I met Brittani when she registered with a couple of her friends for the L.A. Marathon Training in 2008. I took them out for their first two mile run around the loop and Brittani appeared determined. From that day forward, she has never looked back and is continually setting new goals for herself. Here is Brittani Filek’s story!

Brittani was born in Hawthorne, California and grew up in Chino. In her mid twenties she moved out of the state to attend college in Minnesota. Her goal was to earn a Science Degree in hopes of someday practicing medicine. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Biology followed by acceptance into a physician assistance program.

She returned to California after five years and landed her dream job at Kaiser Permanente in Fontana working in General and Plastic Surgery. “I work in surgery as a Physician Assistant, in the clinic and operating room mostly involved with reconstructive plastic surgery patients. I have been there eight years and truly love taking care of patients.”

Ok, so Brittani is on a roll. She has her dream job and things couldn’t be going better for her. It keeps getting better! She met her husband Matt through her best friend of 24 years, Carolyn.” Carolyn is also a member of the IERC as of 3 weeks ago!

“We were married in Lake Arrowhead and just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on July 31st. We have a 4 year old son named Van and a 2 year old daughter named Skye.”

“My son tells me that he is a very fast runner and wants to run in a race with me. He is only 4, but I imagine it won’t be long before we are running together. My husband is showing more and more interest in running, which makes me very happy.”

Outside of running Brittani is either working or spending most of her time with her family at Disneyland. Her hobbies include anything that involve her kids!

So, how did Brittani find the IERC? “I first started running with the IERC last year in September. I was recruited by my friend at work, Lisa Kelly. While at work, she really inspired me to run and belong to the club.”

Brittani’s inspiration to run is fueled by a lot of support from home. “I am so lucky to have my husband's support and encouragement. My family and friends are terrific cheerleaders too.”

As a newcomer to the sport of distance running, Brittani has logged in some respectable miles. “I have run 4 races. My first race was last year’s Surf City Half, then the Pasadena Half. My first full Marathon was last year in L.A. and most recent the Long Beach Marathon.”

In preparation for racing she runs when she can. Either at 5:30 AM, or on her lunch break as many days of the week as she can fit in. She eats a relatively low-carb diet, stretches often and tries not to miss our long Saturday runs!

Now that she has races under her belt she sites the Long Beach Marathon as her most memorable race. “I hoped to PR and did! I beat my time by from Los Angeles by 33 minutes. Best of all was seeing Cris Arteaga who ran the first half with me, then ran in to finish the 26th mile with me. It was so nice to see a friend when you are just exhausted! Thanks Cris!”

Brittani has experienced a few interesting, funny and strange moments during her races. She stepped right over a 10 dollar bill at Surf City and couldn’t stop to pick it up. Now that’s dedication!!! She also met up with her Dad and husband at mile 19 at the Los Angeles Marathon. They were literally pulling up on the motorcycle when she was running past. “I Ran through pouring down rain in Pasadena and just found it funny that I was even doing it.”

Brittani would someday love to run the Chicago Marathon. “During my L.A. training last year, I went to Chicago for a surgery conference and missed the 11 mile training with the group. I found a company on the internet that offered running tours in Chicago (runningtours.com). It was great to get my very first 11 miles in with an experienced Marathoner who also gave me a tour of the city.”

She likes both the Half Marathon and Marathon distances. As she says, “13.1 is fun…26.2 is a challenge.” Brittani hopes that one day her kids and husband will be running by her side.

On race day morning she is, as she puts it, a wreck just thinking about GETTING to the start line. “Once I am there, I am relaxed. When I heard Peter was carpooling to Long Beach, I jumped on board knowing he would get me to the race on-time, thanks again Peter!”

After a hard day at the office…race… she treats herself to Chocolate Milk and an Ice Bath. That is probably the two best things any running can do after a race.

I like Brittani’s approach to running gear. She doesn’t have a favorite brand of shoe. It’s whatever works! “I have to run with a hat and glasses, I like to buy a hat at each race.”

Brittani understands how important running with friends and belonging to a running club is. “Seeing friends at the park on Saturdays keeps me coming back; especially my friends who I recently recruited: Carolyn, Danielle and Dana. What she loves most about the IERC is the great group of people who are very motivating and dedicated."

“I run for my health and pure enjoyment, but ultimately it’s my children that motivate me. I hope to raise my kids to be fit, healthy and happy. I want to show them that exercise can be part of their everyday life and fun too!”

She doesn’t have any pet peeves….yet!

She loves to listen to music while running. “My husband puts my music list together for me, and

Over the next five years, Brittani has a specific goal in mind. “Improve my time, PR PR PR!” No folks, she is not purring! That’s Personal Record.

“I use the advice given to me when I started,” “if you feel like stopping, just slow down, don’t stop” – Greg Serrato