Weekend Warrior: Priya Tummalapalli, Runner

20, Team Member at Breakaway Running and Student Associate at Rhodes College

PETS:

A rambunctious coonhound-lab mix, Buddy Wayne, and a chocolate lab, Coco.

RECENT WINS:

I took on my first trail race in the Village Creek 25k. I raced to fourth female overall and first in my age group.

NEXT RACE:

Fort Pillow Trail Race

MY EDGE:

I am a PRicerunning Athlete, coached by Heather Price. She is fantastic, holds me accountable, and has helped me improve my overall performance, mature as an athlete, and achieve the goals I have in mind. She’s a behind-thescenes powerhouse.

WELL ROUNDED:

Common for many athletes my age, I battle sport-related eating and exercise disorders. It is the unspoken struggles that tend to fester and burn me out; but this past year I chose to listen carefully and get on a path of whole-body wellness. The fitness community has urged athletes to take on their mental health as seriously as they would a physical injury.

MUST-HAVE GEAR:

Hoka Clifton Edge, Garmin Venu, and Nike Tempo Elite Shorts

I <3 RUNNING:

I took on running a few months after my mom suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away. I was 17 and needed an outlet to just feel free from the pain of loss. The hardest thing is to remember that I do this for myself and for enjoyment. I often remind myself to stress less about pacing and competition, and enjoy the fact that movement and mental release is the root of my love for this.

BUCKET LIST:

Run the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim

BEST EATS:

If you haven’t been to Brother Juniper’s you MUST go.

DREAM DINNER DATE:

Michelle Obama!

MOTTO:

“You must do the thing you cannot do.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

Photo by Tindall Stephens