Nike Women's Marathon San Francisco 2013

The Nike Women's Marathon / Half Marathon is one of the hardest races in the country to gain entry into.  So many people want to be part of the event, Nike has to set up a lottery system for entry.  Only about 1 in 5 who seek entry actually get into the event--unless you are part of Team in Training!  If you commit to raise money to fight cancer, you are guaranteed entry into this most sought after event.  That is how I got in!  In total, there was about 3,000 Team in Training participants in the race, raising over $13 million dollars to fight cancer. Nothing like a sea of purple running to fight cancer! 




I met my team bright and early in the hotel lobby.  Since our hotel was right at the race start, we got to sleep in a little because we could walk to the start.  I was a little said and lonely that morning because I was the only "Yorkie" from the Central Pennsylvania Team at Nike this year.  Most of my local teammates choose to do the Chicago Marathon this year instead of Nike.  Crazy!  We gathered for a team photo and wished each other luck!  










It was still dark when the race officially started!  Nike had a great DJ to get the crowd going.  We even got a firework sendoff!  It took me about 26 minutes to cross the start line.  Those minutes waiting to cross the start are always so anxious for me. The first two miles were on the city streets of San Francisco, through the Financial District, heading toward the Embarkadero.  The view of the San Francisco Bay was amazing, although it became very evident that the word of the day, like last year, was quickly becoming fog.  It was so foggy that morning, that we could only see about a quarter mile out. I could not even see the water while running through Fisherman's Wharf or Pier 39.  As we ran through the Presidio, all of the runner were eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the famed Golden Gate Bridge.  Unforgettably, this was a marvel we would not be blessed to see that day. This was also the coldest half marathon I have ever done.  It was about 50 degrees, and very damp.  It never rained but the air was very wet.  I was cold for the entire event.  Some teammates tried to talk me out of wearing my long sleeved top.  I was so glad I wore it!  My hands stayed icy the enter race.  Brrrr! 


The course was tough, but simply amazing.  That word does not do it justice, but is a true description.  The first really tough hill was around mile 5.5-6.5.  It felt never ending!  This is where the best bridge view should have been, but due to the fog the bridge was never visible. After the top of this crazy hill, was about a mile of winding down hill, along the San Francisco Bay--not that I could see it due to the fog.  At the bottom of the hill, we ran through a very cute San Francisco neighborhood that contained what I was told was Robin William's house.  Lots of the runners were whispering about it on the course. We made a sharp turn around mile 8 to greet the steepest hill yet. 

Once we got to the top of this hill, we turned a corner and there it was--the most beautiful and breath taking view of the race.  I got my first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean!  The view looked like it came out of a book.  The waves were crashing against the cliffs.  The seagulls were flying around.  Pure magic!   I have always had a love / fascination with the ocean--especially the Pacific Ocean.  When I got to the bottom of the hill, I could see race village--but I was only on mile 10.   After another breathtaking mile along the coast, we made a turn into Golden Gate Park to run our last two miles. By this time, I could see runners who already had finished the race carrying their finisher bags, wearing their finisher shirts and holding their little blue boxes.  It was tough to not look at the bright yellow shirt in the bags, but I was determined I was not going to look at their necks!  I did not want to see the Tiffany necklace until I was looking at the one I had earned myself.  


The final mile went pretty fast. By this time in the course, spectators had lined up and were cheering the runners on.  As I got closer and could see the finish line, I ran faster!  I once again could see the Pacific Ocean.  My mind was on getting my blue box from a hot firemen in a tux.  I crossed the finish line strong and chose the guy I wanted to give me my little blue box.  After I got my box, there were volunteers giving out reusable water bottles sponsored by Whole foods.  I got my finisher shirt and then my finisher bag--full of snacks and a nice note from Tiffany's.  

This year, I planned to spend more time at the finish line party.  First, I stopped by and washed my face at the Neutorgena face wash station.  Neutorgena really outdid themselves for race participants this year.  They really pampered us at the expo, then they had a Neutrogena station at mile 5 with face wash clothes and sunscreen.  Then at the finish line--they had huge bins with lots of Neutrogena products for runners to check out and take what ever they wanted.  I got lip sticks, facial moisturizer, sunscreen and lots of other fun stuff. After the fun at Neutrogena, picked up my bag from bag check, then went to the Team in Training tent.  After a stop for a sandwich and some food in the Team tent, I walked out on the beach.  I took in my last few glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.  After a quick stop in the Whole Foods tent for a snack, I rode the bus back to the hotel.  

I was so excited to open my Tiffany necklace this year--but I made myself wait until I got back to my room.  I wanted to take my time, open the box slowly--to take it all in.  I slowly untied the ribbon and opened the box.  I pulled out the tiny blue bag.  There is was--my new Tiffany necklace.  Its a triangle shape, with an X to stand for a 10 because this was the tenth year of the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco.  











Nike Women's Marathon was an amazing event!  It was the most breathtaking course I have ever run.  There is not one boring second of this race.  There was always something beautiful to look at. The course was for sure my favorite I have ever done (don't tell the runDisney people.)  The support on the course was also spectacular.  I had 3,000 teammates/ new family members cheering me on on the course.  There was hundreds of TNT coaches on the course.  I could not go half a mile without seeing one of our green shirted coaches cheering on all of the runners.  The NWM in San Francisco is going to be a yearly event for me.  I can't wait to do it again next year!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Some Running Inspiration That Keeps Me Going...

Before every Team in Training event, the TNT staff through an inspiration dinner for participants.  It is their way of saying thank you for all the hard work we have done fundraising, but its also an a send off for us--a reminder WHY we did all that hard work.  The inspiration dinner for the Nike Women's Marathon a few weeks ago was no different--except they had a few extra specials surprise in store for us. 






The dinner started out just like every other TNT inspiration dinner.  The staff, coaches, survivors and family members gathered to cheer us on as we entered the convention center.  There were about 3,000 TNT participants, and countless supporters.  All of the cheering honestly makes me uncomfortable.  I always feel like I am NOT the one who deserves to be cheered for.  The food was your typical pasta, salad, meatballs and veggies.  The amazing John Bingham was our motivational speaker--like at every other TNT inspiration dinner I had been too.  Besides all the typical--this dinner had some amazing surprises in store!  

Team In Training was founded by Bruce Cleland in 1988 in honor of his three year old daughter, Georgia--a leukemia survivor .   He wanted to do something for other families--to find a cure!  He had the "crazy" idea to run a marathon while getting sponsors to donate for each mile he ran.  Bruce created a team to train for a marathon in New York City . His team raised $322,000 and helped Team In Training grow into what it is today.  TNT Participants at the Nike Women's Marathon received the honor of meeting Bruce and Georgia at our inspirations dinner!  It was so amazing to hear them speak--the people who started it all! 

We also got to hear from another amazing family--The Family of "Team Mickey".  Mickey is now a sixteen year old girl with Downs Syndrome. When she was a toddler, she was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Hearing her mom tell her story brought me to tears.  I know how it feels to spend months and months in the hospital--how scary it is to fear for your child's life. After fighting the disease for years, Mickey in now in remission!  Her mom joined TNT a few years ago.  Mickey crossed the finish line with her mom at her mom's first half marathon.  Mickey vowed then to do a half marathon with her mom as part of TNT when she was 16. That race would be the 2013 Nike Women's Half Marathon!  Hearing Mickey and her mom tell their story was so heart warming.  It reminded me of the power of a mother's love, the power of a family.  It also made me miss my kiddos a bit.  Team Mickey is what Team in Training is all about!  Finding a cure, giving back, helping families have more time together.  

The Team in Training inspiration dinners are always very powerful to me, but this one was different.  It was all about parents fighting for their kids!  They were speaking my language....  This inspiration dinner really put me in the spirit to conquer the hills of San Francisco.  

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Nike Women's Marathon Expo San Francisco 2013

This past weekend, I had the privileged of participating in the Nike Women's Half Marathon with my Team in Training team (Go Team Central Pennsylvania!).  Since I did this race last year, I knew the "Expotique" as they call it would be different from any other race expo out there--but in a very cool way! 



When we landed in San Francisco, first thing we did was check  in to our hotel.  Just a short walk from the hotel was the expo!  When I first arrived at the expo, I went right up to the packet pickup table and got my packet. The first thing I noticed there was no shirt in my packet. This was because at the NWM, only finishers get a shirt.  I love this idea! In this years goody bag was some snack samples, a Neutorgena lip gloss, a Paul Mitchell dry shampoo, a Luna Bar and some flyers--packaged in clear plastic bag with the NWM logo on it. Nike+ members got a few extras--we got some shoe laces and a set of Tiffany blue stick on nail polish strips with the race logo printed on it. 






After I got my packet, I went into the Expotique.  It did not look like a normal race expo.  The Expotique was in a huge, white tent set up in Union Square of San Francisco. Runners entered the Expotique on a Tiffany blue carpet.  As we walked in, our names flashed across a board, with an inspirational message special for each runner.  The music was high, as was the energy level. There was nothing for sale at this expo.  Most of what was going on was free! To get NWM themed merchandise, you had to go to Niketown across the street.  This expo was like a party for runners. 






Since this was a women focused event, they had lots of girly pampering and fun available.  Saturday morning, I had an open two hour window in my schedule.  I met my friend Jennie for breakfast, but then my team was meeting two hours later to go over a few last minute race day details.  I decided to spend that time at the expo having some fun. My plan was to be at the expo right at 8 am when it opened to avoid the crowds.  My plan worked--we had no wait for the things we wanted to do.  First, Jennie and I want to the Neutorgena lounge.   They were doing free make overs!   My consultant was so helpful and I love the job she did on my face.  After the makeover, we had our picture taken and got lots of little goodies to take home.  I got a little black draw string bag of lip gloss, moisturizer, and sunblock, plus a full size mascara and pore refining face wash.  How cool is that!



After getting my makeup done, I stopped by the Paul Mitchell booth.  They had cosmetology students doing hair styling. I got two really pretty french braids done in my hair. My hope was that it would stay in for the race.  After that Jennie and I got some silly photo booth pictures done, complete with fake mustaches, at the Team in Training booth.  Thanks so much to the organizers of NWM and the respective brands for doing this for participants. 



This was by far the best, most fun race expo I had ever been to.  It was all about having fun and letting go.  It was about relaxing and celebrating. This is just part of what makes the Nike Women's Marathon series my favorite events of the year.  

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Nike Women's Half Marathon DC 2013

This past weekend was the inaugural Nike Women's Half Marathon in Washington, DC.  Since I participated in and absolutely loved the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco last year, this event had big shoes to fill!  After the Expotique was just as cool, I had high hopes for the event.

I woke up very early race morning, got ready, and met my team in the lobby of our hotel.  After some chatting and a group picture, the team walked to the metro together.  After a few stops, we got off the metro.  There it was--race village just as the sun was rising over the DC skyline.  The team separated as we all headed to assigned corrals. Joan Benoit Samuelson and Shalane Flanagan gave runners a quick peep talk.  Looking down Pennsylvania Avenue, past the start line, at the Capital Building was an amazing way to start the race.  It was the most breath taking start line I have ever experienced.

As beautiful as the sights at the start was, the corral system was equally as bad.  At the Expotique, each runner is given a bracelet with a corresponding corral based on their estimated pace per mile.  As it turns out, the corrals were to small.  All the runners could not fit into the corrals.  Those of us who did not get to the corrals early, were stuck waiting on the sidewalks.  Race directors allowed farther back corrals to start before the runners on the sidewalk in the closer up corrals get to the start.  It was quite a mess!

Aside from the disorganization at the start, it was an amazing race!  The course felt crowded the entire time, so it felt hard to hit my stride.  I decided early on to stay with friends, take it slow and enjoy the scenic course.  The course was the perfect running tour of DC.  We hit all the highlights--the Washington
Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capital Building, the cherry blossoms, the beautiful Potomac River.  The course was interesting for the entire race--the beginning was in the city.  Then we ran past the DC mall, then across the Arlington Bridge and back, and along the Potomac. The last mile was through the heart of DC--right past the United States Capital Building.  Then it was on to the finish line and to that beautiful little blue box waiting just for me!

Instead of firemen in tuxedos, we were treated to ROTC boys in tuxedos!  I got my Tiffany necklace medal, my finisher shirt, some snacks and some water.  My friends and could not wait to pull the ribbons off those boxes and see our finishers medals.  Nike and Tiffany did an awesome job, don't you think!  This was an amazing race.  If you ever get the chance to do a Nike race--do it!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Nike Women's Half Marathon DC Expotique

Nike always has the best expo, or Expotique as they call it.  The Expotique at the inaugural Nike Women's

Half Marathon in DC stood up to that standard!

I was lucky enough to hit DC Friday morning this some friends.  It is about a two hour drive for us.  We put our kiddos on the school bus and we hit the road!  We got to DC around 11 am, check into our hotel and hopped the metro to Georgetown.  After a 10 minute walk, there it was--the Nike Expotique.  First stop was the packet pickup line.  Actually, there was no line.  We walked right up got our packets.  I was a bit disappointing that the bag check bag was plastic, unlike at the Nike San Francisco Expotique where we got nice drawstring back packs--but the rest of the goody bag was very nice!  We got our bib, lots of coupons, some Paul Mitchell shampoo, Bare Escentials samples and an elastic bracelet that said "We Run DC".  We also got this cool little credit card thing to swipe at the Expotique with the chance to win some Nike prizes.

Next stop--the Expotique!  Since I had an amazing experience at the Nike Expotique in San Francisco, I was worried the DC Expotique could not live up to it.  I wanted my friends to experience as good as an event as I did.  I think Nike lived up to my high standards!  What makes the Nike Expotique different than other expos is there is nothing for sale.  Everything is free for runners to enjoy!  It's a nice thank you for the runners, and a great way to relax before the big event.

When we entered the Expotique tent, the first stands we came upon were the Team in Training booth, and the booth of a local massage agency.  They were giving runners quick massages.  I turned the corner and saw the booth I was waiting for-the bareMinerals makeovers!  I am a big fan of the brand, so I was so excited when they announced they were a race sponsor.  bareMinerals was giving free 5 minute makeovers. It was so much

After our makeovers!

fun!  After my makeover, I had the opportunity to tweet a message about my experience and receive a free, full size product.  I got a mascara.  So cool!

Up next was the Paul Mitchell stand.  They were giving free hair up-do's.  I did not participate in this one, but a few of my friends did.  They looked so cute--and ready for the prom when they were done.  Paul Mitchell was giving out dry shampoo spray.  I love the stuff, so I was so happy to snag one.

After makeovers, we checked out the Nike fashion area.  There were so many fun clothes and shoes to try on.  Next, we tried our luck to see if our

My name on the wall!

swipe cards would win us anything.  Sadly, none of us won.  After refueling with a Luna Bar and some Nuun, we were done with the Expotique.  Next, it was time to shop!  We made the short walk to the Niketown to check out the Nike Women's Half Marathon race merchandise.  They had lots of cute stuff this year.  A friend even snagged the exclusive Tiffany blue shoes!

I was so happy that Nike did a great job with the DC Expotique.  My friends and I loved it.  Nike really does through the best expos in the business!

The Tiffany shoes!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Nike Women's Half Marathon 2012

The Nike Women's Marathon / Half Marathon is one of the hardest races in the country to gain entry into.  So many people want to be part of the event, Nike has to set up a lottery system for entry.  Only about 1 in 5 who seek entry actually get into the event--unless you are part of Team in Training!  If you commit to raise money to fight cancer, you are guaranteed entry into this most sought after event.  That is how I got in!  In total, there was over 9,000 Team in Training participants in the race, raising over $14 million dollars to fight cancer.  We made up over 1/3 of all participants.  Nothing like a sea of purple running to fight cancer!

I met my team bright and early in the hotel lobby.  Since our hotel was right at the race start, we got to sleep in a little bit because we could walk to the start.  It was so nice to have my local "Yorkies" coaches there with us. As we were lining up for a Team picture, Coach Barb had each one of us say just one name.  She told us to say the name of one single person we were running for that morning.  It was so moving to hear the emotion in the teammates voices as we all said our one name.  I could barely get out Katilyn's name without a tear.  It was a great way remind us of the real reason we were running that morning.

The team broke up and headed to our assigned corrals in smaller groups.  I was with a group of amazing ladies.  We had a great time waiting for the race to start.  It took us over 28 minutes to cross the start line.  Thank goodness this was a chip timed event!  The first two miles were on the city streets of San Francisco, heading toward the Embarkadero.  The view of the San Francisco Bay was amazing, although it became very evident that the word of the day was quickly become fog.  It was so foggy that morning, that we could only see about a quarter mile out.  As we ran through the Presidio, all of the runner were eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the famed Golden Gate Bridge.  Unforgettably, this was a marvel we would not be blessed to see that day.

The course was tough, but simply amazing.  That word does not do it justice, but is a true description.  The first really tough hill was around mile 5.5.  This is where the best bridge view should have been, but due to the fog the bridge was not visible   If you read my post yesterday about the Inspiration Dinner, you will remember Annalyn.  I just so happen to run into her and we chatted for the half mile up the hill.  It was so great to get to know her better.  After the top of this crazy hill, was about a mile of winding down hill, along the San Francisco Bay.  At the bottom of the hill, we ran through a very cute San Francisco neighborhood that contained what I was told was Robin William's house.  We made a sharp turn around mile 8 and there is was--the tallest, steepest hill yet.

Once we got to the top of this hill, we turned a corner and there it was--the most beautiful and breath taking second of the race.  I got my first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.  It looked like it came out of a book.  It was pure nature.  The waves were crashing against the cliffs.  The seagulls were flying around.  Pure magic!  At this second, I also ran into some teammates taking pictures.  When I got to the bottom of the hill, I could see race village--but I was only on mile 10.  After I left my friends, I ran my a LLS staff cheer station and saw my Central PA staff person, Stephanie.  Around mile 11, we turned into Golden Gate Park to run our last two miles.

In Golden Gate Park, my friend Coach Barb helping out TNT participants.  She ran about a half mile with me.  We chatted about the amazing course like it was a training run.  It was so nice to have her on the course waiting for me.  It really energized to run my last mile and a half.  By this time, I could see runners who already had finished the race carrying their finisher bags, wearing their finisher shirts and holding little blue boxes.  It was tough to not look at the shirt of the bag, but I was determined I was not going to look at necks!  I did not want to see at Tiffany necklace until I was looking at the one I had earned myself.

The finial mile went pretty fast. By this time in the course, spectators had lined up and were cheering the runners on.  As I got closer and could see the finish line, I ran faster!  I once again could see the Pacific Ocean.  The crowd really had me going.  My mind was on getting my blue box from a hot firemen in a tux.  I crossed the finish line strong and chose the guy I wanted to give me my box.  What do you think, lol?

After I got my box, I got my finisher bag, and then my finisher shirt.  I continued on through the finisher chute to get some waters and a banana.  I stopped by and washed my face at the Neutorgena face wash station, picked up my bag from bag drop, then went to the Team in Training tent.  This is where I found a minute to stop and check out my medal--my Tiffany necklace!  I love it.  It't even better than I hope.

After a stop for a sandwich and some food in the Team tent, I meet my team on the beach.  Some of them took an "ice bath" in the ocean, but I chose not too.  After that, we walked through the finisher merchandise tent and then rode the bus back to the hotel.

Best medal ever!

The Nike Women's Marathon was an amazing event!  It was the most breathtaking course I have ever run.  There was not one boring second of this race.  There was always something beautiful to look at. The course was for sure my favorite I have ever done (but don't tell my runDisney friends I said that.)  The support on the course was also spectacular.  I had 9,000 teammates/ new family members cheering me on on the course.  There was hundreds of TNT coaches on the course.  I could not go half a mile without seeing one of their green shirts cheer on all of the runners.  The NWM in San Francisco is going to be a yearly event for me.  I can't wait to do it again next year!

The firemen!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy