Nike Women Blog

NTC Now! w/ Spencer O'Brien

NIKEWomen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:44:28 GMT

A two-time medalist at the X Games and Winter Dew Tour champion, pro snowboarder Spencer O’Brien is one of the world’s most respected female slopestyle competitors. An active member of her community, the philanthropic athlete spends her spare time coaching snowboard camps, speaking to high school students about environmental issues, and raising money for charity. We were thrilled to have the chance to sit down with the snowboard star for an exclusive chat, when we asked her about everything from her warm up routine to her favorite place to shop. Here’s what she had to say:

You say on your blog bio that you only competed because your sister did. Did you two ever compete against each other? Was there any sibling rivalry going on?
Meghann and I rarely competed against one another so there was never much rivalry and when we were both pros she was more into filming. I love to ride with her-- she was my biggest inspiration growing up!

What's your setup like these days?
I ride Nike Vapens with a Burton Deja Vu 152 and Lexa bindings.

What's your favorite mountain to ride?
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia on a good powder day and Breckenridge in Colorado on a sunny day.

How do you get your body slope-ready after you've been on vacation for a while?
I hit the gym. It's hard if I've been slacking off to get back into the routine, but it's so important for what I do so I force myself. In the off-season I also like to bike and go hiking as much as possible.

How do you warm up--mentally and physically--the day of a big event?
I do a warm up off snow before practice that consists of some dynamic stretching, squats, jumps and lunges to get my muscles warmed up. Mentally, I just try to stay as focused as possible on what I need to accomplish that day. I do a lot of visualizing.

How did you prepare yourself for this year's X Games?
I put in a lot of gym time and a lot of practice on snow. I had a run in my mind that I wanted to achieve at X this year if the course allowed it and I came really close. Next year I'll get it for sure!

What would you say to young girls who are just getting into snowboarding? How can they move forward and sharpen their skills?
Take it step by step and challenge yourself every day. Even if it's just a new grab or a 5ft bigger jump, keeping your progression going is what keeps snowboarding fun and exciting. The most important thing is to have fun though! If you aren't having fun then what's the point? You'll get better faster if you're enjoying yourself.

What do you prefer: the pipe or jumps?
Jumps! I'm not much of a pipe person unless it's really soft and slushy.

In your opinion, what's been your greatest career moment?
Winning this season’s Breckenridge Dew Tour. The girls were riding really strong and I did a run I was really proud of, so to come out on top was amazing.

Do you have any tips on recovering after an injury, a letdown, a loss, or just a bad day?
After a loss I just try to focus on the next event. You can't be on every day and it's important to find pros even when you lose or the day doesn't go your way.

How do you unwind?
Baking and cooking, reading, working out and bad teenage television...Vampire Diaries is one of my favorite shows!

Tell us about your hometown of Vancouver. What's a typical night out for you there?
A dinner date with my boyfriend at either Le Faux Bourgeois or Roma can never go wrong. A walk along English Bay with some frozen yogurt in hand is always nice to finish it off as well.

What is your favorite place to shop?
Vancouver-- I know all the good spots! My next favorite is Paris and I really, really want to go to New York!!

Do you have a favorite person that you like to compete against? Who really inspires your competitive side?
Janna Meyen Weatherby is one of my biggest influences. She had such an amazing career and was at the forefront of women's riding all the way up until her retirement at the end of last season. I miss having her at events a lot. After her, it's Jamie Anderson and Enni Rukajarvi. Jamie is so talented and has been pushing me for years to be better and I love that about her. Enni is a bit newer on the scene, but she has great style and some really tech tricks.

Are there any contests in 2012 that you're really looking forward to?
I'm really looking forward to the TTR World Championships in Oslo, Norway next month. It's the first one ever and is shaping up to be a pretty big event so I'm excited to be apart of it. That and also the European X Games…I'm hoping for a bit of redemption after US X Games!

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.

NTC Now! With Jane Wake

NIKEWomen — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:29:55 GMT

Top fitness expert Jane Wake will be joining us live tomorrow on our Facebook page for this week’s edition of NTC Now! The London native has run her own fitness consultancy, Body A-Wake, for eight years, where she teaches NTC programs as well as pre and postnatal exercises and nutrition. We sat down with Jane to find out more about her experience as a trainer, and what she’s looking forward to at tomorrow’s NTC Now! session.

How did you get started as a fitness instructor?
I trained as a fitness instructor while I was getting my Masters in Sport Management at university. Shortly after I left school I started my own personal training business, and wrote to Nike to say that I wanted to work with them. I auditioned for a fitness role, and have been with Nike ever since.

What are your predominant areas of expertise?
After 24 years in the business I can honestly say that I have done and can do almost anything related to fitness!! Primary focuses for me are pre and postnatal health, running, functional training, and core training. I am an advanced pilates teacher and I have done a lot of rehab work, so I’m pretty good with sports injuries.

You have a seriously stacked resume. What’s your proudest achievement?
I’d say my greatest achievements were completing my Masters, running a sub-4:00 marathon, climbing a volcanic mountain, and giving birth to my two gorgeous children.

What's your favorite post-exercise meal?
I often have to train later in the evening, so when I get home it’s just too late to eat a heavy meal. Instead, I’ll make myself a big plate of veggies and hummus. It has to be said though, after a really long run on a Sunday there is nothing better than good old-fashioned English roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted potatoes. After all, a girl’s got to have balance in her life!

Do you have a personal motto?
“My job is to put myself out of a job.” Which means that if I can’t motivate, empower and educate my clients/students on how to train and develop on their own, then I am not doing my job properly.

What is your favorite piece of Nike training apparel?
That is such a hard question! So many things! I’ll try to narrow it down to three:
I just received the Nike+ GPS SportWatch-- it’s genius! I also love the Nike Pro Hyperwarm Crew Training Shirt. The little thumbholes keep your hands so warm, and the snug fit shows off your form while allowing you to move. Last but not least has to be the Nike Free Trainers. I once had to recover from a serious injury by going barefoot to strengthen my ankles and calves. I took up Karate as a result, and now know so well what the benefits of barefoot training are. With the Frees I can apply what I learned during that time to any sport or fitness regime!

What do you like to do in your free time?
I don’t have a lot of free time! If I had some though, I’d want to be on a beach with my kids and my hubby, kickin’ back and relaxing! But only after I’d run about ten miles or challenged my little boy to a vigorous game of beach volleyball first!

What are you looking forward to in regard to your NTC Now! guest spot?
The chance to speak to people I otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to speak with, and hopefully solve a few fitness dilemmas!

To ask Jane your fitness question, join us tomorrow, December 15 at 8:00AM to 9:00AM PST at facebook.com/nikewomen. See you there!

Happy Thanksgiving!

NIKEWomen — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:30:48 GMT

We want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday. Be sure to take some time for yourself today and get in some exercise, as well as catching up with family and friends.

Tell us, what ways do you stay healthy during the holidays?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Closer Look: Tempo Track Running Shorts

NIKEWomen — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:00:21 GMT

There's a good reason why the Tempo Track Shorts are the most preferred pair among women for training: between their sweat-wicking power and full range of motion, the cute and casual shorts are designed to go the distance. Breathable mesh material and built-in briefs add superior comfort and support, and give you an edge over your competition. We love the wide variety of color options, so any girl can find a pair that complements her personal style. From the first steps all the way to the finish line, the Tempo Shorts will keep you on track.

We wanna know how you rock the Tempo Track Shorts. Tweet us a pic of you sporting the shorts and tell us your favorite thing about them, and you we may feature your photo on the blog next week! Submit entries to our @nikewomen Twitter page with the hashtag #lookbook, then check back with our blog to see the who was selected!

Sneak Peek: November NTC Bonus Workout

NIKEWomen — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:00:49 GMT

It’s almost November, which means another month’s worth of brand new drills are coming out on our Nike Training Club (NTC) App! Once again, we’ve got an amazing athlete ready to lead you through a fresh bonus workout: world-renowned sprinter Allyson Felix! Our star trainer Marie Purvis crafted Allyson’s challenging new drills, so we hit her up for a sneak peek of what this month has in store for NTC:

NW: Can you give us a rundown on the new bonus workout you created that Allyson demonstrates on the NTC App?
MP: Allyson’s workout is these five drills repeated three times each for a total of 15 minutes:

Forward/Backward Bounds: This is a great drill to help with reaction and building up the stabilizers in your legs, and it helps develop power.

Lunge with Torso Rotation: This drill is great for strengthening your legs, glutes, and helping with flexibility in the hip flexors and lower back. It develops core and shoulder strength by adding the torso rotation.

Single Leg Dead Lift with Single Arm T’s: This drill is great for improving balance as well as strengthening your hamstrings, upper back, core, and rear delts (which have to be strong for runners like Allyson).

Hip Abductions: This drill will strengthen your glute med (the outside part of your butt), which needs to be strong for runners to help prevent knee and hip injuries. This will also develop your core and hip mobility.

Full Extensions w Medicine Ball: This is a great core drill that will not only strengthen your abs, but will also strengthen your lower back and hip flexors which all need to be strong for runners.

NW: Why did you choose these drills for Allyson?
MP: I chose these drills because I knew she needed exercises that would strengthen her entire core, which is the butt, hips, abs, and lower back. She needed drills that would help with power and reaction, then also drills that would develop her upper back and rear deltoids, which have a tendency to be weak in runners. So I wanted a full body workout that would give her all these things in a short and effective way.

NW: Tell us about your experience working with Allyson.
MP: Working with Allyson was a great experience! She seems shy at first, but when she warms up she’s very sweet and social. She was willing to do all the drills and was excited to do them. She is naturally beautiful and is completely humble about how amazing she is in her sport. I can see how young girls look up to her. She has a great head on her shoulders.

NW: What’s the toughest drill in the new workout?
MP: The toughest drill I think in the workout is the Single Leg Dead Lift with Shoulder T’s (although Allyson passed this one with flying colors). It’s challenging because it works the entire body, and at the same time you have to balance and keep perfect form. This drill this the hardest, but you will see the most results.

NW: What’s a nutritional snack you’d suggest APP users have pre-workout?
MP: This workout will get your heart rate up and exhaust your muscles, so it’s definitely important to fuel your body with proper nutrition before you do it. Pre- workout, you can eat something like half of a whole wheat English muffin with one tbsp of almond butter, & half a banana. Post workout you can have chocolate milk or a protein shake. This will help give you energy before the workout and repair muscle fibers to prevent muscle soreness.

NW: What Nike gear do you prefer to sport when you run through these drills?
MP: I wear the Nike TR Fit Shoe because it’s great for balancing and developing the stabilizers in the bottom of your foot, and I would pair them with the Legend Pant and a ribbed tank.

Download the NTC App here: http://go.nike.com/06tqgv1g

What’s your favorite NTC drill you’ve tried so far? Let us know in the comments section!

NTC Now! With Joslyn Thompson

NIKEWomen — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:00:23 GMT

U.K. trainer Joslyn Thompson is one of those athletes who seems to have done it all. She danced for 15 years of her youth, then continued on to rowing in college. She’s participated in marathons and triathlons, and dabbled in a multitude of other sports, as well as working as a coach. Her wide range of interest when it comes to athletics is why it makes perfect sense that she ultimately fell in love Cross Fitness. The combination of gymnastics, weight lifting, and pushing physical boundaries keeps her on her toes, so training never becomes too routine. With such a vast array of expertise, Joslyn is a perfect fit to join our NTC Now! session this week on Facebook. She’ll be able to answer your variety of fitness questions, from the best drills for specific sports, to recommendations for nutritious snacks to keep your energy up. We wanted to get to know Joslyn better before Friday’s big Facebook chat, so we asked her some questions. Here’s what she had to say:

NW: Tell us a little bit about what you do. How did you get started as a trainer? Who have you worked with?
JT: I decided to become a trainer 8 years ago as I have always been into health and fitness and love the way it can change peoples lives. There are no negatives to looking after yourself inside and out. I spent some time coaching rowers at university before I got my qualification as PT in 2004. I've worked with all types of people from those recovering from serious injury to professional athletes.

NW: What are your predominant areas of expertise in regards to fitness?
JT: I would say my areas of expertise are strength and conditioning, as well as rehabilitation. I train hard myself and like to enable others to do so by helping them stay injury-free.

NW: What are your favorite exercises/drills?
JT: I think my favourite exercises are overhead squats, snatch, clean and jerk, and sprints. They're all great exercises that really give you bang for your buck!

NW: What's your favorite post-exercise meal?
JT: I usually try and get a clean protein shake in immediately after training just for quick recovery to the muscles. Soon after that, I will probably have some grilled chicken and berries or an apple.

NW: What's the best advice you've ever received? What advice do you give your clients?
JT: A favourite quote of mine is by Jim Rohn, who says, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better." It really just points out that in order to improve we have to work for it. I tell my clients that there is nothing that will take the place of hard work and consistency; short cuts only short-change the result.

NW: What is your favorite piece of Nike training apparel?
JT: It's gotta be my Frees! I would sleep in them if I could, they are definitely my shoe of choice!!

NW: What do you like to do in your free time?
JT: Randomly, I'm a bit of a seamstress! It helps to balance out my time spent in the gym lifting weights!

NW: What are you looking forward to in regards to your NTC Now! guest spot?
JT: I hope to be able to offer advice on any training queries that are thrown at me. It's great to help others on their road to achievement, there's nothing I love more.

Don't miss your opportunity to chat live with the London Trainer. Tune in to facebook.com/nikewomen tomorrow at 8:00AM to 9:00AM PST to find out what fitness advice she has to offer.

NTC Superuser Spotlight: Kim Willett

NIKEWomen — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:00:06 GMT

7 months. 3000 minutes. And counting.

We are awestruck by St. Louis gal Kim Willett’s determination. This 25-year-old Cardiac Rehabilitation Center personal trainer works hard to help others get back in shape, and understands the importance of leading by example. We wanted to know more about this positive role model and motivated Superuser, so we asked her all of our burning questions.

NW: What's your current workout schedule with the Nike Training Club App?
KW: I'm in the middle of half-marathon training so I use the App 2 times a week, for 45 minutes each. Before the training began I would do 3 times a week for 45 minutes each. I like to bounce around between the "Get Toned," "Get Lean," and "Get Strong."

NW: What motivates/inspires you to workout with NTC?
KW: The rewards on the App definitely keep me coming back. I get so excited when at the end I hear the voice say, "Congratulations, you've unlocked another badge!" I also love the energy boost it gives me later in the day.

NW: What’s your training motto?
KW: My training motto is to do something you love! The best kind of workout is one you'll actually do. I found my passion in the NTC App, and it keeps me working out all week long.

NW: Who is your favorite Nike athlete?
KW: Allyson Felix. I might be a little biased on this one because track and field was such a huge part of my life. I love that she commits herself to her sport, and doesn't care about the fame and fortune. She has become such an inspiration to other young female athletes.

NW: What’s your favorite piece of Nike training apparel?
KW: I love anything that has “Livestrong” on it. I wear my bracelet 24 hours a day. When I put on my LIVESTRONG Fanatic Women's Running Hoodie, it gives me inspiration to carry on with my workouts. Knowing there are people fighting cancers and other diseases reminds me that I can at least have the strength to make myself a healthier person.

NW: What's the best advice you've ever received, and what advice would you give others as a result of your NTC experience?
KW: The best advice I've ever received is to keep looking forward. Forget about what happened or didn't happen today and keep pushing on. The best advice I can give someone starting NTC is to make it a priority. Your health and well-being should be the most important thing in your schedule. Put it in your calendar, find a friend to do it with you, do whatever it takes to take care of yourself. Get it done!

NW: In one word, how would describe your overall NTC experience?
KW: Empowering!

NTC Now! With Carli Lloyd

NIKEWomen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:31 GMT

Renowned soccer star Carli Lloyd knows from experience that perseverance pays off. The midfielder has been kicking a ball around since she was a kid, and years of dedication to the game have earned her big bragging rights with her abundance of achievements.

The brilliant, professional soccer player has accomplished more in her 29 years than most athletes do at their time of retirement. That’s why we are so thrilled that she will be joining us for tomorrow’s edition of NTC Now! on Facebook. We chatted with Carli about her secrets to success, the advice she lives by, and what she's most looking forward to at her NTC Now! session tomorrow. Here's what the soccer star had to say:

NW: What would you say helps you excel on the field?
CL: Until about 8 years ago, I relied on my talent to get me to the top. But I quickly realized that that was not enough. I was lucky to find an amazing trainer who transformed my game on and off the field. He taught me what it takes to be a professional soccer player. I realized fitness and healthy eating are the most important things I need to excel. I've turned fitness, which was once a weakness, into one of my strengths.

NW: How many hours a week do you train?
CL: It depends, but usually a couple hours a day, 6 days a week. I'm doing push-ups and sit-ups constantly though!

NW: What is one of your proudest achievements?
CL: It still may sound cliché, but winning a gold medal in 2008 under all the circumstances was truly an amazing accomplishment. I would also have to say earning my 100th cap for the U.S.

NW: What's the best advice you've ever received?
CL: To go out in every training session and game and work hard. Hard work with talent gets you places, but talent without hard work gets you nowhere.

NW: What’s your fave piece of Nike training apparel?
CL: Im a huge fan of the Nike Miler Running Shirt-- both short sleeve and long sleeve-- and the Nike Pro-Core Compression Training Tights to run in...comfort is everything!

NW: What are you looking forward to in regards to your NTC Now! guest spot?
CL: I love answering questions for people about training because I take great pride in my body. I have come a long way with getting myself super fit, lean and healthy and I won't stop until I get to the top! So helping others get out there and work out makes me smile!

The live chat with Carli will take place at 12:00PM to 1:00PM PST tomorrow on facebook.com/nikewomen. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to find out ways to improve your training from a soccer star that always practices what she preaches!

Tell us, what do you plan on asking Carli at NTC Now! tomorrow?

NTC Superuser Spotlight: Nerissa Mata

NIKEWomen — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:57 GMT

Talk about commitment! After two years of working out with NTC, Nerissa Mata’s motivation has stayed strong. The 28-year-old from Toronto is close to cracking the 4,000-minute mark with the NTC App, and has no intention of slowing down! We wanted to find out the secret to her perseverance, so we asked her some questions. Here's what she had to say:

NW: What's your current workout schedule with the app?
NM: I work out 5-6 times a week and use the NTC app 2 or 3 times in those days.

NW: What are your favorite NTC workouts?
NM: I love the Transformer, Arm Definer and Super Fusion workouts

NW: What’s your power song?
NM: "Firestarter" always gets me fired up!

NW: What motivates/inspires you to workout with NTC?
NM: My fiancé is my #1 fan and always encourages me. I love that I can stay home with him on the weekend and do the workouts on the app since they can be done without gym equipment.

NW: What’s your training motto?
NM: Don't stop at the timer.

NW: Who is your favorite Nike athlete?
NM: Sofia Boutella, because she has athletic rawness and an awesome attitude that shows in her dance.

NW: What’s your favorite piece of Nike training apparel?
NM: I love the Nike 2" Running Boy Shorts. They are extremely comfy.

NW: What's the best advice you've ever received, and what advice would you give others as a result of your NTC experience?
NM: The best advice I’ve received is to remember to stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day. I would advise others to keep proper form at all times! Keep your tummy pulled in and shoulders back.

Behind-the-Scenes at the Nike Women's Marathon w/ the NSW Runway Crew

NIKEWomen — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:58:05 GMT

The 2011 Nike Women’s Marathon was a huge success! Thousands of participants-- including the NSW Runway Crew--partook in Sunday’s big race, as well as rest of the weekend’s fly festivities. “This experience was such a positive and memorable one.” Runway Crew member Stephanie Baker told us. “I will always remember this, and Nike will forever hold a special spot in my heart!”

“It was more than I ever could have imagined, and so glad I signed up for the contest and took part in the festivities!” member Heidi Lowry added. “Myself and the other girls had so much fun and didn't want to say good-bye to each other. We want to enter as a group into next year's race!”

From Haight to the Golden Gate, the Runway Crew covered serious ground in their sneakers in SF while looking fashionable and fresh. Before hitting the catwalk at the Run the Runway event in Union Square on Friday, the Crew was styled in the hottest Nike running gear by pro stylist Samantha Jo Alonso. With DJ Mia Moretti on the turntables and other stylish San Francisco sprinters sharing the stage with the girls, the show had an incredible turn out, and was a smash success. On Saturday, the girls got made up and geared up by the rest of the all-star Entourage before a photo shoot at the beach. Then, after creating customized jackets at Lady Footlocker, they kept it classy and cool at an exclusive Cole Haan afterparty. Finally, they finished off their amazing weekend by running the Nike Women's Marathon together as a team, which was the true highlight of their journey.

Wish you'd been in on the action? Never fear, YOU could rock the course as part of the NSW Runway Crew at the NWM next year! After this year's success, Nike Sportswear has decided to make the contest an annual event!

Want more fresh fashion from the Nike Women’s Marathon? Check out these fab photos of stylish racers Nike found holding it down at the starting line: http://go.nike.com/06h2krdp

Tell us, why do you run?

Were you in San Francisco for the marathon last weekend? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

NTC NOW! with Jamie Stumpe

NIKEWomen — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:00:31 GMT

Sometimes the hardest part about getting in shape is knowing where to start. A great way to get going would be to join our live chat with U.K. trainer Jamie Stumpe at tomorrow’s NTC Now! session. The personal trainer has been active in sports since the age of four, and holds a strong background in martial arts. Years of teaching boot camp have made this tough trainer an expert on outdoor fitness, weight loss, circuit training, and nutrition, so be sure to take advantage of his expertise and come prepared with your questions tomorrow!

We had some of our own questions for Jamie, so we hit him up for a quick chat to learn more about him:

NW: What are your favorite exercises/drills?
JS: Body weight drills are the best by far! My favourite is the one I’ve struggled with the most, Wide Grip Pull-Ups. I’ve spent hours upon hours hanging on the bar wiggling about, so now that I can actually do them, I love 'em!

NW: What's your favorite post-exercise meal?
JS: I’m normally in a rush, so a high quality whey protein powder with a fast release carb is what I'm after. I prefer strawberry flavour all the way!

NW: What's the best advice you've ever received?
JS: My boss at boot camp always said, "Its only pain! It sounds harsh, I know! But when I'm mid-way through a race or working through a nasty session, it helps to give me a kick.

NW: What is your favorite piece of Nike training apparel?
JS: The Nike TRs are by far the best trainers for your workout! They give you a lightweight shoe that offers multidirectional support.

NW: What do you like to do in your free time?
JS: Train. You gotta practice what you preach, right?

NW: What are you looking forward to in regards to your NTC Now! guest spot?
JS: The unknown. I have no idea what people are going to ask, so I’m looking award to the challenge.

It's your turn, Nike Women. We challenge YOU to try to stump Stumpe with your training questions! You’ll be hard pressed to find a fitness topic Jamie isn’t an expert on, so hit him up tomorrow at 8:00AM to 9:00AM PST on facebook.com/nikewomen, and get all the answers you’ve been looking for.

Nike Women's Marathon NTC Training Events

NIKEWomen — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:00:52 GMT

We’ve been waiting with anticipation, and at last it’s finally here. We’re so excited for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco this Sunday, October 16. Many of the marathon’s participants have been training nonstop for months, and with just four days until the big event, it’s crunch time to make sure their bodies are in tip top shape. Athletes from all sports utilize the NTC App for cross-training, and now Nike pro trainer Marie Purvis will be on hand in San Fran all weekend to help runners get warmed up by leading them through select NTC drills.

Anyone in the City by the Bay on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 can head down to Union Square, where Marie will be hosting hosting free training sessions from 2-5pm. The majority of the drills and stretches that Marie will be teaching focus on core and upper body, and are stretching-oriented. She will be challenging the core by doing drills like Russian Twists and Crazy Ivan's, and she'll lead through planks, lower back strengthening, and plenty of deep stretches to help out hamstrings, quads and calves, as well as the upper back.

“I’m staying away from the legs due to the fact that the marathon participants will be running for so long come Sunday.” she told us.

Right before Sunday’s race, Marie will also be standing at the starting line leading a dynamic warm up designed to get blood flowing and stretch the runners’ muscles. She’ll also be on hand at the end of the marathon to offer support in some post-exercise stretches. If you are racing in San Fran on Sunday, from pre-event training to the finish line, Marie will keep you in superior shape, and feeling your best.

With marathons scheduled all over the country in the coming months, there’s no better time than now to download the NTC App and get started on some challenging cross-training!

Tell us, will you be participating in the Nike Women’s Marathon this Sunday? Let us know what's your favorite part about running a marathon in the comments below!

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!

Basketball Training Style with Tamika Catchings

NIKEWomen — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:29:42 GMT

The WNBA Finals are under way, and after Wednesday night's nail-biter, we are amped up for tonight's critical game 3. Watching all the WNBA action is getting us fired up to get in the game ourselves, so we asked 2011 MVP Tamika Catchings to show us some of her favorite items to sport when she trains. A stylish and sophisticated blend of fashion and function, Tamika’s polished gym outfit brings all the confidence and class she exemplifies on the court to her cross-training.

Tamika needs lightweight shorts when she’s running laps in preparation to rock the hardwoods, so it’s no wonder she selected the Nike New Hero Mesh Shorts. The breathable, mesh material is made to keep up with her fast-paced training.

On and off the court, Tamika’s style is cool and classic, which is why the minimalist, low-profile Nike Pro Compression Sports Bra is the perfect pick for Tamika, and one of Nike's most popular pieces.

The simplistic and sleek Nike G87 Knit Training Tank Top has an open racerback and a contoured shape that provide a full range of motion, making it an excellent choice for Tamika’s variety of cross-training activities.

No training outfit would be complete without a stylish pair of sneakers. Tamika loves the In-Season TR Training Shoe, as the cushioned insoles are super soft and offer superior support for your feet, which Tamika needs for jumping and pivoting.

We are in love with Tamika’s trendy training outfit. It’s clear to us that along with being an authority on fitness, this MVP also has a keen eye for fashion. We can’t wait to rock her look at the gym, then make a modest attempt at some of her signature moves out on the court!

What do you think of Tamika’s look? Let us know in the comments below.