Nike Women Blog

READY FOR THE NIKE+ VIRTUAL HALF MARATHON?

NIKEWomen — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:45:10 GMT

The Nike+ Virtual Half Marathon is fast approaching. We are thrilled that so many women have signed up to run on January 14 and 15! We were only too happy to help motivate participants Kathleen Brucato from New York and Karen Poole in California with Nike+ marathon kits and to find out a little bit about why they are taking on the Virtual Half.

Karen Poole:
Why are you running?
I want to run this marathon first because of how much fun I had this year running my first-ever marathon at the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco on October 16. I know this will be a great experience. Second, I love that this race benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Running with so many women for such a great cause makes me feel amazing and pushes me to run harder. Third, I am really excited to be able to plot my own course for this race and am planning on running along beautiful country roads and hopefully finishing around nearby Lake Folsom. And fourth, the finisher's bracelet looks amazing and I am going to enjoy wearing it around to represent my achievement and experience.

Who’s running with you?
I started out planning to run alone, but just recently, a girl from work signed up, and I plan to run with her. Danielle is so inspiring because she has a relative with Leukemia, so now we are running for someone we care for. That makes the race even more meaningful. I’m working on convincing my husband to run with me. Hopefully with this chance to be on the Nike blog I will be able to fully convince him!

Kathleen Brucato:
Why are you running?
I have been following Nike Women on Facebook for advice and inspiration for my upcoming marathon training. I made a personal goal to run a full marathon before I turn 30. I only have two years left! This past year I ran my first half marathon and starting this January 7th, I joined a running group to prepare for the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 6th. The ads, personal profiles and tips have been so helpful!

Who’s running with you?
Running Solo!

What’s keeping you? There’s still time to register for the Nike+ Virtual Half Marathon.

Nike+ Virtual 1/2 Marathon

NIKEWomen — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:30:18 GMT

The new year is right around the corner, and we can’t think of a better way to kick it off than to fight for a great cause while getting in shape. On January 14 and January 15, 2012, 10,000 women from around the world will run in the Nike+ Virtual Women’s Half Marathon to raise money to cure cancer.

If you've ever wanted to participate in a marathon but couldn't find the time--or found it a bit intimidating--this is the perfect opportunity! A half marathon is a great length for beginners, and with 48 hours to complete the event, you can run according to your schedule. Plus, instead of running next to strangers you can get together with a group of friends, go at your own pace, and keep each other motivated. Just plot your course with Nike+ and join us in crossing a virtual finish line on the big day! To find out more about the Nike+ Virtual Half Marathon and register, click here.

Rise to the challenge. Tell us if you’re thinking about running in the comments below, and we’ll entice a few lucky readers to commit with some gear and Nike+ kits to make sure they have everything they need for the big race on 1/14 & 1/15!

Your Guide to Marathon Season 2011

NIKEWomen — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:00:03 GMT

Marathon season is underway, and there’s much to be excited about in the coming weeks. With major events like the Chicago Marathon this Sunday, and the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco on October 16, thousands of runners from across the country will be lacing up their sneaks in support of some great causes.

At tomorrow’s Chicago Marathon, three of our favorite female athletes are trading in their cleats for running shoes and are teaming up to relay the race. U.S. Women’s National Team soccer players Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, and Alex Morgan will be taking their dynamic energy and perseverance from the soccer field and bringing it to the streets.

"I am so excited to be part of the B of A Chicago Marathon!" Alex told us. "I’ve heard that it’s a great event with electric energy and I’m always inspired by seeing other athletes, no matter what sport, compete at a high level. It will be a thrill to see the heart in all the runners, especially close to the finish line."

They’ll also be tweeting about the experience the entire time, so be sure to follow them on Twitter at @hopesolo, @AbbyWambach, and @alexmorgan13 to get all their updates and show them your support! And there’s more exciting news for our twitter friends; anyone who tweets about the Chicago Marathon—whether it’s a message of support to the runners, or a shoutout to your fave participating athlete—and uses the hashtag #OwnChicago will have his or her profile picture added to a giant mosaic that will live at Niketown Chicago and online on the Nike Running Facebook page. So take to your Twitters and get the word out on tomorrow’s big event!

Are you gearing up for any marathons in the upcoming months? What do you do to prepare for the big day? If you aren’t currently registered for any big races, have you ever considered running one? Between dedicating yourself to tough training, running the race, and contributing to excellent causes by participating, there are few activities as positive and ultimately rewarding as a marathon. We want to show our support to our community members who are getting ready to run, and encourage others to sign up and get started. That’s why we’ll be featuring complete coverage from the Nike Women’s Marathon, marathon training tips, a guide to the hottest running gear this season, and more, so be sure to check back with our blog frequently.

See you on the racetrack!

My New Obsession: Nike Free TR Fit Training Shoe

NIKEWomen — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:00:09 GMT

The Nike Free TR Fit Training Shoe is all about allowing your foot to move the way it’s naturally intended. Women around the world told us what they wanted from a training shoe, and our design team heeded their call. The nucleus of the Free Line, the Free TR Fit is so lightweight and flexible it makes you feel unstoppable, all while creating an incredible sensation for your foot. These kicks don’t just offer versatility in your training; they compliment a multitude of styles as well. We asked three of our trusted, trendy bloggers to try them on for size, and share with us why they love to wear their pair.

Emily - Brooklyn, NY
“Light! This shoe is so light!” Emily gushed. “I love these for their flexibility, the way they will pack up into a suitcase, and how comfortable they are to just slip on. Living in Brooklyn, NY is my workout. I hike down my four flights of stairs, walk to the subway, run down the stairs, shuffle around all the other commuters, run up the stairs, sprint to make the light and then hike over to the production company I work for, where comfy shoes are a must for shoots. I’m also lucky enough to live by the most beautiful park in the city, Prospect Park, where I wear these shoes for a weekend stroll, to run errands, to ride my bike, and run.”

Charrise - Iliamna, AK
“I love the Nike Free Tr Fit Training Shoe! They are versatile and make a bold fashion statement. Most of all, I love how light they are which gives me the feeling that I can do anything.”

Lloryn - Seattle, WA
“My commute to work each day includes walking, busing, and taking the train so I get in some serious mileage! Heels are impractical for such a long trek, but I never want to be one of those ladies in a pair of unattractive orthopedics. These kicks are super cute as well as super practical, which is perfect.”

Pole. Pedal. Paddle.

AliciaInns — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:54:33 GMT

It's the race that has it all: Skiing, cycling, running, paddling and sprinting. For 35 years, Bend, Oregon’s Pole Pedal Paddle has been deemed one of the most premier sporting events in the nation. This year, more than 3,000 people from across the country came to experience the thrill of the finish line. And I was one of them.

Allow me to break it down. The race was born more than 30 years ago by a couple of Bendites (i.e. local Bend residents) in their garage. It’s now evolved into a mad dash uphill to put on your skis, where you then embark on an 8km cross country ski leg, followed by a 22-mile bike ride from Mount Bachelor back down into town, a 5 mile run, 1.5 mile paddle in a canoe, and finally a half mile sprint to the finish line. Phew, that wore me out just explaining it. Now imagine doing it all...in under three hours.

That’s what individual competitor and one supremely awesome woman Stephanie Howe did. She took the woman’s crown for the second straight year. Her winning time: two hours, one minute and 58 seconds, beating out any other female competitors by more than seven minutes! Talk about inspirational.

I may not have had to strength or proper training to complete the entire course by myself, but some co-workers and I put together two teams to do each leg of the race. My skiing skills were a bit rusty and running seemed too simple. For some athletes, the Pole Pedal Paddle is a chance to challenge themselves, and that’s exactly what I wanted: a challenge. I wanted to ride.

I trained for three months with the girl I would be competing against, Mackenzie. We biked around the block before work and for hours afterwards. Come race day, Mackenzie and I were full of nerves. I waited anxiously for my skier to tag me out and then I was off! And guess what? I made it! 22 miles, up hill, down hill, sideways and everything in between – I did it! Didn’t stop, didn’t look back once and I made it down in an hour. Yes, I couldn’t feel my legs afterwards, but I could definitely feel the smile on my face.

I might not make it to Stephanie Howe’s level anytime soon, but I’m surely going to try my best and mark that one off the bucket list.

Don’t let big races scare you, ladies: sometimes you just gotta go along with the ride.

-Alicia Inns

Spring into Running

GinaVenier — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:45:59 GMT

Spring is in the air – which means we should put some spring in our feet, too! The elements of spring weather should be great motivation to explore the outdoors again. As a Midwestern girl, I’m more than ready to leave my indoor fitness routine and go al fresco. Now’s the time for running the roadways, hiking the hills, and climbing the caves. You ready? I am… so I’m dedicating this article to All Things Running. It’s a great time of year to find a 5K, challenge yourself with a half marathon, or go for it all and endure the distance of a full marathon.

With the help of avid runner and marathon mom, Dina Kwit, I’ve learned the basics of running from this 15-timer. She’s no “Kwitter,” that’s for certain. Here are 10 tips for prepping for your workout, daily jog, or your 26.2 mile journey.

1. Write your goals down. Keep a running journal and document everything. I track how I ran, the weather, who I ran with, who I saw…everything. Writing it down makes it real.

2. Lay out your workout clothes the night before. When you wake up, it’s like they’re saying: “Good morning. Come on. Get up. Let’s go.”

3. Surround yourself with motivation. We keep a sign in our kitchen: “Every day is a great day to run.” Post your goals or running times on the wall to serve as a constant reminder of what you want to achieve.

4. Find inspiration everywhere. I have a constant reminder from a Nike swoosh tattooed on my leg. (Crazy, I know!) I constantly think about the whole idea of “Just doing it.” Don’t say you’re going to do something, just do it.

5. Share your goals with someone. Find someone to run with, or keep someone company. If you’re doing 18 miles, plan to have someone come meet you at mile 5.

6. Find a spiritual connection to something while you’re running. Something personal... it’ll help motivate you and keep you inspired.

7. Find 5ks, marathons, or any outdoor competitions in cities you’ve wanted to visit. (Chicago, anyone?)

8. Find a workout companion. My husband rides his bike next to me in the morning while I’m training at 5am.

9. Share your gift. I train the local high school runners, and started a running club for kids.

10. Keep your training route exciting. Do both indoor and outdoor training. Swim. Run. Sprint. Bike. Do everything, everywhere.

Post this advice somewhere you see it on the daily. Gear up for spring.
Motivate yourself with a new pair of running shoes. Break them in by finding a new path for your fitness routine. Running is an excellent way to release your energy.

Liberate your legs. Free your feet. Happy running. Just do it.

-Gina V.

She Runs L.A.

GevrinaSeferaj — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:00:00 GMT

LADIES, LADIES, get pumped and get ready for a 10k that is very well-deserving of its titled. “She Runs LA” is designed just for you from the people who know what it means to take control of your own time. So if you think you run LA, then listen up. You are going to want to register for this 10k that of course is presented to you by the Nike LA Running Team.

It’s a 10k that you run wherever you want at whatever time you want to run it. Make sure you take on your 10k anytime between 4 p.m., April 27 and 4 p.m., April 28. Upload your run to the She Runs LA Nike+ Challenge by 4p.m., April 28for a chance to win Nike shoes, apparel, and more.

So what’s next after the run? Well you know that Nike always knows how to throw a party. Join all the other runners at the LA Nokia Live Theater for a time of dazzling fun. Performances by We Are Heroes winners of America's Best Dance Crew, New pop-soul duo Nikki & Rich and there will be 3 floors of pampering by Bliss and Paul Mitchell. Did I mention Mike Posner is going to be there as well? Yeah, I can’t wait to see him take the stage.

This a chic event is a great idea to do with friends, and what better why to celebrate a 10k then with a party. Make sure you go to sherunsla.com for more information, and be part of something bigger, a mission, a movement: SHE RUNS LA!

-Gevrina

Gevrina Talks Fear and Speed with Joey

GevrinaSeferaj — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:00:10 GMT

I was able to attend a Nike Women Global photo shoot, which took place in Los Angeles in three different locations with three world-class athletes. I was able to get an exclusive peek into the collection, which left me “bouche bee”—in other words, amazed.

A track star in England, Joey Duck is used to wearing the bare minimum—and has a load of charisma. She was one of the athletes I got to hang out with in L.A. As we started chatting, she told me that last year, she had stayed in the U.S. to train in Irvine, CA. Irvine happens to be the city right next to my hometown. We instantly bonded.

I asked Joey: What does she feel before a race? Her answer was very memorable, because it made the whole set laugh. “I feel like I have butterflies in my stomach, like the ones I get when I go to a club to dance and see a cute boy in the distance.” Well-said, Joey. I get butterflies when I see a cute boy, too.

Joey and I quickly became friends with Michael, the set stylist. He was totally filling us in on the latest trends and also giving me personal advice on my wardrobe. Every time I walked around him, he would readjust my sweater.

This girl is super-down-to-earth and young at heart, making her the next big thing. And, of course, make sure you visit NikeWomen.com for the latest workout clothing trends!

-Gevrina
@Nike_NFR

No Limits For Sarah Reinertsen

GevrinaSeferaj — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:31:50 GMT

Sometimes, I’ll admit it, I get a little to lazy to work out. It was definitely so much easier for me to work out when I was in college with my teammates. The whole team spirit dynamic disappears once you’re on your own. And that’s true for most of us who are no longer college athletes or professional for that matter. Finding motivation on your own is harder than the physical work out itself.

So, lets try this again how in the world do we each find motivation to head to the gym without finding excuses or complaining? I know the answer to that, because I found the person who motivates me and inspires me to care enough to get myself back into a training regiment and that is Sarah Reinertsen.

Rewind. I meet Sarah in Portland and was completely taken back by her zest for life. She is a paraplegic tri-athlete who trains her heart out. I want to be like her. I want to wake up every morning and give my body just that, a hard, satisfying work out.

Talking with Sarah was a very a inspirational moment for me, because she taught me that life is a constant struggle for all of us in different ways, however it's what we do with the obstacles in our lives that make us great. I thought to myself after interviewing her, why I ever find an excuse to miss out on going hiking, or swimming, etc.

Overwhelmed by this woman’s compelling nature, I found out that she had participated in my favorite show ever—THE AMAZING RACE! She let me in on a little secret… the contestants even wear they’re mic packs while flying. I told her how much I’ve been wanting to be on the show and she actually gave me a couple of tips. Another interesting fact about Sarah is that she recently posed nude for a Sports Illustrated magazine issue this fall. Talk about fearless!

Since I spoke to her, I have a new plan in place. I no longer need a group of people to motivate me to get me to the gym. We shouldn't rely on others to get things done. Sarah pushes her self to get what she wants. She constantly motivates herself and challenges herself, and that’s the beauty of being an athlete.

If you ask me what an athlete is, my answer would be: an athlete is a person that uses their body to challenge oneself. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Nothing is impossible, everything is possible. Thanks Sarah for being my inspiration to push myself to the next level when I’m training.

“If you have a body, you’re an athlete.” – Bill Bowerman

-Gevrina

One State At A Time

GinaVenier — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:40:34 GMT

Her name is Ashley Kumlien. Her journey is from California to New York. Her cause is Multiple Sclerosis. Her motivation is her mother.

Ashley Kumlien is a 26 year-old, high energy, “tougher than an ox” athlete from Brookfield, Wisconsin. She has never taken for granted the ability to put one foot in front of the other. She believes running is a gift. So this chick is on a mission - a 3,230 mile mission, that is. Ashley is running through the middle of America to raise donations and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Her mother has battled with MS for 28 years, and Ashley finds inspiration and motivation to use the body she has been given to run for her cause. Here’s how she’s putting it all into action: Ashley is running 20-30 miles, six days a week, for approximately six months. You want inspirational? You want leadership? Look no further – you found it in Ashley Kumlien.

Can you say leader of the pack?

The starting line was in San Francisco, California, and the finish line is in New York, New York. I had the distinct privilege to chat with Miss Ashley herself while she was trekking through Pennsylvania, one state away from her final destination. She didn’t take any time away from her trails either, as she talked while she traveled. Dang, girl.

Check out the interview details between Ashley and me. Here’s how it went down:

Gina: Tell me about your journey so far – how’s it going?

Ashley: So far, it’s been amazing to be this far, and to realize that I am just days away from finishing a 6 month journey across America. I’ve really taken this journey for my mom and for others with MS and to raise money and awareness for it. It’s hard to put an emotional package on how everything is going to feel when I finish.

Gina: I can’t imagine the physical and emotional roller coaster that you’ve been on the past few months. What motivates you to keep pushing?

Ashley: My mom has had MS for over 28 years, since before I was born. I’m inspired by her. I’ve had to grow up my whole life seeing the progression of the disease that took away some of her independence. I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I love fitness and sports, soccer and running; and as an adult, I knew that they were gifts that I didn’t want to take for granted. I have been really into running and sports, and it has been amplified by my mom’s inability to do those things.

Gina: That’s very inspiring, Ashley. It’s obvious that you keep in shape, and use fitness as a way to strengthen your mind and body. But…I gotta ask…how exactly do you train for a 3,230 mile run?

Ashley: Ha! Well, a huge benefit is growing up loving running. I run every day. I started running cross country in high school, and played soccer in college. My muscles and bones are formed to be a good foundation as a runner. I changed my perspective of what the body is capable of doing, in order to do this feat for my mom. Once I realized I could run to inspire people, I was able to go from 13 mile races to 50 mile races in a matter of five weeks. I feel that the mental side of it is a huge attribute to be able to cover the amount of miles.

Gina: Wow, that’s pretty incredible. Earlier you mentioned you consider running a gift. Tell me what exactly you meant by that.

Ashley: The biggest thing, no matter what it may be- one mile or five miles or a marathon, or not even running at all; maybe it could be something different for fitness- but exercising is a gift that we have been given. It’s not a privilege. It may be painful sometimes, but it’s such a huge benefit for your body. I think it should be viewed as a gift; if you view it as a gift, you become very thankful for it.

Gina: I love your perspective on that. You’re such an inspiration to women. How can we get your attitude and outlook to rub off on us, at least a little?

Ashley: Being a woman, it’s important to be fit and healthy. I feel that women have a lot of responsibility, and it’s hard to find a balance. Fitness is something we can claim for ourselves; it’s something good that I am doing for myself. You can feel better about yourself, too.

Gina: Ashley, you have been wonderful. Keep on the journey, and know that you have many supporters and followers rooting for you along the way. Thank you so much for your time.

It was beyond extraordinary being able to talk with Ashley. What a cool chick.

Ashley’s on the home stretch. She’s knocked out 12 of her 13 states, so far.

She will cross the finish line in New York at City Hall on Tuesday, September 28th. Follow the rest of her journey on her Facebook or Twitter account: MS Run the US.

Also, read more on Ashley and check out her website at www.msruntheus.com

So it’s official: Ashley defines the description of the ultimate Nike Woman.

You go, girl. Just do it.

-Gina V.

Sofia Hedstrom: Running In Pretty Dresses

GevrinaSeferaj — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:12:31 GMT

When you think Fashion Week, you might think of one of these: blazers, high heels, sneakers, mini skirts, shorts, dresses, a little bling-bling here and there, the lists goes on and on. While the word sneaker might stick out in the above mentioned list, I think it would be great to take sneakers to another level, considering the impact the Air Force 1 has had on culture.

So what better way to spend my own fashion week than by grabbing my running shoes and interviewing Swedish fashion reporter Sofia Hedstrom, who gave me the inside scoop on her life as a fashion reporter and her new hobby of running marathons.

When you go on a run, do you ever think about dresses, makeup, or even jewelry? Well, while you and I might stick to shorts and a pair of Nikes, Sofia, does quite the opposite.

She totally adds flare to her running apparel (must be all those fashion shows), which has made her stand out from any other runner that I have ever met. Sofia stays true to herself by doing what makes her comfortable and happy and that’s running in dresses. She considers running in dresses and wearing red Chanel lipstick as her staple.

FSF (Fun Side Fact): according to Sofia, Chanel lipstick lasts at least 20 miles! She’s tested it in all the marathons she has run. How about you put that one your shopping list!

Sofia started running three years ago to bring balance to her hectic schedule as a reporter. With all the traveling, running seemed to be the perfect constant in her rapidly changing lifestyle. Since we are both reporters on the go, she gave me some advice and told me to run every chance I get. Her career has taken her to Sweden, China, Brazil, Italy, and Paris, and what better way to view the country than by running! She’s getting a workout and sightseeing all in one.

We concluded our interview by warming up and then running around her neighborhood in Brooklyn. Of course, being the girls that we are, we continued to chitchat about fashion, working out, staying healthy and traveling. We even started to compare who travels more in a week. The life of a reporter… unpredictable and a whole lot of glitter!

-Gevrina

A Man’s Best Friend

GevrinaSeferaj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:47:21 GMT

When it comes to working out, some of us like to train alone while the rest of us like to have a partner. I’ve noticed that I tend to challenge myself more when I am working out with another person. It’s always good to have someone there that can not only get you through the workout but who can also inspire you with the confidence you need to succeed.

There is only one problem, finding someone that will go with you when you want, where you want to. So what can the solution be? It’s quite simple, check it out. Instead of having to always find a friend that will go with you on the run, you can take someone far more loyal, your dog (only if you have one of course).

It all hit me when I went on a run with my roommate Cole. At first I was stoked that I was going to have a running partner, but when we went on our run I realized that I was not truly focused on my personal training regiment, rather I was more concerned about how I was going to catch up to him. Let me tell you, my roommate is 6’5” and runs with the wind, leaving me behind within seconds of our start. He began to stop so I could catch up and other times I was the one stopping because he obviously runs faster due to his height.

We both tried so hard to accommodate each other that in the end we really didn’t enjoy the workout. So this is when it occurred to me that the best possibly partner for running is definitely your dog. First, they will run at your speed. Second, they don’t need to take breaks. Third, they are on your schedule. Four, both you and your dog are benefiting from the run in many ways.

This Sunday, I took my dog, Leeopold on a three mile run and it was GREAT! I became convinced that taking my dog with me on my weekly runs is a positive thing for both Leeopold and me. There were no conflict of interests but instead there was a bond. By taking your dog on runs, you get a great workout in the company of your pal, and also you end up spending more time with your dog.

-Gevrina Seferaj

I RUN NYC

SarinaMorales — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:00:27 GMT

I run New York. I run it like I am the mayor. I’m in the beautiful busy streets of New York City running, literally. It’s a picture perfect moment. Down the West Side highway with the wind in my hair, I run. I have nothing to loose and only speed to gain. I feel great. I run past the cabs waiting for a red light and around the cars stuck in traffic. I run like it was what I was made to do. Nothing can stop me. Then it hits me… BOOM! I bump into someone’s shoulder. WACK! A grocery bag gets me in the leg. SQUEEK! It’s the sound of my shoes coming to an abrupt halt as I barely miss crashing into the person walking toward me.

I’m going to say it once and once only, pedestrians of NYC, move out of my way! I don’t know if you guys realize, but it’s a problem and it needs to be fixed. I’ve never been a stickler for who gets the right of way when it comes to cars and pedestrians, nor have I had a problem with other people walking towards me. When I walk the streets in New York City, I am usually the one who gives the right of passage. I’ll gladly move to the side for someone walking quicker than me, and I don’t mind standing an extra second for another person to walk past in order to avoid fighting for sidewalk space and bumping into one another. This only pertains, however, to when I am walking. When I’m running, it’s a horse of a different color.

For those who are unfamiliar with New York City sidewalks, while some sidewalks are wide and awesome, there are also much slimmer blocks and walking down them can be difficult, even if you’re traveling solo.

Now I don’t know how it’s done in other cities, but being that I’m planning on running quite a bit outside this summer, I think I need to get this clear. The unspoken rule for runners, especially when running outside, we get the right of way. Where else do you expect us to run when you are in the city? Some parks are miles away. The gym is no fun in nice weather. No, the best place to run for both a change of scenery and efficiency is in the streets.

I think back to all the times I’ve almost crashed into someone walking in my direction or have been smacked in the leg/arm/hand/head or stepped on because someone didn’t move out of the way for me as I tried to run past. My point is, how hard is it for someone walking to stop. Now think of a runner, headphones on and going at a decent pace in their groove having to put the brakes on for someone just because they couldn’t move out of the way.

Being that us pedestrians at the end of the day have to share the sidewalk, I thought rather than figure out who gets the right of way declare that runners get the go first!! It makes life a lot easier on all of us. No more crashes and no more pulled muscles. No more awkward maneuvers around trees. I ask kindly for you walkers to please help us runners trying to stay in shape. When you see me running in NYC, move out of my way! MOVE OUT OF MY WAY!!!

-Sarina

QDeezy Runs Philly

SarinaMorales — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:15:06 GMT

A lot of runners run in Philly at the Penn Relays, but nobody actually runs Philly like radio personality extraordinaire, QDeezy. Even with his move to Los Angeles, Q still stays strong to his roots. I’ve never seen a dude know more people than myself. Lucky me, Q and I teamed up at this year’s Penn Relay’s… not to run, but to hang out and emcee the party at the Nike Spike Bus.

It was a stroke of luck to have someone like QDeezy with me during the relays. I never ran track competitively nor had I ever been to Philly. Not to say QDeezy is much of a professional runner himself, but he sure knows a lot about Philly and the Penn Relay’s is a very historic event in Philadelphia. Running, on the other hand, for QDeezy, is a strong but distant memory. The most competitive race he ran was actually a marathon… as a joke.

Let me not confuse you by thinking he thought the marathon was a joke. Get this, back in 2004, the infamous year Diddy ran the New York City Marathon, a co-worker challenged QDeezy to run the Philadelphia marathon. It started out as a joke, but a joke made live on the radio can quickly turn serious. Three weeks before the marathon a local news channel elected to follow QDeezy the entire race. Then the whole thing picked up steam quickly. Celebrities started donating money. A trainer was hired and Q found his comical self begin to train. He only had THREE weeks before the marathon; clearly not enough time to prepare. “I finished in a whopping 6 hours. I never said I was perfect but I finished it.” QDeezy said.

So he’s no serious runner, but QDeezy was a very special part to this year’s Penn Relays. He gave a taste of what real Philly is. He took me to have my first official Philly Cheese steak. He showed me the ropes, both as a spectator at the Relays and as a person who is looking to dive into work as a personality. One thing I think we can both agree on, QDeezy is very different from a lot of the radio and television hosts out there today. He truly has a passion for discovering and learning new things. QDeezy told me “I’m constantly trying to get better as a person and I am comfortable being myself.”

This guy has a drive you won’t see in most runners. Even starting out in radio, he found himself sending his resume five times before getting an invite to one of the Philly radio stations. Once he was in, he worked his way up from answering phones to making his way onto the air. Today you can find QDeezy out in Los Angeles co - hosting on Big Boy's Neighborhood, a syndicated morning radio show. He’s not stopping there; he also has his sights on television and acting. I’m telling you, he’s taking over! But this time, he may jog instead of run. I think the marathon had adverse effects on the poor guy. Thanks for a great time at the Penn Relays Q!

Fun Questions with QDeezy:

Can you cook?
YES

Favorite Dish?
Salmon, string beans, and brown rice. POW!!!

Sautéed or Creamed Spinach?
Sautéed Spinach

Bus or train?
Train

If you weren't on radio?
I would be a lawyer.

Favorite nail polish color?
Uhhh purple

Favorite word/phrase?
CONSISTENCY

Favorite sport to play?
Basketball

Favorite Nike Athlete?
Bron Bron

Hardest part of your job?
No days off

-Sarina

Personal Record Obsession

AshleyMacha — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:31:46 GMT

Has the urge to break a personal record ever haunted every fiber of your being? If so, you are suffering from something every athlete stumbles upon; perfectionism. Try not to get too caught up in this for it can zap all the fun out of your sport – I know from personal experience.

I can’t even begin to tell you how many 5K’s I’ve ran in my lifetime, but I can tell you what my best time was, when I ran it and where it happened (20:31; 2004; Casa Grande). Every time I run a 5K that number haunts my core saying “do it again” or “just beat me already.” While I’m not VERY far off from that number today, it’s still daunting knowing I was once at that level. How do I get back there I ask myself?

The fact that I’m obsessing over a number makes me a little OCD – and a little crazy – or both. I’ve started accepting the fact that it’s all a process and there are ups and downs within sports. The main point is that we need to be doing it for pleasure – not always for competition. I’m still taking my own advice in stride though.

I completed my first half marathon in 2008 and was aiming for a time of 2 hrs on the dot. I felt great the entire race, but ended up crossing the finish line at 2:05. Boy did that do me over. Now, every time I try planning another half marathon, I can’t help but reach for a goal that MAY seem out of reach.

So, I’ve decided to set take my PR goals and shove them (for now at least) and take my chances with the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco on October 17. I’ve never run a marathon so I look at it like a clean slate, going in with no expectations – just to finish! AND I plan to run a half marathon to prepare for the NWM, but instead of worrying about PRing, I’m going to run at my goal marathon time and have fun with it – cause that’s what it’s all about, right?

-Ashley Macha