Open Mic Friday: Meet Ericka Umbarger

This week’s guest is Ericka Umbarger.  A marathoner and ultra-marathoner, Ericka has accomplished some amazing feats, including a 50 mile run just two months ago.  She loves running—and by the way, she also happens to have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Ericka caught the attention of many loungers for her story about developing as a runner while battling JRA.   Entitled  Because I know what it's like to not be able to . . . , Ericka's story was awarded the Runners' Lounge ExtraOrdinary Running award for May.

Welcome to Runners' Lounge, Ericka!

What is your fondest running memory?

My fondest running memory so far has been crossing the finish line at my first 50-mile ultra- marathon on March 22, 2008, the Bel Monte Endurance Run in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Four of my running buddies had come to crew for me and cheer me on at the various aid-stations.  My friend Angela, who had never run trails before in her life, helped pace me from mile 37 to the end, which consisted of several climbs up rocky mountains.  If it weren't for her, I would not have finished in 12:27:57, only about two minutes shy of the official cut-off time of 12:30:00.  My mom, sister, brother-in-law and four nieces and nephews surprised me by showing up and cheering for me at the finish line (I was afraid I would not finish so I had not asked them to come).  I was hungry, tired, sore and had almost quit around mile 27 but kept pushing through the intense pain and fatigue.  I actually cried for the first time ever after a race because I could not believe I had actually finished and because I was so exhausted both physically and mentally.

Do you have a mantra or thought that gets you through the rough patches?

David Horton, a legend in local distance running, did a pre-race briefing for newbie ultra-marathoners before the Holiday Lake 50k in February 2008 (my second ultra).  He said that at some point during any ultra, you will hurt and you will want to quit but that the moment will pass.  So when I start hurting, I always think that "This too shall pass" and repeat that to myself in cadence with my running.  After a while, I forget about the pain.  In my last ultra, the Promise Land 50k in April 50k, I was whining while going up a very steep 2-mile climb up a mountain to the next aid station and one of my running buddies said, "You can't train for tough . . . you just gotta be."  That comment shut me up pretty fast!  It reminded me that you can only train your body so much and the rest of it, the desire and the passion, is purely mental.

How has your running inspired others?

I took my mom and sister with me to Nashville the first time I did a half-marathon so they could enjoy a vacation.  My sister got caught up in the excitement of the race and said she wanted to do the half-marathon the following year, so she and I went back a year later in April 2006 and did it together.   Her husband started running as well and they have done several half-marathons together, as well as one marathon in November 2007.  My sister, a cancer survivor, lost about 80 pounds along the way and encouraged her children to participate in more physical activities.  After a couple years of "gentle prodding" (read: constant nagging!) from my sister and me, my mom gave up cigarettes after 30 years of smoking and began running too. 

In March 2008, my mom and 8-year old niece ran their first half-marathon, and my sister, brother-in-law and I ran it with them.  All five of us crossed the finish line together holding hands, which will always be a special moment for me.  In addition, my sister started a "Marathon Club" at the elementary school where she teaches.  Over the course of one semester, the kids had to run a total of 26.2 miles and they would reward the kids after every major mile stone reached (i.e. 5k total distance, 10k total distance etc).  They even got enough funding and support for the program to enter the kids in a 5k race and all the children's parents drove 45 minutes to watch the race.  I hope these children stay active and that their passion for running rubs off on their families and friends as well!

What have you learned about yourself as a runner?

I actually struggled in trying to answer to this question.  I don't think it's about what I have learned about myself as a runner, but rather what running has taught me and given me as a person.  Growing up with arthritis, I always defined myself first as a person with arthritis and I don't think I let people see past that label, so by default that is how other people saw me.  My running has given me incredible confidence and allowed me to see that I have other talents and skills and I'm not just a person with arthritis.  Dealing with my arthritis has also made me very strong-willed, so I can push through tough times while running because I've experienced worse pain in the past.

Any favorite taboo foods?

The reason I love ultra-marathons is because you are encouraged to eat all the foods that normally you ban from your diet while training! Since you are racing for so long and exerting so much energy, you have to continuously consume calories throughout the whole race.  At every aid-station, usually spaced out every 3-5 miles in an ultra, I grab everything I can eat, including pizza rolled in salt, boiled potatoes rolled in salt, pretzels, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, M & Ms, jelly beans, chips, soup, and chocolate.  The last ultra I did even had ice cream at one of the aid stations.  My absolute favorite thing to have during an ultra is Mt. Dew (aka Rocket Fuel!!). I don't drink soda on a regular basis so when I hit an aid station, I always chug a few cups and it gives me instant energy.  Also during marathons and in between aid stations in ultras, I swear by Jelly Belly Sports Beans for a quick pick me up!

What’s the nature of your professional work ?

I am a Lead Vocational Counselor at The Choice Group, so I work with individuals with disabilities to help them find gainful employment in the community and assist with any accommodations they need to be successful on the jobsite.  I also provide Independent Living Skills and Life Skills Training in clients' homes to help them become more independent in their environment in completing their Activities of Daily Living and improve interpersonal and social skills.  My favorite clients to work with are the ones with Rheumatoid Arthritis because I can understand their limitations and help them find jobs that are best suited to their skills and abilities.   

What advice do you have for other runners dealing with the pain of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Before deciding to try any exercise regimen, I would strongly advise getting a complete physical and discussing your goals with your doctor.  Running may not be the best exercise for individuals with JRA who suffer from affected more in the weight-bearing joints, such as in the feet, knees, and hips, but there are other lower-impact options such as cycling and swimming.  Make sure you take all your medications correctly, get plenty of sleep, and let your doctors know if you have pain. 

Most importantly, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.  There have been many times when I am planning on doing a long run one morning and wake up to a lot of inflammation and pain and will decide to cross-train instead of push my body. 

What are you other interests when you’re not running?

A lot of my activities revolve around fitness and outdoors.  I love hiking in the mountains and taking my dog to the river or park to play with her frisbee.  I love to travel, both domestically and abroad, and use my marathons as a way to explore different parts of the country.  I am an avid reader, sports lover, and roller coaster junkie.

Comments

[Database Diva]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, and congratulations on your 50 mile ultra! I love to read tales of people who have involved their friends and family in running. Yours might be the best one yet!

If you are an avid roller coaster junkie, you should talk your family into running the Spokane to Sand Point relay (http://www.spokanetosandpoint.com/) It goes through the Silverwood theme park, and includes a ride on a roller coaster. I'm hoping to put a team together for 2009.

[Kristy]

Thanks for the great interview and Erica well done on the Ultra...

I love reading about people completing amazing running adventures and overcoming hurdles. It gives me hope that one day I can aim for a marathon or ultra if that is what I desire :D

[Marline Zuzick]

It is very exciting to read about you and racing. I too have RA and am still running. Alot slower than I used to but I still try to get out there 4-5x a week.

Thank you for being an inspiration.

Sincerely,

Marline Zuzick