Nikewomen NFR Blog

The Famous Santa Monica Steps

IsisRoberts — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:05:30 GMT

Guess what I did today! I ran up and down a very, very big flight of stairs. Ok, I know you’re probably thinking, “What’s so special about that?” Well, let me explain. I worked out on the famous Steps of Santa Monica. These steps are arguably the most popular workout stairway in America. On any given day, you can spot a celebrity running up them. If you are really into fitness and you either live in Los Angeles or have visited, then you have probably heard of these steps.

The Santa Monica Steps are such a popular fitness spot because of the number of steep steps it has. There are actually two sets of steps about 200 feet from each other. One set has about 300 cement steps with a zig zag looking trail and the other set has almost 180 wooden steps with more of a straightforward stair way that runs north and south. I ran up and down the wooden set and I tried to keep count of the number of steps, but I lost count because I was more focused on not falling down and not getting tired!

I did about four rounds of steps today, which equals about 700 steps. When I was about to start running up, I just looked up at the stairs in amazement. Although it’s about 180 steps, when you’re at the bottom looking up, it looks like a thousand. I just tried not to look up and focused on the task step by step. In my first round, I thought I could just run up the stairs two steps at a time quickly without getting tired. That turned out to be a bad idea because I was totally exhausted when I got to the top. I learned my lesson for the next three rounds and developed a little slower tempo in order to pace myself for a longer workout. There was definitely a lot of huffing and puffing and sweating going on, but it paid off. This was such a great work out!

There were about 60 people on my set of steps when I went at around 11 a.m. today. It is said that about 1,500 people make the steps their workout destination on any given weekend. One of the guys that I kept bumping into said he works out there daily. He told me that the steps are like his coffee that he needs every morning.

I highly recommend you try the steps if you ever visit L.A. Santa Monica is about 15 minutes west of L.A. (If there’s no traffic!) Plus the famous Santa Monica Pier is about 22 blocks from the steps, so you can check that out too. It has a very nice view of the beach at the top of the stairs. Several Hollywood stars are always seen working up a sweat on the steps also. Check out why these steps are so popular and I guarantee once you see them, you’ll want to run up!

-Isis Roberts

Never Too Late

SarinaMorales — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:36 GMT

Most winter athletes we hear about started skating,racing and training when they were still in diapers. I know skaters who move better on ice than they do walking. Growing up, I always had this misconception that in order to compete at a high level, you had to be training in that sport way before you thought about even competing. Even outside of sports, the rush to finish college and start our careers makes it frustrating to the millions of other people who are still trying to figure out what they like and really enjoy doing. Whichever route you decide to take, despite my distaste for clichés, it’s thanks to women like Katie Uhlaender, who give me reason to believe it’s never too late!

For those of you who think it’s too late to pick up a new sport or a new career, and excel at it, Katie Uhlaender started competing as a skeleton slider when she was eighteen years old. She was a baseball player growing up and switched out of it when she realized she would have to switch to softball to play at a collegiate level. Her father was a professional baseball player, so she definitely has some athletic genes in her blood, but her fearless attitude and crave for speed, well...that’s all her.

She practically stumbled across the sport when she was on a mountain taking jumps and someone suggested she try skeleton sliding instead. Now at 24 years old, only six years since she started the sport, she’s competing at the world’s highest stage. She quickly dominated in skeleton racing, being national ranked by winning both the National and Junior National Championships in her first season! Katie competed in her first winter games in 2006 and slid to a sixth place finish in Torino. In 2006, she also won five gold medals in the World Cup, claimed the overall World Cup Crown, and by 2007, she placed first in the World Cup Standings. There’s even been talk that she’s the absolute best skeleton racer there is.

High up on a mountain with nothing but a light body suit and a helmet for protection, she bursts off running, onto her bobsled, down the track, headfirst at speeds up to 80 miles an hour. For her, this is what she calls, “relaxed chaos.” For anyone else watching, this is a woman who’s found her niche and is not looking back. It really is never too late to pick up, start new and excel! I’m looking forward to seeing Katie speed her way through Vancouver with a gold!

-Sarina

Raising The Barre

AshleyCeaser — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:55:19 GMT

Free weights, medicine balls, spin bikes, foam mats, and step platforms are just some of the items you have probably used in an aerobics class. But what about a barre, a handrail used for ballet warm up exercises,or a red playground ball? I have to say that I’ve taken a fair share of aerobics classes but I had no idea that using those two items ,let alone in the same class, were possible until I found about a class called Flow. Located in Palo Alto, CA at a gym called Form Fitness, Flow is the only class in the city which incorporates these pieces of equipment into its routine. Mostly using your own body weight for resistance, Flow utilizes the traditional ballet warm-up on the ballet barre while mixing in ab exercises and stretching. The class which is designed to help improve balance and joint stabilization, lengthen muscles and increase tone, also helps to build core strength and improve flexibility.

When I first found out about the class, I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that I was going to get a completely different workout than I was used to. However, since I was used to tough workouts, or so I thought, I figured this one was going to literally be no sweat. I was completely wrong. Because this workout utilized a lot of balance movements with muscles I don’t typically use, I was already shaking five minutes into the class.

Don’t worry if you never been a dancer before. Taking it from a pure dance amateur, no prior experience is necessary. For more information about the class you can check out on Form Fitness’website.

-Ashley Ceaser

Drop Like Confetti!

SarinaMorales — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:18 GMT

They are bright. You can decorate them with glitter, but usually, they come already decorated. Find them in a variety of colors; sometimes with painted designs on. And I’m most positive; they are found at parties and other social gatherings. They seem to decorate our everyday lives. Yay for Vistoso Bosses! Wait you thought I was describing confetti?

The ladies of Vistoso Bosses are all over the place and landing in some spots in the music industry, I don’t think confetti could reach...for obvious reasons. As the girls dance their way to the top, you should note there’s no stopping them. They are literally, dropping like confetti. Can you tell “Confetti” is my favorite song of theirs? The single, “Confetti” is fun and upbeat, much like the girls themselves.

I’m not sure if it’s the music or maybe their style. They have one of the most unique styles because they are not scared to push the limit. In fact, “There are no limits,” the girls say. They believe, “Fashion should be fun. Save an hour of scrambling for clothes to go out, and just put on whatever you pick up.”

You want freckles, put them on yourself! What was makeup created for? Stickers, go for it! Sounds wild? Check their website, they have tons of fans who are already following their style.

They dance, they sing, they rap, they dress...they’ve got nothing but good things going for them and they’ve covered all the holes. Bright with style and energy, decorated with glitter, colorfully designed and spicing up your next dance party… pop on some Vistoso Bosses! I think we can all add some Vistoso to our lives.

-Sarina

For The Love Of The Game

FrankieThieriot — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:47:30 GMT

Right now I am sitting in the back of a pickup truck driving across the country for the biggest horse show of my life. As I stare 60 hours of open road square in the face, I got to thinking that as competitors, we spend countless hours training, traveling, taking ice baths to help sore muscles, and endless other things, but to a large degree these efforts are not even a mere thought most of the time to the spectators that come to watch us athletes at the big events we dedicate all of our blood, sweat and tears towards prevailing in.

For example, will the thousands of people who come to watch my horseshow realize or even think about the fact that it took me three days driving across country to get to the show? Do they know or care that I have spent my entire career training thousands and thousands of hours to get to this point, and that not only have my qualifications earned me the right to be there, but that this show is a culmination of everything I have worked for over the past fifteen years?

The answer is probably not, but as an athlete everything culminates at the big events that the spectators get such a thrill of watching, making the pressure to succeed that much greater.

The praise athletes receive is not for the hard work they put in, the hours and years it takes to get there, but instead the end result, and whether they win or loses the game. However I think that sometimes as athletes and spectators we need to recognize all of the hard work that has made the big moments, which ignite us, possible.

No matter the result of my horseshow, I have made it to the top level successfully something most people in my sport will never do, my career has been an amazing one that has taken me all over the world and if this show is for some reason not everything I hope for, it does not take away from everything else I have done along the way. However, in the eyes of spectators that come
to watch me, if I do not have my “A game” they may think less of my talents or neglect to praise me for my hard work.

As a spectator I am definitely guilty of not thinking about the efforts behind the big game, but why? I think it is because as spectators we get caught up in the big moments, and forget about the paths that degree paved the way to them.

I am not saying that athletes should be put on an even higher pedestal then some already are, I am just saying that it is something to consider when you sit in the stands next and cheer for your favorite team. Yes, the big event may be the highlight of their efforts but no matter if they win or lose, they have earned the right to be there and that in its self is a huge accomplishment.

It might be worth taking a second to think about the obstacles that have been overcome, the daily drive, and the constant training and mental capacity the athletes put forth on and off the field and really how amazing it all is.

For most people the work day ends when they get home from the office, but for athletes everything must be right to be successful, from getting enough sleep to eating a proper diet, your training regime must always be on your mind.

Many athletes have become iconic because of how amazing they really are, of what they bring to the game and because of the pure talent that sets them apart. But remember, even if someone was the most talented athlete in the world, if they never picked up a basketball, or in my case if I never got on a horse, they never would have been able to be great. They may have been better than others their age at the time, but if they didn’t put in the hard work, have the passion for it, or put in the time, you would never have the thrill of being a spectator watching them at all.

Here’s to all the athletes, at all levels and the commitment, hard work and love of the game they possess which ignites the hearts of those who watch them.

As for me, here’s to my longtime competition partner Fric Frac, who has overcome career ending injuries and shown me first hand true passion with his relentless attitude, amazing heart and never-ending love of the game.

-Frankie Thieriot

The Art Of Street Ball

MelissaEnaje — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:15:53 GMT

Streetball is like an oxymoron of sorts compared to basketball. That’s because the rules are both fairly similar and both are just as popular, yet players only use half the court. Also, the pinnacle focus shifts to the charisma and talent of individual players and their skills, the drama between the offensive player and their defender and all the trash talking in between. It’s almost like a soap opera version of the game of basketball between key players and their notoriety on the field.

So what’s my outlook on Streetball from a female’s point of view? I’ll take it from the last game I said “I got next.”

Rule #1: Try a court you’re familiar with such as the one on campus, indoors and even outdoors. I went to the outdoor court by the residential village. Once you gain your experience there can you think about escalating to a public level.

Rule #2: Please bring your “A” game. Do not let anyone intimidate you. Period.

Rule #3: Scope your competition. Choose to pick up “next” on a level you feel comfortable with.

Rule #4: Have fun. In a male-dominated sport, the intensity is definitely up a notch than what one can be used to. Your ego needs to be just as big.

I must say, after playing a pick up game with male counterparts, I felt proud to be representing for the ladies, although it took some time before others trusted my instincts. You really have one chance to use it or lose it. After some time, if the energy and skill is present, your “I got next” will shine just as much as you. Who knows what level of expertise can be opened by playing with competitors on a different level. You ready? It’s your call.

-Melissa Enaje

Life Skills of Sports

Delia.Glover — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:25:44 GMT

It’s Fall,and for the first time, there are no professors, no homework, no coaches, no trainers, no teammates and in general, nobody telling me what to do. I graduated from college last May. The carefree days of summer have come and gone, and now it’s November. Just the change in the weather makes me feel a change in me. I’m different.

At my last game, I wondered if it was all over in a sense. It’s not easy competing in organized athletics at an increasingly higher level for most of your life, and then, it seems over, but it’s not. Having been a Nike Field Reporter Correspondent for just a couple of months, I’ve learned something. It’s just beginning, and I’m ready to tackle anything. Looking at the many women who are part of the Nike family, I see their success on the field, off the field and beyond the field when their days of glory are only a distant memory. Many coach professionally, run large companies or run a large family. Maybe I’m not CEO material just yet but all the values I learned over the years have prepared me for life. If there’s an open net, I’m taking the shot.

One of the things I truly enjoyed this summer was coaching volleyball camps. It’s amazing to see the growth and maturing of the girls who come back to the camps year after year. They are not just taller, stronger, and quicker but there’s an intelligence factor added to their game as they grow. At the instructional level, we all line up and say “good game” to the other team. It’s the foundation of sportsmanship. At the elite level, we take the sportsmanship and add creativity, knowing your opponent, and developing a strategy to win. How can you not succeed with these values in your arsenal?

It’s November, and I have some plans. Read my blogs. I am not just going to introduce you to athletes and events. I’m going to show you what you and I can learn from these people and take away from these events. Once you’re an athlete, you’re always an athlete, and the successful ones continue to complete in new ways, in new sports, and in life. I might play beach volleyball in Florida just to travel and get away from the cold New England winters before I become a CEO.

-Delia Glover

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Esser

AudreySchnur — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:09 GMT

Esser reminds me of my younger brother, Jason; cooler than me but understated. He takes chances yet he’s still so familiar.

And they both have great hair.

Esser is one person – not a band. Ben Esser, Brit-pop songster, just finished his first U.S. tour. His new album, Braveface, features melodramatic lyrics accompanied by fresh electric beats that make for tunes one can‘t help but move to. We caught up with the 23 year-old Essex native who was nice enough to answer some questions for the NikeWomen.com team.

“Touring in the U.S. is completely different – it’s so huge...there are so many different ways to get your music out there,” Esser said.

Yes, the U.S. is huge and overflowing with music. Good and bad. That is why the small, simple things Esser does make him stand out. Before touring, Esser’s MySpace page featured a paper-fan giveaway. Send two envelopes to a provided address and Esser (or, I suppose, his “people”) would send you back a paper fan with his face on it to use at one of his summer concerts. I love free stuff! But what I love more is when musicians really try to connect with their fans.

He told a story about a concert he once played that was so crowded that everyone couldn’t get in. Solution? The band went outside and played on the street. It’s refreshing when artists don’t lose sight of the big picture. And it’s nice to know there are musicians out there who are willing to inconvenience themselves for their fans.

In the spirit of “the big picture” and Esser’s simple lyrics, I’ve created a guide to liking the U.K. kid. Cheers!

Guide to Esser:
Latest Smash Hit: “Headlock.” This also happens to be Esser’s favorite song to dance to. “We sort of build up to it,” he said. Dancing is the only sport Esser can really claim. Although he tried cross-country and basketball when he was younger, he “realized he was useless at it,” he said. “About as much of a workout I do is dancing – badly.”

My Personal Pick: “Work It Out.” Check out the music video for this track. It’s out of this world.

His Videos: Not just the one’s depicting his songs but also footage of the band on tour. Very endearing.

Favorite Line: “Love is no excuse for bad art,” (from the song “I Love You”). This line is just so perfectly put. I wish more people took that thought into consideration.

Why you should like him too: The boy has style. He rocks a hi-top fade, adorns spacesuits in music videos and appreciates the art of photography. He’s making all the rights moves and acting like a gentleman along the way. Question is, what’s not to like?

-Audrey Schnur

P.S. I didn’t make one reference to the Beatles, the British invasion or even a “you better run, Paul Revere.” You’re welcome.

P.P.S For a limited time only download Esser's "This Time Around" for free!

Have Fun While You Run

SarahKezele — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:45:26 GMT

Remember when you did scavenger hunts as a kid? You sprinted everywhere with so much excitement you didn’t even notice you were getting a workout.

The Scavenger Dash is here to recreate that feeling you’ve lacked for too long. The event is a combination of a scavenger hunt and an adventure race.

Teams of two receive 12 clues before the race starts. Once you and your partner solve your clues, you head to checkpoints around town to take on more challenges. The Dash covers about five miles and lasts 2 to 5 hours.

Prizes are awarded to the top 10 finishers and those with the best costumes. That’s right; you get to dress up in ridiculous outfits and run around town like crazy people. Is this Christmas or what?

Tucson hosted the Scavenger Dash in October but it hits other cities like San Diego, Chicago and Tampa Bay throughout the year. To learn more, check out the website.

For those who hate the monotony of the treadmill, grab a friend and register today!

-Sarah Kezele

First Time Marathon Runner

KatieAlbright — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:15:40 GMT

The Chicago Marathon is the peak of achievement for both top runners in the world and everyday runners. Sunday, October 11, 2009 marked the day when runners from over 100 countries and 50 states came together to realize a dream and complete the 26.2 mile race. I had the opportunity to interview first time marathon runner, Nina Chaudhary during her training for the Chicago Marathon and then again after the Marathon. Here’s what Chaudhary had to say after completing the race.

Training
Chaudhary’s pre-race schedule included the following: sticking to the Nike marathon training program, the training schedule gave a good foundation of how much she should be running on a daily and weekly basis as well as how she should be feeling. Chaudhary completed a 21 mile run prior to the race so she relied on endorphins for the last five miles of the marathon. When asked what changes she would make to her training, Chaudhary commented that “the only changes I would make in the future to my training program is to take part in the CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) runs that happen on Saturday mornings. For instance, CARA hosts a 21-mile simulation run along the lake a month or so before the race, which would’ve been great to take part in so that I know how I will be feeling after 21 race-pace miles and I can gage how much or how little I need the sports enhanced jelly beans I was carrying with me for energy”.

The Big Race Day

Before
The week prior to the marathon, Chaudhary really started watching her diet, ensuring to eliminate caffeine and alcohol from her diet. She strived to drink 5 or more glasses of water per day and began “carbo-loading” on the Thursday before the Sunday marathon by eating pasta every night for dinner until Sunday morning. Marathon runners are said to burn off all of their carbohydrates within only the first hour of the race, so this was a very important element for Chaudhary to put into her training schedule. The morning of the race, Chaudhary ate breakfast which consisted of pasta and a few hard-boiled eggs after and half a pack of the sports enhanced jelly beans when she was waiting at the starting line.

During
Chaudhary’s final race time was 3 hours, 51 minutes, 49 seconds (3:51.49). She beat her goal time by nine minutes while placing 8,804 out of 33, 608 finishers with 8:40 pace per mile for the majority of the race. Chaudhary got through the race with the help of her iPod shuffle, “my playlist during the marathon was primarily rap and pop songs because I needed faster music to keep me going. I had downloaded 15 new songs on Saturday night, but put them along with 50 or so of my old songs onto my iPod shuffle, which kept me going more because it was a surprise every time I changed the song. My favorite artist during the race was Akon. My friends and family were also set up to receive ‘Runner Update’ text messages at certain points along the way which helped to see them cheering me on”.

After
After completing her first marathon, Chaudhary believes that she will definitely do another marathon in the future, but would like to raise money for a charity so she has extra motivation to train and finish in a good time. When asked if she plans to complete another marathon in the future, Chaudhary replied with, “Since Chicago is a flat course, I see myself running this one again in the future or going to an exotic place like Hawaii to run another one. Also, the qualifying time for the Boston Marathon (held in the spring-time every year) this year was around 3 hours, 40 minutes. Since I now know that I am capable of completing a marathon, I can become more focused on training around an 8-minute mile pace vs. the 9-minute mile pace that I did for this marathon, which would hopefully help me if I decide to qualify for the Boston Marathon in the future.”

Great job on completing the 2009 Chicago Marathon, Nina!

-Katie Albright

WHAT WALL?

AshleyKoehn — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:30:49 GMT

MILE 23.

It’s the mile marker in a marathon when runners are:
Catapulting forward on mental energy alone.
Legs cramp.
Knees lock.
Doubts rise.
And absolutely ALL body movement is uncontrollable.

For most marathoners, it can be “their wall.”

Last year at mile 23, I pee’d my spandex shorts in the 85 degree heat. This year, I stayed in control in my Nike Pro fleece pants in the Windy City 40 degree chill. Yet this year, it wasn’t my race – but one of my best friends.

I jumped in with Stephanie at mile 14, the point in a marathon when you realize you’re actually running a marathon. Up until that point, your mind is in a whirlwind! Fans cheering, Gatorade overflowing and you’re running one of the best tours of Chicago.

Stephanie is a fierce athlete. She is an avid runner who excels at softball and basketball and has been known to dominate Ultimate Frisbee. At mile 23, my purpose was to PUSH Stephanie OVER the mile 23 wall, so I shared this story:

“Stephanie! SO close girl! Remember last year, how you called me the night after the marathon?! You asked, “Ashley, are you running the marathon again next year? We should do it again!” I quickly replied, “Steph! Are you crazy? It’s only been 6 hours since we’ve finished the race and you’re already thinking about next year?!”

I wanted to remind her of the EXCITEMENT, the PASSION she had 365 days prior.

Stephanie could have hit “her mile 23 wall” but instead she transformed her thoughts back to that day and remembered WHY she wanted to run the marathon again. Her hundreds of miles through the heat and rain, early Saturday mornings, diet and discipline were worth every trial when she crossed the finish line.

The Chicago Marathon Wall didn’t stand a chance. She BROKE it and set a personal record!

-Ashley Koehn

Numbers of the Game

Delia.Glover — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:45:36 GMT

My resting pulse rate. My body fat percentage. The percentage of max I lift on my third set. And, of course, the time I spend in the jacuzzi after a good workout. These are all numbers. As any athlete knows, numbers and stats are important, but athletes don’t just keep track of these things for personal gain or glory. You keep track of numbers to motivate you, move you, and measure your progress in being your best.

Sports are as much mental as they are physical. Everyone knows that but I am talking beyond the mental toughness it takes to compete. There is an intelligence that requires you to calculate, compute and know your body. For me, I know when to stop training before a big event. Sure, I can listen to my body and base this on instinct, but with the help of professional trainers, I keep track of my metabolism by the numbers and know exactly when to change my workout program. There is a certain amount of intelligence needed for an athlete to maximize his or her potential. Did I just say “athlete” and “intelligent” in the same sentence? You bet I did.

There’s a stereotype about athletes being dumb. The dumb jock persona plays itself out in movies and on television constantly. For anyone in doubt, simply watch A.C. Slater on any episode of ‘Saved by the Bell’.

In a game of numbers that sometimes comes down to hundredths of a second, athletes know the math and science of their sport. Ask a race car driver about aerodynamics and drafting during a race, or ask Michelle Wie about angles, spin, and choosing the right club for the right shot. These athletes know their numbers and how to apply them to win.

Probably even more amazing to me is the fact that most technological innovation in the sport today come from the athletes themselves. Better bindings and channeling on wakeboard designs and ways to shave a pound off a bicycle frame come from present and former practitioners of the sport. Those innovations might be just enough to raise the score or lower the time for the next generation of athletes. It’s all numbers and intelligence. Today, my numbers and intelligence are telling me that this chocolate bar is going to add one mile to my morning run tomorrow, but it’s worth every extra pace.

-Delia Glover

The Power of Words

AllisonObrien — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:45:57 GMT

In my recent interview with international volleyball icon Ogonna Nnamani, she divulged what was once a great secret. She started the sentence by saying, at the time only my best friend knew what I’m about to tell you. She was referring to the motivational letters that circled the soles of her court shoes at the 2008 Games in Bejing. In black permanent marker, among numerous letters that represented something motivational, Nnamani wrote “F L B S L B”. The letters referenced the famous Muhammad Ali quote “Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. Nnamani often used the quote as pre-game motivation.

It’s funny the phrases that us athletes, begin to attach ourselves to. Have you ever reflected on what works for you? What words do you use to motivate yourself? Whether it’s a difficult practice, a dreaded workout, or a big game, it’s inevitable that there is something that keeps the competition alive. Nnamani’s comments sparked the thought in my mind, so I began doing a little self-reflection and was able to chat with a number of high school volleyball players about the topic. When I asked what the girls did to motivate themselves, there were many similar responses. Most teams took on a team mantra and used team phrases as motivation. Among the many groups I surveyed, there was one group that really stood out during my little investigation. I approached this particular team as they were sitting at a lunch table, cramming in a meal between games. I asked the energetic group what they used to motivate themselves – individually and as a team. The response...they all flipped over their left wrist where a word was scribbled on their skin. The girls went on to explain that with the help of their coach, they select a word that is specific to each girl and it often changed on a daily basis. The black scribbles on their wrists read, “Focus”, “Up”, “Energy” and so on. I admired the team’s determination and creativity. In a way they reminded me of myself.

I vividly recall the nerves I battled before my first collegiate lacrosse game. The week prior to that first game, I took a permanent marker to the side of my plastic lacrosse stick and wrote the word “confidence”. I would like to think that seeing that word helped pull me through the ups and downs of many difficult games and practices. To this day I write the word on my stick and it serves a constant motivational element of my game.

What motivates you? Do you use words, phrase, or routines to prepare for athletic battles? Send me an email and share you story, Allison@nfreporter.com

-Allison O'Brien

Tahoe Getaway

VanessaCuellar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:45:57 GMT

I escaped to Lake Tahoe last weekend and it was totally what the doctor ordered.The lake was in superb condition to say the least. There was the usual hustle and bustle of people up for the weekend. I saw a lot of people trying their hand at the latest paddle surfing which looked surprisingly difficult. It’s all about engaging the core and keeping the abs nice and tight. I had no board but went swimming, played a vigorous game of badminton and went on a hike. There were an endless amount of activities to do but just not enough daylight to do everything. Luckily, Lake Tahoe is just in my backyard and I will be returning soon to enjoy all the wonders she has to offer. Skiing and snowboarding coming soon this winter.

-Vanessa Cuellar

Lisa Leslie’s Legacy

SarinaMorales — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:44 GMT

She’s one of the only women to dunk in a game and now she’s one of the only women, scratch that, she is the only woman to own her very own pair of shiny gold Nike dunks! In celebration of her final regular season game, Nike sponsored a Lisa Leslie Legacy night. Grandma and the rest of the family came out and cheered for Lisa as she received gifts, signed autographs and was honored by some of her old teammates and coaches… you know your big stuff when Magic Johnson shows up to your final regular season game.

She’s arguably the best woman to play basketball and it seems like the limelight never affected her. In all the basketball games and various sporting events I’ve attended, I’ve never seen a player go above and beyond like she did. She not only signed tons of autographs, but she took off her shoes she wore in her game, signed them, and gave them away to a fan. She signed a ticket for a woman so far up in the stands; for sure, I thought she wouldn’t get noticed. Lisa caught the ticket that fluttered down, signed it and handed it to security to make sure it went back to the right hands.

What Lisa did for the game of basketball seemed to come back to her on this night. Fans threw her flowers from the stands. The sold out arena all cheered for her while wearing t-shirts that read, “Pass the Ball to the Girl.” Nike designed the tees specifically for Lisa’s Legacy Night. “Pass the Ball to the Girl” is a phrase Lisa remembers well. As a 6’2”, 14 year-old, although height was on her side, the boys on her team weren’t. Her teammates disliked the idea of a woman playing so much; they refused to pass her the ball. One game, Lisa had no other choice but to steal the ball from her own teammates just to score a point! From then on, fans that watched her play screamed, “Pass the ball to the girl.”

Fans and memories filled the arena, while teammates spoke about Lisa’s impact to the game, on and off the court. Lisa’s smile shined bright as she said, “I am truly humbled.” The game hadn’t even started and I was practically in tears watching her give the fans a farewell thank you.

It was obvious Lisa had a lot of support from her family and I now also know where Lisa gets her competitiveness. Her grandma said, “Lisa may be MVP of the court, but I’m MVP of the kitchen.” Being the best must be something that runs in her family.

-Sarina