Running with unbridled joy
I have a confession: until Tuesday, I hadn’t run a lick since completing the half-marathon at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon race May 1.
I’ve gotten exercise. I’ve played softball and soccer. But I hadn’t used my running shoes at all.
Not one mile.
I let a disparaging comment about my slow speed get the best of me after the race, and my running came to a grinding halt. After two months and some encouragement from friends, I decided that maybe I just needed to choose another race. If I could set a goal and choose a date, I’d have a reason to hit the pavement (or the treadmill) again. I dreaded it and put it off as long as humanly possible, but Tuesday I grumpily headed for the gym.
As I laced up my shoes, I felt a wave rush through my body. What was overcoming me?
Joy.
I put on my shoes as fast as I could and smashed all my stuff in a locker. I skipped stretching. There was no time to waste. I hopped on the treadmill and ran. Fast. Hard.
Ok, so it was probably too fast. I had to slow down after just a mile. But I didn’t care. I lip-synced like no one was around, though if I was alone I probably would have sung as loudly as I could have between breaths. I was practically dancing. Honestly, there were a few moments when I was doing some actual dance moves. Then I decided this was probably dangerous, so I narrowed it to just arm movements.
I’m looking forward to running this weekend. My family and I are going out of town, and I’m taking my running shoes with me. It feels good to run again.
Nike store to open Aug. 5 in Oklahoma City
I am really – really! – excited about the opening of The Outlet Shoppes next month. There are a bunch of stores, including the Nike shop. For all you Nike fans, here’s the info from the company itself:
Nike’s newest factory retail location will open in The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City on Friday, August 5 at 8 a.m. with grand opening events continuing through Sunday, August 7. Representing the world’s No. 1 athletic brand, the Nike Factory Store offers key assortments in sport inspired and sport applicable footwear, apparel and equipment. The new Oklahoma City store represents Nike’s first retail location in the state.
The local tribal community will issue a ceremonial blessing prior to the ribbon cutting for the new store at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 5. Nike is proud to support Nike N7, a fund that provides grants and product donations to community organizations committed to helping Native American and Aboriginal youth unleash their potential through sport.
To continue the celebration, Nike will host early bird specials and enter to win contests for a $1,000 shopping spree over the grand opening weekend.
The in-store experience will provide consumers with Nike’s quality performance footwear, apparel and equipment at value prices. Store Associates will help consumers select the best product as part of Nike’s “athletes serving athletes” initiative. Several sport categories such as running, training, soccer, basketball and Nike Sportswear will be available for men, women and kids at the new Oklahoma City location.
Grand opening events taking place at the store Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 7 will include:
• Early Bird Special – Nike will offer a free gift and a $10 redeemable gift card to the first 200 customers each day.
• Enter to Win – Several shoppers will win a total of $1,000 in Nike gift cards redeemable in store.
The Nike Factory Store is proud to be part of the Oklahoma City community and will be giving a grant to a local organization that inspires individuals through sport as part of their commitment to the community.
