During 2013, Brenda Martinez emerged onto the elite, middle distance scene by becoming the first American woman to win a World Outdoor Championships medal in the 800m, using a strong kick during the race’s final 100m to move from sixth to third and cross the finish line in 1:57.91. Brenda is currently gearing up for this Thursday’s Stockholm Diamond League meet, where she’ll run her last 800m before August’s World Outdoor Championships in Beijing, China. We caught up with Brenda for an interview ahead of her next two big races.

Can you describe the difference between where you’re at now mentally and physically to where you were at when you qualified for Worlds in 2013?

When I qualified for my first USA Team in 2013, I was facing the unknown. I had run 1:58.20 at the Pre Classic, and I had the seventh fastest time going into the Championships. I knew I had just as good a chance as anyone else at the Championships, but it was a new experience for me and I was just trying my best every round. This year, I know I belong with the best in the World! This time around I’m going to try and win every round. You can’t go wrong or have any regrets if you try and win every round.

Why is it important for you to win every round?

My goal for every race is to win! I race to win the prelim, I race to win the semifinal and I race to win the final. I don’t like taking it easy during the rounds and allowing other competitors to dictate the races. I like to take control of my own destiny. The 800 meters has become extremely competitive this year and there are always athletes improving. Coach Vigil always says, “Never count anyone out because athletes are always developing.” I think this statement is true, so I always race with a sense of urgency.

Will you be making any kind of training adjustments heading into Worlds?

Coach Vigil and I won’t be making any adjustments heading into the World Championships. We are going to stick to what has worked for us: three workouts per week, 60-70 miles per week. I still have a few weeks until my prelim on August 26, and plan to sharpen up a lot and be ready to peak. It’s hard when you try and peak for USA Championships and then try to peak again at the World Championships two months later. I’m not saying we didn’t back off for USAs, but we honestly didn’t peak. I didn’t feel my best in the prelim, going into the semifinal I started to feel better and during the final I felt more like myself, but not sharp to where I felt like I could exploded. 

From what I’ve read, you haven’t had the easiest road to success in track and field. What advice do you offer those who want to excel in the sport, but aren’t quite seeing the results that they want?

Yes, when I graduated from college I was rejected from two post collegiate groups. It’s not a good feeling to feel unwanted. Coach Vigil always tells me everything happened the way it should have. I love this quote, “Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better!” I would advise athletes never to give up on their dreams. I promise there are coaches out there that truly care about their athletes. If you are stuck in a negative situation, and you don’t think it’s helping you take a step toward your goals, then have the courage to leave.

We have to ask, are you planning on running indoor next year? If so, will you likely compete at The Armory?

I definitely think it’s a possibility. I have run at The Armory a few times and I always have an amazing experience. I love the atmosphere at The Armory! The spectators are so loud and they pump you up!  New York has the best and most knowledgeable fans!

Photo by Karthik Adimula