Our next runner of the month has been a part of our club for over 8 years and has crossed many a finish line during that time, from the Chicago marathon to the Rollin’ Nolen 10 miler and so many others, some of those while pushing a stroller! If you haven’t met Erin Petree yet, you probably already know her amazing smile. She is also one of the most dedicated and focused runners in our crew, finding her running groove through not one, not two, but three pregnancies during her time with NRC! With the support of her husband, Robert, who is also a strong runner, their family is all about staying active! Like the words of one of her favorite lyrics says, “Life’s a dance you learn as you go.” And, Erin is definitely enjoying the dance every step of the way!
We had a chance to ask Erin a few questions and get the scoop on her running story. Read on to find out about what got her into running, her epic engagement, her cross-training tips, and of course, her favorite things about NRC!
NRC: So, Erin, tell us a little bit about where you’re from. Were you a runner in your early years?
Erin: I was born in Charlotte, NC and moved to Hilton Head, SC when I was in 2nd grade. I never ran in school. I played soccer from kindergarten all the way through 9th grade and did one year of crew. Playing sports was the only running I did while I was growing up.
NRC: Well, soccer requires a LOT of running, so I’d say that counts! When did you start running outside of soccer? Was there a specific motivation to start?
Erin: I started running right around the time I met my husband, Robert, but very short distances. He motivated me to get more active and I did my first half in Charleston, SC before we moved. It wasn’t until we moved here that I got more into distance running. I signed up for the Fleet Feet training group for the half and learned how to properly train. We also started running with NRC.
NRC: Very cool! So, for those who don’t know, your husband Robert is one of the NRC fasties! A strong runner since his school days, he’s achieved some awesome goals, including an injury comeback that led him to running Boston 2022! When did you and Robert meet?
Erin: Robert and I met December 2010. His good friend from college was dating (now married to) my best friend from high school. When Robert proposed, he set up a huge surprise with 40+ people in Charleston. He had each of our friends participate carrying signs with some of his favorite memories we had from dating. It was absolutely perfect.
NRC: He organized over 40 people for your engagement! Okay, that is amazing! So, what drew you both to move to Nolensville and how did you find out about NRC?
Erin: Robert and I moved here in 2013 for jobs and to be closer to our family. Robert’s sister lives here in Franklin and my parents live in Knoxville. I don’t quite remember how we heard about NRC, maybe through Fleet Feet, but I love the people and the encouragement. I’ve made some of my best friends through the club and for that I am so grateful!
NRC: It’s funny that you mention running friends… while I personally consider you a great friend and running ally – and can say that you have inspired me many times over the years with how you make time for the important things in your world, including your health! I also took the liberty of asking a few of your closest friends, the amazing Tandy Campbell and always-hilarious Mary Kate Pollreis, to share a few words about running with you.
Mary Kate said, “One of the very first times I came to NRC with no one to run with I turned around to two strangers and just said “What pace do y’all run?” It was Erin and Tandy and now I can’t imagine running without them! Not only is Erin a great friend and running partner, but her older son Aiden and Collins became fast friends too AND trained for a race together. Also, I had to poop on a run and it was only a month into knowing Erin. I thought FOR SURE that would be the end of our friendship, but she has stuck by my side. LOL!”
Tandy said, “Erin is one of the most organized, structured people I know! She is a great mom and loves her little family so much. I enjoyed running many miles with her as she trained for her first Marathon which she crushed! We are like therapists for each other all the time. I keep telling her as long as she keeps getting pregnant and having babies, I’ll be able to keep up with her!”
Erin: I would not be where I am as a runner if it wasn’t for my friends in NRC. They have continued to run with me through now three pregnancies and have been so patient to run whatever pace was right for me in each season of life. I am so grateful for the friendships I have made through NRC!
NRC: I’m sure just about everyone one of our NRCers can relate to what it means to have these kinds of friendships. Do you have a favorite memory with NRC?
Erin: My favorite memory is probably my first race back, post baby, at the Nolensville 5k. It was so fun to have so many friends out as I pushed the stroller to the finish!
NRC: You’ve done a lot of races over the years! Out of all your running experiences, what are a few accomplishments that stand out to you?
Erin: My biggest accomplishment was finishing the Chicago marathon in 2016. Second to that would be the Oak Barrel half in 2017 with my current PR of 1:50:18. One day when our kids are a little older, I hope to get back and do another marathon!
NRC: I know from talking with you on runs that you have done cross-training along with running. What activities do you do or have you done that helped your running?
Erin: Prior to kids, I did barre along with running. I definitely would credit barre to completing marathon training injury free. The past year and a half, I have switched to doing the peloton 1-2 days a week along with running (easier with the kids). I love switching it up and feeling like I’m working other muscles we don’t use running. Otherwise, my cross training includes chasing two crazy toddlers around. Haha!
NRC: Together, you and Robert are such a great team and I know you’re often tagging each other as you take turns getting in your runs. What are some of the ways you’ve worked to support each other with your running goals?
Erin: We are both so supportive of each other. We make time to let each other get our workouts in, whether it be getting up early or coming home from work early. I wouldn’t still be running this much if it wasn’t for Robert’s support and flexibility to help with the kids so I can have time to get in a run.
NRC: With two active young boys and a baby girl due Sept. 2022, it has been awesome to see you at NRC Wednesdays pushing one or both of your boys in the stroller well into your pregnancy. How important is it to you to set an example of staying active for your kiddos? (And, um, do they make triple strollers?)
Erin: I wish there was a stroller for all three! It’s very important to me for the kids to see us staying active. I want it to be something they are excited about. Whether it be running or another sport, I want them to want to stay active and enjoy being outside as much as we do!
NRC: With baby coming soon, what is your current training focus? What would be the top race on your bucket list?
Erin: My current focus is just staying healthy, active and listening to my body. At 28 weeks, I am nearing the end of my running journey this pregnancy. I’ve been so lucky to be able to run for all three pregnancies and truly feel it has helped me bounce back quicker.
One day, I’d love to do another marathon! Also, would love to do the Napa to Sonoma half marathon one day!
NRC: Absolutely! I do have to say that “love” is not a word most people associate with marathons, but then most people don’t get to run with NRC! I can bet that you could get more than a few to join you in Napa, too! Congrats, Erin! You are such a strong member of NRC and we’re so glad to have you and the whole Petree crew as part of our running family!
SPEED ROUND – Erin Petree
Favorite food to throw on the grill: Hamburgers! I have craved them this whole pregnancy 🙂
Do you run with music or other diversions? If alone, I always have to have music but I much prefer running and chatting with friends.
Hobbies outside of running: Currently just being a mom. I’ve recently “retired” to stay at home with the kids and have been loving taking the boys on all sorts of adventures this summer.
Dream vacation spot – no limitations? Greece or anywhere with a beach!