Spotlight 360
Racing For Passion And For Purpose PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROB JEROME AND AMANDA ROBERTS
With her support team and family behind her, Amanda Roberts has become a national champion. Knowing that she always craved more out of the sport of racing, Roberts found her niche as a member of the USATF Masters track and field team and set her sights on winning gold! And, she did just that.
Tell us about you!
I’m a mother of three (ages 6, 8, and 12) and an athlete. My main focus in life is my family. Keeping everyone healthy and making sure everyone is where they need to be, with everything they need for whatever part of the day it is. All three kids do various extracurricular activities; so, between school and sports, our mornings and afternoons are full and hectic! But, while the kids are at school, I get to dedicate a few hours each day towards my training.
How long have you been racing/ running?
My love for sprinting began when I was just a little girl. I loved racing the other kids, especially the boys, because I’d usually win! For me, finding that special something I knew I was good at meant a lot to me, and I just kind of latched onto it. I couldn’t wait to get into middle school so I could join the track team. I took a long break from competing after high school, but that love for running fast never left.
What do you enjoy most about racing/ running?
Racing definitely helps channel my competitive nature, but the training is what helps keeps me balanced. The track is a great place to go and burn off stress—a place where you can go and just be aggressive! There are some evenings when, after a particularly trying day of parenting, my husband will get home from work, and I’m like, “The kids are yours! I’m going to the track!” I guess I’m someone who needs physical activity to stay centered, and running track helps to meet that need.
What keeps you motivated?
My next meet. Defending my National titles. The goals I’ve set for this coming season.
54
WELLNESS360 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
