Jane Campbell running the 2012 Vancouver Half

I always used to think that once I got into really good shape, running would be easy. It’s not easy. But it’s beautiful. It’s work. It’s confidence. It’s strength. It’s weakness. It’s power. It’s vulnerability. It’s life. And I highly recommend it.

I first met Jane Campbell at the track. It was a hot night in July almost two years ago and she had just just taken over the coaching job in the running clinic in which I was participating. She had so much energy. She was so much fun. I liked her from the start. I had not run at the track since high school and it was like coming home and to have this dynamic lady giving us the evening’s workout was such a joy! Another vivid memory of Jane from that same clinic was when she was giving us the pre-race pep-talk and she had put on all the jerseys and jackets that she had accumulated over the years in various races. She stripped them off one by one and described a bit about each race. Now that was both awesome and inspiring! She was also there for me at the finish line in my first big race, cheering and complementing me. Now that is a good coach!

We’ve since run together in several races and we’ve laughed so much (before and after, not during!). She is always so self-effacing and self-doubting, but is always on the podium for her age group. She is also so encouraging to me and so supportive. What a great role model! When I asked her to do this interview, she agreed, but when she saw that she was going to follow two national elite runners, Erin and Craig, she almost withdrew. Not a chance, I said, you are an elite (…my last marathon in October of 2013 qualified me as masters elite for the Victoria marathon with a 3:14), so step up to the plate. Thankfully she did and as you read the following, I’m sure you will agree.

I qualified for Boston in my first marathon and with the following 7 marathons I improved my times

What is your running history?
I started running in 2006. I was going through some personal challenges and needed something other than those to focus on. I trained for a couple of half marathons during that first year and enjoyed the new friendships I made, the love for a new sport and the lessons that running was beginning to teach me.

The summer of that year my brother who had run a few marathons, suggested I run a full. I told him he was crazy. In my mind there was no way I could ever do that. After a few days of contemplating the idea I took his advice and that was the decision that started my journey of more serious running. I qualified for Boston in my first marathon and with the following 7 marathons I improved my times starting with a 3:50 and my last marathon in October of 2013 qualified me as masters elite for the Victoria marathon with a 3:14. During those years I also ran a handful of half marathons (10?) and a number of shorter distance races.

The sense of accomplishment I feel and see in other runners is something that I am so proud to be a part of.

Why do you run?
Running has always given me a sense of accomplishment. (Not to mention the ability to eat lots of great food!!!) Whether I’m training for a race or running for fun I love the feeling it gives me. I love running in the early morning and it always sets me up for a more energized day. Some days are much harder to get out the door than others but once I’m out there and warmed up I am happy I went.

I love training – personally and when I am helping coach clinics. I love experiencing and witnessing the progression of speed, endurance, strength and mental toughness. The sense of accomplishment I feel and see in other runners is something that I am so proud to be a part of.
The race itself is my biggest challenge of a training cycle. I am a big bag of nerves before every race. People have said it is because I am competitive. That maybe partially true, but I think it is that my expectation is higher than my trust in my training and ability. I am working on that piece.

What was your last best/favourite race?
My last race was The Bazan Bay 5k a couple of weeks ago. I ran a PB of 20:01 and it was a success for me because my goal was based on believing in what my legs and heart could do verses a time. The outcome was great. I PB’d without looking at my watch and the result was the outcome of my trust and focus.

I have run many races and it is really hard for me to pick a favourite because each and every one of them have offered me something different. If I had to pick one it would be my second marathon. I was still naïve to pace and strategy and went out conservatively. I felt fantastic the whole way and with about 8k to go I decided to pick it up and race it in. I crossed the line feeling so excited and with energy to keep going!! FUN!!

I want to control the race vs the race controlling me.

What is your next race?
I am heading back to my home town of Hamilton, Ontario this week to race the oldest road race in North America called Around the Bay (ATB). It is a 30K race (March 29)- a new race distance for me.(These are always good as you are guaranteed to PB!) Having trained in spring like conditions it’s going to be difficult to run in a cold temperature!! They are calling for wet flurries that day!!

In the past I would go into races with 3 time goals. An ultimate goal that will be achieved if all the running gods and stars align, a realistic goal based on training facts, and a goal time that I would be happy with given what can happen on race day. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a goal time in mind for ATB but it is secondary to my ultimate goal. I want to control the race vs the race controlling me. I will run smart, hard and use the mental and physical strength I have to cross the line. I am looking forward to it and am hoping my nerves stay in check.

What type of training do you do?
In the past I was hooked on distance and pace to determine my training. That philosophy gave me a great base and some wonderful results. For this next race I have trained more scientifically – by heart rate, time and a new respect for recovery. I run 5 days a week, but 6 times. I had never run twice a day and it was challenging for me to throw my running stuff back on in the afternoon. I am a morning runner! The strategy behind 2 runs for me was about recovery while adding distance. Speed work was incorporated into my runs so I didn’t have any track workouts. I missed it incredibly. I love the track. I averaged about 75K a week for this training and peaked at 100K.

I have never been a cross trainer or one who stretches. I know the value of both and it is a goal to incorporate some into my next training cycle.

I keep it simple with a bowl of oatmeal and a banana before a run and I keep it the same before a race.

What kind of food philosophy do you follow?
I consider myself a fairly “clean” eater. I eat lots of veggies, whole grains, lean protein and fruit, but I LOVE cookies and chocolate and do not limit those from my diet. I couldn’t live without coffee and that really bad vanilla flavoured edible oil product that I put in it, so maybe I’m not as clean as I think I am.

I keep it simple with a bowl of oatmeal and a banana before a run and I keep it the same before a race.

Do you have a running hero/ role model?
My running hero’s include all runners who understand the level of commitment it takes to be the best they can be. That would include all the elites, but more importantly it includes all those who work their asses off without the placings or the external glory but the pure sense of pride knowing they have worked hard to reach their goals. A friend once said that he respected the 4:30 marathoner as much as the 2:15 marathoner as they are out there pounding the pavement twice as long. I fully agree.

One of my most favourite things is when I run with my daughter. It is a time where we either talk and talk or use the time for silence; either way I love that time with her.

How do you relax, when you are not running?
I work full time and have 2 kids – my son is 13 and plays hockey and my daughter is in grade 12 ready to graduate this year. There isn’t much time to relax but when I do, I plonk myself down in front of Netflix with a huge bowl of popcorn with lots of butter and kick back for the evening. Every summer my kids and I head back to my family’s cottage in Northern Ontario. It’s a place where time stands still. There is no electricity, and no wi-fi. There is fishing, canoeing, hiking and lots of board games. It’s peaceful and a place where my early morning runs are very special.

As I age I understand and respect the need to recover and listen to my body.

Have you had any running setbacks?
I have been incredibly fortunate (some would say durable) when it comes to running set backs. I have certainly had my fair share of hamstring and butt issues, but nothing that has ever stopped me. As I age I understand and respect the need to recover and listen to my body. I am grateful for everyday that I can and have been able to run.

Do you have a coach?
Over the years I have trained with different programs. I started with a Running Room clinic and have followed the Run Less Run Faster program, and the Hansen Program and have benefited tons from running with Nanaimo’s most famous runner, Mike Thibodeau.

After feeling a tad frustrated with my running (results and feeling overtrained) I decided I was ready for a more scientific and individual program. I am one of those runners who wants to train as efficiently and as effectively as I can, with the best possible outcome. In my 50th year I decided it was time for me to explore where my line is. Maybe I have already found it but the only way I was going to know for sure was by hiring a coach. Dan Smith, from Lifesport Coaching in Victoria, has taught me many things in the few short months he has trained me. He sets up my program and after every run I download my info (heart rate, pace) for him to review. I talk to him every week, or if and when I need to ask him something, or just need reassurance. He has trained me to feel strong but not beat up, to feel confident in the training I have done, and most importantly he has taught me to let the level of work in a race determine the outcome, not the time on the clock. That will be what it will be.

When running is a commitment you can find the time to fit it in.

What is your career/job?
I work full time for Danone as a sales rep. I am very fortunate in that it is fairly flexible so the mornings I am not up and out by 6, I can squeeze in the odd run after I drop kids at school. When running is a commitment you can find the time to fit it in.

Do you listen to music when you run?
I love listening to music while I run. It allows me to focus on my fantasy popstar life while I plow through TEMPO runs and 1K repeats. I always bring my music to a race but seldom press play as I need to focus on my reality of being a runner and asking my body to do what I have trained it to do for a race. That requires focus.

Do you have a running philosophy?
I always used to think that once I got into really good shape, running would be easy. It’s not easy. But it’s beautiful. It’s work. It’s confidence. It’s strength. It’s weakness. It’s power. It’s vulnerability. It’s life. And I highly recommend it.

Craig Odermatt (Photo credit Erin Burrett)

I like all running but cross-country is definitely my favourite and always gets me excited.

Craig reached out to me after I published the Erin Burrett interview singing the praise of her fine qualities. I did not know Craig, but I was impressed with his gracious attitude towards another runner. As we chatted I also realized that I did not know much about him. What I did know was that he seemed to be winning often in several of the local races that I attended, specifically in the Vancouver Island Race Series. Even so, he was not so well known. Maybe it is because he does not have a website or a blog and has yet to post a tweet, that I didn’t know much about him. Thankfully we connected on Facebook, where he is active. There are also a few post race interviews of Craig, which offer small glimpses of his greatness. I figured it was time to find out more, so I asked him to answer my interview questions and I was thrilled when he agreed.

In the last couple of years, I’ve seen Craig at several races picking up medals – for age-group wins and fastest master runner. He is also always in race start-line photos. Is that keenness or eliteness? Well, he has the race results to prove that he is not just a one hit wonder. He has won or placed at the local, provincial and national level for many years. That makes him an amazing champion in my eyes! So Craig here’s a bit of PR for you!

What is your running history?
Growing up I was active in a variety of sports both organized and informal. My 2 main sports were soccer and baseball. I did compete in running in junior high but I didn’t get into serious, consistent running training/competing until high school. Running was something that was fun but it didn’t seem like I had the ability to compete at a high level for the future so I wasn’t planning to continue competing past high school. Then I had a sudden improvement from Grade 11 to Grade 12 that included placing 3rd overall in Victoria cross-country league standings and then 12th at the BC High School cross-country championships. That convinced me that I should keep going and see what happens. My first year at the University of Victoria I had some health issues and did not really compete. I started to have some doubts again but my coach at the time was encouraging and I kept going. I have been going strong with running ever since (25+ yrs and counting).

Why do you run?
My dad always emphasized that whatever you do, have fun. That is something I live by in sports. So I run because I love it. Especially when it comes to cross-country. I like all running but cross-country is definitely my favourite and always gets me excited. Running has also given me a chance to challenge myself. It’s fun to push yourself and see how you can progress and go after whatever goal you have set for yourself. Running has also been a good stress release at times. For example, things got really busy during my Masters degree and at times I had to cut back on running but I would never completely cut it. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not had running as an outlet at that time.

Finally I run for the social aspect. Running has allowed me to meet a lot of impressive people. There are some great friends I have thanks to running. A good example is my long-term friend Erin Burrett. It has been so great to see her overcome some past tough times and have the big success I always knew she could have. I admire how helpful she is towards other people. I have benefitted from her support many times. Others have too.

When I started running I never thought I would see a day I would be a Canadian Champion in anything.

What was your last best/favorite race?
It’s always hard to single out one favourite. There are a few races that stand out. Such as my last year at UVic when I helped the UVic team win it’s first ever Canadian team cross-country title for men. Fun to make history. Another memorable race was when I ran my PB of 30:38 for 10K. That was a day where I had that strong, flow feeling. The kind of feeling you wish you could save for a future race when you really need it. In Sept 2014 I was part of Team BC for the Canadian 10K Championships. I grabbed the gold in masters to become Canadian champion for the first time ever. When I started running I never thought I would see a day I would be a Canadian Champion in anything.

In 2015 I have placed 2nd overall at the Cobble Hill 10K and Cedar 12K. In both cases I shattered the race record for my category. Taking part in big events like the Sun Run is something I really enjoy. I have been honoured to be invited as an elite a few times. They look after you well. As for favourite distance I would say 5 and 10K, but halfs are growing on me.

What is your next race?
Next planned race for me is the Comox Half so that I can qualify for the Island Series. I am hoping to finish in the top 2-3 overall in the Series based on my current placing and also win the Masters title. My next major goal is the Sun Run 10K. I really hope to be under 32:30. I hope to run a 5K under 15:30 some time this year and also qualify for Team BC for cross-country Nationals.

What type of training do you do?
During the week I am pretty busy with work so I do all my runs fairly close to home. Luckily, close to home, in Victoria, I have the UVic track/trails and Mt Doug/Mt Tolmie and Cedar Hill Golf Course trails. It helps to have some good running options for easy runs/hard workouts close to home. I do most of my long runs at Beaver Lake. It is one of my favourite trails. My long runs are all time based. My workouts depend on what I am going for. In some cases they might be timed runs, sometimes they are specific distance track intervals. Hill workouts are one of my favourites. I also include tempo runs.

I train 6 days a week and have one day off. These 6 days will include 5-7 runs and one cross-training day. I have been trying to do 2 strength sessions a week (e.g. core). I do hard workouts on Wednesday and Saturday with a long run on Sunday. Specific hard workouts will depend on the time of year and which key races are coming, but Wednesday can include hills and something speed oriented (e.g. fartlek, shorter track intervals). Saturday will often include longer workouts (e.g. 10K type, tempo). The Sunday workouts can be trail, road, or track depending on the time of year. The other run days are easy.

I am careful before a race to stick with foods I know work. … Last thing you want is your gut acting up on race day.

What kind of food philosophy do you follow?
I am not sure I have a specific philosophy. My parents always emphasized balance. So I try to follow that and be as healthy as I can but I am far from a master chef. I need to get better but sometimes it’s not easy to find the time for the prep you need to do. I have to admit I do like the bakery section of the supermarket a bit too much sometimes. I’m also a big chocolate lover.

Since I got my blender I enjoy smoothies. A great and easy way to give yourself a healthy boost. I am careful before a race to stick with foods I know work. And on race day I definitely make sure I don’t do anything I haven’t tried in training first. Last thing you want is your gut acting up on race day.

Do you have a running hero/ role model?
I do have people I look up to. The most important was my dad. He was always very active in sports and I think that was a big influence on me. He was also very supportive attending many of my races both at home and out of town. My high school coach Stan Gill was definitely a role model. He taught me how to train and was the first one who made me realize I could have some kind of higher level success in running.

When I first started at UVic a couple of the running team members took the time to get to know me and make me feel welcome. They were also very successful. They were only a year older but I looked up to them (Tania Jones, Paddy McCluskey). I particularly looked up to Paddy since he had the same passion for cross-country and was very successful in it. Lucy Smith is someone I have admired as well. Both for being successful for a very long time and for her passion and joy she has for running even after many years. I have also admired the Kenyan runners. They make it look so easy out there. A good example is Paul Tergat.

How do you relax, when you are not running?
Running at a high level takes a lot out of you. When you combine that with work a lot of your week is taken up. So in my downtime I like to really recover properly. It means relaxing and not doing much. My downtime includes going on the internet and watching my favourite TV shows. I am also a big sports fan. So I watch a lot of sports on TV. Back in Dec I went with a friend to my first ever Canucks game at their current arena. I also like to read. Especially biographies. I just finished reading a good book about hockey great, Gordie Howe.

I do like to travel too but as typical runner I plan it to not interfere with key races. So I ususlly go away in the summer to get a break during some planned running downtime. Back in Janurary I did something unusual and went away during the winter to Hawaii. Just by chance I found out about a half marathon there. So of course I used it as my workout.

When you train and compete at a high level you are never going to be 100% healthy all the time…

Have you had any running setbacks?
I have been very fortunate health-wise. I have never had anything like a stress fracture or something similar that would be major. The last time I had to miss a decent chunk of a season was about 20 yrs ago. When you train and compete at a high level you are never going to be 100% healthy all the time but usually I just have to deal with minor niggly little things.

Do you have a coach?
I was left to fend for myself a few years ago so I don’t actually have a coach at the moment. However I have done some coaching training and I have many years of running experience so I do have the background to be able to help myself. Maybe it’s not the ideal situation, but I am making it work with some great results. For example, I have been on Team BC more on my own then I ever was with a coach. I have also coached a friend and helped her reach both Team BC and Team Canada. I hope to help others in the future with running advice. I do consult with a couple of people about training ideas at times just as a double check.

What is your career/job?
I work full-time as a Database Programmer for a medical company in Victoria. Sitting so much is probably not the ideal and might have contributed to the occasional back issue. Work does make training during the week a balancing act at times. It has also made it difficult to fit in some extra volume that could possibly help me. Juggling family events (e.g. trips) on weekends can be tough with running too. You just do your best and hope they understand when you have to fit in a key run.

Do you listen to music when you run?
I don’t actually. I like to be focussed on what I am doing. Also it’s nice to just take in your surroundings when you are on a nice trail run.

Thanks Craig! It is nice to know that you know yourself so well that you can coach yourself. That shows excellent discipline and you have the results to show it. I wish you many years of continued success! I’m excited to meet Craig for the first time at the Comox Half this weekend. It is my first Half so I hope to meet him before the race to pick up on a few tips and maybe have some of that runner’s luck rub off on me. Oh, yes, I will be blogging about that race in the near future!

Erin Burrett (Photo credit Rita Ivanauskas)

Running has been in my life for so long now that I probably don’t know how to live without it.

This is the second in my Runner Interview series. As I mentioned in my kick-off interview, one of my running heroes is Erin Burrett. She is a very fast, nationally recognized elite runner and lives in my community. I see her often on the roads, at the track, at races and as a motivational guest speaker in my running clinics. She is also very generous with her time. She had my questionnaire, completed and back to me in just a few days and yet she has a very busy and full life, training, being an aunt, helping with at Bastion Running Club races, travelling, racing, and blogging. And as if that is not enough, Erin has recently teamed up with her coach, Matt Clout, to form West Coast Endurance, where they will “guide you towards your full potential.”

Erin was also very generous with her words, revealing a lot about herself, which you should find inspirational, humorous or even awe-inspiring. Although this post is long and she suggested I could edit out some of what she wrote, I just couldn’t find anything to cut, so it is all here, as she wrote it.

In many ways Erin is just like many of us – she has a job, she likes junk food, she watches TV, and she has been injured. She also obviously loves to run and to compete, but unlike many of us, she excels at this and perhaps trains at a level that we might not quite aspire and/or desire to do. However, I’m very grateful that Erin has shared with us so many details of her life, that should motivate us to get up and get going – to at least some degree!

What is your running history?
As of 2015 I have been running for approximately 25 years. I began at age 8 in elementary school cross country before being recruited along with my sister by Bill English with the Nanaimo Track and Field Club. I started off as an all-star type kid setting records and winning races until approximately age 14 when puberty hit (which can be extremely cruel to girls) and I began to struggle. I continued competing in track until age 18 before taking some time off due to the frustrations. For example, at age 11, I ran a 43 minute 10 km and couldn’t beat that at age 18. I never fully took time off though, still running off and on and doing the odd road race. Growing up running and competing, I don’t think I could ever leave the sport behind. I finally got more serious about it in 2008 when I hooked up with my coach (Matt Clout).

Everyone runs for a different reason, find that reason and use it.

Why do you run?
The simple way to answer this is that I run because I love it. Running has been in my life for so long now that I probably don’t know how to live without it. Sure there are days that I don’t feel like going for a run; however, due to the fact that I have goals, I know that it is something that I must do. It’s the competitive nature in myself along with the goals that I have set for myself that keep me motivated to keep putting one foot in front of the other. When I don’t run, whether due to injury or an end of season break, I find it takes a toll on me mentally. Being able to put on shoes and run out the door is a great stress relief. It can be my alone time, my time to be with my thoughts. I cherish this time, when it’s myself and the roads. If I am stressed or upset prior to the run, I find a run can help relieve those emotions. My tips to others would be to find out why you love to run. Put those goals out there, whether on social media, on your fridge or bathroom mirror at home, put them out there to remind you why you are doing this. Everyone runs for a different reason, find that reason and use it.

What was your last best/favorite race?
So far this year I have raced the Pioneer 8 km in Victoria (27:16) and the Pacific Road Runners First Half Half Marathon in Vancouver (1:16:26). Both races were the 2015 BC Championships and in both races I placed second. The Pioneer 8 km was my first official race back from injury so it was a test to see where my fitness was. I ran in no mans land for the second half of the race and finished only 3 seconds shy of my time in 2014 (27:13). Going into the First Half Half Marathon, I was questioning my fitness over the longer distances so I kept it in control and comfortable. It was a nice sign to finish in 1:16:26 without being totally spent at the finish line. First place finisher Dayna Pidhoresky (of Vancouver) had a 50 second lead on me at 10 km and finished 17 seconds ahead at the finish.

My favourite distance so far would probably be the half marathon. When you run a 5 km you start the race and it’s always “too slow, speed up” whereas when you run a half you start the race going “too fast, slow down.” I feel that personally, I get better as the distances get longer, which is why I am leaning towards making my marathon debut possibly this fall. Don’t get me wrong, 5 km’s are fun too, but mostly because they are over so fast.

Truthfully every race has it’s perks and the ones where you run a personal best are always most memorable.

There are so many races out there, that it is hard to choose a favourite. Running the NACAC (North America, Central America, Caribbean) Cross Country Championships at Mt. Irvine Tobago in February 2014 is definitely a highlight as that was my first national team. Any time you run with “CANADA” across your chest has to be memorable. The Canada Running Series has great races as well that are always well put together and they are extremely supportive of Canadian elite runners. The Vancouver Sun Run is always a fun one. There is nothing quite like lining up in front of tens of thousands of runners and finishing before many of the runners have even hit the start line yet! Plus this year the women get a 10 minute head start over the men, so that should make for an exciting race! Truthfully every race has it’s perks and the ones where you run a personal best are always most memorable.

What is your next race?
Next on my schedule is the Bazan Bay 5 km in Sidney this coming Sunday March 8th, then the St.Patrick’s Day 5 km in Vancouver on Saturday March 14th. Bazan is the faster of the two courses and I ran 16:35 there last year, so I am hoping for sub 16:30. The goal for St.Patrick’s is to beat last years 16:52 and to finish in the top 3.
[Erin ran the Bazan Bay 5K this past Sunday in 16:47, placing third female.]
After that, I will race the Vancouver Sun Run where the goal is probably sub 34 minutes. My ultimate goal for the year would be a sub 1:14:00 half marathon (current best is 1:15:01) and to make my debut in the marathon.

What type of training do you do?
I would say at least 90-95% of my training is done out my front door in Cedar, BC with the other 5-10% done at the Rotary Bowl (track). I am not a huge trail runner. In fact, I tend to be a disastrous trail runner, from rolling ankles to tripping and falling on my face. Just ask ROC (Runners of Compassion) as my first run with them in 2009 (I think) resulted in me falling on my face, nearly breaking my nose with a nice black eye. But I did finish the run! I love the roads and I have everything measured out from my house. If I have a 45 minute run, I go this way, if it’s 60 minutes I go that way, and if it’s 90 minutes or more, I am pretty much all over Cedar multiple times.

Currently my week involves 6-7 days training with anywhere from 8-9 runs, plus two sessions of strength per week (one hour each). I do workouts and strength work on Tuesdays and Fridays, with long runs (sometimes a long run workout) on Sundays. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday are generally easier days and Saturday is either short and easy, off or cross training. Due to my work schedule most runs are in the late morning, with double days being in the evening as well. Tuesdays tend to be speedier at the track and Fridays are more tempo paced. Everything I do (aside from track work) is measured via time. My mileage can vary anywhere from 120 km per week to 150+ km per week. My max was upwards of 180km per week while I was altitude training and able to focus directly on training .

Before a race, I do tend to stick to foods that I know.

What kind of food philosophy do you follow?
Oh boy this question could get me in trouble. It’s no secret that I kinda really dislike cooking. Actually, it’s not the cooking I dislike, it’s actually the prep work that I dislike. I always joke that I would love to hire a personal chef, but in a sense it’s only a joke because it’s not really affordable. I don’t follow any sort of diet, but I try to eat more on the healthy side. I am not strict, if I want something then I eat it. Put pumpkin pie or brownies in front of me and I will definitely be eating a piece….. or two….. or three. 😉 I always say I could eat pumpkin pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Honestly I know I should eat better, I sometimes just don’t have the willpower. Mini Eggs are definitely a downfall, but thankfully they are only available once per year. I can easily ignore the little bags that are in store all year round. While I may indulge in some less healthy foods, I don’t drink. For the most part I don’t ever feel like having a drink, but on the rare occasion I will (I am talking 1-2 times a year here). Before a race, I do tend to stick to foods that I know. I am more cautious before half marathons than I would be for a 5 km.

Do you have a running hero/ role model?
I would say I have a few running heros and people I look up to. I feel like you can never have too many. Growing up, I looked up to Leah Pells, who was a 3 time Canadian Olympian (1992, 1996, 2000) in the 1500 and Angela Chalmers who at one time competed in the Nanaimo Track Club and went on to win a bronze in the 3000m at the 1992 Olympic Games. Growing up, I also aspired to Malindi Elmore (2004 Olympian in the 1500m) even though she was only one year older than me because she was such a smooth and successful runner. When things were rough for me in high school, she was who I dreamed of being. She went on to represent Canada in multiple international meets before retiring from the track in 2014.

More recent heros are Victoria’s own Lucy Smith. In short, how can one not look up to her? As a masters runner she is still running strong and I can only hope that when I hit my 40’s that I can continue in the same fashion. On the more international stage, there is Paula Radcliffe, the World Record Holder for the marathon. One has to look up to her! Lastly, a huge hero to me is Shalane Flanagan, whose 2014 Boston Marathon was so inspiring to watch. I had seen her a few times in Flagstaff in the weeks leading up to Boston, but was too chicken to interrupt her training in order to talk to her.

How do you relax, when you are not running?
Honestly when I am not running, I try to be as lazy as possible. Training takes a lot out of me and consumes a lot of time. Work also takes up a lot of time, so when I am not working or training, I treat it as recovery. Unfortunately this means I become quite lazy around the house when it comes to cleaning (does anyone actually like to clean on their day off work?). When I am attempting to relax, I enjoy surfing the internet, watching my favourite TV shows and blogging (www.westcoastrunner.blogspot.com) when I remember. I do enjoy to read, do word search and sudoku but I tend to go through stages with those where I will do them for a bit and then not for months.

My coworkers think I am crazy for this, but generally my holidays from work are generally for altitude training camps in Flagstaff Arizona. For the past 2.5 years I have gone 3 times and generally aim for 1-2 trips per year where I will spend a minimum 3 weeks training at 7000ft. All I do while there is simply run, eat and sleep. My coworkers don’t see it has a “holiday” as their holidays mean to relax on a beach and do nothing, but to me any time off work where I can simply run and do what I love, is a holiday to me.

Have you had any running setbacks?
I have been pretty fortunate with regards to running setbacks, with the odd niggle here and there, but two specific injuries stand out to me. The first being in early 2011 which resulted in approximately 3 months off. Two MRI’s later, I had the diagnosis of “probably” osteitis pubis. By the time the results came in, I was back to running anyways.

The second injury was more recent, back in late May 2014, I suffered my first stress fracture of my left inferior pubic ramus. I noticed at the Ottawa 10 km I didn’t feel very powerful in my legs. Immediately after the race I noticed pain when standing on one leg trying to put on pants. I honestly never thought much of it, just assuming that my SI Joint must have been locked up. The following day was a rest day as I flew home. The next 2 days were easy runs, where the pain was there but seemed to go away after I warmed up, then returned afterward when getting dressed.

Then on May 28th, I literally broke just over halfway through my 50 minute run. Standing on the side of the road, with 4.5km to get home I had decisions to make. Do I take the chance and hitch hike or do I make my way home? I opted to make my way home, though I was on a time crunch due to a meeting so that meant instead of walking home, I had to run/walk home so I wouldn’t be late. I went to the meeting in extreme pain. I went to my chiro appointment in extreme pain before I drove myself to the hospital. The doctors asked the usual? Did you fall? (No) Well you are too young just to break, so it has to be muscular. They did 1 single x-ray and submitted a request for an MRI and sent me home. I could barely move for the next 5 days.

After a week off work, I went back while still in some pain. Physios didn’t catch the stress fracture, though my chiro did suspect it right away. The next 6 weeks were long. I tried biking, pool running and running again. Everything would be okay initially then the pain would return. Finally after 6 weeks it was confirmed via MRI. The worst thing about injuries (other than not being able to do what you love) is to try and rehab it when you don’t know what the actual injury is. After confirmation I was able to work on recovery and began run/walking during the first week of August. It was a slow comeback but it made me appreciate the sport even more.

My body needed a break and since I wasn’t going to take it, my body was going to force me to.

I had plenty of tests done once the stress fracture was diagnosed. The only thing that came back low was my Vitamin D. I never supplemented with that, figuring I was outside all the time running so how would I be low. Lesson learned. I had always been low in ferritin as well, so my doctor feels that low iron could have also played a part. Simply I also believe I attempted to push my season too long. My body needed a break and since I wasn’t going to take it, my body was going to force me to.

Since the injury, I have increased my supplementation with Vitamin D and Calcium, I keep on top of my ferritin with IV Iron as needed and I have begun strength training with my trainer (Greg Howe). I lacked the proper strength routine previously, so that was likely another factor which led to injury. I also see my chiro (Abe Avender) and my RMT (Yvonne Visser) regularly to help keep my body in check.

Do you have a coach?
I joined together with my coach (Matt Clout) in late 2008. We are the same age and actually grew up in the track and field scene together, though he was in Victoria and ran for the Peninsula Track Club and I was here in Nanaimo with the Nanaimo Track Club. We stayed in touch off and on and in 2008 I asked for his help to get faster as I wanted to improve on best times. Since then, I have steadily improved under his watch. We generally communicate almost daily, though unfortunately he still resides in Victoria and I am still in Nanaimo so he doesn’t get to overlook my workouts in person. I think he is waiting for me to up and move south! While I am into coaching others, I love waking up each morning and having my workout set for me. It basically allows me to concentrate fully on training rather than stressing about what I should or could be doing.

Unfortunately when it comes to elite running, one does have to be a bit selfish.

What is your career/job?
I work part time as a health care aide in an Assisted Living Senior’s facility here in Nanaimo. I work 7 out of 14 days, which equates to just over 54 paid hours every two weeks. While this does mean for smaller pay cheques, my facility only offers 12 hour shifts for full time workers. They work the same amount of days as I do, but 12 hours (0700-1900) instead of 8. I cannot imagine trying to fit in my training along with working 12 hour shifts. I work 1400-2215 so that allows me to get in the bulk of my training before work, it simply just makes for busier and longer days. For example, Tuesdays and Fridays lately include a workout, straight to strength training at Island Optimal then straight to work. On days where I run twice, some days that means doing my second run on my dinner break at work. Those ones are always rough as I go from working, quickly change and get in a 30 minute run, quickly change and back to work while fitting in food between tasks. It isn’t ideal and I won’t lie, my dream would be to find financial sponsorship so that I could cut back on hours at work (workout days and long run days specifically).

Unfortunately when it comes to elite running, one does have to be a bit selfish. Sometimes it is hard for family and friends to understand that a run or workout cannot easily “just be skipped or not done.” Not doing one workout, generally means altering my entire weeks schedule. Due to this reason, it can be hard for me to make last minute plans.

Do you listen to music when you run?
Surprising to most, I don’t actually run with any music. I actually find it annoys me. One day last year (winter 2014) I had a 90 minute long run to do on the treadmill at the Aquatic Center as the roads were unsafe due to snow. I attempted to listen to my ipod, but I think I lasted 15 minutes before I ripped the earbuds out of my ears. I also find not listening to music allows me to fully be in tune with my body and makes me pay attention to what I am doing, rather than just zoning out with music. The only time you may see me with music, is for the warm up for a race. Listening to some upbeat music helps get me pumped up to race.

Where can we find you on social media?
Personal:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/erin.burrett
Blog: www.westcoastrunner.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/track_star1500

Coaching:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westcoastendurance
Website: www.westcoastendurance.ca
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WC_Endurance

Thank your Erin, and all the best in your future races!