I met Deborah Brooks when I was running past a water stop during my first half marathon. She is a Moms Run This Town (MRTT) Chapter leader in McLean, VA where she has successfully raised a husband and two teens. She currently coaches Girls on The Run and hopes that she is helping to inspire the next generation of female runners. As a lifelong vegetarian, she is passionate about healthy living and exercise. She loves to showcase her vegetarian creations each week on her “Confessions of a Mother Runner” blog’s Meatless Monday link up. You will find her running with her crew or sweating it out at the gym training for the next crazy race someone talked her into.
When did you begin running and why? I started running in 2005 after recovering from ACL surgery. I overheard someone say that I would never be able to run and that was the day I decided to be a runner.
What is your proudest running moment? My proudest running moment would have to be finishing my first Iron Girl triathlon in 2006. One of the hardest things I had ever done. I’ve now done it five times and will be returning this year.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? In 2008 it was the first 10 mile race I’d ever done. It was freezing and pouring down rain, my shoes were filled with water and I had blisters everywhere. I loved every minute of it and knew that I was a runner for life. I’ve run the race five times and will be returning this year.
What is your goal for the 2016 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? The last two years, I was injured and had to drop out of Cherry Blossom. My goal for this year is just to make it to the finish line injury free and have a blast running with my MRTT friends.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? Years ago my trainer told me to remember to “run my own race” such great advice and not always easy.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? I’m not sure I can describe running in one word. Running has become such a huge part of my life socially, physically and emotionally. The friendships that I have made through Moms Run This Town have changed my life in so many unexpected ways.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? The 2016 race marks the 15th year Credit Unions have sponsored the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in support of Credit Unions for Kids and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
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