Name: Erika Fields
Self-described age group: 40-45
Residence: NE D.C.
Occupation: Operations Manager for Circa Lighting
Why you run: Fresh air and exercise cures most woes.
When did you get started running: I remember joining my dad for Turkey Trot 5K when was around 10 years old.
Have you taken a break from running: I take breaks all the time. I’m currently trying to get back into a running routine after a break.
Training shoe: Running in Brooks Ghosts right now. I don’t have loyalty to a specific brand or style. Every time I need a new shoe, I get a fresh assessment at a local running store and try something new.
Coach or training group: I’m not part of a running group but would like to be!
The hardest race you’ve ever run: High Country Half Marathon in Boone, NC (Aug 2018)
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: solo trail running in Shenandoah. The ankle hazards abound.
Running mentors: My dad
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Anacostia Riverwalk Trail when running from home, C & O Canal Towpath when running from work
Favorite local trail: same as above
My best race was: One year the Army Ten-Miler was on my birthday. Running it was a great way to celebrate with 20,000 new friends!
Favorite local race: Cap Hill Classic
Ideal post-run meal: eggs and IPA
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: I don’t touch the stuff!
Pet peeve: bottlenecks on narrow race courses
Goals: Break two hours in half marathon
Your advice for a new runner: Don’t overthink it. Just start.
Favorite running book: I don’t read many running books, but I love several books about hiking. Recent fave is Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail.
Song in your head during a run: Bombs over Baghdad (Outkast)
Have you dealt with a major injury: just minor injuries – shin splints, broken toes, minor sprains, etc.
Running quote: “If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.” – Hippocrates
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: Want to run on a track or a trail? Hard top or bare earth? Hills or flat? Cityscape or among the trees? Alone or with a group? Whatever your running preferences, DC’s got options for you.
I’m currently being inspired by #runstreak on Instagram. It’s a great reminder for me to hit the trail even when I just have time to run 1 or 2 miles. Every little bit counts.
Recent Stories
Zoo Loop now closes at 5 p.m., Arlington Boulevard comments due Sept. 28, Kelati heading to world road racing championships.
After a nearly year-long hiatus, Pace the Nation has returned with St. Andrews graduate and Georgetown recruit Tinoda Matsatsa.
Keira D’Amato breaks the American record in the half marathon, Chantilly’s Sean McGorty makes the world 5k team and DDOT will hold a meeting on a new bridge to the Arboretum.
A man broke an adult male runner’s nose while beating him after the runner bumped into him at approximately 11 a.m. June 24 on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail near RFK…
Columbia 5K/3K Race to Feed The Hungry
The out and back Falls Church City 5K/3K course is mostly flat on the W&OD Trail starting and finishing at 103 Columbia Street. Overall male and female winners earn free shoes and medals are awarded to all categories. Great family
Falcon/Bruin 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run
Both 5K and 1 mile courses are USATF certified. The 5K course has some moderate hills. The 1 mile course is flat making this a perfect PR course. We are really looking to get a broader participation base.
Funds go
