The MP4 Spotlight is On: Erika Sperl-Imhoff

Written by Joanna

March 19th, 2010

By Joanna Sutter

Guess who gets a new MP4 bike training plan this weekend? YOURS TRULY! For me, getting new training plans is like Christmas morning…it’s a gift! But until then, I have 2 more workouts to conquer so I better get back in the saddle.

Enough about me let’s meet…

The MP4 Athlete of the Week: Erika Sperl-Imhoff

If we asked your coach or training partner to list three words that describe you they would be: Cheating on the there words, but three descriptors: Feisty. Not-a-quitter. Mini-Martha-Stewart.

What are you training 4? My next big race is USAT Collegiate Nationals in Lubbock, TX (April 17th). where I’ll be competing for the University of Minnesota! The rest of my summer calendar a half marathon, and a few 10Ks, and I’m looking forward to more tri’s with my other team – Peace Coffee Racing. Going to be a busy summer!

What is the best nutrition or training tip you’ve ever been given? Whether it be a new nutrition plan or a change in workouts, you can try anything for a week. No excuses for quitting until you give it a fair try!

Tell us about your most memorable athletic achievement: Oh man – Med City Marathon, 2008. It was the smartest race I have ever ran, and *knock on wood* hopefully I’ll be able to pull of something like that again. Ran negative splits the whole way (last mile was sub 7s!), perfect fueling + hydration, it was awesome. My finish time was a 3:19, which isn’t that impressive in lots of races, but at a little marathon like Med City, it was good enough to take my age group and get me second female finisher overall!!

Describe your perfect workout: As much as I’m enjoying these new strength workouts, I’m still a distance girl at heart. A long run around Minneapolis’ lakes, followed by going to sit in the kiddie pool for an “ice bath” My dad used to bike with me to keep me on pace and carry the hydration, so I think I’d have to fly him in from Philly too

How do you achieve workout/life balance? Truthfully, I don’t. There are three BIG things in my life: my family/boyfriend/friends, training, and school. Throw in some faith, work, and volunteering, and there is just a lot going on! It seems like there’s a continuously rotating schedule of what takes precedence… although the boy and training constantly duke it out for 1st.

What motivates you on days you don’t feel like working out? I’ve been through quite an orthopedic hell – due to a genetic condition called fibrous dysphasia, I’ve fractured my femoral neck twice, and nearly had running taken away for good! I know what it’s like to not have my mobility, and that makes my workouts seem that much more special. It’s not that I have to do them, it’s that I get to!

If you could workout with anyone in the world who would it be and why? Martha Stewart. She is my adopted mom, fairy godmother, and idol, all wrapped into one. And she made brownies with Snoop Dogg – what’s not to love?

What is your favorite workout accessory? My Garmin! I love that it lets me just run (or bike!). no pre-planned route, no end point in sight. At the same time, when I finish I like to know how far I’ve gone, and seeing those negative mile splits is the icing on the cake!

What kitchen gadget can you not live without? BLENDER! The one I have now does the job, but I would honestly trade a kidney for a Vita Mix. If you know someone who knows someone… let’s talk.

What was the last thing you’ve had to eat today? There is an empty plate sitting on the coffee table in front of me. It once contained a massive amount of homemade green bean fries and hot salsa/ketchup. My stomach and mouth are very pleased.

What book or magazine is on your bedside table? Just picked up the Easter edition of Martha Stewart Living. I really wasn’t kidding! Underneath it is my bible and the last issue of Runner’s World.

What beauty product is always in your purse or gym bag? Is Icy Hot considered a beauty product…?

What is the most played song on your iPod? The Sweet Home Alabama / Country Grammar Mashup. I don’t think I could ever burn out on that song!!

The first place you go when you log on to your computer is…. My email. Although I’m starting to think that’s not such a good idea.. I had over 20 messages to respond to when I got home from practice!

When you’re not working out where can we find you? Hanging out at the lake – I run there, bike there, waitress at a restaurant there, go redeem my free ice cream thanks to said waitressing job there. I never want to move from Minneapolis!

What’s your motto? “Aut viam inveniam aut faciam” – I’ll either find a way, or I’ll make one!