Just Do It Nike Running Style

This past Sunday I had an amazing opportunity to go on a challenging run with Nike in San Francisco. The plan – run five miles along the Berkeley Marina, hop on the Nike bus and travel to the heart of San Francisco for a seven mile city run to the Palace of Fine Arts. Stop for a short break to refuel and grab water and continue on a six mile run across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Refuel and relax with friends both new and old at Barrel House Tavern along the waterfront. Total mileage for the day – 18 miles.

I was looking forward to this run all week. Can you blame me? I was a little concerned about the heavy mileage since I have been training for shorter distances, but I am always up for a challenge. I have run marathons and the Hood to Coast relay in the past so I knew what to expect as far as mileage. After a restless night on Saturday due to my excitement, I woke up a 6am on Sunday morning, got together my Nike gear and headed over to Berkeley.

I arrived at the Berkeley Marina at 7am and spotted the Nike Bus right away. After some brief introductions to other runners we boarded the bus to find a personalized Nike tank and the NewFlyknit Lunar 2‘s to try out for the run! The excitement on the bus was electric. Nike sure knows how to treat their runners right. I have loved running in my Flyknit Lunar 1′s, so I was excited to lace up the new version and I loved the updated design. The sole felt a bit more supportive to me and they updated the tongue of the shoe so it slides around less. Two thumbs up from this runner.

I laced up for run number one and we headed out along the Berkeley Marina. With magnificent views of the water, the run was the perfect way to start the day. I settled in with the slower pace group and we chatted along the water. I didn’t want to start out too fast and burn out on the final miles of the run. This run was an out and back five miler and when we arrived back at the bus we hopped on for some snacks, water and recovery with a massage roller. I love my carbs and the blueberry bagel with cream cheese tasted so good. I was fueled and ready for run number two!

On our way to San Francisco we were treated to some history of Nike and the Just Do It campaign that launched 25 years ago. This run was created in part to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of a campaign that has had an incredible impact on athletes around the world. We were invited to take part in a run to challenge us and show us how to live the Just Do It motto. We were pushed out of our comfort zones and into a place where we accepted the challenge and surprised ourselves. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when someone believes in you and stays with you through the challenge!

We headed into the city and started our second run in the heart of San Francisco. I love running through the city and exploring new places and we could not have asked for better weather. It was sunny, clear and warm. A perfect day for running a dream run. We stopped for a few photo opportunities and conquered some hills before ending at the Palace of Fine Arts.

From here I felt the excitement from everyone running brewing. A few runners were starting to feel the distance in their legs, me included, but no one was going to miss the final epic run across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito! Now was the time to put that Just Do It motto to work!

We left from the Palace of Fine Arts and ran past Chrissie Field and up to the Golden Gate Bridge. The day was picturesque and gorgeous. There was a brutal hill climb up to the Golden Gate, but once you arrived at the top those first few steps across the Golden Gate made it all worth it! Photos could not do the view justice. You could see all the way across the Bay. From here we entered the last four miles of our run. The bridge was crowded so we had to weave in and out of tourists, but that just added to the fun and challenging day.

After we crossed the bridge we went down into Sausalito and finished the final few miles on a downhill and then short run along the water to the Barrel House Tavern, our restaurant for the post run chow down! Nike went all out and I could not be more grateful. The meal was three courses of runner fuel and we even had custom Just Do It menu’s!

The meal provided us with a way to reflect on what we had achieved and learn more about the runners we shared this journey with. We laughed and shared many moments from the day and hopes for the future of running in San Francisco and the growth of an incredible community that is willing to take on challenges head on.

I learned so much at this event and have a better understanding of the meaning of Just Do It. I may not have been the fastest runner, but we all had the heart and the drive to achieve what many people would say is impossible. Together we can do so much. This is only the beginning of great things to come and I personally am rejuvenated in my running life. I am looking forward to taking my running to the next level and learning and challenging myself on a continual basis. I am even more excited to become a running coach in April!

As a college basketball player, I was always used to challenging myself in short sprint distances and my transition to long distance running over the last three years has taught me that I can face any challenge head on and learn and grow. Surrounding myself with positive and supportive people has made this transition one I am beginning to feel is what I was meant to do. I can’t wait to run with the Just Do It crew again and meet and challenge many new runners in San Francisco and beyond.

Doubt can be a struggle for me and I was doubting my running this last month. Sunday changed my view of my running and reenergized my desire to challenge myself. My goal this year is to become a faster, more efficient runner and this weekend helped to jump start my belief in my resilience as an athlete and runner.

Thank you Nike, the crew of the Just Do It run in SF and everyone who has supported me along my journey. Here is to many more inspirational and challenging runs in the futures. Never stop believing in yourself and don’t forget to challenge yourself on a regular basis. You’ll learn about yourself and become a stronger person with every challenge you conquer.

If you’re looking for a huge challenge – check out the Nike NTC Tour in LA this March 14-16! I’ll be there and can’t wait to take my training to a whole new level! You can see more details and register here.

Just Do It!

Motivation from Endorphin Warrior and a Giveaway!

My marathon is only three weeks away and right now I need more motivation than ever as I am hitting burnout in training. Luckily, I have reached my taper weeks and race weekend is in sight! The hills of San Francisco are calling my name and I am excited to conquer them. These final weeks I have been looking to different places for motivation. My training buddies have been a huge help along with run club, the Mission I'm Possible crew and Hood to Coast teammates. Since I have had to do my last few long runs alone, I have looked to my Endorphin Warrior bracelet for some extra motivation. Endorphin Warrior was kind enough to give all the Nuun Hydration runners a bracelet of their choice. I chose one with the phrase RELENTLESS. 

Pre Hood to Coast race cheer. Look at those Endorphin Warrior bracelets!

Endorphin Warrior makes "products with positive and powerful messaging to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing - or all day long - to help you train harder and live stronger." I really have been enjoying mine, especially during my long runs. Sometimes, when I'm trying to motivate myself to head out on a run, I look down at my wrist and see the words relentless and they give me that extra push to get out the door and run! 

Choose to be Relentless

Endorphin warrior bracelets come in all different colors and with different phrases to motivate you to get to that finish line. Conquer, Unbreakable, Persevere, Believe - whichever phrase you prefer, there is a phrase to motivate and inspire you to keep pushing towards your dreams. I have partnered with Endorphin Warrior to give one lucky reader a Warrior Training Bracelet of their choice! For your chance to win simply enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below! I know you'll love this bracelet!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NTC Has Come to Nike San Francisco

I'm so excited for this post because I finally got to attend a Nike Training Club class in San Francisco on Tuesday night! I keep hearing how amazing all these classes are and even though I live two hours away, I knew sometime I would cave and make the drive! I finally got my chance and I took full advantage! 

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in the Fog.

I started the drive in the afternoon, and after a quick stop at a Costco and the Nike Outlet in Petaluma, I was on my way. It only took me about two hours to get to San Francisco so I was happy I seemed to have missed all the traffic. The toll booth I had to go through seemed to be down for some reason so I should be expecting my charge in the mail soon. Gotta love the toll roads! I arrived at Nike's Temporary Store in San Francisco just outside of Union Square about 30 minutes before NTC began. They are renovating their current store and I can't wait to see what they have done to the place. Their old layout was amazing, so I can only imagine what the upgrade might be. The temporary store is nice, but it was quite small. I looked around at the new products and amazingly didn't purchase anything! So surprising for me! 

While I was perusing the store Joselynne Boschen stopped me and said she recognized me from my Instagram feed! I really can't tell you how much this meant to me. It's really exciting to be recognized by a Nike Elite Trainer. She is one of my role models and I hope that I can be a Nike Trainer someday soon as well. She flew up from her LA studio, Alpha Venice, to teach us all NTC and let me tell you, I have been sore for two days! It always hits harder on the second day. Before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you how the workout went down!

Check-in Table for NTC

I was one of the first people to check in for NTC and got to pick up my tank top, NTC towel and water. Unfortunately they only had size large left in the tanks, but I'm using that as an excuse to come back again, to get a smaller size! I waited for a bit as people began to file in to the store and check-in as well. I got to meet one of the Nike Running College Brand Ambassadors, Samantha, and she was so nice! Nike, you chose a great ambassador! She's training for the Nike Women's Full Marathon so I'm excited to meet up with her again during NWM weekend, if not sooner! She introduced me to some of her friends and of course we took some photos!

Samantha and I at NTC!

After the photo session we headed out of the store and up a block to a large cement platform. Here, our amazing trainer, Joselynne, was waiting to kick our booties! There were easily over 100 people in attendance and the place was packed! We were asked to make sure we didn't block the entrances to the nearby stores. I was amazed at how many people came out and inspired. I really had to push myself and the friendly competition took everything up a notch.

Joselynn Demoing A Drill!

For those of you who don't know about NTC it is a class developed by Nike trainers based on continual movement and it is no joke! Even during demonstrations we were to keep moving. We started class with a light warmup and then the fun (torture?) began. We did burpees, planks, squats, plyos, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, ab work, partner drills and more. I was sweating up a storm and my muscles were shaking by the time the workout was over. For our final drill we all gathered in a circle and did 10 mountain climbers each, holding a plank while waiting for our group to finish. This was a new drill for me. It was hard, but fun to cheer on the others in the circle.

We finished the workout with some light stretching, which I always need more of and then I snapped a quick picture with Joselynne and Samantha! After all, I can't miss out on this photo opportunity! I'm not sure who is teaching the NTC class next week, but you really don't want to miss this! I would love to be an NTC Trainer and that is on my goal list. With NTC classes close to me now, I could see myself getting certified and leading out in SF. It would be a dream come true! NTC trainers are tough and really inspire those around them.

Me, Joselynne and Samantha After Our Sweat Session!

I also toured the store and tried to find someone who could help me plan a visit and NTC class from Leah Kim, Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador and NTC yoga workout creator. I really hope that I can one day take a class from her. She has really inspired me to do more yoga and I hope to see her in a store in Nor Cal soon! An NTC Yoga session from Leah Kim would be just what San Francisco needs to help rejuvenate after a long workout.

Nike Flyknit Display

The Nike SF store had a lot of fun displays and one of them was the Flyknit case. Inside showcases the drawings, knit and final shoe product. It's interesting to see the design process. Fascinating stuff that really makes me appreciate what designers do.

Run Club and NTC Wall at the Store

Nike San Francisco is really catering to the local athlete and making them train stronger. I find it inspiring that they are offering free classes and run clubs, just like the Athleta stores do. With the Nike Women's Marathon coming up in a few months I can really see them wanting to help athletes train, stay injury free and win! 

If you are near the Bay Area be sure to stop by the Nike store to see about taking a class. Nowhere is too far to come for this. I drove two hours, one way, to get there. Who can top that? I challenge you to take a live NTC class and you'll see the difference. Can't make a class? Download the free app today to take your training to a whole new level.

Have you ever been to an NTC class? Tell me in the comments below what you thought! 

Stretching My Limits

Stretching Limits

I have been stretched to my limit recently. With so many changes in my life I have been struggling to get back into my routine of running and training and my health and body has been paying for it. There are aches and pains where they didn't use to be and moments where I question why I keep pushing onward, but it's in these moments that I realize that running and fitness make me who I am. I have never been one to back down from a challenge and I push towards my goals even when everyone around me says they are impossible. As cliche as it sounds, the very word itself does scream "I'm Possible!" 

This photo speaks to me for so many reasons. The power of a great picture is the feelings it invokes in me and this one says a lot. It shows me that dreams really are worth pursuing and that at some point I have to let go of my excuses and take those first steps into unfamiliar territory. It's not always easy and it's always out of my comfort zone, but I have never regretted pursuing my dreams even when I end up not getting the result that I want. Sometimes it takes me places I never thought I would go. My ambassadorship with Nike Women last year took me to San Francisco and I met amazing ladies I am still in contact with. I met some very creative minds and people at Nike that I am privileged and honored to have met and interacted with. I have learned so much from them about social media and the power of relationships. It has only served to increase my dream to work at Nike and be involved with their women's and running categories. 

I have followed the ladies of the Nike Sportswear Runway and SF Crews, She Runs LA Crew and Bridge Runners. At this point I can only dream of meeting all these ladies and running with them, but I am going to work hard towards reaching this goal and maybe someday participating in a Nike Running photo shoot and running the streets with these amazing ladies! 

This year, I have partnered with Athleta Roseville as their sponsored athlete and I love the support that they have given me in all my endeavors. Leading their running group has been an amazing experience and taught me about the power of community and how much other women can push me to show up and get a run done. When I was running the Shamrock'n Half Marathon in March, near the end of the race I was struggling with running strong to the end. It meant so much when I heard a girl say "Hey - it's the Athleta Sponsored Athlete!" Her encouragement and belief in me pushed me onward to a 1:53 half marathon personal record and my fastest three miles of the race. Runners are so supportive and I don't know where I would be without running in my life. 

I'm still eagerly awaiting an email back from Nuun Hydration saying that I am accepted on their team for Hood to Coast this year and I refuse to think negatively until after April 17, the day when the team is announced. It would mean so much to me to be a part of this team and I am hoping that my video showed my desire to run with them. Just one more way that I stretched my limits this year.

So 2013 is my year to research my goals, make a plan and then execute that plan to achieve my wildest dreams. I am going to stretch my limits and take risks. What makes you stretch your limits? How do you push yourself?

2012 - A Year for the Record Books

2012 was an amazing year! If I had been asked in December 2011 what I expected 2012 to look like, it would not have been nearly this exciting. As a fitness enthusiast, I could not have asked for a better year. I can't believe what an amazing journey it has been and I am so excited to see what 2013 holds. Here's a look back at what made my 2012 spectacular!

I ran my first Bay to Breakers 12k race in San Francisco! I love running in San Francisco and this race is a beautiful short run throughout the city. A must run event on any serious runners race calendar!

I got to run with ultra endurance athlete Jason Lester on his journey across the country with the Nike Journey for a Better World Campaign. This was such an inspiring run and I can't believe I got to meet him and run with him. Dream come true!

I had the chance to work this summer for the Sacramento Capitals World Team Tennis tournament as their marketing coordinator and I had the privilege of meeting some top ranked players, like Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish. As a tennis player and enthusiast, this was such a neat opportunity and I really enjoyed working with this team on their digital marketing, definitely something I want to pursue in the future (hint - Nike - I'm ready to be part of your social media team!)

The Nike Women team featured me in one of their campaigns for my achievements with the Nike Training Club App! The workouts on this app totally changed my body for the better and I am stronger and more toned because of these drills. Thank you Nike for recognizing my hard work!

In October I got my Black Belt in Taekwondo the week before I ran my 2nd marathon. I have been working on this achievement for so long and I made it to the big day! I was so honored to have put in the work and achieved this ranking, I can't wait to continue my journey in martial arts in the future. 

In October I ran my 2nd Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco and got to meet my favorite trainer, Marie Purvis! She is the developer of the Nike Training Club workouts and I was in awe of her, seriously, such an amazing trainer! She created my customized training plan for the Nike Women's Marathon and I PR'd!

Nike Women selected a group of five ladies to train and dote upon with Nike gear for the Nike Women's Marathon and I was one of the chosen ones, along with Renisha, Elizabeth, Tiara and Nerissa. As Nike Women's Marathon 2012 Training Ambassadors we were given elite training gear, a personalized training plan, a photo shoot in San Francisco and an all expenses paid weekend at the race. Nike made my year with this one. I will never forget this experience and hope that it is not the last time that I get to work with them. This is a picture of the group of us before the race!

Crossing the finish line at the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco! Such a proud moment. Thank you for making this possible Nike!

I found out about a month ago that I was accepted as a FitFluential Ambassador and while I haven't done much yet with them, I know there will be incredible opportunities to participate in campaigns with them and improve my blog and fitness knowledge in 2013. Thank you for believing in me FitFluential!

I got to visit the Nike World Headquarters campus in Beaverton, OR and participate in a live NTC workout. This was a dream come true, I flew to Beaverton, slept for 4 hours and then got up at 5:30 in the morning for this workout with Nike Elite Trainers. I was impressed with the workout and the facility. I have made myself a promise that I will work here someday soon, currently it's on my 5 year plan. Get ready Nike, here I come!

A group of my friends from work and I did The Color Run in Sacramento. This was such a fun race, not necessarily for time, but just a really fun event for the whole family to enjoy. I would recommend this to everyone! Find one in your city this year, you won't regret it!

I ended 2012 with a trip to Sun River, OR for a snowboarding trip at Mt. Bachelor and it was a blast. So fun to try out different sports. While in Oregon I went for a run in the snow, snowboarded and got in an evening of iceskating. 

2012 was a year of many adventures, running events and training. Thank you to those who believed in me and those who are supporting me now and in the future. Thank you Nike, Nike Running, Nike Women, Nike Fuel, Marie Purvis, Leah Kim, Tiara, Elizabeth, Renisha, Nerissa and FitFluential for making this a year to remember.

Watch out 2013, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and going for big goals!

Marathon Finish Photos

Tonight I just have a quick post sharing pictures from Brightroom Photography from the Nike Women's Marathon! Enjoy! 

The Start Line. Thousands of women. One Goal. #runnwm

 Focused!

Running Fast!

I made it to the top of the hill!

Success! 

 The Finish!

 Bringing it home!

You will be missed San Francisco!

Countdown to San Francisco!

Today marked the beginning of my packing for the Nike Women's Marathon! I am having such a hard time deciding what to bring. I have my race day outfit picked out and packed in my carry on bag. I'm not taking a chance that my bags get lost with my important gear! I am trying to make a list of all the important gear to bring. I don't want to forget anything important to race day success!

So far my race day packing list includes:

• Tank
• Lunar Glide Nike Running Shoes
• Sports Bra
• Capris
• Socks
• GPS Watch
• Fuelband
• Clif Shot Bloks
• Sweat shirt
• Lightweight jacket
• Training Shoes
• Camera
• Phone charger
• Casual Clothes
• Toothbrush, etc! 
• Dress for a night out in SF

My mess of a suitcase (packing in progress)

Anything I'm forgetting? My suitcase is a wonderful mess of Nike gear and casual clothes for exploring San Francisco. I can hardly wait to get there! The hotel looks amazing, I received my itinerary from Nike Women this week, and I can't wait to participate in all the weekend events and live NTC classes! Only one more day of work and I am off to SF and a weekend immersed in living my life with a "Just Do It" Nike attitude!

I am so ready to #runnwm!

Two Weeks to Go!

Today marked the final two week countdown to the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco! At this time on October 14 I will have officially completed my second marathon, but this time with the Nike Women team backing me up along the way. I have learned so much about training, recovery, fueling and the power of motivational training partners through these past few months. I can't wait to see all of my training come together on race day.

Gorgeous path for a long run

My second to last long run was today, 11 miles and it went very well. I was able to complete it in under two hours and at this pace should be able to reach my goal of a four hour marathon. With only six more runs, NTC and yoga left on my training schedule, race day is just around the corner. It's hard to think about other things throughout the day and a part of me doesn't want this journey to come to an end. Luckily for me there is always another race around the corner!

Nothing like stairs, stairs, stairs!

On April 28, 2013 the Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon is coming to Washington DC! I have never traveled there and know that this race will be a perfect reason to go. Plus, the race is on my birthday, what a perfect sign that I'm meant to run this race. I'm already making plans for this weekend. Washington DC here I come!

Planks from #NTC

Today was a great day for a bit of a photo shoot to remember my training and show how far I have come. It was a gorgeous day for running and for enjoying some sprint and NTC training at the track. Even as training is winding down, I am feeling more excited for race day and looking forward to focusing on speed work during the fall. 

The power of stretching

Training has really taught me the value of stretching and yoga. It does amazing things for keeping injuries at bay and keeping tired legs healing quickly. I got a good amount of stretching in this Sunday and I planning on focusing on healing my body for the next few weeks through yoga and stretching. I want to be at 100% by race day and rest, recovery and tough mental thinking will get me there. Bring it on San Francisco! I am ready to #runnwm and rock this race! 

New Gear for the Final Countdown!

I got my flight details and hotel stay information this week for the Nike Women's Marathon and could not be more excited! The marathon is just over a month away and actually seeing my weekend details in print really brought it home that my training is on the downswing. Bring it on San Francisco! I've been training my heart out and I know I am ready!

This week was a new gear week! With the Nike Women's Marathon just 5 weeks away, it's time to break in some new gear. I just love each item and have been trying them the past few days. I wore my new running shoes, the Lunar Glide+ 4's today and loved the cushioning. You can check out the items I received below and feel free to follow the links if you want to check them out on the Nike Store Website. 

Nike Panel Mesh Print Tank

The mesh panel down the back provides excellent breathability and the tank is the perfect length and doesn't ride up during my long runs. It's an instant favorite!

Nike Relay Running Capris

These capri's are awesome. They have a great zip pocket on the side, instead of the back, for easy access to your keys or a power bar. Also, there are reflective accents on the pant legs to keep you safe when running in low light conditions. Winner!

Nike Mixed Method Training Tank
This is the softest tank ever! I barely felt like it was there. If you are looking for a lightweight top with flat seams to minimize chafing than look no further that this tank!

Nike LunarGlide+ 4

These shoes are amazing! They offer great support with minimal weight. I love the updated flywire addition to the lacing system, it creates a glove like fit. My new favorite runners! I'm taking them on their first long run this weekend. 18 miles of pure bliss!

What are your favorite training pieces? I'd love to know. Share your thoughts in a comment below. Happy training!