Erika is anything but boring. This Calgary runner has raced in some interesting cities including Berlin. She has a heartwarming story for her best running memory (See Question 6).
Erika is in the midst of training for 50K in Calgary. I hope I get the chance to meet Erika in Calgary because she seems like a really cool chick. She seems very positive and motivating! You can never have too many of those people around you!
Name: Erika Berger
City: Calgary, AB
Profession: Recruiter, Human Resources
Runner Since: 2009
1.Why did you start running?
I have always been athletic, but not a runner. Then I had a new coworker that hung a shadow box with a singlet and medal in her office. I asked her what it was about and she explained that she had completed the Anchorage Marathon. I asked her many questions, she helped me train for my first half marathon and we became great friends.
1(a).What pushes you to keep going?
I love running. It keeps my stress levels in check. It’s easy. I have three active kids, so to get exercise that does not require special equipment or location makes for a great fit. I can run on the treadmill while they are in swimming; I have run in the neighbourhoods where they have basketball or hockey practice. Running is a flexible way to keep in shape because all you need to head out the door is a pair of shoes and a good sport bra.
2.What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?
Usually four runs per week, a bike ride and I am trying to get into swimming. I also take yoga once per week.
3.What does running mean to you?
It means that I am healthy, strong and providing a good example to my kids. It’s freedom. It is a way to meet people and an excuse to travel. Every runner has an interesting story to tell; I have yet to meet a boring runner.
4.When did you have your first “a ha” running moment?
When I finished my first half marathon in Madison, WI, I felt high as a kite. I could not stop smiling and thought, “I want to do that again.” Almost immediately thereafter I signed up for another half marathon and starting planning for my first full marathon the next spring. When coming into the finishing corral in Vancouver to complete my first full marathon, I was running on air and kept thinking, “OMG, I am going to DO IT!”
5.What is your favourite distance to run?
I don’t really have a favourite distance. I enjoy doing 10k races and half marathons, but I have a list of marathons around the world that I would like to complete. I love doing the marathon in a new place.
6.Best running memory? Tell us about it.
There are so many, but two come to mind. After running San Diego Rock N Roll, my daughter asked if she could run a race with me. I found a friendly, family oriented 5k for us. She is a natural. I kept watching her run and was so proud to be running with her. She was laughing and talking the entire race and has run a race with me every year since. Last fall I ran the Berlin Marathon. My dad, a native of Germany, was there to watch. As I ran through the Brandenburg Gate coming into the finish, I saw him (along with my husband) and heard him cheering for me. I got choked up and started to tear up a bit. He teared up after I finished, told me how proud he was of me, and said, “If your grandfather, who marched through this gate during WWII, could see you running here, he would be so happy.”
7.What has running taught you about yourself?
7.What has running taught you about yourself?
It has taught me that no matter what the challenge, you make a plan, take it in small steps, and you will accomplish the goal. It has taught me patience and to trust a plan. Break a large task into small steps, be tenacious and you can’t help but succeed.
8. Do you have any current running goals?
I am signed up for the 50k in Calgary this June. Many other goals and races on my list and the list of races I would like to run seems to grow each year. My daughter asked me if I would try a triathlon with her as well.
9.What kind of runner are you? Competitive? Recreational? Goal chaser?
I am all of those things. I am competitive, but not against other runners. For me, it’s not about beating anyone else and maybe that is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. There are no losers on a race course. Everybody wins in their own way at the end of a race. I like to run while on vacation as a way to explore an area. A great memory is running on the National Mall at dawn in Washington, D.C. I thought about all the history of the area and just immersed myself in it. You can only do that kind of thinking when you are alone during a run. I have time goals for each race, with a “if everything goes exactly perfect” goal, a “realistic” goal and the last is to finish without vomiting.
10.What advice would you give to new runners?
Take it slow, listen to your body. Start by doing a walk/run and as you gain confidence it becomes a run/walk. Seek out other runners, as they are always willing to help and to encourage. Surround yourself with people that encourage you. Get a good pair of shoes. When you’re ready, do an event. The distance or your finish time does not matter. The environment at events, no matter if its a 5k walk/run or a marathon is electric and inspiring. Be proud of your accomplishments.
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Check out previous runner profiles here.
I love that her daughter runs a race with her every year. My boys are both under 4 years old but I can't wait for the day when they can run with me. I think it is a great idea to run while your kids are at practices as well. Running is so versatile.