Name: Erika Fields
Self-described age group: 40-45
Residence: NE D.C.
Occupation: Operations Manager for Circa Lighting
Why you run: Fresh air and exercise cures most woes.
When did you get started running: I remember joining my dad for Turkey Trot 5K when was around 10 years old.
Have you taken a break from running: I take breaks all the time. I’m currently trying to get back into a running routine after a break.
Training shoe: Running in Brooks Ghosts right now. I don’t have loyalty to a specific brand or style. Every time I need a new shoe, I get a fresh assessment at a local running store and try something new.
Coach or training group: I’m not part of a running group but would like to be!
The hardest race you’ve ever run: High Country Half Marathon in Boone, NC (Aug 2018)
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: solo trail running in Shenandoah. The ankle hazards abound.
Running mentors: My dad
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Anacostia Riverwalk Trail when running from home, C & O Canal Towpath when running from work
Favorite local trail: same as above
My best race was: One year the Army Ten-Miler was on my birthday. Running it was a great way to celebrate with 20,000 new friends!
Favorite local race: Cap Hill Classic
Ideal post-run meal: eggs and IPA
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: I don’t touch the stuff!
Pet peeve: bottlenecks on narrow race courses
Goals: Break two hours in half marathon
Your advice for a new runner: Don’t overthink it. Just start.
Favorite running book: I don’t read many running books, but I love several books about hiking. Recent fave is Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail.
Song in your head during a run: Bombs over Baghdad (Outkast)
Have you dealt with a major injury: just minor injuries – shin splints, broken toes, minor sprains, etc.
Running quote: “If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.” – Hippocrates
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: Want to run on a track or a trail? Hard top or bare earth? Hills or flat? Cityscape or among the trees? Alone or with a group? Whatever your running preferences, DC’s got options for you.
I’m currently being inspired by #runstreak on Instagram. It’s a great reminder for me to hit the trail even when I just have time to run 1 or 2 miles. Every little bit counts.
Recent Stories
Looking for our race calendar? Click here Submit races here or shop local for running gear
Coaching high school cross country and track made Kelyn Soong a better runner.
A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.
Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.
Kensington 8K Race
Three distances – 8K, 2M, and 1K – all starting and finishing at Kensington Town Hall.
The 8K runs through historic Kensington, going past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, beside 120+ year-old houses and around Noyes Library, the oldest library
