We Owned The Night, Nike!!

Last night Nike's We Own The Night race took place in London's Victoria Park and it was GREAT! You might remember my earlier WOTN post when, after much deliberation, I'd just signed up to take part-  being a sprinter and never running anything over 5k it all seemed a little too much. I couldn't have been more wrong!

As soon as we arrived the atmosphere was great. Everyone warmed up together and excitedly prepared for the race ahead. There was definitely a festival feel to the evening- keeping fit and festival partying... this had me written all over it. 

 I'd decided to challenge myself and had chosen to run with the faster group of black and purple bands (there's six groups in total depending on how quickly you feel that you can complete the race). My training had consisted of two 10k runs and some leisurely shorter distances. With previous times of 50 minutes 30 seconds and 51 minutes exactly, I would have been more than happy completing in anything around those times.

The actual race itself was great. Challenging yes, but there are plenty of distractions to take your mind off your heavy breathing (and heavy legs)! There were DJs, light tunnels and even a brass brand to keep you occupied on your way around the park. Huge lit signs marked each kilometre to make you aware of your progress. However, I'd chosen to run with my Nike Running app and pre-selected playlist so that was plenty of motivation in itself; the Nike Running app I would strongly recommend, as it tells updates you with your time after each km! 

The final stretch is marked with '600m to go' signs. Then 400, 200, until finally you're crossing the finish line to hundreds of cheering fans- who were probably there for other people, but you can pretend it's all for you. I finished in a time of 46 minutes and 35 seconds- a whole 4 minutes faster then previous runs. A new personal best.

You're handed free water and goody bags as you cross the line and then you're free to join the party that waits ahead. 

How cute is my Alex Monroe X Liberty Neckalce?!

If you haven't experienced the event before I'd strongly recommend that next time you consider taking part. It's not about who comes first or who can run quicker than who; this is a fun race where the only person that you're competing against is yourself. The satisfaction that you feel at the end is unreal and what's better than finishing a race to a free glass of champagne and an exclusive Alex Monroe x Liberty necklace. Ummm, perhaps the huge rave and drink up that took place in the park after?! We ran hard and partied harder- a great way to spend Saturday night with my girls.

Nick Grimshaw as the official WOTN DJ

Find your name on the Nike WOTN glowing box

(Other freebies included numerous flavours of Vita Coco water, Vita Coco sweatbands, Metcalfe's Skinny Popcorn and Wheyhey fitness protein ice cream.)

I am beyond proud of myself and every single lady that took part. A huge congratulations to everyone!

So, when's the next race, Nike?