Erica King is a force of nature. She discovered running at the age of 38 and, not content with running around her neighbourhood, set herself the goal of running the New York Marathon 10 months later. This set Erica on the path to forming her own wonderful network of women runners called Running Divas (you can check out Erica’s inspiring story here). I’m lucky enough to be a regular writer for Running Divas and so have got to know Erica a bit over the past year or so, and I am constantly blown away by her positive attitude and tenacity.
This year Erica is turning 50. Not content with a party like everyone else, Erica set herself the goal of running 12 marathons in 12 months – and she’s travelling all over the world to do it. And I have no doubt she’ll make it. Suffering from injury at the moment, Erica is currently resting up so she can make it to the Boston Marathon in a couple of weeks.
Carolyn: What do you love about running?
Erica: I love how running makes me feel – strong, powerful and in control. I also love the way running allows my mind to feel calm & clear
Carolyn: How did you come to start Running Divas?
Erica: RD started from my passion to share my joy of running with other women. I’d love more women to join the RD community to learn, improve, be supported, be inspired and motivated to achieve new goals.
Carolyn: You’re in the process of running 12 marathons in 12 months – why?
Erica: This year I will be 50, something I have not wanted to acknowledge, so instead of hiding I thought why not challenge myself to push new limits and, while I’m doing this, inspire and motivate other women to achieve things they never thought possible .
Carolyn: What have been the best and most challenging moments so far? Erica: Best moments are always crossing the finish line in each race, feeling strong and enjoying the training journey. Worst moment is now – having injured myself and working through the rehab and treatment with two weeks until my next marathon. I’m following doctor’s orders but will dig deep and not give up.
Carolyn: How do you stay positive – have you had any moments of doubt?
Erica: Once I commit to a goal, tell the world and then start the training – I’m in. I love the training, it’s not a chore at all – makes me feel fantastic. I have no doubt that I will complete this challenge. I’m sure there will be some more tests along the way but I won’t give up until I finish the twelfth marathon.
Carolyn: Your running has taken you all around the world – do you have a favourite place to run?
Erica: I have loved every race but Boston holds a very dear place in my heart. The incredible crowd support I received when running there in 2009 has stayed with me. Once the race was devastated by the bombings last year I knew that I had to run Boston again this year with a special group of friends to demonstrate solidarity – can’t wait!
Carolyn: Is there room in your life for the odd sneaky glass of champagne? Do you have a favourite champagne memory you can share?
Erica: Most definitely! I love the occasional glass of bubbles. One of my very dearest friends started a very special tradition a few years ago – that we celebrate the completion of my marathons with a special bottle of French champagne. Since I normally only do a max of two marathons a year it is always a fabulous celebration together. This year, I’m not sure if we can share 12 bottles! That is over the top, so we will save up until the end of the twelfth marathon.
Are you a goal setter? What sort of goal would you set for a big birthday?
