Recent News about Serena Burla

Big Girl Undies

by Serena Burla June 19, 2013

Today my husband and I were discussing my upcoming race, the U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Duluth June 22, when my son blurted out, “ Mom races in her underwear.”  Since I have called my bottom racing attire many different names throughout the years, I simply chuckled and agreed.  The statement seemed fitting, for the past few weeks my running motto has been, “Time to put on your big girl undies.” The phrase came about two years ago when I moved to D.C. I finished a run in Rock Creek Park where I got dropped in the last 20 minutes. Exhaust...

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Stages of Grief

by Serena Burla May 9, 2013

Several years ago I was struggling through a track workout when a good friend of mine, Tim, started saying things to me during the workout that were kind of out of character for him.  I remember feeling sorry for myself for an interval, getting really mad on another, and eventually finishing on a much better note.  As we talked while I stretched he told me he saw me losing the workout and used the stages of grief to try and push me through.  He said his thought process was, the faster I got to acceptance stage the more successful my workout would become. I bring t...

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Remember

by Serena Burla March 27, 2013

I find myself running the wrong way from the starting line when the gun goes off.  I am frantically trotting with one foot in my Mizuno Wave Ronins and the other in my Nirvanas.  I am not even sure if they are tied.  Somehow I catch up to the field only to find myself running through a stairwell.  My legs get so tired that I have to pull myself up with a rope, andseveral times I stop to talk to people I have never seen before.  Even though I am going up stairs I eventually find myself on a grassy field. Huh? I open my eyes briefly, shake it off, and realize it was a...

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Serena Burla and Clara Grandt Kick Off 2013 Racing Campaigns With Strong Performances

by Ron Wayne March 19, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Serena Burla, placed 13, 4th place US Woman, in the New York City Half Marathon this past Sunday. In cold and windy conditions. Serena's time was 1:11.24.  This was Serena's first race in 2013 and was a good tune up for the Boston Marathon next month.    Also, competing for the first time this year, was Clara Grandt, who placed 5th in Shamrock 8K (4.97 miles) in Virginia Beach on Saturday. Clara's time was 28:03 (5:39 per mile).  Next up for Clara is the USATF Women's Cherry Blossom 10 mile Championship in Washington DC on ...

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Preparing for Boston

by Serena Burla February 26, 2013

I like to think that I’m in the heart of my marathon training build up for Boston right now.  I’m at the point where volume and intensity collide, where recovery in all aspects is critical.  Nutrition, hydration,  sleep, stretching, ice, massage, communication with my coach, and conserving mental energy have never been more important.  I admit that the number of times per day I give thanks for my health and pray for continued health has increased.  My grocery bills have doubled due to increased need to refuel and I think my favorite baker gave me that, &...

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Personal Stats

Birthdate: September 27, 1982
Birthplace: Falls Church, VA
Personal best:

Marathon: 2:28.27

Half Marathon: 1:10.08

10K: 32:47

Besides being a world-class runner, Serena Burla is a wife, mother, and cancer survivor. With strong performances at major events like the 2008-2010 USA Half Marathon Championships and the ING New York City Marathon, Burla continues to raise her standing amongst the running elite.

Career Highlights

2012 3rd Place Seoul International Marathon
2011 2nd Place USATF National Half Marathon Championships
2010 2nd Place USATF National Half Marathon Championships
2009 17th Place World Half Marathon Championships