Eric Waskowicz

Q: When did you begin running and why?
When I was 10 years old we raced the six hundred yard dash—a loop course from one end of an open field around a backstop. A couple times I was the fastest in our class, so from that time on I had the thought I was a distance runner.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I had run four marathons without carefully following a training program, so I joined the DCRR marathon training program in 2011 to up my game. Around the same time I joined up with the Thursday Morning Breakfast Crew to do speed work on a track.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I’m training for the New York City marathon next fall. Big milestone in my prep will be the Runners Marathon of Reston. I’m following a Jack Daniels four week cycle program—3 weeks with two “quality” speed and tempo workouts (with additional easy runs), 1 week just distance. Repeat until April 5. Weekly mileage between 35 and 45 miles.

Q: What kind of cross training do you do? How about multi sport events?
Spring of 2018 to spring 2019 was a washout for me running-wise. I adjusted by relearning how to swim, with a goal of being able to swim with a master’s program (L4). It was a great experience because there was so much that I didn’t know and didn’t come naturally. I did complete the short course version of the Maryland Swimrun in May, and then did a sprint triathlon in September. If I find a similar-ability partner I would love to run the Casco Bay Swimrun which involves a duo swimming between and running across islands in the ocean near Portland Maine.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
I really enjoy a tough track workout with the DCRR crew at Yorktown high school on Thursday mornings. It’s a great experience when there’s a few of us running together.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
Plan. Be ready. Use that feeling I always get that somehow I’m in over my head this time.

Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
I like to run from my house along the GW bike path. When I’m in shape I love running out onto the Dyke Marsh trail near Belle Haven.

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
I’m married with three nearly all grown kids. By day I’m a project manager for software development projects.