How long have you been blogging? Why did you start?
My original Eri-thon blog started in January 2009. I had recently moved to Chicago and was training for my first half marathon. I thought it would be a fun way for my friends and family to follow along. I moved my blog to the ChicagoNow platform in August 2012.
Do you have any other blogs?
Loop Looks, a style blog.
How many races have you done? What distances?
I've done around 90 races at all distances from 5K to the marathon. I've also done a few duathlons and some relay races.
What's your favorite race?
My favorite race has to the the Illinois Half Marathon in Urbana-Champaign. I've run it three times and loved it every time. I've also run the full marathon and I highly recommend it as well.
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| Illinois Marathon & Half |
My favorite Chicago area race, though, is the Good Life Race 5K. I'm biased because I do the marketing for it, but I also love that it's a really well-executed event with a few unique aspects such as separate men's and women's races as well as the fact that we hand out flowers at the finish line to all the women finishers.
How long have you been running? Why did you start?
I started running in 2007 because several of my online friends were running 5Ks and I thought if they could do it, why not me? I joined a Beginning Women's Running Group in Urbana, Illinois and trained to run my first 5K that summer. I've been hooked ever since.
What do you do when you're not running or blogging?
I try to take classes at CrossTown Fitness two or three times a week. Otherwise I'm catching up on tv shows via Netflix or looking for a good book to read.
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| Crosstown Fitness |
What other active/fitness things do you like to do?
I love a good strength training session and I enjoy riding my road bike. Although I prefer to ride my road bike when it's hot and there are very few people on the Lakefront Trail. Which means I don't get out on it nearly as often as I'd like.
Where do you live?
West Loop, Chicago
Are you part of any running clubs?
Oak Park Runners Club, Wurst Running Club Ever, West Loop Run Group
When did you feel like a "real" runner? Or, when did you start enjoying running?
The first time I ever ran four miles was a huge milestone. Just the fact that I kept adding to my mileage after finishing my first 5K was enough to make me feel like a "real" runner. I've never thought that pace mattered. Just that you went out there and did it.
Where is your favorite place to run?
The Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County is so beautiful. I did almost all my long runs for the Milwaukee and Las Vegas Marathons on the DPRT. The crushed limestone surface is very forgiving and large parts of it are shaded.
How do you like to refuel after a hard run or race?
I'm usually craving some kind of sweet carbs after a long run so I end up eating pancakes. But sometimes all I want is protein so give me a burger!
Favorite piece of running gear?
Arm warmers have greatly extended my running wardrobe. I love them because they're perfect if it's slightly chilly when you start out but you can easily stash them once you warm up. And you don't have to run with a jacket tied around your waist.
What's on your running bucket list?
I hear such great things about the Flying Pig race in Cincinnati that I want to do that some day.
How do you stay motivated?
I always want to be that person who, if someone asks me to go for a run, I can say "sure!" So keeping up my endurance is one of my main motivators.
What was your first race?
The Women's Fitness 5K in Urbana, IL in 2007
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| First 5K |
What was your best race? Your worst?
Even though it's not my marathon PR, my best race has to be the Milwaukee Marathon. I felt amazing the entire time and finished feeling super strong. Plus, I ran it with Kim and she's one of my favorite people to run with.
My worst race was the Soldier Field 10 Mile in 2011. My heart just wasn't in it and I remember crying at the end out of frustration.
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| Milwaukee Marathon |
What's your #1 piece of advice for new runners?
Don't compare yourself to other people!
What is the running accomplishment you are most proud of?
The first time I broke 2 hours in the half marathon I was ecstatic. I still think back on that and am proud that I managed to put in the training to make that happen.
What is your non-running accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Just the very fact that I have moved to Chicago, made friends, and found a community of people I enjoy is a huge accomplishment. I once said that if I had to move to Chicago I would throw up. Now I love living here and every day I'm thankful I made that leap of faith six years ago!
Who do you live with?
Husband (Editor's note: and a new pup!)
Who is your favorite running partner?
Anyone who likes to chat!
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