We Owned The Night

6 weeks ago we signed up for the Nike and Elle event ' We Own The Night' and what a great 6 weeks its been....after work runs, longer weekend runs, Nike training classes in Hyde park, a pop up dedicated area in Niketown and the motivation to buy new gym gear (like we ever needed an incentive to buy new clothes!!!)

Last night the anticipation culminated in what can only be described as an amazingly put together event....I'll set the scene (cause thats what I like doing)

Perfect running conditions...dry, pretty warm (compared to the rest of the week's November like weather), dusk at the amazing park that is Victoria, an event village cornered off for participants...tents, huge bean bags, DJ stage, huge screens, bag drop off point, changing area and the cleanest portaloos imaginable - are you getting the gist?

 

Gemma Ciarney, Paula Radcliffe and Lorraine (editor in chief of Elle) motivate us all and at 20:00 hours we set off, very cramped to begin with but the crowds finally start to spread out as everyone finds their pace, huge balloon lights form a tunnel with slogans such as ' This is your runway -  own it' and 'Run like Ryan Gossling is at the finish line' water/toilet stops and staggered DJ set ups throughout. An impressive sea of fluorescent orange storm around the park - my motivation - I have a nail appointment in the Elle tent at 21:15, better get a move on!!!!!!!

 

 

As the last km approaches the supporting crowds thicken giving us all that final burst to sprint over the finish line and what a greeting - a glass of prosecco :) As I head over to the Elle tent - (yes I made the appointment in plenty of time :) the atmosphere is awesome and what a great pampering session to finish off the race with. 

 

We all started the night with a bag holding only a bottle of water, and the essentials....4 hours later and we leave with bags bulging of freebies - Elle, wipes, coconut water, sweat bands, bracelets, dried fruit sachets.....to name a few! And off we head to the pub - I'm guessing for the majority of us it wasn't the usual Saturday night attire to be seen in in the pub!!!! 

What a great night - we definitely owned it and sad its over - until the next one !!!!

 

All photographs are my own

Pre race...6 days to go

6 days to go until race day (well night)

Running pack picked up - check

Regular runs - check

Enjoying regular runs - definite check

Niketown is well and truly equipped for the event, mannequin groupings dedicated to the race tee shirt (which i LOVE), an assigned area for picking up the running packs and make your way to the third floor for an Elle boutique, exhibition cases showcasing the magazine and its support, a photo booth for race participants, bra fitting support and above all a fab atmosphere...if the prep is anything like the night will be, were in for a great night!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photographs are my own

Canal side galleries

My bike and I are very much becoming really good friends thanks to this amazing spring (well temperature wise summer) weather although I imagine if my bike could speak she would definitely tell me to stop pulling over and carry on with our bike ride instead of wanting to photograph everything I see and as you may remember from a recent post of mine, graffiti is up there as one of the top things I capture whilst on my travels....a general love of mine or just so much of it that I have to? Well the latter would of seemed more appropriate a few weeks ago however this street (in my case canal) side art is very attractive...I'll set the scene a little....

Canal side footpath, bright blue skies with a lovely radiating heat, narrow boats lining either side and clustering at the designated 'moor ups' along the way, a plain brick wall......how boring!!!! a brick wall covered in every shade possible, mixtures of neutral whites and greys bouncing off the vibrancy of the fluorescent pinks and oranges....how fabulous!!! These cartoon like / tag style / graphic novel exhibitions are truly a work of art....and what a bonus - a free gallery to exhibit in!!!!

 

 

 

 

All photographs are my own