Nike Women's Half Marathon DC Race Recap
On April 27 I ran the second annual Nike Women's Half Marathon in Washington DC. I personally had an absolutely amazing time. I always expect top notch treatment, amazing new Nike+ services and a fun expo experience. This particular race had a lot of amazing experiences for me. I arrived in time to hit up the expo and pick up my race packet on Friday before the crowds got too large. The first friend I met up with was Smasheton and we took a photo near the We Run sign.
I always love Nike expos and throughout my running have met a lot of new friends that I am able to meet up with at these races. This year there were a lot of crews and new friends to meet and connect with. Expo meet-ups are the best and I was able to meet up with lots of inspiring and motivating ladies!
A fun part of the expo was the run analysis. Nike had representatives available to give you test shoes. You then ran on a treadmill while they took a video of your stride from multiple angles and then gave you a shoe recommendation based on your stride. They were even able to send the video and results directly to my email for sharing on social media or future reference. A+ for this service Nike, I loved it!
As usual, Nike came through by printing everyone's names on the giant WE RUN DC name wall at the Nike Georgetown store. I found mine and had to get a photo next to it. This is race number five for me with the Nike Women's Half Marathon series. I have run three full marathons in San Francisco and two halves in DC. I also just found out that Nike will be making San Francisco into a half marathon only this year. Takes the trouble of deciding which distance I will do out of the equation. I can't wait to run it! There is also suppose to be an all new course and many new surprises. I hope to see some of you there on October 19!
On Friday night I went on a night run through the monuments with friends and had an absolute blast! Washington DC is gorgeous at night and if you have the chance to see the monuments lit up at night and get a run in you should do it!
I couldn't have asked for a better time, a better run and a better place to chat with friends and get some miles in. I probably should have rested a bit more before the race, but opportunities to run with friends in DC are rare and I didn't want to miss this chance.
Photo: Nike
Saturday I did a shake-out run at Nike Georgetown, met up with friends and then perused the Smithsonian. I went to bed early and then woke up in the morning at 6am to get ready to run! The start line was filled with energy and got the race off to an amazing beginning.
The day was absolutely gorgeous. Sunny and clear with low temperatures at the start. Perfect racing weather. I really loved the course. While I started out slower than I would have liked, I was able to speed up throughout the entire race and finished at exactly 1:59.00. My time was 4 minutes slower than last year, but I enjoyed the race so much, I can't complain.
As per usual, that little blue Tiffany's box was waiting for me at the finish line! I really loved the design of this years medal and will be sporting this all the time. After the race I grabbed a Finisher's jacket and headed to the VIP tent for some refreshments and good company! It pays to be a Nike Super User! Thank you Nike for the amazing expo, race and treatment. I am truly grateful for all you do to support the women's running community.
Nike events always make me feel empowered and help to show me how much fun running can be. If I can make it back next year I will be here! The race experience was incredible and it just keeps getting better and better. Next year I plan on hitting that 1:45:00 half marathon goal and DC would be the perfect race to do it! If you have the chance to run a Nike Women's race take it. I promise that you won't regret it.