Podcast: Episode 126 with Brenda Martinez

Mario Fraioli | September 15, 2020

“I think over the years I started to realize it’s more than just running. There is more to life than just running. Obviously it’s a big part of what I do but I’m starting to realize that we need to make sure our happiness intact. I try to make that a part of my life. I try to stick to my schedule, I try waking up early, I try going to bed early, just trying to be positive. I try not to feel entitled and hopefully I’m this positive light for these kids. I just want to be a good role model more than anything. And I don’t want to ever complain or anything like that.”

Brenda Martinez is one of the best middle-distance runners in the world. She’s a got a silver medal in the 800m from the 2013 world championships, she was on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team in the 1500m, she’s won a national title, and has stood atop the podium at numerous other events. The 33-year-old is a native of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and she ran at UC Riverside where she was a national runner-up in the 1500m and a three-time All-American. She now lives and trains in Big Bear, California, only an hour from where she grew up.

We covered a lot in this conversation and I think you’ll take a ton away from it. Brenda told me about her relationship with the legendary Joe Vigil, who’s coached her since 2011, and the impact he’s had not only on her competitive running career but her life as a whole. We discussed her running camp, which kicks off its 8th year this week as a virtual experience for high school girls and boys. Along those lines, she told me why it’s important for her to give back to others and serve as a role model for young kids. We talked about not allowing yourself to get distracted or affected by the actions of other people and keeping focused on what it is you’re trying to accomplish. Brenda told me her 2013 world championships medal upgrade and the importance of fighting for clean sport. I asked her about her experience at the 2016 Olympic Trials, where she made the team in dramatic fashion in the 1500m after getting tripped up in the 800m final a few days before. We also talked about her competitiveness, creativity, learning to be self-reliant, and a lot more.

Brenda Martinez: Website | Instagram | Twitter

the morning shakeout: Instagram | Twitter

Mario Fraioli: Website | Instagram | Strava

This episode is brought to you by:

New Balance. The new FuelCell RC Elite—available for both women and men—launches this week on newbalance.com, and I am not going out on a limb when I say that this is the best road racing shoe that I’ve ever worn. I’ve had a pair since earlier this year and I love them just as much for faster fartlek workouts as I do marathon-paced tempo runs. The combination of FuelCell foam and a full-length carbon fiber plate puts a little pep in your step and the Dynaride outsole provides good traction in a variety of conditions. So if you’re looking for a light and fast shoe to rock this fall, check out the FuelCell RC Elite, available for both women and men.

Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford.