PICKUPS with Brandee Johnson

Brandee is a track and field athlete from Virginia, now training in Nashville and competing independently. Her resume speaks for itself: Youth Olympic Games bronze (200m, 2014), World U18 bronze (400m hurdles, 2015), Pan-American Games gold (400m hurdles, 2017), and 2x All-SEC Second Team at the University of Florida.

She's still chasing what's next — powered by resilience and faith. Read what drives her below.

How does running make you feel?

It makes me feel expressive and unique.

Name a woman who inspires you.

My mom and grandma; they are both business owners – my mom makes T-shirts and customized cups/gift boxes and my grandma owns her own cake business. Their success inspires me to stay diligent with my goals in hopes to inspire others in the future.

What song gets you fired up before a run?

Cat daddy by Rej3ctz.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve ever had to overcome as an athlete?

Re-finding my confidence within sport and myself. Believing in the truths I was telling myself about who I am and what I’m capable of.

You’re at peak difficulty of a workout, race, or run—what one thought keeps you going?

You chose this which includes the pain and difficulty; embrace it

Any races on your bucket list?

World Outdoor Championships and an elite competition series held in Canada.

Can you tell us a bit about the transition to post-university life?

The transition from university to post-university life is experimental within yourself and your passions, as well as an awakening to how different life is once you are done with school.

What is your proudest achievement as an athlete to date?

Re-finding and redefining the truth and confidence within my athletics career.

As a speed/power athlete we’d love to hear your top tip for good running form!

Think about your body as a box when you’re in max velocity: you do not want to do movements with your arms and or legs that are outside of this space. Focus everything on “attacking the ground” to get to your next step efficiently.

Which Hettas are you currently training in?

Alma Cruise. I love the way they fit my foot and are tailored for optimal performance. They are light-weight and have a nice bounce with firmness to them as well. I especially love the mesh material for breathability on my longer run days or hotter days.