Runner Interview: Erin Burrett

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!