Real sporty women: Amanda Brooks

Getting better through cross-training

Name: Amanda Brooks

Age: 30

Involved in: Running, yoga, biking, strength training

Sports as a source of confidence

As a child and teenager I was always involved in a sports team, and while that was fun, I never considered it anything more than a way to see friends. In college, I fell in to running and it truly changed my life! I suddenly found myself standing taller and feeling more courageous knowing that I could do so much more than I thought.

Staying motivated and challenged

GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?

Amanda Brooks (AB): I love how being active makes me feel. It is a stress reliever, a joy provider and provides a little leeway to enjoy a cookie or two!

GGS: What sports or fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?

AB: I have now completed six marathons, but I think the first one I completed is still my biggest achievement. When I started running, I would fake pains to stop because it was simply too hard! Overtime I started to fall in love with seeing how much I could actually accomplish, and running all 26.2 miles with a smile was something I will cherish forever and remember whenever things get tough.

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

AB: Recently I have taken to "training my weaknesses." For me that means while I continue to enjoy my love of running, I am now also pushing myself with Tabata and strength workouts. These allow me to challenge myself in new ways that will ultimately help improve my running.

GGS: Are you currently training for a race or event? What's your workout schedule look like?

AB: For once I am not focused on a race, but instead focused on seeing big improvements in my cross training areas. My week includes three to four runs (speed work, easy and long run), two yoga sessions, two Tabata sessions, two to three bike rides and two to three strength training sessions. The goal is to improve and listen to my body.

Tools of the trade

GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?

AB: Right now I am in love with dessert hummus! Some people turn it in to cookies or blondies, but I like cookie dough, so I take out some of the baking ingredients. All you need is:

3 cups chickpeas
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 banana
1/4 cup applesauce (more if you need more liquid)
1-2 flax eggs

Just mix the ingredients in a food processor and add in some fruit like cranberries in the fall or cherries in the summer.

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

AB: I am a big fan of podcasts for long runs. I like Jillian Michaels.

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

AB: Primal strips vegan jerky has been one of my favorite go-tos for traveling, along with Vega Sport chocolate protein powder.

Live the sporty life

GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?

AB: It means feeling comfortable in your skin as a sporty woman! You can wear your Sweaty Band and Running Skirt to workout and then grab groceries because you quickly refueled and tossed on some cute Oakley sunglasses.