Get to know Eric P.

​How long have you been involved with running?
I ran a few 5-10Ks in my 20's, but did not run regularly until my 40's.
 
What got you involved with running?
Having kids. I got a jogging stroller, and started jogging with my kids to daycare / preschool. I distinctly recall being on hills with my 2-year-old saying "faster daddy!"
 
How many days a week do you usually run?
Usually 3-4.
 
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
I actually did a full Ironman before I ever competed in a (stand-alone) marathon.
 
What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
The Lake Placid Ironman finishes @ the Olympic stadium. Coincidentally, my family sat down in just-vacated front-row seats about 2 minutes before I finished, so I got to high-five them about 10 meters before the finish line. That was awesome!
 
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
I am rarely motivated to go for a run, but I'm almost always happy after the first 1/2 mile or so.
 
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
GNRC friends! No way could I motivate myself to be up for early morning runs without you all!
 
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I'm running in my first Ragnar relay in May - excited for the new experience. My wife and I have signed up for the Pan Mass Challenge this summer, so I need to get back on a bike before long!
 
What are some of you long term running goals?
I'd like to experience different events, particularly combined with travel. The Dublin, Ireland marathon last year was a great event! Eventually, I'd like to qualify for Boston, but I'm happy to take road trips to places I've not been, run, and check out the micro-brewery scene.
 
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
Several years ago, I injured my ankle ramping up my distance too quickly. During the BAA half, I tried to favor my ankle, which only managed to hurt my hip. Since then, I've learned to ramp my distance up gradually, and pay more attention to what my body tells me.
 
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
I moved to Westwood in June, 2018 and found GNRC online, so less than a year.
 
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
The wide variety of conversations on our runs - they make the long runs way more interesting!  Coffee after long runs, and of course the random meet-ups @ Percival.
 
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
New to the area, sipping coffee after a long run last fall, I looked around at the GNRCers, and thought, "okay, I've found my people!" 
 
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
Varying my training with other GNRC members, particularly with speed (track) workouts, has made me a better runner. On my own, I get into a rut, and do the same thing all the time.