Now it's time for another runner spotlight...my favorite time of the week! I love reading other runners' stories about their running journey! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-) And I'm running low on spotlights so now's your time to shine!!!
Today I'm spotlighting Erin from Run With Erin! She loves inspiring moms to get out there and run! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!
Name: Erin Gifford
State: Virginia
When and why did you start running?
I started running in
earnest two years ago. I wanted to get fit, but I didn't want to join a gym. I
wanted to see if running would “stick” before investing in a gym. I've since
joined a couple of running clubs, run five half-marathons and ran my first
marathon this past December. I’m now planning to run a half-marathon in every
state.
What is your favorite race and race distance?
My favorite race is my
most recent race: Charleston Half Marathon. I ran this on January 18 with my
husband. The weather was a bit cool for Charleston, SC, but it was a very flat,
fast course so I was able to PR. I had a goal of 1:50 and I finished in 1:49:41
(8+ minutes faster than my next best time). The half-marathon is definitely my
favorite distance.
What is your race day routine?
I wake up about two
hours ahead of a race to eat a bagel with peanut butter. I also eat maybe half
a banana. For the marathon, I also ran on the treadmill for 10 minutes to
loosen up and relax. Lots of deep breathing too to relax and mellow out before
a race.
What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
I love my new Garmin
watch. I got it for my birthday in late-December. I love to be able to easily
see my pace as I’m running so I can quickly adjust my speed. I probably would
not have met my goal of 1:50 or faster at the Charleston Half Marathon without
my Garmin watch.
Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that
complement your running?
No, though I have just
started clean eating, so we’ll see how that goes.
What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
That I could run a
marathon. I never, ever thought I could run a marathon. It just seems like this
insane distance. I clearly didn't have confidence in myself to think that it
was possible. It still seems hard to believe that anyone can run that far, but I've signed up for the New Jersey Marathon in late-April, so it looks like I’ll
be doing it again.
What is your fondest running memory?
Definitely running my
first marathon back in December (Rehoboth Beach Marathon). I was nervous ahead
of the race, but I just remember feeling so calm and collected while I was
running. I felt great and never hit a wall. It was fabulous. It was an amazing
feeling crossing the finish line too.
It’s not running related, but I was the school spelling bee champion on the sixth grade. I’m still a very good speller and am constantly looking at spelling and grammar when I read anything (emails, social media posts, etc.).
Here are all the different ways you can connect with Erin!
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/runwitherin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/runwitherin
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/runwitherin
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/runwitherin
QOTD: What did you do this weekend?
