We really do have the most diverse and amazing members! I would love to share your stories, accomplishments or anything else you would like to share. Please send them to barb.meely@steeplechasers.org.
This week’s incredible member spotlight is on Erica McCann.
“I am Erica: a mom of 4 who works full time, while juggling running and training.
Running is part of who I am. Running just happens, I don’t love it, sometimes I don’t like it, but I continue to do it because I don’t know how to quit. I’ve never regretted a run and I love the feeling of self satisfaction. I am grateful to be a STEEP. I enjoy volunteering, inspiring others and challenging myself. I run to compete; to be the best that I can be. I enjoy helping others accomplish their goals in running and in life.
Running has always been something I have done from the young age of 6 through my now age of 40. I started out running with the Hershey Track and Field program and then was the Washington County Cross Country Champion in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. In middle school I kept running, but not as much competing as I then joined the volleyball team. In high school I was a sprinter/jumper/hurdler which landed me a few school records and a Gold medal at the State Championship in May of 1998 for the 100m Hurdles. This win was huge, as I had laparoscopic knee surgery in March of 1998. I graduated high school and attended HCC where I ran cross country, outdoor track and played volleyball. Volleyball landed me a full ride to Division 1 High Point University, however after seeing how much time and commitment that level of play required, I transferred to Salisbury University where I no longer played sports but instead focused on my studies which landed me a degree in Exercise Science in 2003.
After college, I continued running, but never really training, until 2010 when I signed up with two friends to run the Frederick Half Marathon. I thought, “How is this sprinter going to run 13.1 miles and with a decent goal?” I had no idea what I was capable of. I winged the training and finished in 2:10:00. Ten years later my PR sits at 1:36:00.
In 2013, I signed up for my first marathon – Baltimore! I had just delivered twins in 2012 and wanted a challenge one year later. Because I was such a novice, I decided to run a practice marathon one month prior to Baltimore. I ran the Lehigh Marathon (now known as Via) in 4:06:00. This gave me the goal for Baltimore. I needed to break 4 hours and I did with a 3:59:00. My PR now sits at 3:32:00. From 2013 to 2016 I took time off from marathons (running three in 3 months wasn’t smart for my body). In 2014 and 2015, I battled an injury and was diagnosed with a torn labrum in my hip. I continued running and added in more strength work to get healthy. In 2016, I decided to hop back on the marathon train and set a goal of qualifying for Boston. I had been to Boston as a spectator but I wanted my chance to RUN the Boston Marathon.
In 2016, I suffered a fibula stress fracture which gave me 8 weeks in a boot. Too much, too fast, too soon. After that injury, I learned of the Steeplechasers from a friend and he mentioned how great the people were, and the events they put on. Best $20 I ever spent. I ran their low-key races, while meeting some incredible people and runners. I also volunteered at multiple local events. It’s an all-around great club.
In 2017, I ran the Outer Banks marathon and earned a BQ [Boston Qualifier]. However, that qualifying time didn’t earn me a spot in the 2019 Boston Marathon, as I was shy of the cut off by seconds. Boston then changed the qualifying standards by 5 minutes meaning I needed to run even faster to get my BQ. Challenge accepted: I ran the Richmond Marathon in 2018 to earn my BQ for the 2020 Boston Marathon. Registration was accepted, training started…race postponed. I was excited for Boston to then be a fall marathon until COVID-19 destroyed those plans. All that hard work for a race that isn’t happening for the first time in history. 2020: a year of craziness.”
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We would love to share your stories, accomplishments or anything else you would like to share! If you would like to be featured here, please send your story to barb.meely@steeplechasers.org.