Unstoppable Moments and My Nike Women's Marathon Training Plan Arrives!

Today was the completion of a rain delayed French Open final. But not just any final, it was a final pitting two players against history. Both had a chance to do something no one had ever done before and both were fighting hard. Rafael Nadal had the advantage of experience and a fierce, unstoppable attitude. Novak Djokovic had the advantage of nearly effortless shots and a host of wins in Grand Slam finals against Nadal. But this final had an air of change to it. 

Nadal came out swinging and quickly went up to sets to love (0 in tennis) and then the rain came, giving Djokovic a chance to get back into the match. After taking the third set, the match was called until the next morning to wait out the storm and coming darkness. 

This is how my morning began. I woke up at four in the morning to watch history and cheer for Nadal. With the power of millions of fans, a "Just do it" attitude, and grit, passion and determination Nadal dominated the final set and came out with the victory; denying Djokovic his chance of holding all four slam trophies at one time and setting a record seventh title win at Rolland Garros for Nadal. I can't think of a better way to start a Monday. 

To top it off, today is the day I was to receive my training plan from Nike Women and Nike Master Trainer Marie Purvis. I continually checked my inbox, texted and tweeted my #SistersInNike until we finally received them early this afternoon. I was so excited to start training and and see what my plan entailed. 

After reviewing the plan I can tell that the next four months will be a challenging and rewarding experience. I will need to exercise discipline and not give up. I will need to push myself in ways I never thought possible. I can tell that the plan will help me reach my goals if I put in the time. I already did my first four mile run tonight. It felt great too. I'm excited to see what this journey brings and what I can learn from being able to work with one of the best companies in the world and the best trainers in the world. Can you tell I'm Oregon born and bred yet?

So thank you Nike Women for giving me this chance, thank you Marie for a great training plan and all the support I will need over the next few months, and thank you #SistersInNike for embarking on this journey with me. This will be one for the record books. We will make ourselves Unstoppable.

Indian Wells 2012

That is one giant racket.

Wow, I can't believe it has been a week since my last post. Trust me, it was for a good reason. What might that be? My husband and I took a trip to Indian Wells, California to watch the BNP Paribas Open, the second largest professional tennis tournament next to the Grand Slams! I love tennis and had been looking forward to this mini vacation for months.

Oversize ball and racket, awesome!

 I enjoy tennis because of the beauty and the fierceness of the sport. There are always great players, amazing shots, upsets and triumphs and this tournament was no exception. Every point I watched was nothing short of exceptional. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were as graceful and fierce as ever and it made for some excellent tennis. Federer took home the trophy, as did Azarenka on the women's side and they both played astonishing tennis all week to get themselves to that point. They overcame rain delays, heavy winds and ups and downs to come out victorious, but in the end, it was worth it. Here are just a few shots to let you see how much fun I had. Check out those giant rackets!

 I can't imagine a better way to spend the weekend. I hope to keep coming back for years to come.

A Sunset in Indian Wells

Federer with his Trophy!

Streamers to celebrate victory!

I left the tournament with a fire and drive to practice my tennis shots more and to keep working on my strength and cardio in the gym so I can look as fit and fierce on the court as these professional players did. 

Two happy tennis fans.

Nadal and Lopez winning the doubles trophy.

A fierce Nadal forehand. 

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.