and just live in the moment. Live like tomorrow may never come.

Challenge Yourself!

I need challenges in my life to make me stronger, to continue learning, and to help me realize my potential. One of my recent challenges was signing up for a Taekwondo class at the local studio. I have always been interested in martial arts, but never had the guts to try. After recently moving to California I decided now was as good of a time as any. I did some research, found a studio and signed up for my first class. The girls in this class were intimidating. They were fierce and fiery when sparring, but at the same time good friends with everyone, laughing and enjoying themselves. After that first class I knew I wanted more. The first few classes were very challenging and I questioned my decision to stay. But now, a year later and halfway to my black belt I couldn't imagine a better fitness activity. My strength, flexibility, and memorization skills have gotten so much better. I even have a gold medal, silver medal and a trophy from tournaments I have participated in. I just love this sport! What activity have you always wanted to try but never had the courage to start? I challenge you to take a risk, the rewards will astound you.

Exercise of the Day

Push-up to Side Plank with a Medicine Ball

Feeling Your Best

I recently got married and the weeks before and after the wedding were filled with planning, moving, and travel. I usually workout 1-2 hours a day and these past 3 weeks I have hardly done any exercise. Needless to say, I am a bit addicted to exercise and the lack-there-of left me a slightly unhappy person. Just this past week I have begun working out again and my legs have been aching from the strain. But I have never been happier. The old saying "no pain, no gain" could not be more true.

Ah exercise, how I have missed you... Keep this in mind when you feel like you want to stay in bed and skip your morning workout. Exercise will give you endorphins to make you feel happier, will give you more energy, and the health benefits are astounding!

Welcome!

A reason to play. A reason to be active. It's a simple statement with no simple answer. Everyone has a different definition. My reason to play is fitness. When I play, I want to play hard and there is no better way to do that than to work hard to become healthy and alive. My reason to get active is the energy it gives me. I feel alive when I am training for any fitness goal. Fitness breeds healthy individuals with a zest for life. What's your reason?