Ten Questions with Triathlete Bree Brown, Hawai’i

“The hills were steep, the terrain was unforgiving, but the smile on Bree Brown’s face was nearly a constant,” wrote the Hawai’i Tribune Herald of Bree’s performance in the recent inaugural XTERRA Hawai’i Island race.

Hailing from Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, Bree Brown has a reputation for being a happily fierce competitor in any race of her choosing. As a former professional triathlete, she has run and won many races over the years, including two Ironman titles and many top female finish honors. Though she retired from competing in professional triathlons in 2015 to spend more time with her son, she shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, Bree, also called “Bree Wee” in the triathlon world, has recently set her sights on ultra marathons.  Bree recently took a few minutes out of her busy day to sit down with Runnerclick.

Runnerclick: What do you find to be most rewarding as a runner?

Bree Brown: The adventures you get yourself into! I’ve gotten lost so many times, made some of the best friends I’ll ever have, seen places you can only get to by foot, and that feeling as if the cares of the world fade away (at least for the duration of the run!)

RC: Can you tell us about your biggest running related challenge, and how you overcame/are overcoming it?

BB: I’m still in the midst of my biggest run related challenge: I want to keep pushing the envelope of what I can get my body to do. Last year I was fortunate enough to get an entry into HURT100, the 100 trail mile race on Oahu. All the miles leading up to the big day (it was January 2018) were crossing one milestone after another and the race itself was perhaps to be the biggest challenge – but I just loved every minute of it! Definitely not saying it was easy, though. The race and the people I met inspired me to keep going, try it again, try another 100-mile event in a new place, maybe a 200-mile event… that’s what running does. You don’t ever just land finished, new goals and challenges happen every time you lace your shoes.

RC: What type of running is your specialty, and when and where is your next race?

BB: Trail running and long distances are my specialties. I mean, I try to take part in and support all of the local races but long trail runs are my favorites. Currently in motion for the HURT100 ultra marathon on January 19, 2019.

RC: In terms of beautiful scenery, which race/track is your favorite?

BB: OOOOH!  So many to choose!  Pu’u Wa’awa’a, Waimanu, Tantalus, Ka’u, R1, Mauna Kee, Judd Trail, my list is pretty big… but anywhere outside really.

RC: Can you share the top three little things you do to prevent injuries?

BB: I’m a junky for foam rolling my legs, eating a lot, and listening to my body. If I feel something funky I don’t force it. If I’m hungry I eat.

RC: Do you incorporate any type of cross-training into your fitness regime?

BB: I’ll play in the ocean and I enjoy lifting weights.

RC: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?

BB: I call a friend or listen to music. Both have gotten me out the door and kept me going.

RC: What’s your favorite food before and after a run?

BB: My hubby makes me really good pancakes before races or after long runs, I’d have to say his pancakes (and I don’t even like pancakes!) but he makes them a special way for a fussy girl like me.

RC: For those who are interested in learning more about becoming a runner, what source of information would you point them to first?

BB: Just pop into a local run shop and ask them about group runs. That’s the first and best way to get started. People have a way of sharing all you need to know if you just ask. From there you find run routes, shoe tips, race events, make friends, and gain everything you need to get going and keep going.

RC: If fans or fellow runners would like to contact you or keep up with your career, where can they connect with you? (please include any social media or website links)

BB: You can follow me as @breesybrown on Instagram and find me on Facebook as Bree Brown. Aloha!