Nikewomen NFR Blog

Free Download from Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: The Stills

Brittany.JC — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:30:46 GMT

The Stills are an indie band from Canada. They have been together since 2000 and have released four albums and a bunch of singles. Their latest album entitled,"Oceans Will Rise" was released on August 19th and is chock full of great tunes!

One of my favorite songs on this album is, "I'm With You". It is addictive, upbeat and has a great groove. This makes it the perfect song to run to! The musicality of this group can also be heard in this song through their intricate arrangements. This song makes me wish I could play the guitar!

Make sure to check out the Stills web page at www.thestills.com There you can listen to more of their songs and see a complete list of the their tour dates.

-Brittany

As always, you can download their track "I'm With You" right here on nikewomen.com!:

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Brazilian Girls

Brittany.JC — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:35:32 GMT

When I lived in New York City last summer I went to a concert series in Central Park. There were tons of bands playing, but the one I really remember is The Brazilian Girls. The first thing I noticed when I saw them perform, was that of the three members, only one is a girl. Also, the lead vocalist was singing in French, so I didn't think they were even Brazilian!

It turns out that none of the members are Brazilian, but once you hear their songs you don't really worry about their name. This pop/electronic group has one of the most unique sounds that I have heard in a long time! Their songs showcase influences of reggae, pop, rock and tribal music and each track is like a new surprise. One of their newest songs is called, “Good Time," and is one of my favorites. It is really fun and has a repetitive drumbeat that will keep you nodding your head.

The Brazilian Girls have a new album entitled “New York City" that was just released on August 5th. The album is also available now on itunes. For more info on the band visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/braziliangirls.

-Brittany

Gotham Boxing with Ary Nunez

Brittany.JC — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:30:08 GMT

Ary Nunez is an amazing training expert and on top of that she is a Nike Athlete. I have seen videos of Ary in action, so when I showed up to take one of her classes, I was a little nervous. I have never done martial arts and didn't know if I was going to be able to hang. My nervousness subsided as soon as I met Ary; she was so sweet and assured me that it would be a fun class.

Ary is known for her signature style of training called Gotham Boxing, which is a combination of a little bit of everything. We immediately got our heart rates up by doing jumping jacks and high knees. The rest of the class was a fusion of martial arts and cardio. We did various types of kicks (high, low, round) and we experimented with different styles of punches. Then out of nowhere I found myself doing cartwheels and running around the room!!! According to Ary, developing confidence and continuing to be a student are the most important things when training; a love of which she hopes to develop in everyone who takes her class.

Gotham Boxing is the epitome of a high-energy full body workout. Needless to say, I quickly broke a sweat and had a ton of fun! Ary was a great motivator and it felt great to train my body in a new way. The icing on the cake is that Ary gave me one her Gotham Boxing videos, so now I can do my high kicks at home!

-Brittany

To find out more about Ary Nunez and Gotham Boxing, visit www.arynunez.com

My own Nike+ Mini Me!!

Brittany.JC — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:45:46 GMT

I already spend tons of hours every week on www.nikeplus.com. I love to look at my runs and read the running tips posted by coaches. Now I spend even more time there because of the Nike+ Mini feature!

Once you log in you are given the opportunity to create your own Nike+ Mini. It is so much fun!! I created one that kind of looks like me. I was able to choose my Mini's haircut, clothes, shoes, and even a pair of sunglasses. I even got to pick its facial features such as the nose and mouth!! If you like can also choose the random option and have the computer create its own runner for you!

The Nike+ Mini is for more than just laughs though. The Mini represents your running activity by the amount of energy it displays. The more often you run, the higher your Mini's energy level. In other words, you never want your Mini to look tired!! It if looks sluggish, it means that you haven't been running. With that said, when you pick up the pace, the Mini's energy level will pick up with it!

So make yourself a Mini. It will keep you on track to your goals and you can even create a widget for your facebook page that lets your network know how you are keeping up with your goals. I have been using my Mini as motivation while I train for the Nike+ Human Race 10k! Right now my Mini has a lot of energy, and I plan to keep it that way!!

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Jessie Baylin

Brittany.JC — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:05:48 GMT

When I found out that Jessie Baylin recently moved to Tennessee it didn't surprise me. Her song “See How I Run" definitely has a country sound all the way down to the twangy guitar in the background! Even though I am not the biggest fan of country music, I really like this song. With lyrics like “moving quickly, trying to catch what's mine,' this track is extremely positive and sure to inspire.

Jessie Baylin is not a country artist, this singer/songwriter hails from New Jersey and has a very diverse sound ranging from folk to jazz. One of her jazzier tracks is “I'll Cry For The Both Of Us." This song is one of my favorites and really displays the melodic tone and true range of her voice.

If you want more information on Jessie go to www.jessiebaylin.com. There you can check for tour dates, look at pictures and download her latest songs.

-Brittany

Only 3 More Weeks Left!

Brittany.JC — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:05:31 GMT

I am now 5 weeks into my training for the Nike+ Human Race 10K. I am not getting in as many miles as I need to, but I am hitting some pretty big milestones. I am now really comfortable running 3 miles; which is a great accomplishment. I also ran 4 miles last weekend and that is a distance that I haven't run in a long time.

The hardest part about my training has been the fatigue in my legs. I have been putting a lot of miles in and my body isn't quite used to it. Even after I stretch, I still have to push through tired legs on some of my runs. I have just been trying to stay really hydrated and have turned to things like Yoga to help with my flexibility.

The Nike+ Human Race 10K is just weeks away and I am starting to get really excited. This week I am going to go to my first training run hosted by Nike. In addition to running with other people, it will also be nice to talk to the trainers to get some training tips. I hear that more than a hundred people show up for these runs, so I will keep you posted on how it goes.

-Brittany

Yoga In The Square

Brittany.JC — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:00:14 GMT

Every Thursday Union Square Partnership's “Summer In The Square" series offers booths and free activities to members of the community. I heard through the grapevine about a free Yoga class in the square and I couldn't wait to check it out.

I arrived to see a stage with a dozen colorful yoga mats laid out. A small group started to form and we were soon introduced to Kyle, our yoga instructor from OM Yoga. We did the traditional Vinyasa Yoga, which I have done a thousand times before. However this time it was a lot more difficult because it was so hot outside! The temperature was probably 90 degrees and I started to sweat quickly during the warm-up. Every movement was made that much more difficult because of the heat. It forced me to work harder to hold some of the more advanced moves and by the end of the session I was sweating like I had just finished a race.

Even though it was hot, there was a little relief when a cool breeze broke through the park. While I can't say that I would do Yoga in the heat all of the time, it was truly a unique experience. Doing yoga this way adds an extra challenge and is really fun! The instructor Kyle said that he hopes that students leave his class feeling more connected to their body, brain and mind. I can honestly say that I left his class feeling relaxed. Mission accomplished!!

-Brittany

Strides, Sweat and Stamina

Brittany.JC — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:45:32 GMT

There is only one reason that I would get up at 6 am. The 3rd Annual Nike Half-Marathon in New York City!

More than 10,000 runners gathered in Central Park on a rainy and stormy morning. The rain didn't seem to phase the runners as they stretched, jogged in place and attached their race numbers. Then, just as the race was to begin, the rain stopped, and with the sound of the horn, the runners took off.

The race started in Central Park and passed through Times Square before finally ending in Battery Park. It was 13.1 miles of strides, sweat and stamina!! It was really amazing to see the diversity of runners on the course. Every ethnicity and all fifty states were represented. Participants ranged in age from 12 to 88 and there were runners of all different skill levels. Leading the pack were some of the best runners in the world; a few of them even qualified to participate at the games in Beijing! There were also a lot of runners who were running in their first half-marathon, as well as those who were running for select charities.

As the half-marathoners crossed the finish line almost all of them threw their hands up in excitement. It was really great to see the look of accomplishment on their faces. Everyone received a medal for their participation and a goody bag with food and water. Live music was being played as the tired runners reunited with their biggest supporters; their families. As usual, Nike put on a great event! I can't wait to see what the Nike+ Human Race 10k will be like!

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Bitter:Sweet

Brittany.JC — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:54:47 GMT

Imagine walking into a really chic boutique or a swanky bar. Now think about the song that would be playing in the store. That song would probably sound something like “The Bomb" by Bitter:Sweet. The repetitive baseline and sultry nature of the singer's voice definitely gives it a flirtatious feel. Then, out of nowhere, the tempo speeds up with the help from a keyboard and a blaring trumpet! This song is very retro and will immediately make you feel like you're the ‘60's!

Bitter:Sweet is an electronic/trip-hop duo from Los Angeles. Shana Halligan serves as lead vocals and Kiran Shahani provides the unique beats. Another song of theirs that you've probably heard is “The Mating Game." Like many of their songs, this track has been used on several popular television shows and movies. Their latest album “Drama" is available on iTunes now.

-Brittany

Bull's-Eye or Bust!

Brittany.JC — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:35:56 GMT

If you didn't know by now, I am a very competitive person. When presented with a challenge, I am rarely the one to back down. So as my archery lesson neared, I knew that I was going to have to tap into my inner Robin Hood and get a bull's-eye!

I arrived at Queens Archery to meet my instructor Al, who is a long time archer and enthusiast of the sport. Since I had never picked up a bow or arrow we started with a very basic lesson, in which he showed me all of the equipment and their uses. Up next, we went through the four stages of shooting: relax, ready, aim, and fire. Al explained that archery really develops both arm and back muscles. After a few pulls on the bow, I could feel the muscles in my upper-back really starting to work. I don't think I have ever used those muscles before! It's not all about strength though, form is just as important in becoming a great archer. Great form develops consistency and consistency is the hardest thing to master.

They say that third times the charm, but for me, it was the eighth! Using all of my archery knowledge I aimed, fired and BULL'S-EYE! I couldn't contain myself I was so excited! After I got one bull's-eye, I wanted another; archery is definitely addictive in that way. I tied but didn't hit that center circle again, so I guess that means I'll just have to go back to the range!

-Brittany

A little friendly competition

Brittany.JC — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:27:38 GMT

A few weeks ago I registered and fully committed to training for and running in the Nike+ Human Race. To my surprise, so did ALL of the Nike Field Reporter correspondents. Since we are all running with Nike+ I have decided to pose a little challenge to all of my peers!

On Nikeplus.com, runners can join and create different challenges. These competitions keep running fun, as well as, keep me on top of my training. Therefore, to help encourage the other girls, I took it upon myself to create the Nike Field Reporter Most Miles Challenge!

Here's how is works. As we train, we log miles with our Nike+. When we send our runs to Nikeplus.com, those miles will automatically be added to the competition. At the end of 45 days, the person who ran the most miles wins! What do they win? Bragging rights of course!

I'll keep you updated on whose in the lead. I better get running!

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Jamie Lidell

Brittany.JC — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:29:09 GMT

Jamie Lidell's music cannot be put into any bubble. His music takes its influence from many different genres ranging from soul to alternative. On his latest album, “Jim," each track is like a box of chocolates…You never know what you're going to get!

His song, “Another day" sounds like the 1960's Soul, Pop and R&B hits our parents grew up listening to. The piano and hand clapping is reminiscent of a Sunday morning at church; the singers in the background channeling a gospel feel. If the gospel flavor doesn't get you, the combination of soul and funk are sure to get your toes tapping!

Lidell is currently on tour and will play several shows in the U.S. throughout the year. His sound is so unique and unlike any others that are out right now, he is definitely worth a listen!

-Brittany

Check out Jamie Liddell's "Another Day" from the album JIM:

Pedicabs: Work or Workout?

Brittany.JC — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:35:23 GMT

Pedicab drivers zip around on what appears to be a “super" bike and pull tourists and pedestrians through this great city. Even on the hottest days, they are out on the streets pulling their eager passengers. I've always wondered if Pedicab driving was really the workout it appeared to be. So I went straight to the source. Melissa Von Ludwig has been a New York City Pedicab driver for a number of years. We met up in Central Park where she gave me a crash course in Pedicab driving.

The bikes have several different gears to adjust resistance and lighten the load of the passengers. Regardless, at the end of the day, drivers can end up pulling up to 400 pounds of extra weight! After talking for a bit, Melissa took me for a ride through Central Park! I could see how driving one of these Pedicabs was not only a leg workout, but an arm and back one as well. Melissa admits that it is not always easy, especially with her small frame, but she credits her active lifestyle for her strength. In addition to pedicabing, Melissa is also an avid biker and runner. She will even be running in the Human Race on August 31st!

Sure Pedicab driving is a job… but this job will keep you in great shape!

-Brittany

My Summer In New York City!

Brittany.JC — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:28:36 GMT

Training for the Nike+ Human Race!

Brittany.JC — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:15:07 GMT

This week marks my first official week of training for the Nike+ Human Race on August 31st. The Human race is a 10K (about 6.2 miles), so I definitely need to get some more miles under my belt before I am ready. At this point I can run about 3 miles comfortably. To reach my goal, I have found a training regimen that seems perfect for me.

The training program I found requires me to complete three runs a week. On the off days I will do either cross-training or strengthening exercises. As the weeks progress, my mileage will increase until I reach 6 miles. It sounds easy enough right? I hope so!

To help me with my training I will be taking an official Nike+ Human Race training class at my local gym. The trainer there has created a specialized training program to help me and the other runners reach our goal of running in the Human Race. Additionally, I will be participating in Nike sponsored Human Race training runs throughout New York City. Make sure to look for my weekly blog updating you on my progress.

If you want to run, register for the big race at www.nikeplus.com and create a personalized training program of your own using Nike+ Coach!

-Brittany