I refused a margarita on Friday night and it was hard. After a long week, refusing such a wonderful drink and instead asking for water was challenging to say the least. However, a 16 mile run on Saturday morning beckoned and I just couldn't bring any doubt into my mind.
David and I went to the Baseball and after popcorn and a victory I couldn't wait to get home to sleep. I even told David I was excited for my run.
Saturday morning I woke up 5 minutes before my alarm, obviously eager to get going. I met my Nike group down at Chrissy Fields and prepared to stretch all my muscles before embarking on this mileage personal record (another definition for the acronym - PR!)
This is an organized group that Nike facilitates. They have water stations located every two miles throughout the city, loyalty cards, raffles, shoe trials, free sponsorships (Jamba Juice, Spa, Massages, etc.) and motivational speakers - all at 8 a.m. on a Saturday!
But the one thing that they do have every week which enables me to complete 16 miles is Elizabeth, Sara, Brynne, Erin and Brittany.
You see Nike splits you into pace groups depending on how fast you go (I'm a slow 10:30 to 11 minute mile!) and then splits you even further depending on how far you're going to run. Out of 300-400 people that meet every Saturday, there's 4-6 of us that all run together, same distance and same pace.
Each week we share stories of our anticipation of the run, how we've prepared the night before, how we've trained this week, etc. We all start out together and throughout the miles we support one another. There's always someone slightly ahead or slight behind, but we're there for each other. I could not do it without these ladies by my side. For me, I am creating a great bond with these new found friends. We're all going through it together!
And in a similar vein, I guess that's why Nike goes to so much effort. They know that not only will this encrouage people to sign up for their marathon, but people will create emotional attachments to their brand. Well, it's working with me...I know have all Nike running outfits and I just purchased a Nike Triax Elite running watch. It tells me the pace and distance I'm running and my heart rate! Very nifty device!
And yes I completed the 16 miles yesterday - my very own mileage P.R.
Emma, we're so proud of you. You not only ran, but had energy left over to host a dinner and cook (and talk until late.) After running 16 miles (assuming I ever could) I'd want to go to bed!
Posted by: Dushka | August 20, 2006 at 06:19 PM