Name: Andrew Erickson

Town: Lebanon, NH

Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area?

I am originally from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, a town on the Maryland border. I came to the Upper Valley after graduating college at the suggestion of my old teammates who lived here and needed a roommate—so I sold a bunch of my stuff, quit my job and moved! 

What do you do professionally?

I am a creative and freelance writer; I also paint houses to supplement my income.

How long have you been running?

13 years, ever since middle school 

How long have you been running competitively?

Since my sophomore year in high school, so about 9 years. 

Why do you run?

Running fulfills me and makes me feel accomplished each day, I also feel I owe the sport for so many good things that have happened to me in my life.

Recent memorable moment while running?

First ascent up Moosilauke this spring and seeing the view of a new season!

Best athletic accomplishment and why?

Probably winning the Vermont 50 in 2018, mostly because it wasn’t expected and it was super hard!

If you like to race, favorite race distance? Why?

Half marathon—perfect blend of speed and distance.  

If you like to race, notable race moment? OR most memorable race?

Meeting Alex Hall at the Gate City Half last year and him convincing me to join UVRC!

Training partners?

Dan Shea, Alex Hall, Andy MacGibbon

Favorite local running route?

Three Mile road in Etna

Favorite post run treat?

Chips & Pickles  

What made you start running?

My older cousin convinced me to run a mile when I was 12; the rest is history

Who is your running “idol”? 

Dan Shea. 

Why did you join UVRC? 

I wanted to become part of the local community, meet new people and contribute to this beautiful place, so I saw a running club as a great place to start. 

Ever run in a costume?

Definitely not  

The only running shoe for me is New Balance - 890’s 

Ever been injured? How did it happen?

Too many times. I’ve had three stress fractures in my back and a host of soft-tissue stuff, IT bands, Achilles, knees, on and on. It happened because I ran too much and stretched too little. Lesson learned let’s hope not forgotten.  

Hot or cold weather runner?

Definitely cold, hence moving to New England 

Morning or evening runner?

Both! 

What is your motivation?

The prospect of weighing 148 pounds for the rest of my life.

How did you become interested in running?

Peers in school and my cousin, who was a Division 1 miler.

What is your favorite race?

The Stewartstown Lions Vineyard 5K, in my hometown. You get a free bottle of wine for winning.

Favorite running book/film?

No film, but book would be Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore

What does your daily workout consist of?

Junk miles, with the occasional workout for good measure 

How about favorite work out?

10x400 w/200 jog, classic

What is your diet like?

I mainly follow a plant-based vegan diet, but make concessions for cookies occasionally 

If you could run with anyone, who would be the person? 

Kenny Moore

Additional input or comments?     People to mention?

Just that this running club has been an incredible way to venture into the community, to network and make wonderful friends. My experience moving here has been uniquely positive thanks to the people I have met through UVRC.

What else should the club know about you?

I’m not the fastest runner in the Upper Valley, for those who have made that assumption. 

Aside from running, what are your hobbies?

Writing (also my job) painting, reading, and fixing cars & motorcycles.