Follow My Journey as a Nike Women’s Marathon Ambassador
You ever have a moment where you realize that something you’ve only dreamed of is actually happening right before your eyes?
Yup, that’s how I’ve been feeling the last few weeks. Goals I’ve written down and placed on my vision board or things I’ve really only hoped for are actually starting to happen. One of them is the chance to run the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco.
When I first heard of this marathon I was actually in the process of training for my first Disney Marathon through Team in Training. I was flipping through the brochure of my welcome packet and saw the list of races TNT also helps people to train and raise money for and I immediately became intrigued when I saw the Nike Women’s Marathon. I didn’t even know Nike had it’s own marathon, let alone for women only. Of course, I wanted to find out more. The more information I got, the more upset I got that I hadn’t picked this marathon to do TNT with instead of Disney. I mean, who doesn’t want a Tiffany and Co. finisher’s necklace for a medal? Not only that, but I’ve always adored Nike and it’s core belief that every body is an athlete. Its commitment to empowering women has been phenomenal.
But… the only way to get into this marathon is by a lottery system. Much like trying to get into the ING New York Marathon. It’s very tough to get into. I’ve been trying every year since 2009 to get in with no luck. Until… this glorious year of 2012. Nike Women contacted me and selected me to be an ambassador for this year’s race. Ecstatic isn’t even the word. Thrilled? YES! And when I found out I’d get to work with Nike Master Trainer Marie Purvis, I almost fainted. Marie Purvis is the brains behind the Nike+Training Club App (if you don’t have it, GET IT!) and is an amazing athlete and trainer. I am more than honored to be able to get a customized training plan from her and to seek her advice and guidance through this process. Because I’m running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon the week before, I opted to complete the half marathon for the NWM.
Nike Women sent me all kinds of gear and shoes, including the “Nike Free TR Twist” shoes that are amazing for all my cross training. I’ve posted a couple of pics of them on my Instagram account already!
Two Races Within One Week. Can I do it?
So, now the question is, do I have the strength of mind and body to be able to complete two long distance races within a week of each other? The Chicago Marathon is October 7th. NWM is October 14th. The Chicago Marathon is a flat and fast course. NWM begins flat and gets very hilly during the second half. Will I be able to recover enough after a full marathon in order to perform well for the half? I’m slightly worried and I MAY decide to scratch the Chicago Marathon this year in order to focus on being fully trained and prepared for the NWM. The training plan Marie Purvis put together for me does include my training for the full, but I’m still a little nervous.
What do you all think I should do? The NWM is an absolute dream come true for me and I’ve wanted an opportunity like this for YEARS. Should I give it my full attention and scratch the Chicago Marathon? Or tough it out and complete both? I’d love to hear your advice!
Be Renewed
About the Author: Renisha Renewed
Renisha James is a Personal Trainer with an unquenched passion to help those around her to be fit and healthy.Subscribe
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Over the moon happy for you Renisha! This is amazing and you will be an amazing ambassador for Nike! Can’t wait to hear more about your journey!
As for the training plan, I’m still a newbie runner but I think that you could do both. You have a great trainer and I think you should be ok. Congrats!
Chivon! You are always so supportive and I REALLY appreciate it so much. Thanks for believing in me! I think I’ll be fine too. Just have to work hard and stick to the plan.
Good luck and congratulations!! I worked out with Marie in Chicago at a Nike event and she was awesome. You can definitely do both races, your training will get you there and if you recover properly after the first race (ice baths, stretching, elevate and compression) you’ll be ready for your second. Go get it!
Was that Nike event recently? If so, I was there too! That’s where I took the picture with her that’s in the post. And yes, I’ll be doing my best to stick to the training. We’ll see how I do!
GO RENISH!!! This is soooo awesome! You can do it. I believe in ya, friend!
Thanks Luvvie! Always so supportive. ‘Preciate ya!
You can do it lady. I ran Chicago in 2005 and loved it. But, the Nike in SF is going to be off the chain (pun intended). I can’t wait to read about your journey. Remember: “It’s good to have an end to journey toward; but it’s the journey that matters, in the end.”
Hi Julia! Thanks for the encouraging words! I’m excited about my training and excited to visit San Francisco! Thanks so much for your support.
Amaaaaaazing! Like I always say, Go Re Go!!!
Just do it! and then come back and tell us about it! Love when the things we want come to fruition!
First off, congrats onbeing selected as a Nike Ambassador! What an honor! But second, I guess I would suggest thinking long and hard about this one. Chicago will be here, you can run it next year or whenever.
Running multiple marathons, especially back-to-back can be very difficult. The body really needs that recovery time. Chicago is a flat race, so easier to recover (probably), but with the hills of SanFran and as a Nike Ambassador, don’t you want to run on the freshest legs possible, a benefit provided my every marathon training program’s taper? That’s just my two cents.
Hal Higdon’s training page has programs for running multiple marathons, and he even talks of people running back-to-back Chicago and Marine Corps (sometimes the dates are just a week apart.) http://halhigdon.com/training/51153/Marathon-Multiple-Marathons-Training-Program I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but really just looking at both sides of the coin–just my two cents!
Regardless of your final decision, you know your readers have your back with whatever you decide and we are super excited for you! Congrats again! Go Renisha!
That is so awesome that you were selected as an ambassador!! That is my dream! I am wondering if you can give any details about how to become a NWM ambassador??
Thanks!
Janelle
Hi Janelle! There wasn’t necessarily a set process or application to become an ambassador. They sort of found me on Twitter and reached out that way. I went through a couple of phone interviews and then they let me know that I was selected. I think last year was the first year they the ambassadors, but I’m not sure if they’ll be doing it again. Hope that helps! Thanks for reading!
How awesome!! I love that the Universe lined up for you to become a Nike Brand Ambassador. I ran the NWM in 2010 and loved it! The chocolate mile, and of course receiving a Tiffany’s necklace handed to me by a fireman!
I, too, have been having this idea of becoming a Nike Brand Ambassador. I don’t know when or how, but I am sticking to my training and aspiring to become an inspiration, especially for other Latinas. Thanks for the post Renisha! And for the awesome story! 
Congrats!