Martinez’s rise, shining season
2013 will forever be the year that Martinez’ potential blossomed into track and field prominence.
By Kathy Portie, Big Bear Grizzly
Brenda Martinez was tired. The Big Bear resident, fresh off a bronze medal finish at the World Track & Field Championships, decided to call it a season and take a couple of weeks off from training.
“I wanted to be back home in Big Bear,” Martinez said. “Mentally I needed a break. I spent two weeks in Russia in a hotel room and never went out.”
The short break has given Martinez time to reflect on what has been a shining year for her on the track—2013 will forever be the year that Martinez’ potential blossomed into track and field prominence.
In 2013, Martinez set personal records in the 3000 meters (9:07.99), the 2 Mile (9:51.91), the 5000 meters (15:35.65), the 1500 meters (4:00.94) and 800 meters (1:57.91 at the World Championships).
Ranked among the world’s best in the 800, 1500 and Mile, Martinez and her coach, the legendary Joe Vigil, decided the 800 was her best chance for a medal at the World Championships. Martinez focused on the metric half-mile at the USA Championships, finishing second to Alysia Johnson Montano.
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