I'm looking forward to this one. Despite it having the hardest course, I consider the Nike event an "experience" and I'm just excited to be a part of it.
I think another reason is that I had to earn my spot. I couldn't just hand over my $$$, I had to tackle this:
Since I wasn't lucky enough to get selected in the lottery, I had to earn a spot with the Nike Club Run frequent runner card. Each punch on the card represents a different "task" - such as attending a Nike club run, bringing a friend, doing a shoe trial during a training run, etc. This is the third year in a row that I have earned a spot through the Nike Club Run SF.
None of it was tough as I love training with the Nike running club! Plus you get free stuff! Every time we did a shoe trial, we got a free pair of Nike dri-fit running socks. So I have at least a half dozen new pair of socks from this year alone.
And after getting 15 punches, we each got this:
I *love* this shirt - it's a high quality, dri-fit shirt. The last two years we received cotton T's so this was a big upgrade for us. By the way, for those running Nike, I plan to wear this shirt with my black running skirt (again!) and a light blue Nike running cap.
After 25 punches, we earned an entry into the race (but you still have to pay). After 30 punches, we get the VIP treatment which means access to special pre- and post-race tents and a special start corral at the front (behind elite runners only). It took me about 7 weeks to finally earn my spot at Nike.
Expotique
My friends and I headed to the Expotique Thursday evening for "Ladies Night". We were only there for a couple of hours, but we could have stayed there all evening with all the activities going on (which all had long lines!). They had drinks and appetizers as well as massages, manicures, gait analysis, free iPod engraving, photo booth, shopping, etc.
Here's Niketown during race weekend:
And once again, they had the names of all the runners on display - can you tell?
A closer look... can you find mine?
It took awhile, but KB and I both got our iPods engraved:
Afterward, we picked up some Nike merchandise. Normally, we'd rather wait until after the race, but we just couldn't resist. I picked up a hoodie and a tee. I should note that I bought the exact same hoodie at last year's race in maroon, but it is my favorite sweatshirt and so comfy, I figured - how about another?
So that's it for now... I don't have any grand expectations for this race. I've only done a handful of runs (3 miles or less) since San Jose RnR. My left knee still feels a little off from time to time so hopefully the downhills aren't too harsh on me.
I was also hoping there would be some pace teams for this race but I can't find any information on them. Oh well! On my own again. I definitely plan to bring my iPod this time around so I need to do some work on my playlist.
Good luck to my dear friend KB who is making her marathon debut this weekend! And I'm hoping to see a lot of you bloggers out there on Sunday :)
22 comments:
So wait - do the VIPs get massages & lemon water post-race? That would be COOL.
Good luck on your fourth half in two months, crazy lady!!!
OMG I would be in heaven. I *heart* Nike. You are one lucky chica! GOOD LUCK and kick some butt!
That sounds like a fantastic way to get in the race. Congratulations on your hard work to get there, and good luck on Sunday! Sigh...I wish I was there this weekend. My mom is racing the half and I'm so envious of you guys. I love my maroon sweatshirt from last year as well, and wear it all the time!
Have fun! I am quite envious-- looks like a GREAT race-- and I didn't realize what a commitment it is to earn a spot if you weren't lucky enough to get through in the lottery. Nice job earning your spot! I'll be cheering you on from Virginia on Sunday :).
Wish I could have stayed in town longer to watch the big event. You'll do great though!
I am headed down to the expo in a few minutes.
I love the RunSF shirt!! Maybe next year...
And sooo funny....My name is actually on the picture you took of the wall!!
Have a great race, Sunday!
SOOOO fun!! you have some awesome stuff there! the white nike top is the one i wear everyday (just not as cool as yours), i have it in many colors and its the BEST!
YAYYY i hope to see you this weekend!! GOOD LUCK!
Sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. Enjoy the experience. Can't wait for the race report.
I'm planning on getting my iPod engraved, too. Were the lines really long? I want to get cute Nike merchandise, too!!! Anyway, good luck this weekend. I hope to see you!! :-)
found you from julianne's blog - have a great race this weekend! i'm a pretty new runner (6 months, give or take) in the bay area (santa rosa) and i just added you to my favorites.
i'd love to be in this race next year - i wonder if i can do the nike punch card thing up here in my area? i'll have to pick your brain about that sometime!
and i laughed at one of your pictures - i am a wedding coordinator and a wedding i did once, the bride was named audra and had the DJ play fergalicious, she got on the dance floor, shook her booty, and yelled AUDRALICIOUS over the chorus every time. hahah.
have a fantastic race! Keep racking up the bling!
You are making me so excited about the expo!! (I'm going tomorrow!)
I'm going to have to contain myself and limit my time there so I'm not on my feet all day.
Good luck at the race!!!
Aww, I wish I could run the Nike Women's this year, this post makes me miss it (in a good way though!) I waited until after the marathon last year to pick up merch and they were all out of the hoodies, so it's probably better you already got it.
Also, your SF Nike Club shirt is SO much nicer than the Vancouver one I got. I should take a pic of it. It's BRIGHT BRIGHT orange/yellow and "box" shaped. It is Dri-Fit though so it's my "running at night if everything else is dirty" shirt, lol.
Good luck and enjoy the race!
Interesting...I didn't know you could use a punch card to get in...I didn't get picked either. Maybe next year. Have a great race!
Nike has some of my favorite things. I love the hoodie and t-shirt. You are going to have so much fun.
Wow, that looks like so much fun! I've heard so many wonderful things about that race but you made it sound even more amazing - I may have to try it someday in the future :)
Way to become a Half-Marathon Maniac :)
Good luck. And wow, 4th one in two months? Crazy woman!
And free stuff is also tempting!
Oooh! I love the Nike hoodie and tee! You must be done by now. Hope you had a great race. Waiting to hear about it. 4th in under 2 months...I salute you!
Hi audrey
Best of luck to you and just enjoy the experience. It is always so nice to do such a runner friendly race though.
Hey thanks for stopping by my blog. It really was an amazing experience. I saw them twice in HS.
Very cool about the way to get in. I think I like that better than just winning the lottery. I'm keeping fingers crossed to get into the full next year. I have never been to San Fran and have a friend that now lives there. I desperately want the pendant (and I want to see it!!).
What a great race! I might have to give that one a try one year but hills freak me out. I hope it went fantastic...
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