Why Erin Runs

Erin Thornton is Every Mother Count’s Executive Director.  She’s running the ING New York City marathon for the second time this year (in support of Every Mother Counts) and we tagged her to be our first interviewee for our pre-marathon series – Why We Run.  To sponsor Erin, and help raise awareness and funds to advance maternal health, click here.  

EMC: Why do you run? 

I’ve always been kind of a tomboy and always liked sports so exercise has been a huge part of my world ever since I was pretty young. There was a while there when knee problems meant running was out of the question for me, but I eventually was able to return to it. It’s especially important now in my life because it’s the one sport I can do anywhere, anytime and I don’t need someone to meet me to do it.  Runners don’t need a lot of equipment.  Plus, selfishly, it’s the only “me” time I get anymore.  I run to stay in shape.  I run to keep my mental health and I run to de-stress.

Why are you running for EMC?

Because I have to.  (just kidding)  Last year when we were given these ten marathon spots, I wasn’t planning on running at all.  I brought it up to Christy and said, ‘I think we should auction these off.’  And Christy said, ‘Let’s run it ourselves.’  I thought she was crazy, but as soon as the challenge was out there, we felt like we had to take it up.  She and I both figured if we can get to ten miles, we could do this.

So, last year I did it because it was this new personal challenge and a new challenge for our brand new organization.  This year came around and I thought I was going to take a pass, but then there was so much mounting support and so many people coming together to run for us that I wanted to be part of it again.

How do you keep your mind busy while you’re running?

For long runs I sort of break it up. If there’s something stressing me out, I give myself a little bit of time to sort through it.  Other than that it’s music or, dorky as this sounds, for really long runs, I do books on tape - like bad mysteries. 

Some people equate runs with being meditative, especially when doing long distances.  Have you found that to be the case?

I have.  It’s my only mental health escape.  I can feel it both physically and mentally when I’ve gone too long without a run.  I get very anxious and running acts as sort of an outlet for decompression.  I’ve never really been into meditation, but there must be something there, some sort of a mental leap that always makes me feel centered again. 

When you run with music, what’s on your playlist?

I’m so tired of my running mix; I try not to even listen to it anymore. We have one team member, Amy, who makes running mixes for us every year and I listen to those.  I also listen to a mix of upbeat stuff with a heavy downbeat of some sort to keep me moving. Looking at my iPod, I’ve got a little Gaga on here, a little Kanye.  There’s some Counting Crows.  Murder of One has always been very inspirational for me.  There’s a little Florence and the Machine on here and a little U2, of course.  I’ve got a little country in me so there’s some Dixie Chicks on here.  Other than that, it’s pretty top-40.  (I rely on the interns to teach me about hip music. I need their help)

If we use “run metaphorically for “going the distance or striving,” what do you wish women would run for?

Themselves.  I wish we would advocate for ourselves better and be vocal and not somehow feel ashamed to do that or afraid to do that.  I wish we all would be better advocates for our issues.   

To support Erin and Every Mother Counts in the ING New York Marathon on November 4, click here.