Gear Up for Race Day + a Giveaway to Enter the Nike Women’s Half Marathon

Whole Foods Market® is a proud sponsor of the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco. This race fills up fast and now it’s sold out. However, we have some spots we’re giving away to folks who want to enter the race. Read on to find out how to enter for a chance to win an opportunity to run!

San Francisco Skyline :: Photo by Jennifer Lo

Whole Foods Market® is a proud sponsor of the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco. This race fills up fast and now it’s sold out. However, we have some spots we’re giving away to folks who want to enter the race. Read on to find out how to enter for a chance to win an opportunity to run! UPDATE: Thanks to everyone that entered. Congrats to our randomly chosen winners: Heather, Lisa, Michael, Dee and Natalia!

At the finish line from last year’s race 2013 with my roommate Naomi (on the left) :: Photo by Jennifer Lo

I can’t believe it’s already August and in less than 3 months, thousands of women will be flooding San Francisco to run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon. And excitedly, Whole Foods Market is proud to be the official grocery sponsor again.

San Francisco is an ideal place to run. There’s something for every type of runner – parks, waterfront trails, city streets, hiking trails and, of course, hills.

This will be my fifth time running the race and my favorite part is experiencing the emotional high of all the runners who come from around the world to San Francisco to participate in the race. It’s fascinating to learn what other runners do to train, fuel up, recover and celebrate on race day. In that spirit, here are some of the essentials in my running bag:

My Running Bag Essentials

Treasure Hunt Trail Mix :: Photo by Jennifer Lo

365 Everyday Value® Treasure Hunt Trailmix: It really is like a treasure hunt as I eat this yummy mix because I’m always hunting for the chocolate chip pieces. There’s also has a mix of almonds and peanuts to provide the protein you need to stay full.Waxalene: This is the best anti-chafing product that I’ve used because it’s not greasy; it’s. It’s especially helpful for those long runs and it makes a great lip balm too.

Yes! To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes: When it comes to facial care I’m a fan of keeping it simple and that’s why I think these wipes are amazing. They remove makeup, gently cleanse, and moisturize all in one. Perfect for on the go, I use them to take off my makeup before an afternoon workout or to freshen up after a run.

Assorted Bath Products :: Photo by Jennifer Lo

“Speed Date” Balls (recipe opens in a new tab): These little balls are a perfect fix before any run, but I especially like them as that little bit of fuel I need before my training routine. Sometimes I think I should feel guilty eating them because they just taste so darn good, it’s like eating candy. But they’re made with natural, whole ingredients – oats, dates, coconut – and provide me the energy I need to run, so it’s all good!Bath Petals Bath Salts: Ahhhhh… soaking in a warm bath with these bath salts are my favorite way to relax and ease my tight muscles after a race. My favorite mix is the Greek Honey Mint, but you can’t go wrong with any of their other fragrances. These bath salts are available in my local Northern California Whole Foods Market store, but there are awesome bath salt options in all our stores. Just ask.

Suja Elements 24 Karat :: Photo by Jennifer Lo

Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt: Yogurt is my favorite source of protein after running. I just add some homemade granola, local honey and fruit, and breakfast is served!Suja Elements: These cold-pressed juices and smoothies are so refreshing. My favorite is the Blutrients flavor – organic blueberries with chia and camu camu. Delightfully thick it’s a delicious way to treat myself after all my hard work. The 24 Karat is a close second.

Sunrise Smoothie opens in a new tab: When I have the time to make my own smoothie in the morning, I like a smoothie that packs all the goodies — fruit, veggies, yogurt and whole grains — in one glass.

Win for You and a Friend!

Tell me about your race day or training essentials in the comments below by August 22nd. We’ll randomly select five winners to receive two entries, one for you and one for a friend, to participate in the Nike Women’s Half Marathon. Plus you’ll win a $100 Whole Foods Market gift card so you can be sure to have all your favorite things on hand for race day – October 19th.

How do you gear up for race day?

The fine print: No purchase necessary. Promotion ends August 22, 2014, 11:59 PM CDT. Must be a legal resident of the US or Canada (except in Quebec, where it is void) age 18 or older to participate. Taxes on prize, if applicable, are the responsibility of the winner. Employees of Whole Foods Market, Inc., are not eligible. Void where prohibited. Winners are responsible for all race entry and travel expenses and fees.

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