🏃🏾‍♀️ Nike After Dark LA Race Recap

Training for a half marathon is no easy feat, especially when undertaken alone. A Trice Rias-Thompson, also known as DJ Tricey Trice, embarked on this solitary journey, finding motivation in her own company rather than group settings. She discovered that running solo was not just about physical preparation. It became a profound test of mental strength—a personal journey to see how far she could push her limits without external influences. As my latest guest on the podcast, we talked for almost an hour about

• her experience training for a half marathon

• her experience running the Nike After Dark LA half marathon

• why she still runs

• and of course, the LA Sparks

Without too many spoilers, let’s start from the beginning…

She signed up for the race at the urging of one of her friends over a meal. You had to apply to be able to run in the Nike After Dark Half Marathon. She got in and immediately committed to training. The marathon day was a fusion of excitement and challenges. It wasn’t just a race—it was an event filled with light tunnels, community spirit, and unexpected obstacles (traffic jams and starting delays to test your resolve? Yeah, those too).

Nike's After Dark Half Marathon series was launched globally to address a critical issue in running culture: women's safety when running at night. With events spanning multiple cities worldwide, not just in LA, Nike created a platform that empowered women to reclaim nighttime running spaces that have traditionally felt unsafe or intimidating. The campaign recognized that many female runners modify their behavior, routes, or avoid night running altogether due to safety concerns. By creating these organized, well-lit, secure events, Nike not only highlighted these challenges but actively worked to transform the narrative around women's running experiences. The initiative combined Nike's commitment to athletic excellence with social awareness, creating protected environments where women could experience the freedom of night running without compromising their safety.

Her recount of the marathon is a testament to resilience—a story of facing surprise hurdles like hills and wind with grace (and a little honey gel stuck to her shorts). By the end, she gained more than a finisher’s medal. DJ Tricey Trice discovered new depths of her physical and mental capabilities, and a newfound method of exercise that she now incorporates into her weekly gym and workout routine.

Our conversation naturally transitioned to basketball, where DJ Tricey Trice offered insights into the LA Sparks’ season. She is one of the hosts of LA Sparks Weekly, and it’s been awesome to see her show evolve from strictly video and social commentary to courtside reporting and media credentials. Despite facing persistent injuries, there is optimism rooted in player development and strategic adjustments. DJ Tricey Trice’s expertise and perspective from her courtside seat and interviews shed light on the evolving dynamics within the team, pointing toward a hopeful playoff run.

I’m not the biggest LA Sparks fan (sorry girl!), so we also explored the dynamics of a few of my other favorite teams: the Phoenix Mercury (who had a decisive win and long awaited new player pickup last night), the Dallas Wings (who are going through a similar rough patch with injuries and new team dynamics), and the Atlanta Dream (the lemon-pepper steppers are showing out this season and I love it).

To those contemplating stepping into a new workout or outdoor hobby—whether it's a marathon or another ambitious pursuit—DJ Tricey Trice’s story serves as a compelling reminder of the potential adventures on the other side of the unknown. Life invites us to embrace the mix of trials and triumphs, much like she has shown us in her spirited, multifaceted journey (and she definitely kept it real about her experience with running).

Here’s to chasing dreams—both on the trails and beyond.

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Penned,

Angela 🤙🏾✨

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