Faces of Fleet Feet: Brenna Greenwood

As a locally owned and operated store, we find pride in connecting with our customers—from the walkers and workout fanatics to the runners and triathletes. To help you get to know us better, we're continuing with our "Faces of Fleet Feet" series featuring the wonderful staff that make our in-store atmosphere so special. These features serve to bridge the gap and make those faces you see in the store every day that much more familiar.

Today, we're excited to feature outfitter, Brenna Greenwood.

How did you get started in run specialty (or at Fleet Feet)?
I started running in early 2016, and became a customer at Fleet Feet later that year. As a "non-runner," I had no clue what I was doing when I got started, and ended up hating it as much as I always had, but then a friend encouraged me to get professionally fit for a pair of shoes. It made a world of difference, and I learned that I don't hate running so much after all. In fact, I learned to love it. In addition, I never felt like just a customer, but rather a valued part of the Fleet Feet community, so I asked if there might be a place for me on the team, and the rest is history!

What do you do outside of Fleet Feet?
I love sports! Football, volleyball, running, swimming, and pretty much anything active and fun, you can count me in. I also really enjoy the world of English, including reading and writing poetry. Some of my favorite ways to pass time are spending time with my husband and our dogs, watching movies, soaking up the sunshine, and hanging out with friends.

What stands out to you about working at Fleet Feet?
Fleet Feet is all about education and empowering people to be the best version of themselves. From the everyday person suffering with pain to elite athletes who are running down a new personal best, we get to join them on their journey and help them move towards their goals. It is so cool to me that someone can come in as a complete stranger and leave as a part of our community, and I love that our community is diverse, encouraging, and wonderful.

What's your go-to shoe and why?
This is such a hard question! I have so many shoes that I love for different reasons. I love the On Cloudace for long runs, the Mizuno Wave Rider for work, the New Balance Zante for running errands, and the list goes on. I could come up with at least one shoe from each brand that I totally dig, it all depends on what I am doing!

Do you have any exciting race stories or big running accomplishments?
My favorite running story is a tough one. As someone who grew up as an athlete and a "non-runner," the whole experience of being a runner has been a big deal to me. People in my childhood used to tell me that I would never be a runner, and to stick with what I was good at. My first half marathon was a favorite of mine because I still had doubts in my mind about what I was capable of, and shattering those doubts has completely changed my life, but I think my all time favorite story is the finish of my first marathon. My dad and my sisters came to town to support me, which was really exciting for me. I had trained, and I was ready. It was a long day, and definitely not the most ideal race, and I was in pain, but I have made a commitment to finish what I start to the best of my abilities. At the end of the race, a balloon arch marked the turn off the greenbelt and started the home stretch to the finish. I started running with everything I had left, and as I turned the corner to the finish (I was second to last in the race), my heart dropped as I realized that the finish festival was completely shut down, but then I saw the finish line. My sisters, who also happen to be my best friends, stood there with their arms wide open to welcome me, and after being on the course for almost 7 hours, I ran into one of the best hugs I have ever had. Then I looked around to see my dad, my husband, my coaches, and several friends from the running community who were keeping the party alive despite the lack of booths, and they were all there for me. The love and support of those people meant so much to me, and still does. Running has showed me that I am capable of more than I ever thought I was, and that being a part of a family and community means that you never do anything alone. There is always a goal to fight for, and for me, there will always be people to run home to.