In our weekly Q&A segment we asked Erin Finn a few questions about life on and off the course.

Describe your childhood dream.

Definitely to go to the Olympics, but not in track! I really wanted to make an Olympic gymnastics team. I started gymnastics before I was even able to make real memories and did it through ninth grade. I miss it a ton, but now whenever I try to reach down and touch my toes, I am reminded of my lack of flexibility and think that I probably made the right choice in pursuing running.

Describe your fondest race memory.

After cross country nationals 2013 - no question. Right after the race, my teammates and I were more exhausted than we've ever been and we didn't think that we had run well at all. We were all just kind of trying to pull ourselves together and gather the energy to walk out of the tent, but just couldn't for a long time. Finally, we ambled (ambled might even be a slight exaggeration for our outrageously slow movement toward the tent's exit) out and someone shouted congrats. Confused, we looked around a little and finally someone shouted that we were fourth. That was one of the happiest moments of my life. (I have a really cool Insta pic of it!)  



If you weren't running, what would you be doing and why?

Definitely something active and involving endurance, like biking or swimming. I wouldn't be very good at either, but at least I'd be having fun! Also, I'd spend more time studying and working in biochemistry research labs (sorry I let my nerd out).

Describe your worst habit.

I get really nervous for workouts sometimes and I don't understand why. I am really trying to work on being more of a positive influence for my team, but it's tough.

And pop-tarts.

Describe the kind of kid you were in high school.

Definitely a nerd. If I wasn't at practice, I was at home studying or at church. I didn't have much time for too much else, but my best friends ran cross country so I could spend time with them at practice. I wouldn't trade the craziness for anything!

Take us through how this past summer was for you in and out of training and what we could expect this coming school year?

Training was fantastic. I have a wonderful team that inspires and pushes me all of the time, a family that supports me, and a God who believes in me. You can expect me to come hungry :)

If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, describe how you would spend it.

As every runner would say, I'd sleep in first and then have a really tasty and big breakfast. Then I'd probably catch up on some studies or go to church. After that I'd spend some time with friends, perhaps going for a walk. Finally, if it weren't an off day, I'd squeeze in a run, because that's not a responsibility!

Describe your most embarrassing moment as an athlete.

Hmm... None in particular come to mind, but mainly because I do dumb things on the daily and am a major klutz. If you see me at a meet, I bet you'll see me trip or do something cringe-worthy.

What is your major and why did you choose it?

Biochemistry! I love understanding how things work, so I love all types of science. Both of my parents are doctors, too, so I was raised in a medical culture and biochemistry just seemed like a perfect fit. Someday I want to go to medical school.

Tell us about your favorite memory with one of your current or past training partners.

Anytime that I can work out with my team is a great day. Shannon Osika, Brook Handler, and I all have different strengths that complement each other well. Also, if it happens to be a "perfect fall day", a term coined by my teammate Taylor Manett, everything just seems right in the world.

In high school, I worked out with three boys on my team. My fondest memory from then was when we were nearing the end of a long run and hysteria was beginning to set in. One of them told me I looked like a donut. From then on, they always teased me about being a donut around that spot and violent, rapturous laughing would ensue, leading awkward running form and then even more laughing.

Describe the perfect post-race meal in detail.

Ice cream, with some type of chocolate.

Describe your favorite workout?

I like tempos coupled with faster intervals at the end. Sunny days help too!

Dream place to run or try and why?

The Yellow Brick Road (to visit Oz, of course) or possibly underwater, but only if it were like running on land and wouldn't need oxygen or be hindered by water's viscosity (because no one else has really run there before).

Who is your childhood hero and why?

My parents are my heroes; after being away from home for a year, I have really realized how much they mean to me. They are the perfect support group and will be there for me under any and all circumstances. They've taught me some of the most important things I know and raised me in Christ. They're basically the bomb-diggity.

Runner-wise, I'd have to say my heroes are constantly evolving. Any successful woman distance runner is inspiration for me. Over the years, they've ranged from Shalane and Kara, to the women of Hansons Running, to Lauren Fleshman and Jenny Simpson. Right now, however, I'm a big Molly Huddle fan. She's dominating an event I love and seems to be having a blast doing it.  

Describe your guilty pleasure.

Pop-tarts and ice cream. I want to try one of these babies soon: (Post nationals treat?)

If you could give one piece of advice you think every runner should hear, what would it be and why?

The key to success in distance running is consistent training. Don't overwork yourself so that you can't workout the next day, the next week, the next month, etc. Also, make sure you treat your body properly by eating and sleeping well. By prepping yourself for tomorrow's run today, you'll be more ready to train and get the positive effects of consistent training.

If you had to listen to 1 song in your head every time you ran for the rest of you life, what would it be?

I'd actually rather never listen to a song again than have to listen to a song on repeat for forever; I NEVER run with music and don't normally listen to anything pre-race. But if I had to choose a song, right now I'd say Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off". I am a big Taylor Swift fan!

Dinner for 3 (living or dead) who and why?

My maternal grandpa - he was a major sports fan and one of my earliest supporters. However, he died before I was able to make any waves in the running world. I would love to show him how instrumental his belief in me was to getting me to where I am today as an athlete. Also, I know that he'd have tons of great advice to dispense.

Lauren Fleshman - she's fast AND a super-genius. She knows that running is freaking awesome, but that other things are too. (Booyah anyone?)

(And if I am not included in the three) Taylor Swift - I like her cats and her songs.

Describe your pre-race ritual.

I put on a lucky pair of socks, eat a good breakfast, and always say a prayer with my mom.

Aside from that, I don't like to have too many rituals just in case something goes wrong. You don't want to jinx a race before it even starts!

What does racing look like for you in the next 6 months?

I will be competing for the University of Michigan and trying to help my team to as many conference titles as possible!