Celebrate the Joy of Running

We all run or exercise for a variety of reasons.  I run to be fit and strong – physically and mentally.  This Sunday (Oct 14) I’ll be running for fun and hope that all of my training will serve me well and has made me strong despite my unexpected and untimely injury, popliteus muscle strain.

My online self diagnosis uncovered that this small but problematic muscle is apparently key in bending your knee.  Hmm, sounds important.  I bend my knee, a lot.  I was not encouraged by an article titled “Popletius – Small Muscle, Big Trouble”.  Ok, enough about my injury, I want to run!  I’ll pay the price later.

It’s a big weekend and one of my favorite events.  It’s the popular Nike San Francisco Women’s Marathon & Half Marathon, the largest women’s marathon in the world hosting 25,000 runners (and walkers) of whom fight tooth and nail to get a coveted entry which is by raffle.   It’s all women (and some lucky men) – strong women, determined women, women of all shapes, sizes and ages come together in one of the most beautiful cities to do the same thing … cross the finish line.

As expected Nike puts on a great event.  Every detail of this event is planned with women in mind.  From the event colors and merchandising, inspirational mottos (like “run like a girl”, “for everyone who said I couldn’t”, “prepare to unleash your potential”, “you determine what defines you”), breathtaking course, Ghirardelli chocolate mile, bra bar, pre-race expotique and probably the most talked about feature, the Tiffany & Co. finisher’s necklace served upon silver platters at the finish line by handsome tuxedo clad local firefighters, Nike does not disappoint.  It’s like a GNO on steroids!

Sometimes the only thought that gets you to the finish line is … What will this year’s finisher’s necklace look like?

New this year is the limited edition Tiffany & Co. blue Nike LunarGlide:

Here is a course description that takes SF natives and first time visitors on an ideal and scenic tour of San Francisco – on foot of course:

The Nike Women’s Marathon and half marathon courses will remain the same as the courses have been since 2005. The race will kick off in Downtown San Francisco at Union Square and head through the financial district past the famous TransAmerica building. It will then proceed along the San Francisco Bay past Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park, Ghirardelli Square, Fort Mason and Marina Green while revealing breathtaking views of Alcatraz and The Golden Gate Bridge. The course then weaves through the Presidio and Sea Cliff districts, out to the Great Highway, through Golden Gate Park and south around Lake Merced, finishing just north of the Great Highway along the Pacific Ocean.

Whether your running takes you across the country or confined to your local gym, whether it’s a fun run, 10K or full marathon, enjoy and reflect on why you Run to Be … and as I like to say enjoy the journey.

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