Runner Profile

Branda Anderson

Age: 41

Job: Sports dietitian, personal trainer and run coach at the Rochester Athletic Club

Hometown: Hawley, MN

Running mantra: Breath out weakness. Breath in strength.

Steve DeBoer convinced me to join so I could participate in the Grand Prix Race series. He informed me that I was already running many of the races, but could earn points and prizes if I was a member. I enjoy many of the benefits of being a member of the RRC, including the Saturday morning Training Runs, and discounts on races. I love this group so much that I joined the board in 2020 and just got re-elected for another 2 year term.

There are so many reasons to run! The main reason is that it makes me feel good. I am a happier and healthier person because I run. Always having a friend to meet helps motivate me to train in all sorts of weather and conditions. Signing up for races motivates me to work harder because it gives purpose to my training, however, I would still run if there were no races. I logged lots of miles in 2020. 😉

I run most days at noon from the RAC. I am lucky to have a flexible work schedule and always carve time in the middle of the day for my own workout. Some days I choose to swim, bike, lift weights or do yoga. On the weekends, I run in the morning with a group of friends or do the Saturday Morning Training Runs.

Being a melanoma survivor, I love the shade (and the wind protection) provided by the Douglas Trail. I can hop on the Douglas Trail from home or from work. I really wish it was plowed in the winter – so it’s mostly a summer hangout. Another really common place you’ll see me running is Cascade Lake Trail. It’s a nice 5-mile loop if you start at the RAC.

I’m really digging my Asics Keyano shoes lately. Lots of support and cushioning. 🙂 For long runs and trail runs I love to wear my Salomon vest which stores 2 water bottles and has lots of places to store snacks, keys, a jacket… whatever!

I’d like to qualify for Boston this year. I ran it in 2015 and 2017, but I’d love to go back again soon. I also plan to do my first Olympic distance triathlon in July. This will be a .75 mile swim, 25 mile bike and 10K run.

I save this question for last, only because I don’t know where to separate myself from running. It is and always has been ingrained in every aspect of my life. I ran cross country and track in high school. Funny story, my aunt and uncle were the coaches and gave me a cross country jacket for Christmas. I was planning on going out for volleyball, but I got the jacket and shifted gears. In college, I started running marathons and have recruited so many friends to join me in my adventures. Now I work at the RAC as a trainer, sports RD, and running coach – so I have turned my passion into a career. Lastly, my son Jaden has fallen in love with the sport. He runs cross country and track for John Marshall, so I get to spend my free time attending all of his events – which is so incredibly fun and rewarding.