Welcome!
I am SO glad you’re here.
I’m Erin, a recreational runner who loves Jesus. I have a passion for encouraging other women, both in life and on their running journeys. You aren’t likely to find me on a treadmill, because I’d much rather be outside. I’m a nature girl at heart (minus the snakes and mosquitos 😉), which is why my happy place is on the trails.
Second to my faith, but before my fondness for running, is my love for my family and friends. I’ve been married to my wonderful, supportive hubby (who shares my passion for running and being outdoors) for 17 years and we’re very blessed with two active and fun boys, ages 8 and 10.
My experience
If you’re here looking for expert advice from a trained coach, you’re probably in the wrong place.
Like you, I’m just a gal who loves to run and to learn about the sport.
Currently, I am neither expert nor certified coach, but I have gleaned so many valuable tidbits of information from seasoned runner friends and coaches that have helped me tremendously with my running. Combine that with lessons learned from over 6 years of running (consistently) and many books read, and I think you’ll be able to find at least a few helpful tips and tricks that you can weave into your own running routine.
Successful running is wholistic
I believe there’s so much more to becoming a well-rounded runner (try saying that five times fast) than simply lacing up your sneakers and heading out the door. Applying time-tested running principles is fundamental. And it’s necessary. But the things we think about and meditate on also have a role in how successful we are. And, possibly even more importantly, when we focus on feeding our bodies and our souls, we contribute to better overall running health.
Simply put, running is body, mind, and spirit.
Why Running with Roots?
I suppose I like using alliteration and other literary devices. Ha! Actually “Running with Roots” is a play on words that references both the condition of the trails I run on regularly (lots of roots), as well as my faith.
There are many references in the Bible to seeds and trees and roots. The person rooted in Christ is frequently viewed in a positive light. Jesus himself is described as the root of David because He is the promised Messiah (Rev 22:16); He is the vine, without whose roots, we can do nothing (John 15:4-5).
Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
When our trust is in the Lord – when we are rooted in Him – we flourish.
How does this apply to running, you ask?
Personally, when my priorities get out of whack and I temporarily cease living with Jesus at the center of my life, my running becomes about me. In those times, I find that I seek glory for myself.
Or, if things aren’t going so well, it’s easy for me to feel defeated and down.
But – when my roots are firmly planted, it doesn’t matter if I have a great race or not. If I do, God gets the glory. If I don’t, that’s ok. If I’m injured, or sick, or unable to train for some reason, that’s ok too.
When I’m rooted in what matters, my identity and worth aren’t based on my performance. They rest on Christ.
And the same is true for you, my dear sister.
I started Running with Roots because, not only do I want to share my passion for running and beautiful trails, but because I want to encourage you. I want to spur you on to grow your roots of faith down deep.
You’ll be amazed at the impact it can have, not only on your running journey, but also on those around you.
So I hope you’ll stick around because I have great things planned to share with you! In fact, here’s a copy of my weekly training log – free for you to download and start using today!
You can even print multiple copies and use them to plan out your running schedule, keep track of your mileage, stay on top of injuries, and learn what works for you and what doesn’t as you endeavor to achieve your running goals.
