Erica Agran writes about running and healthy snacks on her blog Erica Finds. She shares what she loves about running in Chicago, including the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, the Chicago Distance Classic, and leading group runs with Go Running Tours and Arc’teryx Chicago.

During the workday, Erica Agran is a health IT consultant and customer success executive. Away from her desk, Agran fills her time leading running tours and groups around Chicago, training for marathons, and writing about healthy products she finds.

Always seeking a good deal and open to trying new things — healthy snacks, household products, exercise classes, you name it — Agran began sharing her insights with friends on social media. In 2012, she launched a blog called Erica Finds to write more about her discoveries and work with brands.

Erica Finds has grown a loyal following, including many runners looking for new snacks and wellness products. Agran publishes product reviews in her weekly posts called “Tried It Tuesday,” runs giveaways, and shares brand discounts.

Agran also writes long-form content about her running adventures, such as her London Marathon race recap and monthly “Runfessions.” With more than 60 marathon finishes and counting, there’s a lot to write about!

Read on to learn about Agran’s running background, a few of her favorite races, and the running groups she leads in Chicago.

---

What do you love most about running, and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

I have been running since middle school. I started road running after I graduated from college to “get in shape.” I ran my first half marathon in 1994 and my first marathon in 1996, and I’ve been training ever since.

I love meeting other runners. I’ve made countless friends on the run and even in races. There are so many amazing people in my life that I’d never have met without running.

I’ve run 63 marathons with a 3:17 personal best in 2005. I’m probably most proud of the bottom half of my marathons, by time, because it’s the tough days that require us to dig down and keep going.

---

How are you involved with Go Running Tours and Arc’teryx Chicago?

I lead running tours for Go Running Tours [Chicago] and group runs for Arc’teryx Chicago.

Go Running Tours has run guides in over 70 cities worldwide and, in my opinion, it’s the best way to see a city! I’ve done Go Running Tours in Copenhagen, London, Paris, Madrid, Mexico City, Athens, and Indianapolis. I recommend doing them early in your stay to get the lay of the land and trusted recommendations for run routes, food, and must-see sights.

Arc’teryx has a ton of fun, free events in running, hiking, climbing, and more. I’ve met so many great people since I joined Arc’teryx as an ambassador. I love that I’m welcomed to runs and events at stores worldwide, and we host other stores’ ambassadors for the Chicago Marathon.

All events are open to the public and most are free. Check out the linktree at @arcteryxchicago on Instagram for event listings.

---

What’s your favorite aspect about running in Chicago, and what are a few local routes and races you recommend?

Chicago is an awesome running city. We have an 18-mile Lakefront Trail with amazing city views and tons of parks. We also have many urban routes for street art, history, and architecture.

I love to run on the Lakefront Trail. There are so many different routes in and out of the parks. There are runners from dawn to dusk and it’s easy to access from downtown and many neighborhoods.

The Chicago Distance Classic is made up of three awesome races: the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in March, the Chicago 13.1 in June, and the Chicago Marathon in October. All three are very well organized and have a fun, festive atmosphere.

---

Which city outside Chicago is your favorite to visit and run in?

I used to live in Brooklyn, New York, so I love to visit and run in NYC. Central Park is my happy place followed by the route over the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve run the NYC Marathon 23 times and have guaranteed entry for life as a 15+ runner. That’s my favorite race to run!

For more on running in NYC, read the Local Insights Q&A with Runstreet’s Founder and Running Coach Marnie Kunz.

---