Olympic Athlete Interview: Nate Brannen

Nate Brannen, centre, representing Canada at the Beijing Olympics, 2008

Runner Nate Brannen broke the four-minute mile barrier when he was still in high school in Cambridge, Ontario - one of just seven athletes in North America ever to do so. Since then, Nate has smashed numerous records on the professional circuit, and has represented his country at the Beijing Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Track and Field Championships. He has his eye on the podium in London this summer, and is currently training hard for the Canadian Olympic Trials, which happen June 27-30 in Calgary.

BMP:  What achievements are you most proud of?

NB: The fact that I was a Silver Medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 1500m, and that I am a 2008 Olympian, 1500m

BMP:  Do you think Canada’s top athletes have anything in common with the general population who want to get fit?

NB: Yes, both have the ability to get fit but it’s those who take the initiative to do something about their situation that accomplish their goals.

BMP: Are there days where you don’t feel like training? In those moments, what motivates you/what advice would you give to those who can’t seem to get motivated?

NB: Sure, but I have very strong goals for myself and I know that I will never achieve them by sitting on my butt and not getting out there and training. The best advice I could give is that you can’t focus only on the process but think about the final goal. No one ever said achieving your goals would be easy but most can say that the outcome was well worth the hard work and dedication it took to get there.

BMP:  What are your top tips for those who want to lead a more active lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

NB: One major tip is goal setting. I try to tell people to set current goals, yearly goals and future goals. This way you are always able to reach a goal but also have something to strive for at the end. Some people tend to set their goals too high which makes them unachievable, so they give up in the process.

BMP: What’s your favourite healthy snack?

NB: My favourite healthy snack is quinoa with garbanzo beans, tomato, feta cheese, a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

BMP: Many people are concerned that our schoolchildren are not as active as they should be – if you could implement one initiative in Canadian schools what would it be?

NB: Healthier snack options at school and emphasis on physical education and how fun it is instead of making it something kids come to dislike because of testing.

BMP:  What for you is the number one benefit to leading an active life?

NB: Feeling healthy - simple as that.

BMP: What’s your favourite ‘active health’ activity to do on a day off from training?

NB: Unfortunately in training season, a day off is exactly that, a complete day off from any activity. This gives my body a chance to recover from the stress I place on it day in and day out. I live a very active lifestyle. outside of running I enjoy walks, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, basically anything that is active and gets me out of the house.