Interview with Brooks-Sponsored Athlete Angela Bizzarri

Good morning!

I recently had the opportunity to interview, Angela Bizzarri, Brooks Beast and sponsored athlete, via email. She has quite the impressive running career, winning three NCAA national championships in Cross Country as well as the NCAA Track national championships in the 5000 meters (outdoor) and 3000 meters (indoor). It was such a neat opportunity to chat with her, and I hope you guys enjoy our Q & A below. Many thanks to Brooks Running for coordinating the interview!

When did you first start running?

I started running in middle school when looking for a fall sport. I tried Cross Country and fell in love with running on trails and being outside.

What’s your favorite distance to race?

I really like the 5k. It is long enough that I don’t feel like I am in an all-out sprint but short enough that I still feel fast!

Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?

Normally before races I get ready, kind of like most people wear nice clothes or make-up to a big meeting with their boss. Before I race I do my hair and make-up, most people dress up when they want to feel powerful. Racing is the time that I dress up for my job. My power suit comes in the forms of running bums and a sport top.

What’s your favorite post-race meal (or treat)?

I really enjoy a glass of sangria or homemade popsicles when the weather heats up.

I heard that you enjoy wine. What’s your favorite variety/bottle?

I like most red wines but really love pinot noirs. I especially like Oregon Pinot’s because I have really fond memories of going to wineries in that area with family.

What’s the best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?

Have fun. Find new challenges that inspire you. Remember that progress is always slower than desired.

What’s a typical training day look like for you?

My typical training day changes depending upon the day of the week. Our usual week includes two specific workouts, a long run, and some easy mileage days mixed in between. As an example I will give you our track workout from yesterday. After breakfast and stretches, our hard workout days start with a 3 miles warm-up jog and then 10-15 dynamic stretching and running form drills. Next we do a few strides then hop on the track to do our workout. Yesterday we did 12 repeats of 500 meters with 45 seconds rest. It was tough! Next we do a 3-mile cool-down jog. The rest of the day involves icing anything that is tender from the workout and using a foam roller to roll out our sore muscles.

What’s your favorite and least favorite workout?

My favorite workouts are longer track repeats such as 1000-meter repeats. My least favorite workouts are hills workouts, especially at altitude. They make me sooo tired!

What’s the best part about being a Brooks-sponsored athlete?

Amazing performances from athletes take a village; Brooks provides the support structure to help me become the best athlete I can be. As a Brooks sponsored athletes I am fortunate to be around teammates that both train alongside me and support each other through good and bad races. Brooks allows me to have a network of people who are the best at what they do. I have a wicked smart coach that writes me workouts that train me in a way that is both hard and smart. I have amazing support from healthcare professionals and all the cute new gear to get me out the door with a smile.