Voice of the Athlete: Brandy Talamoni
We had the opportunity to interview Brandy Talamoni, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and mother of 2 who went from DNF to marathon finisher. Her positivity for life and sport is contagious. Listen to the Voice of the Athlete: Brandy Talamoni.
Listen to the Voice of the Athlete: Brandy Talamoni.
Question: How did you decide to join the US Marine Corps, and how long did you serve?
Voice of the athlete: I didn't want to go to college, but I didn't want to stay in my hometown, so I decided to join. I served for 4 years.
Question: Can you share a bit about your experience in the USMC and how it has helped you as a mother and an athlete?
Voice of the athlete: I guess the toughness in you allows you to do anything you put your mind to. There were times that were trying during my active duty days that kind of taught me to believe in myself and always have my back.
Question: You have such an optimism for life that is contagious. How do you maintain this mindset during difficult times?
Voice of the athlete: A good cry session from time to time. Something about just letting out that sadness makes me feel better.
Question: How did you get started in running?
Voice of the athlete: I ran track in high school but did field events. During my time in active duty, I never ran over 3 miles. When I got out of the military and after my pregnancy, I decided to run again. It was one thing I used to enjoy, and it made me feel good. Living overseas, the gyms didn't have child care, so it was the easiest option for me to do.
Question: What do you enjoy most about running?
Voice of the athlete: The runner's high. I'm always chasing it.
Learn more about the athletic journey of another veteran, John Reeves: John Reeves' Athletic Journey
Question: What is the biggest challenge you face with regards to making progress in running? What daily actions are you taking to face this challenge?
Voice of the athlete: The biggest challenge is figuring out when to run and making sure I'm home in time for my husband to go to work and to get my kids. Usually, I have to wake up early to get it done.
Question: What is your biggest source of motivation on days when you don't feel like training or eating right?
Voice of the athlete: My biggest source is knowing I'll feel better when I do it.
Question: Have you ever had limiting beliefs that you had to work through to take your performance to the next level?
Voice of the athlete: Not really. I just kind of go with the flow of whatever my body says.
Question: What actions do you take daily to be the strongest, fastest, and most resilient version of yourself?
Voice of the athlete: Drinking water and doing my strength training. Strength and running go hand in hand.
Question: Do you have a favorite song that pumps you up when you need it or calms you down when necessary?
Voice of the athlete: Hm... "Sweet Loving" by Sigala is my favorite.
Listen to Brandy's favorite song: Sweet Loving by Sigala
Question: What legacy do you want to leave? How do you align your priorities with this legacy?
Voice of the athlete: I've never thought about a legacy I want to leave. I guess it would be to make sure people know that no matter their size or pace, they can run.
Question: What's the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Voice of the athlete: Not to compare your fitness to others.
Question: What advice would you give your 12-year-old self about confidence?
Voice of the athlete: Hm... to not listen to people around you. Just be yourself.
Question: What is the biggest challenge you think your children will face regarding sports and fitness? Why do you think this challenge exists?
Voice of the athlete: I haven't really thought about this. I'm sure now with the pandemic, they aren't able to play the usual sports they would at this time, like soccer and gymnastics. I just hope they give it their all, honestly.
Question: What event are you training for next?
Voice of the athlete: 50k.
Follow Brandy's journey to her 50k and be inspired by her optimism on Instagram @brandytherunner.
- USMC veteran mother of 2 goes from DNF to marathoner.
- The legacy she wants to leave is for people to realize that no matter their size or pace, they can run.
- She would tell her 12-year-old self to not listen to others and just be herself.
Learn more about how finding enjoyment in sport helps with motivation and confidence: Maximum Composure
Thank you, Brandy Talamoni, for being the Voice of the Athlete and sharing your journey as an athlete.
To listen to the voice of other athletes: Voice of the Athlete
Question for you: How do you encourage people in your life who are self-conscious about their size to believe that they are good enough as they are right now to do whatever they desire?