Setting a Goal and Achieving It

Last March I was recruited by 4 of my college teammates to run the Nike Half-Marathon in San Francisco. Although all living in different states, they decided we could train (remotely) together for the race in honor of our 20th anniversary of winning the NCAA Championship at Stanford.

As much as I enjoy running, I never run more than 40 minutes! A half-marathon is three times what I am used to! Not wanting to let my teammates down, I very reluctantly decided to commit.

The first step was to sign-up and pay the $100 entry fee. Step two was finding a good training plan. Step three: I followed the program. Step four: recording my workouts.

To my surprise, I enjoyed the training, pushing myself beyond what I thought were my limits. Following the roadmap was invaluable so I never had to “think” about what to do, I trusted the expert’s plan. The feeling of camaraderie and support from my teammates made all of the difference, especially on those days I did not feel like running!

On the morning of the run, I was a bit nervous, sort of like I used to feel before games. Could I really run 13 miles? Was I ready? We lined up in Union Square along with 20,000 other runners and the energy was unreal! I had to force myself not to start out too fast and lose steam! The energy of the event, the runners (and my adrenaline) helped the miles pass remarkably fast. There was music (including a gospel choir and bagpipes) and people cheering every couple of miles.

The run was absolutely breathtaking — a gorgeous loop around San Francisco, including Land’s End and Golden Gate Park, finishing at Ocean Beach.

It was a fabulous way to spend time with my teammates after all these years! And together we pushed each other to get in shape! We each had our own goals — Sonja Henning wanted to qualify for the NY Marathon and she did! Trisha Lamb wanted to beat 2 hours and she did! Ann Adkins wanted to complete her first half-marathon and she did!

And I wanted to run faster than an 8:30 pace and I did! I finished in 1:47!

Just finished!

Nick and Ann

Sonja

For anyone looking for motivation to exercise, I highly recommend getting a group of friends to commit to a race. It was just the motivation and accountability I needed to push myself. I can’t wait to do it again next year!

Playing Tennis With Some Legends!

I had a blast yesterday at The Esurance Tennis Classic at Harbor Point in Mill Valley. Harbor Point is a spectacular location with a full view across the bay of San Francisco — gorgeous spot!

The tournament raises money for breast cancer and prostate cancer research. When I was invited to the event, I had no idea what I was in for! I had also just come off of a 10-day road trip, including events in both WNBA Finals cities.


Local resident Larry Goldfarb donated $50,000 to play with Steffi Graf against Andre Agassi — Andre won... The tennis was outstanding!!

Tracy Austin and Michael Chang had a team that competed against Andre and Steffi’s team. It was all fun and friendly! The players joked with the sold-out crowd and clearly had a great time.

Tennis legend Rosie Casals asked me to play next year. I told her I would need two or three lessons first. She said, “Well, Jennifer you will need a lot more than that!” Clearly I would play as a “celebrity” guest, not as a real player. My tennis game is much better than my golf game, but that’s not saying much.

I was also able to visit with Andre and Steffi. What impresses me most about them is how much they give to their communities. They use there celebrity to do amazing things, like Andre’s school in Las Vegas — Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy.

He lit up like a proud father when he told me that they had recently raised $8 million for the school and this year they graduated there first senior class and they are all going to college!!! Amazing! What a great day...

Here I am with tennis great Brad Gilbert.

Women's Professional Soccer

I was asked to do the celebrity coin toss before the final game of the FC Gold Pride in its inaugural year of the WPS (Women's Professional Soccer) league. I was honored to be chosen for the final game. I must admit, my coin tossing skills are not too good! I flipped the half-dollar coin and it went straight up and straight down! We had to do a second toss — apparently a first! :)

Tonya Antonucci (above), the Commissioner of the WPS, has done an outstanding job getting the league up and running, especially during such a tough economy.

The WNBA (now in its 12th season) has paved the way for women’s professional sports and it is great to see the expanse of possibility for women athletes.

WNBA All-Star Weekend

I had the opportunity to attend the WNBA All-Star festivities over the weekend. What an amazing time!

In the above photo, I'm standing with Mike Thibault head coach of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun (2008 WNBA Coach of the Year) and two young ladies who introduced me at a WNBA Cares event.

Here I am working with kids as part of WNBA Cares Toyota Project Rebound in Windham, Conn. Toyota and the WNBA partnered to renovate the boys and girls club basketball court. It was gorgeous! I emceed the event and had the pleasure of working with the all stars on hand for the clinic — including 5-time all star Tamika Catchings.

Here's a photo of me and a Fox reporter at the WNBA All-Star Game.

It was a great weekend. I've got a ton of fun stuff coming up in the next little while, and I'll be sure to keep you all in the loop here. Thanks for reading.

Behind-the-Scenes at SaveMart 350

As promised, here is some behind-the-scenes footage from Sunday's race.

Sunday in Sonoma: NASCAR!

I got a chance to talk to Juan Pablo Montoya right before the race.

What a blast! I am a new NASCAR fan!

I went into this weekend totally ignorant about NASCAR as I had never been exposed to any events--and I leave with a great appreciation for the sport.

In the “behind the scenes” video (which I'll upload soon) I mentioned the number of laps that a car can go on a set of tires. I found out they last about 30 laps—I said 2. That is how little I knew going into this. They also cost about $1,700 per set!

I was able to stand right next to the Tony Stewart team and talk with their crew during the race. They were all so nice and obviously had a great performance!

As you'll see in the video, I was so close that my foot nearly got hit by a new tire they were putting on Tony’s car. They changed the tires in a flash!

Here are a few photos from Sunday's race (won by Kasey Kahne). Check back for the video!

Here I am talking to a TNT reporter.

Here you get a general sense of the excitement surrounding the race.

Lots of activity going on in the pits.

Here I am talking to members of Jimmie Johnson's crew before the start of the race.

Day 2 at NASCAR Races

Another fun day at the track! I got to wave the famous checkered flag as one of the “VIPs” at the event. Who would have imagined that following my athletic career, I would be able to get to see such incredible events?

The NASCAR family has treated me so well, with so much respect. I can see why they have a reputation for being great with fans. Well, off to Infineon for the last day!

Day 1 at NASCAR is Awesome!

Day 1 was awesome! I am not a likely NASCAR fan, mainly due to my ignorance about the sport. But I am learning so much during my weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. I can’t believe the teamwork, coordination and precision that goes into absolutely everything!

I waived to flag to start the race and I also waved the checkered flag! All drivers have to qualify to race on Sunday (here's information about the Sprint Cup race), even if they have won all prior events.

I loved being right there by the “pit” with the drivers getting in and out of their cars. They are so calm and intense at the same time. I was also amazed with how fit they are! Excited to see more... Here are a few photos.

UPDATE: Here's the video...



As you'll see, I'm proudly wearing my USANA shirt everywhere!

The winner’s circle where the drivers get there awards and speak to the press.

Me and My friend Ryan Canepa.

Getting ready to wave the green flag!

Waving the green flag!


Me with NASCAR officials Rachal and Dan on the track.

NASCAR, Here I Come

Just wanted to do a quick post: I am headed to NASCAR!

I have never been to an event and I am excited to wave the flag! I talked to a friend who lives in Napa and people are already lined up in their RV’s and having tailgate parties. Should be fun to see!

Here's some information about the race on Sunday (I'll actually be involved all weekend). It's the Toyota/SaveMart 350 at Infinion Raceway in Sonoma (not too far from where I live).

• When: Sunday, June 21
• Time: 5 p.m. ET
• TV: TNT
• Last Year's Winner: Kyle Busch
  

Look for me wearing a USANA shirt!

Returning to Jefferson

This video shows our surprise visit to Jefferson Jr. High (now middle school). We had no idea if anyone would be there and we got lucky to find the team and my old coach Barry Haile there practicing. He has been there for 35 years!

The kids were great and I was surprised to see my #3 jersey and photos framed on the wall in the gym. I can’t remember the last time I was in that gym! Still looks the same...

Photos From the Trip Home

OK, so I know I 'm kind of doing these out of order, but the events leading up to the actual induction ceremony were great, so I wanted to post some more photos from my return "home."

Getting ready for the 4K fundraiser race. Gotta have the Rev3!

Stanton Stevens, my Mom, Donna Azzi, Miss Mimms, and my Dad, Jim Azzi before the hall of fame induction ceremony.

My sister, Susanne Kramer. I was so happy she was there with me.

Fellow inductee Sonja Hogg. She was hilarious!

Carol Stiff of ESPN.

Vern Glenn, of Channel 4 in San Francisco, followed me around for a documentary.

The Class of 2009

Induction night was wonderful. Each inductee and our escorts rode over from the hotel to the Bijou Theatre in a huge limo (you'll see in the video below).

My Dad seemed a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. It was really fun to go over with everyone. We are all so different yet we were and are so passionate about the “game.”

When my Dad walked me to the stage, I had to really focus and take deep breaths to have the courage to get up on the stage. He was so cute!!!

Vern Glenn of Channel 4 in San Francisco followed me during the weekend for a documentary. Above is his video of my acceptance speech.

An Incredible Night

What a night! My Dad escorted me to the stage for the hall of fame induction ceremony on Saturady. We have shared so much and he has always believed in me — even putting a hoop in our driveway when we could barely afford clothes.

My whole family was there. When I got to the stage to speak, I was literally speechless, doing my best to hold back the swell of emotion. Something took over me as I was standing there looking out into the very bright lights of the Bijou Theater. I had been in and out of tears all day. I have never felt more brave. There is no way to prepare for this kind of emotion.

I speak for a living and I am always prepared, but this was different. This was pure love and emotion coming out of me. There was so much love in the room, love for people, love for the game — Teresa Edwards, Pat Summitt, other legends in the game were all there. Many of the women were playing and making the game great when no one was watching.

I am so very blessed to have played when I did. I am so so lucky. I got a chance on stage to say “Thank You.”

Here are a few photos from the night. I'll have video of the amazing evening soon.

What an amazing class! It's an honor to be included in this group.

Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, center, one of the game's all-time greats.

Visiting Miss Mimms

As promised, here's the video of my visit to see Miss Mimms while I was in Oak Ridge, Tenn. She was the director of Scarboro Day Care Center. We'd lost touch for 30 years and had an emotional reunion.

There's more to come...

Reconnecting in Oak Ridge

I just returned to California and I am feeling so overwhelmed by my “induction” but what touched me the most was the people I reconnected with.

My trip “back” was literally breathtaking. I'll be posting some videos and photos soon. One video in particular that is amazing was taken just following my visit to Scarboro Day Care Center in Oak Ridge. In it, you'll see Vern Glenn from Channel 4 in San Francisco, who is following me for a documentary.

The incredible reunion with Miss Mimms, who was the director of the day care center when my sister and I were kids, had no idea we were coming. We also had no idea if she was still alive since we had no address or phone number for her.

To our complete surprise, we found out from one of the older teachers at Scarboro that she still lived in the neighborhood. So we paid her a visit. I am still trying to process all that I felt...as this is where I learned to love basketball.

I felt total love and acceptance at the school because of Miss Mimms and the love she gave us. Thank God we found her. My Mom, Dad, Sister and my niece Alex were there with me.

I'll have plenty more from the actual ceremony, which was unbelievable, but I wanted to start with this because it was such an emotional and wonderful experience to reconnect with Miss Mimms.

Having a Great Time in Tennessee

I'm having a great time! This is our Class of 2009. They are a very funny and lively group! Tonight is the big night! Going to get some rest now as this day has been crazy busy!

The above photo is from the 4K run this morning. 5 a.m. for me! I'm standing with Cynthia Cooper, one of the all-time greats (she's also being inducted into the hall of fame tonight).

The run is a fundraiser in honor of Kay Yow, NC State women's basketball coach and Women's Basketball Hall of Famer (Class of 2000). She lost her battle with breast cancer on Jan. 24, 2009.

This is Miss Mimms. When we were kids we wanted her to be our mom. Hurt my mom's feelings a bit but we loved her. She was the director of Scarboro day care center. We had lost touch and we had a very emotional reunion yesterday in Oak Ridge. I had not seen the school in 30 years!

I am having a great time! Very busy. Much more to come...