August Runner of the Month | Brandy Comba
When and why did you start running? I walked my first 5K with a friend I worked with on August 24th, 2013. Our place of Employment was a sponsor. We signed up just for fun. It literally changed my life.
First race? Hustle for Health 5K (Sherman)
Most recent race? Hot to Trot 10K
Favorite piece of gear? My shoe charms. My Mom and Dad gave them to me for Christmas. My family is very supportive and I love having a piece of them with me when I run. I always look down when I get discouraged or tired. When I see my shoes charms, it reminds me to look up and keep going!
What shoes do you run in? Brooks Launch
Favorite way to cross train? Riding my bike, swimming, and weights when I can fit them in.
Best running memory? I’ll never forget finishing my first half marathon, Rock and Roll Dallas 2016. I trained every single mile by myself. I smiled the entire race! I was so proud when I crossed the finish line!
Bucket list race? Dallas BMW 2018 will be my first 26.2. Rock and Roll Vegas Half Marathon (I’ll be there 2019).
The favorite race so far? It is so hard to choose a favorite. I tend to lean towards my first half marathon, but I’ve had completely different experiences with every race and they are all special to me in a different way.
Do you have a favorite distance? I have a favorite training distance which is 5-7 miles, but I love the half marathon for a race distance.
What is something that most people do not know about you? Before I started running I was severely underweight, drank a lot, and smoked. The first 5K I did (see question 1) inspired me like nothing in my life ever had up to that point. All of these people were doing something good together for themselves and for their community. I will never forget the moment I decided to love myself. I stopped smoking and drinking, and studied everything I could about fitness. I began eating right, lifting weights, and slowly got more and more into running. And what do you know, all those bad influences in my life faded away. And life is good all-around and I owe it to running. I have the best family ever, the most supportive husband, a great job, and the best frunners a girl could ask for.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? Eye of the Tiger by Survivor and Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler
Best part about running? Therapy. Need I say more.
Who inspires you? MRTT, Craig Ranch Run Club, and I have to share with you if I may, I drown my Facebook feed with everything Fitness related. Seriously, hear me out. It is so motivational. I love being a part of Facebook groups like MRTT and CRRC. Celebrating other people’s successes and learning from them can be very inspiring and motivational. I follow fitness magazines, fitness models, healthy eating, yoga, mindfulness, running, weight lifting, swimming, cycling, etc. I find new workouts all of the time! It is a constant reminder to be strong and healthy.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? You know that saying “Your body can stand anything, it’s your mind you have to convince”? I have a hard time believing “I can”.
Any words of advice? Do what makes YOU happy. Don’t wait until you have time, make time. Be the best version of you possible. Surround yourself with like-minded people.