Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #23

This weekend has been busy! Friday night and Saturday morning we were consumed with Cub Scouts! The boys had their Pinewood Derby Car Races! They had a blast designing and decorating their cars the past few weeks. Their cars didn't win but Hayden DID win 1st place for the Most Patriotic Car! :-) Saturday morning (before the races) I ran 9 miles...my first long run since the marathon! It was an awesome run! I hope you are having as good of a weekend as I am!

It's time for another runner spotlight!!! If you are interested in being spotlighted please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you!!!

Today I'm spotlighting Erica from Life as a Running Mom! Erica is amazing! She has been on a running streak for over an entire year! I think today will make 395 days of running every day!!! WOW!!! And she does this all while being an awesome Mommy too! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Erica G

State: Hawai’i, The Rainbow State

When and why did you start running?

I have always been active since my youth. I played organized soccer from elementary school through my senior year in high school. Ironically, I always despised the running part. I did not want to run track and the idea of running a whole mile sounded torturous. Once I entered college my activity level decreased due to the demands of going to school while working. Fortunately, my college just opened a new gym on campus and needed students to take gym credits to fund it. I took aerobic running and it was the best decision of my life! I almost immediately shed some of those college pounds, got positive reinforcement from others, and fell in love with running!

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I love the half marathons and marathons since I feel they involve more dedication in the training. If I am going to train hard I want it to mean something and have a good payoff at the end! I do race more half’s than marathons though just due to the training and cost factor.

What is your race day routine?

Race day is the icing on the cake so let’s talk race week. I begin focusing on getting lots of sleep each night and drinking more water. I also start envisioning my race plan and make my play list. It is good to race to a fresh sequence of songs! Three days out sleep increases in priority and I aim to get 8 hours a night, if possible, since I know the night of I may not get much at all. The day/night before, I prep. I get my clothes together with my hydration, gels (if needed), sunscreen, bib, bondi band, and racing shoes. The morning of, I wake up a good hour before departure time to eat and drink. I have found this works best for me and if I am fidgety, a quick shower. Then off I go for the icing!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Besides my running shoes my iPhone. It is essential. It has my tunes, it has my Nike+ app, and it is there for me in case of emergency. Gotta have it!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?

I have never been a firm believer in strictness in any diet. I go by the “everything in moderation” rule and listen to my body. If I am craving something, there is a reason. And my job is to know the difference between the true and valid reasons versus the bored and stressed reasons. I do take a daily vitamin and a calcium supplement almost every day. And I feel better when I eat plenty of veggies and have found that a green smoothie can do wonders for an afternoon pick-me-up. I would say the only thing I am focused on is eating 5 small meals a day. I am always grazing and it seems to help me avoid bad choices when I am starving. Plus, I keep a food diary with my fitbook when I am in intense training mode to ensure I don’t succumb to too many cravings for treats!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?

That I would get better at it and that there will always be hard days. Running is a challenge and I am glad I choose to take it on each day.

What is your fondest running memory?

The Kaua’i Half Marathon. It truly was a spiritual experience for me. I ran it two weeks before my first marathon last year. I got to meet Dean Karnazes, and most importantly, I truly felt my dad’s presence with me along the course and even had to take a moment to catch my breath. I hope to return to run the marathon next year and to share this special island with my family.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I am, and have always been, a nerd. I love to learn. Always have and always will!