by Larry Eder
It was a 10,000-meter championship final. 25 laps of hot, humid running, where one runs themselves to exhaustion over the last 2,000 meters. The scary thing is, one must keep their wits about them until they cross the line, and then some.
The 10,000 meters at the World Championships are an entirely different type of race. One thing one knows is that the weather will be humid and warm, very warm. The pace can start to slow for the first 5,000 meters and then tear off at a crazy final 5,000 meters, or it can start fast and take all of the kick and desire out of the field. One has to be ready for anything that comes. That day, Emily Infeld was prepared for almost anything thrown at her.
Molly Huddle, then American record holder at 10,000m, looked to be running for the bronze medal in the World Championships in 2015 Beijing, and as she got close to the line, she thought she was clear. She was not. Charging hard was one Emily Infeld, who ran herself into a bronze medal, and the US went 3, 4 and 6 in the Women’s 10,000m at the Beijing 2015 World Championships, one of the best performances by American women ever.
Emily Infeld has been on the international circuit for a decade now. She has had her share of highs and lows. She is not ready to give up the elite athlete mantle, and Brooks Running also believes that Emily has the fire still burning inside. It is time to focus on the roads.
In late January, Brooks announced it had signed Emily Infeld, a WC bronze medalist at 10,000 meters, to its brand Road team.
Emily had this to say about her new sponsor:
“I am so excited about my partnership with Brooks! The Brooks Adrenaline was the first pair of trainers I ever wore, and this feels like a full-circle moment. It feels great to be a part of such a supportive running community and feel welcomed by everyone at Brooks. I am excited for the next few years and feel lucky to attack my track and road goals with their support.’
Putting the signing of Emily Infeld in perspective was Brooks Head of Sports Marketing, Garrett Heath:
“Emily has been one of the most inspiring American distance runners in recent history – from NCAA champion to medaling at the World Championships, she’s had success at all levels on the track. We’re excited to partner with her as she moves to the roads to test herself and compete against the best in the world at the marathon distance. Her proven strength in the longer distances should set her up well to immediately impact the road scene as she builds towards 2028. Off the race course, she’s always brought positive energy to all those around her, and we’re confident she’ll be an immediate contributor to the Brooks Running community and inspire us to chase our dreams, too.”
The move from the 5,000m and 10,000m to the marathon takes time. The mileage change, the speed and strength work, and the need for easy days encourage the elite athlete to take a long-term approach. One of Emily Infeld’s strengths is focusing and never letting up on the dream.
We wish Emily Infeld the best of luck as she moves to the roads and focuses on LA 2028.
