Brenny Thompson, the shirtless wonder of Charlotte road racing, is a well-known and well-liked member of the local running community who has run well over 1,000 races and has no plans to slow down.

Name: Brenneman “Brenny” Thompson
Residence (City/State): Charlotte, North Carolina
Date of Birth: 8/27/58
Website:  http://www.brennemanthompson.com/
Race Results (partial list):
http://www.athlinks.com/myresults.aspx?rid=48830243

Question:  What year did you begin running?

Brenny:  1973, but I ran earlier in little races in school, and also in Germany at my boarding school. I remember running as a small child and liking it.

Question:  What was your motivation to begin running?

Brenny:  I ran with brother from grandmother’s house to be healthy, and it felt good.

Question:  What has been your motivation to continue running?

Brenny:  It feels good and it’s fun.

Question:  What kind of training do you do?

Brenny:  I run about 15 to 20 miles a week, yoga after my runs, and also swim and bike some.

Question:  Have you worked with a trainer or coach, or just on your own?

Brenny:  On my own, though Kenneth Svendsen has worked with me.

Question:  How many miles do you run each week? 

Brenny:  Run about 15 to 20 miles a week plus a 5K or 10K race or two on the weekend.

Question:  How many days a week do you run?

Brenny:  Four to six days.

Question:  Have you decreased the miles you run as you have gotten older?

Brenny:  I have run more at times, but mostly only if training for a marathon. I believe in variety and stretching as with yoga after runs.

Question:  Do you do most of your training running with others or by yourself?

Brenny:  Mainly on my own.

Question:  Has running helped you lose weight or control your weight?

Brenny:  Yes.

Question:  Do you use any particular diet program or regimen to help control your weight?

Brenny:  I try to eat right, but struggle there at times.

Question:  Are there any running books that have been especially helpful to you?

Brenny:  I’m not really into reading much about running in books. I like the club newsletters and the Running Journal.

Question:  What is the longest distance you have run in a race?

Brenny:  A marathon.

Question:  What is your favorite race distance?

Brenny:  I probably like trail races the most, but enjoy small local races that introduce one to the community where they are held.

Question:  Do you have any particularly memorable races or accomplishments you would like to share with us?

Brenny:  I came in second in the Uwharrie Trail Run 8 miler in 2001, which is a very tough race even at the relative short distance. I’ve won a few races such as the Spencer Mountain 5K once, but mainly enjoy them all because of the comraderie and experience. I’ve run over 1000 races in North Carolina since I started.

Question:  Have you had any injuries during your running career, and if so, how did you deal with them?

Brenny:  I broke my right 5th metatarsal in a trail run — it’s always good to see where you are placing your feet. I was passing someone at the time and couldn’t see.

Question:  What are your future running plans and/or goals?

Brenny:  I plan to run at least a race a week or more forever — it’s fun. I don’t think I would do it if I didn’t enjoy it, but I haven’t lost the joy yet!

Question:  How long do you plan to continue running?

Brenny:  Probably until I die… hopefully 50 more years. My mother Harriette Thompson will be 87 when she runs her 12th San Diego Marathon in a row this June, so I hope I have enough of her genes!