And the countdown begins! Less than 24 hours until the Zion Half Marathon. I have to admit that I’ve been a bad runner and didn't train at the level I expected. Work has been busy and I just finished moving out of Venice-- a very big project for me that deserves its own post. But apparently the Zion Half Marathon is known for its hills and elevation climb, so it’ll be v e r y interesting to see how I do…especially because I plan on lots of hiking after #feeltheburn
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I’ve been running since the summer of 2010 when I started training for my first race ever, the Nike Women’s Marathon. I’m glad I got into marathons when I did because I was younger, had way less responsibility, and it helped shape my mentality and lifestyle for the better. The only downfall of getting into running at that time was being so new to the space that I didn’t know anyone with the same passion. People entering their last year of undergrad didn't think waking up at 5AM on a Saturday to run 12 miles was fun. Hmph.
Training was often a lonely sport but I eventually got used to. It became therapeutic and a time to just reflect on life or to not even think at all. I could just let my thoughts wander, wherever. So a few years later when I started to hear about Nike Training Club and Nike Run Club I was so intrigued. Where had these people been hiding all of my life?! I had gotten so used to being a solo runner that I shied away from running as a social sport. But things can change when you meet the right people.
Just a month ago I did a small photo shoot with some amazing people I met from Nike Track Club: Mellie,
Jamaica and Christine. I also met Mark that morning, our incredible photographer for the day. We ended up exploring the Venice area from 630AM until past noon! It was such a fun day filled with running, training, and most importantly, living. I’m such an advocate of Nike for many reasons, but this specific day made me realize I loved them for a new reason. That they can unite total strangers over the love of simply being active.
A few days ago I also attended Nike LA's International Women's Day at the USC track. Ellie Goulding, Carmelita Jenner and Sarah Reinertsen made guest appearances before we embarked on 2-hours of HIIT and Run fun. The event also marked the revamping of #NRC, or Nike Run Club, so expect to see me mingling with fellow runners a lot more. I hope you all get a chance to experience this amazing community :)
xo,
el
