2018 Brooks Run Happy Ambassador Weekend in Seattle

Wow, this was an amazing weekend in Seattle and exceeded all of my expectations!

Kristen, Jen, Sara, Noelle, Brian, Jesica, Janae, Lora, Monica, Tina, Gina, Alex, Carlee, Tiffany, Jen, Natalie, Anne, Meghann & Emily

As you all know, this is my third year working with Brooks, and this year’s trip was the best yet. From the moment our crew reunited at Brooks Headquarters on Friday until we parted ways this afternoon for our flights back home, it was an energizing and inspiring weekend with so many like-minded men and women.  While none of us are professional athletes and we all run for different reasons, the things that brings us together is our love of Brooks and running.  Hearing each person’s story throughout the weekend and getting to know them better deepened my passion for running and the way this sport brings so many people together.

We started the fun together on Friday afternoon at the Brooks Headquarters. I even greeted the group with a local treat – Top Pot Donuts!

After a quick lunch, we were able to tour the testing lab and see some of the Fall ’18 gear. While we were in the lab we were able to learn more about the process of bringing a shoe from idea to prototype to shelf. There is so much science and testing that takes place over the two year process, including wear testing, anatomical testing and design.

The gear sneak peek was so impressive. The team has been hard at work and it is clear that Brooks is making a conscious effort to focus not only on quality but also aesthetics. Our entire group is in love with the Fall gear especially the colors and soft textures incorporated into so many of the pieces. Most of the gear is for sale on their site today and I already have a few items in my cart including the dash hoodie, fly by 1/2 zip and array long sleeve.

We headed to the hotel to check-in and freshen up after our time at Headquarters. I’ve never stayed in an EVEN HOTEL property but was so impressed with their Seattle location. There was flavored water greeting us as we walked in as well as lots of bright light, greenery and a very friendly staff. The hotel allows you to remain active while traveling through local running maps, a huge gym and in-room fitness equipment and water bottles. The shower and toiletry products were also wonderful and I loved that they featured EO products in the shower. Each of us were assigned roommates for the weekend and I was delighted to spend my nights with Meghann. We’ve been friends for years though the distance and new role of parent doesn’t allow us to see each other very often.

We met downstairs for an impromptu happy hour together before heading out for dinner at Westward.

This waterfront restaurant provided gorgeous views for an evening of catching up with old friends and getting to know new friends. I’m so thankful that Brooks made it possible to enjoy some Pacific Northwest delicacies like oysters, salmon and Pinot Noir while we were in town.  It was so fun teaching a few of the ladies how to enjoy oysters for the very first time in between laughter and conversation. The open space was perfect for mingling and chatting with different groups versus being limited by table seating.  The oysters, octopus and pot de crème were the food highlights while I enjoyed two glasses of the delicious Oregon Pinot Noir. I wish I’d taken a picture of the label!

After a good night’s sleep, we headed out for a 5 mile run and strength workout with a few of the Brooks Beasts pro runners.

I was thrilled that this week’s long run would be 5 miles through shady trails with some of my favorite runners. We talked the entire time while enjoying views of the lake and talking with faster runners helped me push my pace and maintain an average pace of 9:12 including a few traffic stops while crossing streets.  The miles flew by and were exactly the push and inspiration I needed at this point of half marathon training. I wish that even one of these ambassadors lived close to me so we could meet for run together. A few of us discussed trying to virtually motivate each other throughout the year via Instagram and our Facebook group.

After our run we headed into the Magnusson Athletic Center for a strength workout led by the Brooks Beasts. They took us through a number of different exercises using TRX, free weights and machines. If they send us the workout, I’ll be sure to share it with you all in an upcoming post.

After working up quite the appetite, we headed to Cactus for brunch.  If you ever come to Seattle, you seriously need to head to Cactus for brunch just so you can enjoy their churro waffles. Guys. Seriously. These waffles may have been the most delicious sweet treat I’ve eaten. We couldn’t get enough of them and even convinced the restaurant to make a fresh batch for us after our hungry running crew ate EVERY SINGLE one from the buffet. Thank you Janae for the epic picture of this waffle!

We walked off brunch and those delicious waffles during an afternoon walk exploring a number of different areas of Seattle including the Space Needle park and waterfront.  Since I’ve visited Seattle numerous times for both pleasure and work, I ended up leading our group as we meandered. It was nice to have a few hours to relax and catch up with some of my original blog friends while enjoying the cool weather.

By 5pm we found ourselves on a beautiful boat enjoying dinner, bubbly and a tour of Lake Union.  We were able to sneak glimpses of Bill Gates’ home, the Sleepless in Seattle house boat, University of Washington and views of the city.  The captain even let me drive the boat for a few minutes!

We woke up this morning for some strength training and movement to wake up our bodies before heading over to the gorgeous University of Washington campus for lots of cheering.

The final item on our weekend itinerary was the most inspiring – cheering and supporting athletes as they headed towards the opening ceremonies for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.

Thousands of athletes from all 50 states are in Seattle this week competing in 18 different sports ranging from power lifting to gymnastics. We cheered and gave high fives to the athletes as each state passed by our Brooks cheer squad. I love that Brooks employees joined us for the occasion as we held signs together. These athletes have overcome so many challenges as they’ve trained for these games.

I can’t believe I’m already on a flight back to New York City after such a wonderful weekend but I’m ready to give Bo and Katie huge hugs! I’m also ready and inspired to continue my half marathon training as I work towards my 1:59:59 goal in October!

Thank you to Brooks for sponsoring me throughout the year and for paying for this trip! You all are incredible and I fall more in love with the brand every year.