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1.03.2010

Finding my P.A.C.E. (...and how about a Free Ride?!)

So I've been holding out on y'all with a fun small bit of news for a little bit. (and yes, I just tossed out a y'all. it's the southerner in me that occasionally likes to come out and play. deal with it.)

As you may (or may not) remember, last year I was accepted into the Brooks I.D. Program. I didn't really make too big of a fuss over it, but in hindsight, it was a partial sponsorship, so I suppose it sort of was a little bit of a big deal. (For those of you just now tuning in, I'm a crazy Brooks enthusiast...finally! a shoe that fits well with comfy apparel--what more could a girl ask for aside from Taylor Lautner standing 10 feet away from me, shirtless, in the rain, live in the flesh?)

...oh...what's that? We're not dabbling in my secret cougar-esque fantasies? Sorry, didn't mean to subject you to that. okay...back on target...

...anyways...

Apparently as of beginning of December, the fine folks at Brooks have elected to extend said sponsorship (note: this is before they've learned about by now public love for teen werewolves, so we'll see how long it takes 'em to revoke my I.D.-card)...but not just as a member of the I.D. program. I have actually been named one of roughly 300 influential running enthusiasts to the P.A.C.E. team.

Now what exactly is I.D. and P.A.C.E. you ask? Well...Inspire Daily...and Performance and Coaching Elite. Clearly, I think I'm more qualified for one significantly more than the other. We all know that I'm about as elite as they come...

...oh wait. What's that?!

Okay. Okay.
Stop laughing.

Really. Stop.


Honestly? I was a bit shocked (almost as much as you!) and convinced they invited the wrong Jayhawk into this selective group. But no, I was assured that I am indeed a member of the P.A.C.E. team--partly because of my passion in pursuit of constantly bettering myself for the sport, and partly because of this little blog of mine (thank you for reading, fellow friend). I do, however, promise I'll work on that "Elite" portion of the designation...at least to the best of my ability. Needless to say, Mike and my arsenal of coaches are pretty psyched.

So. What does all of this entail?

I'm not sure exactly...though I've been assured that there is much, much more information to come regarding to responsibilities. So until I get the nitty gritty, I'll keep on doing what I do. Running. Swimming. Biking. Repeating. And preaching the good gospel according to Brooks (moreso than I have in the past, because it's about time everyone realizes just how friggin' awesome their schtuff is). Perhaps I'll see if I can get some swag in the mix to give away to all my fine readers, commenters and lurkers (speak up, kids!!) out there. But with the perks, there's a bit of work that comes with the program...there's some events that I'll get (have?) to attend, races I'll be running decked in in my usual Brooks awesomeness and probably a handful of volunteering ops in the Chicagoland area that I'll get to lead the charge with some fellow local I.D. and P.A.C.E.rs. -- look for us out on the loose!

So yeah. It's a pretty sweet opportunity and I'd like to thank Steve and the find folks at Brooks for this fabulous recognition.


In other fun news...Infinity Multisport (brought to you by the Chief of Pain and Mele) is up and running and ready to rock everyone like a hurricane. They're currently offering complimentary computrainer classes this week as they iron out the kinks, so if you're in the Chicagoland area, and looking for a solid workout with two of the most fantastic coaches in the city, you should reserve your slot and come on down to Mox (the studio is in the basement). Lara's email address is on the Infinity website and on the facebook page.

Mike and I hit up a class earlier today...and well...we're not going to discuss how my bike fitness has completely diminished over the past 6 weeks of couch surfing and the pathetic watts that yours truly put out. It was tough, but awesome. And Mike has been complaining about his tender tush all night long. (He really is a hard ass, though.) And why not torture myself just when all those saddle sores have healed and gone into hibernation for the off-season!? We'll be hitting up a few more sessions this week for good measure and hope to see some of you fine folks there. Don't be shy...you know you want to experience it for yourself!


Oh...and on top of all this other awesomeness...St. Louis half marathon training has officially kicked off. My 3 mile run turned into 4 and some change. I'm already deviating from the plan...because apparently, that's how I roll. I'm using a massively modified version of Higdon's intermediate plan...and when I think about it, I don't think there's any evidence of the original plan on the page. Hmm. But it'll involve a weekly dip in the pool, death by computrainer on Wedensdays, a short run, speed work picked up from the last 3 big builds of my Ironman plan, and then a weekend long run (with a semi-option long ride). We'll see how long I'm able to stick to the plan...

...anyone want to wager a bet?
(and shut up, Mike...no commentary from the peanut gallery needed!)

Happy running (and swimming and biking and overall awesomeness), my friends!


PS...please excuse my gratuitous use of "awesome" and its derivatives in this blog.

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6 Camper Comments:

Blogger TNTcoach Ken said...

Wow, you're like a celeb now! I have no brand loyalty, so I've never get the opportunity to be sponsored, even partial. Bring on 2010.

January 03, 2010 10:32 AM  
Blogger Juls said...

Hurray for you and your new sponsorship.
Happy 2010!

January 03, 2010 10:44 AM  
Blogger Stef said...

Congrats on the sponsorship that is AWESOME! You will do great this year.

January 03, 2010 11:18 AM  
Blogger Badgergirl said...

Congrats on the sponsorship! Very cool.

January 03, 2010 12:14 PM  
Blogger })i({ RunnerGirl said...

Way to go girlfriend!!!!!

January 03, 2010 5:44 PM  
Blogger Anne said...

What a great motivation for you, and inspiration for us. That's certainly a great way to stay on the straight and narrow when sidetracks beckon.

January 04, 2010 10:08 AM  

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