Dear Birkie Skiers & Enthusiasts,
Happy New Years! Where did 2014 go? The Sochi Olympics came and went and 2015 is right around the corner. I don’t know about you but I couldn’t be more excited about 2015. In a 3.5 month period (January-mid April) I am scheduled to race a whopping 569 kilometers of ski marathons, the Birkie included! My ski racing travels will take me to ten different countries around Europe and in February, you know where I’ll be – Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin.
New Years is traditionally an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s “been” and create resolutions, new goals, and dreams about the year to come. Perhaps you are one of the lucky 10,500 skiers that will join me in the American Birkebeiner this year. Or perhaps you weren’t able to get a spot this year and instead, will be cheering on Main Street in Hayward? Either way, I think we can all agree that the Birkie is more than a one day race but a commitment to fun, health, friends, and family.
Whether you’re registered for this year’s Birkie or not I’d like to “plant a seed” for anyone willing to entertain the idea. Why not make it a goal to travel abroad to another FIS World Loppet race? We all know how amazing the Birkie is and there are similar style races like the Birkie all over the world! Combining a fitness goal and a cultural experience is just about one of my favorite ways to travel. If you’re training for the Birkie and looking for a “warm up” race, or bummed out that you didn’t get a coveted spot I encourage you to take a look at the FIS World Loppet website. Maybe you’re getting ready to celebrate a big birthday or your anniversary is coming up? Why not celebrate with 56k in France or 42k in Switzerland?
Or, for a really wild idea it’s not too late to join me for the January 18th 42 kilometer Dolomitenlauf in Lienz, Austria. Thursday night features a candlelit “romantic” 5k ski, Friday night has city sprints, Saturday is a classic marathon and Sunday is the main event, the skate race. It’s going to be a fun-filled, action packed weekend!
Whether you join me overseas or not I look forward to sharing my stories and pictures about the 569k that I have left to race with you. The best way to read about my experiences is on my website: http://hollyskis.blogspot.com or my Facebook Athlete page: Holly Brooks – Dare to Dream
Thanks to the American Birkebeiner for helping support my dream for 2015.
I hope to see you February!
Sincerely,
Holly Brooks
American Birkebeiner 2014-2015 Marathon Ambassador
2012 American Birkebeiner Champion
Posted December 31, 2014 at 7:24 am
