Some athletes train hard. Rosie Brennan trains like the Olympics depend on it because for most of her career, they have.
We are so proud to welcome Rosie as a Runners’ Edge Athlete Ambassador. She represents everything we believe in: showing up consistently, caring for your body intelligently, and staying in love with movement for the long haul. Rosie is an Alaskan, a neighbor, and lets not forget to mention, one of best cross country skiers in the world.
We had the chance to ask Rosie a few questions about her career, her motivations, and plans for whats next.
Quick intro: Give us the snapshot- who you are, your accomplishments, your background in a nutshell.
I moved to AK in 2011 after graduating from Dartmouth College to pursue my ski racing dreams. It’s taken me to 3 Olympics, 6 World Championships and too many World Cups to count. I have 18 World Cup podiums and 3 World Cup victories. I absolutely love skiing and training and hope I can do it the rest of my life!Â
Staying power: You’ve had incredible longevity at the top of your sport. What’s helped you stay in the game?
Cross country skiing is my absolute favorite thing to do! The training it takes it be among the best in the world requires pushing your body to the limit and occassionally over the limit which requires a careful team around you to manage that and prevent you from going too far over the line. Physical therapy is a key component or this to learn proper movement patterns and address little things as they arise so you are never in a place that forces you to completely stop.Â
Why Alaska: What drew you here and what’s kept you here all these years?
The long winters and many options for cross country skiing make Alaska a dreamy place. It drew me here and it’s kept me here.
Go-to place: When you’re training or just getting outside, where do you feel most at home?
Right now: What’s motivating you in this current chapter, both in and out of sport?
I am transitioning away from full-time world cup racing and seeking to become a sports nutritionist, but I hope to keep up on training and dabble in some races in Europe this winter.Â
Big picture: What has sport taught you about yourself over the years?
I think a better question is what hasn’t it. Sport is an incredible arena to learn about yourself, test yourself, embrace challenge, and grow because at the end of the day, it is just sport and that’s what makes it so fun.Â
Off the radar: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a twin!Â
We are so grateful to have Rosie in the Runners’ Edge family. Follow her journey at @rosiewbrennan and stay tuned for more from our Ambassador series.
Ready to train like an Olympian?Â
Work with the same physical therapy approach that keeps elite athletes like Rosie on the course year after year.
