Julie Branyan Photography

My friend Erika is an amazing person. When we first met it was right before she ran her half marathon in Napa. She went on a whole weekend by herself to run a half marathon and enjoy a weekend exploring Napa. She truly is an inspiration, not only that she rocked a half marathon, but the fact that she is a strong person. If anyone can do something, it’s Erika. I’m so blessed to have her in my life even though she is far away now. I love our chats and the support we have with each other. I wanted to share her story below and offer some encouragement for those who are considering to run any length.

Why did you decide to run a half marathon?

I decided to run my first half marathon last summer for multiple reasons:

To set out to do something that was out of my comfort zone; therefore, would help me grow and
develop as a person. To challenge myself to do something many people never desire to do. To raise
money for the CCFA which is a non-profit very near and dear to my heart.

What kept you motivated while you were training?

Ultimately, the actual motivation came from within myself. On days that I felt like a run was the last
thing I had time or energy for – the commitment to the goal helped me overcome the self-deprecating
thoughts. Plus I told everyone I came into contact with that I was training for a half marathon, so it
helped knowing that if they asked me how training was going – that I wasn’t going to say something
negative.

What were you feeling on race day?

I was filled with lots of emotions on race day…excited, terrified, overjoyed, ready to get it done,
worried, proud, empowered, inspired, motivated, and of course happy!

What is your favorite memory from the race?

The environment in Napa was unreal and I will never forget. However, the feelings were definitely my
favorite.

What do you suggest for someone who is training for a marathon/half marathon?

I have a number of suggestions/words of wisdom:

Push thru the hard days – use these days as your motivation and inspiration; Tell everyone you know
that you are training for a 1/2; Reward yourself every so often and especially after the race (I treated
myself to a spa day); Don’t do anything for the 1st time on the day of the marathon (i.e. new food,
beverage, run faster than normal, etc.); Stay focused and determined during the run – you will hit a wall
and you need to recognize when it happens and overcome it by using mind over body.

What is your favorite running music/song?

I never listed to music during training or on the day of. I chose to train on my treadmill (to have a
bathroom close by due to Crohn’s), and I watched T.V. while running. I would always DVR inspirational
shows – like Biggest Loser – for motivation before and during the run (especially on the long run days)!
I highly encourage someone to not listen to music during the race so you can soak in all sounds and
cheers.

How did running a half marathons change your life?

It changed my life completely. Ultimately, I now know I can do anything I set out to do. And this
experience solidified that the most challenging goals will turn into the most rewarding experiences. I am
training for my 2nd half marathon – I will do Napa again in July 2011 for the CCFA. And I plan to run the
San Francisco Full Marathon in October 2011.

Why do you run for Crohn’s and Colitis?

Crohn’s/Colitis is very near and dear to my heart. I have been blessed with Crohn’s for over 10 years
now. But, the reason why I did the Team Challenge last year and the reason I am doing it again is not for
me. I want to make a difference – especially for the kids I have had the honor to meet at CCFA camp. I
want to raise awareness for these diseases. I want to inspire others to make a difference. I will change
the world one mile…one person…one dollar…at a time! Please visit my website (link below) for further
information about Team Challenge and my story.

How can someone give to your marathons?

Please visit my new website:

http://www.active.com/donate/napa11national/NEValent