Inspired by the Nike Training Club App, the NTC Tour is an exclusive fitness event hosted by NikeWomen, set only to hit select cities around the world. The NTC Tour made one stop in the United States, which took place in the heart of Los Angeles, California. It was an epic weekend of training shenanigans, which included interactive classes, city meet-ups, healthy snacks, and live entertainment. Over 2,000 friends took on the challenge. We tested our limits, unleashed our deepest strength, and committed to becoming #BetterForIt.
video courtesy +NikeWomen
THIS WAS OUR STORY....
REGISTRATION:
Due to the high demand for registration, NTC Tour LA used the random-draw, lottery system to pick its entrants. However, some lucky/loyal Nike+ App users were extended special “invitations” to register, earning a guaranteed spot upon completion of the registration costs and requirements. For those who were unable to attend the “main event," #NikeLA Run/Training Club also hosted special versions of their usual meet-ups during that weekend, which were free and available to anyone who registered before the events reached max capacity. FRIDAY: APRIL 25th, 2015
The Local Run 5k started at 10:00 pm under the iconic 6th street Bridge in Downtown LA. The gates opened at 9:30 pm, and after checking in, participants were graciously gifted Nike Flash Caps. The reflective material was the perfect way to let the city know we were ready to own the night. Runners from near and far slowly gathered to meet up with familiar friends, while others linked up to meet for the very first time. The Nike Master Coaches lead the session with a series of dynamic stretches to prep us for action. After warming up, we quickly rallied into our waves, with pace groups ranging from 8:00 min/mile (or less) to about 12:00 min/mile (+...).
Fueled by adrenaline, my friends and I decided to run with the 8:30 pace, which was the second wave to depart. The 3 mile route took us on a diverse trek through the nitty-gritty, yet uniquely charming, streets of Downtown LA. We passed timeworn buildings, peculiar wall-art, and weathered relics that inaudibly summarized LA’s finer days.
Special thanks to Pacer Xan for keeping us on track with time, accepting/encouraging our Taylor Swift playlist, and for boosting our confidence during every hilly mile. You were the real MVP.
The last mile squared back over the bridge toward a stunning view of the skyline. As we neared the end of our urban adventure, I couldn’t help but feel empowered by the vigorous energy emanating from the lights of the concrete jungle. We mustered up the last of our endurance and headed around the final corner toward a tunnel of welcoming of spectators.
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Cheers echoed as we powered through the Finisher’s Chute. Our legs slowed to a weary stop, marking the end of our metropolitan excursion.
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We settled down at the Nike Sneakers Courtyard, and rejuvenated with light snacks and refreshments. |
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Our runner’s high dwindled as we approached the midnight hour. We packed up our gear, bid goodbye to new friends, and headed out. We ended the night with our heads a little higher and our legs a little tighter, but I guess you can say a little piece of our soul/soles will forever be imprinted in the City of Angels.
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Saturday: April 26th, 2015
The City Pass Experience:
Everyone (including those who were unable to to make the lottery cut) was offered the chance to register for the Nike City Pass. The City Pass allowed you to sign up or access other free events and services that took place all weekend. Members were encouraged to check-in and complete designated tasks at select locations to earn special trinkets, coupons, or store offers, including limited edition mix & match earring(s). However, it was up to you to earn/collect the full set.
The +SIX02 Official store in Santa Monica also hosted an exclusive in-store Fit Girl Meet-Up to bring together NTC Tour Girls from social media, and allow them to connect in-person. The @twobadbodies girls were also in attendance, and held an intimate Q&A session that left everyone feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to bring their A-Game. Special thanks to +Whole Foods Market for catering the event, and the @NCLA team for the fierce manicures. Tap the video below for a mini recap of the event.
Video "Repost" Courtesy @Six02
It was an unusually chilly evening heading to DTLA. The crisp breeze multiplied the goosebumps that had already formed from my anticipation. We parked at the Convention Center around 6:00 pm, and anxiously approached the buses that were set to route us to the event.
We proudly nodded to the coordinators who confirmed our presence with a “...for Nike, right?” It must have been obvious since we resembled the other riders who were similarly dressed to the nines in Nike gear.
After what seemed like a 10-15 minute ride, we found ourselves back under the 6th street bridge which had undergone a minor transformation to meld with the expanded NTC arena. As promised, the gates opened promptly at 6:30pm. The line to enter moved fairly quickly as we were divided into shorter lines for ID Review/Bag Check-In. Nike gifted us with a reusable water bottle, and a vibrant Nike Waist pack which was conveniently equipped with a map of the facility and temporary tattoos. Armed with our sweet new gear, we headed inside to mingle and meander, but not before snapping a quick pic with the infamous NTC monument.
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| Special chalk markers were provided for those who wanted to leave their mark on the #BetterForItWall. |
“As you embark on your journey toward success, remember to mark every inch you have traveled so you can look back later to say: I came. I saw. I conquered.”
( ^ Perfect mantra for the occasion; Wise words from our friends Josh and Tiffany)
As the sun crept toward the horizon, it was only a matter of time before things got real. We made our way to the main stage to scope out the area, then wandered the rest of the grounds to get a better idea of where our sessions would be held.
THE MAIN EVENT: 8:00 pm -12:00am
During registration you were asked to pick a vague training plan. (Ex. Get Toned, Get lean, Get strong), and based on your training goal you were emailed a custom agenda that linked you with your specific NTC Tour roster. There were 6 different events with a 15 minute break between each class, including one 30 minute Refresh/Recover session.
My Schedule-GET STRONG:
The Epic Workout:
The Epic Workout was the perfect spark to kick off the evening. It was the first session of the night that simultaneously brought together over 2,000 people in one unified workout.
Like a scene from the Hunger Games, a “Siri-like” announcer came over the loud speakers at 8:00 o'clock, kindly informing us that it was time to make our way to the main stage. My friends and I impulsively ended up in the center of the arena, which I would not recommend to future participants
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Those who had opted for spots on the outskirts or back row had the smartest idea. The session was led by the “Siri-voice,” and we started with light stretches that gradually took us into the more traditional NTC exercises. The workout mainly consisted of squats, lunges, planks, and partner drills.
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Because we were crammed in the center, we had to modify the moves that called for more space. Overall, we were there to enjoy the experience and the set backs were not taken too seriously.
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One session down, and it was on to the next. |
PREVAIL:
The +Prevail Los Angeles team hosted an empowering boxing circuit that was split into four sections. Each zone delivered workouts that reflected their Boxing Benefits which enhance strength, power, coordination and endurance.
Our session incorporated sparring, squats, and conditioning which resulted in a full body experience.
GROOVE:
+GROOV3 embodies high energy cardio through simple dance combinations, allowing people of all fitness levels to get involved. For those who are looking to let their walls down, or who simply love to dance, this is a fun way to release tension and build cardio without the grueling reps of a traditional work out.
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I admit, I was a bit intimidated by this class but once the music hit, I embraced the movement, and came out #BetterForIt. |
POUND:
PoundFit was a cardio jam session, better known as the “Rock Out Workout.” This unique class fuses cardio, Pilates, and isometrics using lightweight (specially trademarked) drumsticks called “RipStix.” The Ripstix tools are used to drum your way into shape.
The Challenge: Follow the beat, while keeping your balance to the fast-paced music routine led by the instructors.
FLYWHEEL:
+Flywheel Sports offered the Tour an an epic stationary-cycling experience. Using a specially engineered bike, riders pedaled their way through a hilly work out to the tunes of a custom playlist, led by an experienced instructor.
SPEED RUN:
The Speed Run was hosted by the Nike LA Run Club, and was inspired by the Tuesday/Thursday meet ups. Their idea was simple: If you want to run faster, you need to run fast. This session put your speed to the test. Conditioning included dynamic stretching, followed by hill repeats, and sprints to help you find your fast.
NIKE TRAINING CLUB:
The NTC workout was my last session. For those who are unfamiliar with the Nike Training Club, it incorporates high intensity (functional) workouts thats use "multi-dimensional” drills to strength train with your own body. This was basically a harder, less cramped version of the Nike Epic Workout. The Master Trainers kicked our butts with dynamic squats, planks, lunges and partner drills.
This was the most challenging (and my favorite) workout of the night. It was the perfect way to lay down the last of my stamina, and was conveniently placed at the same location as the grande finale.
GRAND FINALE:
The evening concluded with an exciting performance to reward our hard work and newfound strength. The Nike Women graced us with a lively routine that combined hip-hop style dancing with fitness moves from our training sessions to recap the night.
(....and of course, the pyrotechnics added an extra flare to the midnight culmination)
We stared in awe as the grande finale came to a bittersweet end. As the smoke dwindled, we gathered our belongings, exchanged info with our new fit-fam, and made our way to the exit where we received souvenir swag bags.
New goodies in hand, we left the arena and boarded the buses that would whisk us back to reality. Special thanks to +NikeWomen for hosting an incredible event that won’t soon be forgotten.
#BetterForIt:
Nike challenged us to become #BetterForIt. The phrase is unique to every individual and it does not stop over the course of a weekend. It is a movement about overcoming the physical and mental barriers that limit you from being your best.
Break the monotony. Try something new. Embrace change.
This weekend introduced me to new people, new classes, and a new perspective... all of which have inspired me to further my goals of pursuing a healthier, happier, #BetterForIt me.
So what’s holding you back? Take the challenge. Become #BetterForIt
Photos Courtesy: +Nike +NikeWomen @devon__taylor @dylan268
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