Runner’s World+ Member: Erica Gottlieb
Erica is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
Running as part of an overall effort to lose or control weight is a common story. Mine didn’t quite begin there. From competitive running to a sick relationship at the cross-section of food, weight, and exercise, I now run to maintain weight gained and a life worth living.
It really wasn’t until the past two years that my goals shifted. My last hospitalization for anorexia was in the summer of 2019. I went against all recommendations from my treatment team and incorporated running into my recovery. I had tried several times to do this by signing up for races, dedicating myself to process, and then succumbing to the temptation of the disorder. But then I found a community of local runners—Marlboro Running Club—towards the end of 2019. I love the feeling of community and as most of us know, nothing is too sacred or taboo to discuss on a group run!
These days I am way more impressed with what my body is capable of than with a number on the scale. For so many years the goal was to maintain a double digit weight and now it’s to run double digit mileage on my weekend long runs.
Inspiration, information, guidance, advice, and just because I’m obsessed!
Running is time I carve out to reflect, plan, and prepare for the day. It reminds me I can do hard things. Nothing hurts as much as a progression run/interval workout/tempo, etc, and feels as good as completing. For me, running is a metaphor for recovery and life in general: the only way to move ahead is by putting one foot in front of the other. No sense looking back, the future is forward and so is the finish line.
My favorite place to run is the Henry Hudson Trail in central New Jersey. From Freehold to Marlboro, into Matawan and then a third section to the Highlands, it’s miles of opportunities to be active and run. I hope the three sections are connected one day for the ultimate running experience.
Right now I’m absolutely loving my Saucony Endorphin Speeds. Fast always feels good, but I do save these babies for uptempo days!
I say “hello" to all the dogs I meet on runs before I say “good morning” to their owners.
To stay healthy so I can run for another 20 years.
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