Erika Mastny

"You Gotta Stay Hungry!"

City: Denver State: CO

Favorite Shoe: Brooks Trance Size: 9

Age: 31.3 years old

Marital Status: Divorced

Family members:
My two amazing girls, Emma and Sienna and my furry lovable chocolate lab, Burton, are my playmates! And boy, do they keep me busy as we love to spontaneously break out into dancing, singing, and tickling throughout the day! I have an older brother Aaron who lives in Florida; he was my inspiration growing up as I watched him dominate in every sport under the sun! My dad currently lives in France and has always been the biggest kid at heart. Was a fighter pilot and gave my brother and I the rights to his call sign name "Nasty Mastny." And of course my incredible mom, Aleta, who claims I got my speed from her. She was born and raised in Hawaii but surprisingly loves living it up in NJ! Go figure?!? :)

What I do for work:
I do sports modeling, spokes modeling and own a residential/commercial painting company called Captivating Color LLC.

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
I love Colorado! I currently live a block from beautiful Wash Park which is 5 minutes from downtown Denver and attracts some awesome athletes! I absolutely love it but I am seriously considering migrating to the Springs or the mountains because I love trail running, rivers and big ponderosas so much more!

When I started running and what got me started:
I've always loved to run but throughout school my major focus were team sports. I dabbled in some sprint triathalons before my little ones were born and than literally was racing towards a new identity after my divorce two years ago! I am currently training for a 110 mile race called TransRockies in August.

What does running mean to me:
It is my way of being connected with my mind, body and spirit. I truly feel close with God, nature, and life when I am running!!! I let all the stress just sweat out of my body and go to a peaceful place of meditation and serenity. Running is truly a precious gift and it makes my heart sing!

Running accomplishments:
I gave myself the greatest gift on my 29th birthday and ran the Bolder Boulder. I clocked my race at 46:06, they clocked me at 46:30; either way I placed in the top 2% of all the female participants and 19th in my age group. I was thrilled and I am hungry to do better!..I clocked in at 44:38 in the 2009 Bolder Boulder and placed 13th in my age bracket so I'm slowly moving up in the ranks and I'm ready to beat this time next year!

What I like about trail/mountain running:
I feel so free and playful when I am running through the mountains and on trails that take me to some of the most magnificent places! I picture myself as this fast rabbit dodging in and out of the rocks sprinting from a bear or playing hide and seek with my friends. There are times I practically feel like I am flying or floating because I am having so much fun!

Favorite running trail and why:
I am on the search for a great trail. I am excited to take on the adventures Colorado Spring trails have to offer and I know my upcoming race will introduce me to some awesome ones in the mountains.

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
My favorite trail is doing a 20 mile loop starting at Hallowell in Rocky Mtn National park and looping around Cub Lake, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake, and ending at Bear Lake...waterfalls, steep climbs, cliffs and bursting with wildflowers! The Transrockies race in 2008 was absolutely insane. Running along the continental divide, through rivers, combined with crazy climbs and knarly single track downhills, you realy can't ask for more! I loved every second of it so I'm heading back to compete again this summer!

Best running experience:
The Bolder Boulder was so exhilirating because I literally signed up the day before and ran close to a 6 minute mile out of the gates because I had so much nervous energy and I am extremely competitive. It opened my eyes to the possibility of being competitive in this awesome sport because I have never received any formal training before and yet I placed 19th in my age group.

Worst running experience:
I didn't know that the application of ice not heat would be the best healing remedy for my sore legs after my first marathon...yikes!!! I could barely walk for three days after that race! The pain was excrutiating but a good lesson for me to learn. It just gave me the incentive to do it right the next time around! :)

Neatest thing found on a run:
I ran upon a powerful river coming down the mountainside in Copper. It was crossing under my path and I had to stop to admire its magnificent force and grace as it tumbled down a perfect formation of bolders. It was wild, strong, and truly breathtaking!

Running related bathroom stop story:
I always try not to have gas while I run....I will just leave it at that. :)

Running pet peeves:
Just crazy drivers honking their horns and startiling me as I run. I jump every time.

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I'm a Jersey Girl!

Other hobbies and interests:
I absolutely love to dance to every kind of music; especially country, reggae and 80's. I am a yogi, love to ride down a black diamond in 6 feet of fresh pow pow, play golf and have an insatiable appetite for fresh summer fruit! I love to learn and I am always up for new adventures and challenges. I'm traveling to Costa Rica for a holiday in January. Can't wait to learn how to surf!

Other stuff:
I want to compete in an adventure race next year. So reading a compass, kayaking and rock climbing are all on my list to do. Just finished a great book, "Body, Mind and Sport," by John Douillard and curretnly reading "The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children." by Steven Vannoy. I want to beat my time in the Bolder Boulder by 3 minutes next year and have an incredible race supporting my partner, Jill, in the TransRockies race this summer.

Page last modified: 8/6/2009