A Beautiful Kick - Talking to Brenda Martinez (Part 1)

For those who are unfamiliar, Brenda Martinez is a professional runner for Team New Balance, and she's won more races and awards in her running life than I could ever list here. In 2012 so far, she's crossed the line first at the New Balance Games and US Open. She's accustomed to topping results, being sent around the world to run, and she's as beautiful as her patented late-race kick.

Oh, and she's faster than you.

Brenda took some time to answer our questions, so keep reading for a look at a talented young woman with a bright future and career ahead of her.

Running Repost: Tell us how you got started in the world of running.
Brenda Martinez: I first started running at the age of five and also ran for a youth club called West Coast Gazelles.

RR: What was it about running that kept you interested at that point?
BM: I've always liked being competitive and being able to push myself to reach goals.

RR: What's your primary motivation to continue running nowadays?
BM: I would say my primary motivation is to compete to my potential and hunt some heads at the world level. I just feel like I have lots of room for improvements and experience to gain.

RR: You clearly have a lot planned for the future, but what would you consider your biggest running achievement so far?
BM: I would say my biggest running achievement was traveling to Europe my junior year and running personal best times while I was still in college. I felt like I was an ambassador for my university (UC Riverside) and I got to represent them on a world level.

RR: You mentioned your college career at UC Riverside. Can you talk about who has influenced you the most in your running career, whether at UC Riverside or otherwise?
BM: A few people have and still influence me like my youth coach Carlton Austin who coached me up until high school. Another person who influences me now is Dr. Joe Vigil who is my advisor and he is always inspiring. I'm not religious, but I pray to God every day for allowing me to have the life that I do, so I try to run my best for him.

RR: On the runner side of things, who do you consider your running role model?
BM: There are many people that amaze and inspire me, but one athlete who gets me emotional every time is Deena Drossin (Kastor). When she ran into the olympic stadium and won the bronze at the Olympics.

RR: So what's your favorite workout?
BM: My bread and butter workout has to be tempos because they challenge me. When I conquer the workout and get a few consistent months in of great tempos, that is when I feel most confident.

RR: For all the "regular" runners out there who look up to performers like you, which of your training strategies would you suggest?
BM: Start at your own pace and I cannot stress how CONSISTENCY goes a long way. Doing the little things like drinking fluids, stretching, napping, taking supplements and massages that help in the recovery process.

RR: And what's your favorite pair of shoes right now?
BM: My favorite shoe is the New Balance 759. They are great trainers that I would recommend to runners.

That's all of our questions for today. Check back tomorrow for the second part of the interview, in which Brenda discusses her career goals, new runners, and her favorite running song.

And for more on Brenda Martinez, check her out on Twitter, and then take a look at her Team New Balance page.

-Corey Tincher