Day 1- I got into San Diego around 12 western time. As soon as I got my baggage we were escorted to a shuttle that would transport us to the hotel. It was very warm outside and fairly windy. We arrived at the hotel and checked in then got our headshots taken. After that, I went into my room and settled in then headed out for my run. I ran on this path by the beach and it was so amazing to be able to look at the beach while running, definitely not something I'm used to living in Indiana. Later that night I met up with the midwest girls and we got our gear. They presented it to us in our own lockers it was so cool. We got two pairs of shoes, two jackets, three shirts, two pairs of leggings, a pair of joggers, a quarter zip, spikes and our uniforms and a backpack. Definitely a TON of gear. Later that night we went to dinner and made our "teams t-shirts" then I went and headed to bed because of the long day of traveling.
Phoebe's view from her afternoon run in San Diego
Day 2- This morning I woke up fairly early and went down to breakfast with my roommate. After that, I met up with some midwest girls and we headed down to the beach. After that, we headed down to the course and ran the course. I was lucky enough to be able to do my pre-race run with Emma Coburn where she gave really good advice about the race and such and it was one of the coolest experiences ever. Later we headed to lunch and I spent the rest of the afternoon with my parents exploring the town. Later that night we had a pasta dinner and then headed to bed for an early bedtime.
Day 3- RACE DAY !!! The race was definitely an experience to remember, this course was one of the hardest courses I've ever experienced (even harder than the regional course !) the race was so fun and team midwest DOMINATED !! Both girls and boys midwest teams won! It was a very fun day. Later that night there was a banquet where they recognized everyone and it was really neat.
Bates got to experience breathtaking sunsets like this one during her time in San Diego
Overview: Footlocker was a really special experience and they did not let you forget that. they reminded you constantly of how special it is for you to have made it to there and they treat you like elite athletes. footlocker is definitely one of the major highlights of my running career and I was so blessed to have been able to make it meet some famous athletes and meet some amazing people overall. I felt very very honored to have been apart of such an amazing experience and hope to return in the near future. Definitely an experience I will never forget!
