In our weekly Q&A segment we asked Brenda Martinez a few questions about life on and off the track. We caught up with her before she took off to New York to race the 5th Ave. Mile.

Describe your childhood dream.

I started running at a very young age (5 years old) so I would say that I wanted to excel in running and go to college and be the first in my family to graduate. I did just that and 21 years later I still want to excel and improve, even if it's microscopic.

Describe your fondest race memory.

My fondest race memory has to be from last year's IAAF World Championships in Moscow, winning a bronze medal in the 800m. I never believed I would win a medal so early in my career. It was priceless! I had worked so hard and Coach Vigil helped me believe in myself. I'm looking forward to making more memories.

If you weren't running, what would you be doing and why?

I would probably go back to school and get a nursing degree, just because I like being of good use to others and helping. I also would probably be some sort of home renovator because I love constructing and using my hands. I love doing projects around the house.

Describe your worst habit.

It's coffee. I have it every morning. It's bad for my teeth, but I don't care. It's my biggest vice, although it is nice waking up to coffee and reflecting and planning the day. I love trying different blends. I even built a coffee bar for my coffee craziness.

Describe the kind of kid you were in high school.

In high school, I was very immature socially, but very serious about running and school. Then again, I was just a kid.

If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, describe how you would spend it.

I have been telling my husband that I want to go see the Pompeii: The Exhibition at the science center in Los Angeles and I want to drag my nephews with me. We couldn't go during the year because I have been training and traveling. Now I have time for it during my break.

Describe your most embarrassing moment as an athlete.

I'd rather not. Like for real.

Describe the perfect post race meal in detail.

In detail. Ok. I can only have this meal in California. My husband will pull up to the nearest In N Out Burger and I will order the #1 with no onions and a strawberry shake. If I feel like I have accomplished a great workout, race or have just been really productive then Carlos will treat me to a burger. We just kept the tradition going because as I child, my parents would take me to In N Out after races.

Describe your favorite workout?

I grew to love Anaerobic Tempos, which are typically 3 5 miles at 5 min goal pace. They are so challenging and it's those kind of sessions that build my confidence. Coach Vigil's philosophy is the faster my tempos are, the faster my 400 raw speed will be.

Describe the most unique experience you've had while racing in Europe this season.

Nothing unique happened this year, but last year was different. I flew to Monaco Diamond League from the States about 30 hours before the race and I ran a personal best in the 1500m. The travel caught up to me the following day and I woke up at 2pm and missed my 1pm flight to London. I wasn't even stressed because I PR'd running 4:00.94.

Dream place to run or train and why?

I live in Big Bear Lake, CA (6,755 ft.) and it's such a beautiful resort town. When it comes to running, there is a hidden lake called Bluff Lake that sits higher on the mountain at about (7,700 ft.). It's a mile loop on a dirt trail. It's secluded from the town. Running at Bluff Lake is very inspiring because it's beautiful and you are surrounded by endless pine trees.

Who is your childhood hero and why?

Suzy Favor Hamilton, She is an incredible runner and always made every race exciting! I wanted to run just like her. I'm now fortunate enough to call her my friend. It's a dream come true.

Describe your guilty pleasure.

Candy and Dr. Pepper.

If you had to listen to 1 song in your head every time you ran for the rest of you life, what would it be?

Shakira "Antes De Las Seis".

Dinner for 3 (living or dead) who and why?

Princess Diana, Mother Teresa and I'd like Coach Vigil there too. They have such big hearts and they are/were impact people that made a difference in the world. They make me want to be a better person and help others. Over the years, I started realizing my purpose in life and that is to be of use to others and be compassionate.

Describe your pre race ritual.

The night before my race I always watch my favorite episodes of I Love Lucy or Pretty Woman. It always lightens up my mood. I enjoying laughing a lot!

Who is your runner crush?

My friend Georganne Moline! She is fast!

You had a really strong race in Brussels, take us through how everything came together right at the end of the summer?

After USATF Nationals, my support team thought I needed to take some time to recover from all the travel and just train for almost 2 months. It was almost like starting my season over again since I went so long without racing. I wasn't worried at all though because I completely trusted my support team. I wanted to finish the second half of the European season on a high note and I think we made the correct decision. I wanted to get a good amount of racing and get my legs under me since I hadn't races in two months. I ran 4 races prior to Brussels Diamond League and I felt like I was finally starting to get sharp. The more I raced, the better I felt. I was really grateful that I could turn it around after a shaky middle part of the season. I wish there were more track races.

What is it like being trained by one of the best mid distance running coaches? Care to pass along any words of wisdom that he has given you?

Being trained by Dr. Vigil is unbelievable! The training is always tough, but I go into workouts thinking I will adapt, so I try to do my best to hit the paces he provides for me . The way Coach Vigil speaks to me makes me believe I can do anything. He is the most sincere and genuine person I have ever met. Everyday I feel more and more grateful to have Coach Vigil in my life. It's more than just running, he is also my life coach. I want to be just like him and help others the way he has helped me believe in myself.

Coach Vigil always tells me "Brenda in order to reach your full potential in running, you need to live a balanced life and always strive to improve in all areas of your life. Be a better daughter, be a better sister, be a better friend. Be a better wife. There is always room for improvement."

What does running/racing look like for you in the next 6 months?

I will end my season at the Fifth Ave Mile in New York. I will then take a two-week break with no running. I will build up and start a 16 week base phase that will take me into February. In February I will take a down week and begin my Pre Competition phase.