-My name is Erika, and I am a 26-year-old from Albany, NY. I juggle a full-time position as a Benefits Account Manager at an Insurance firm and a part-time job at a tax office … all while training and pursing my love for fitness!
-I was never a runner growing up, but in college I started hitting up the gym and running to help me take off the Freshman 15 – and have since continued setting more and more athletic goals for myself.
-I recently finished a cross-country bike ride with 25 other young adults with the 4K for Cancer. We biked from Baltimore, Maryland to San Diego, CA. We finished our 70-day journey at Mission Beach on August 10th. Ironically, before signing up for the 4K for Cancer I had never really been a cyclist. I normally took a couple spin classes each month to cross train; that was about the extent of my biking. But when I read about the 4K for Cancer, I knew it was for me. And it was the most amazing experience of my life! I was able to stay active and challenge myself all while raising money and awareness for an amazing cause, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. In the various towns we stopped at along the way, we had opportunities to do community service, meet with cancer patients at hospitals and hospices, and host cancer education programs. I met people with similar passions, forged lifelong friendships, and saw the USA from a unique perspective, a saddle. Challenging – yes, but completely life-changing!!
-I blogged about my whole cross-country journey at: www.erikas4k.wordpress.com
-I became a member of Team REFUEL in 2012, after I submitted a video at my first marathon. The proud memory of crossing the finish line at the Rock ‘N Rock Country Music Marathon is one I will forever cherish, and I am so thankful for all that running has given me. Running has provided me with so many benefits physically, emotionally and socially that I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I love how during every training cycle, race and most importantly with every run, I have the opportunity to prove to myself what I am capable of, to push myself and my body beyond its limits, and to surprise myself. It has taught me the importance of dedication, commitment and of not giving up; of believing in myself. I want to be a runner (and cyclist!) for life, and that is why I refuel with low-fat chocolate milk. I am now an alumni member of Team Chocolate Milk – and am so appreciative to be a part of it! It shows me that anything is possible and I look forward to what the future has in store!
-My goals for 2014 are to complete both a Half and Full Ironman!! I am currently registered for Ironman Syracuse 70.3 and Ironman Lake Placid, and I know recovering with low-fat chocolate milk will not only get me to the start line, but also the finish!
-Check out gotchocolatemilk.com to read about all the benefits of refueling with low-fat chocolate milk, and to read other blog posts from amazing athletes and people!
ErikaRuns 