My exciting news!

I have been bursting at the seams since I got this news on Friday, but it wasn't 100% confirmed (in my mind) so I was afraid to say anything. Today I had it confirmed so here goes...

I am going to be a part of the Brooks ID Program for 2012!!!! Here is what Brooks says about the program-

"Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 800 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders. Brooks I.D. athletes members use their athletic talent to help carry out the Brooks mission: To inspire people to run and be active. We look for athletes who have a passion for Brooks, race and train in Brooks' shoes and apparel, and enthusiastically evangelize the brand. "

Seriously, I don't know that I could be more excited. I am a huge Brooks fan, and they are the only running shoes that I have worn since I started running. I love their slogan, "Run Happy!" To be a part of the Brooks team and to get to run, race,  and represent Brooks really is a running dream come true for me!

Here is how it came to be...

Early last year I connected with a Brooks ID member named Shannon Price. Shannon is an ultra runner and he is super awesome, and incredibly kind. (You can read an interview and learn more about Shannon here). I asked how he got involved with the Brooks ID program and he told me it was an invitation only program now, but that current Brooks ID members could submit new potential athletes at the end of the year for the coming year's program. He offered to submit me at the end of 2011 for the 2012 year, and he offered me some advice.

I really thought he was just being nice and that my chances were slim of getting selected. I sent Shannon my running resume and my bio a couple of weeks ago and have just waited anxiously ever since (trying not to get my hopes up).

Then on Friday afternoon I got an email from the director of the Brooks ID program telling me he'd love to offer me a contract for 2012! I heard from him again today and I will be getting the official invitation to the program on Monday (when the director is back in town). WOO HOO!!!

I posted my news on Facebook today and Shannon left a comment after one of my friends asked what it meant that I was going to be a part of the Brooks ID program. He said, "it means that Erin has worked herself silly and made it to the level of an elite with her dedication and ability. On behalf of the Brooks' team we are honored to have her. We are truly the lucky ones." Ok, so I definitely am NOT an elite in my ability, but it has been exciting to have my hard work pay off and to become more and more competitive (and I hope to continue to do so).


I certainly hope to also be able to continue to inspire others through this blog, through the running club I am starting here where I live, and in any other way that I can. Being a part of this program is definitely inspiring to me.  :)