Name: Erika Marwick
Age: 29
Sport: Athletics
I didn’t start competing in Athletics until I was 24.
I love Athletics. Training and competing bring so much to my life. I love feeling like I am getting better and improving, not just in the times I achieve, but in how much joy I get from training and competing.
I also feel like Athletics has made me a happier and more positive person. One of the best things for me about being involved in the sport are the folk I have met and the friends I’ve made.
I have always struggled with confidence but over the years I am slowly getting more confident in my abilities and have been able to take the drive and motivation I have for running into different aspects of my life.
In addition, my poor eating habits are massively improved which has made my overall health so much better. I know I have to eat well to fuel my training so that’s all the motivation I need to have a balanced diet which I didn’t before.
Last year was a turning point for me in my Athletics career with the highlight being the Island Games. I ran an 800m time that was secretly my lifetime goal, so to go out there and exceed all my expectations was amazing.
Also getting to be included in the 4X400m relay team was unforgettable. And really, it was brilliant just to be in that overall Orkney team. I feel so lucky to have been part of it.
However, since mid-October I have been struggling with an injury which has been tough. As every athlete who’s had a serious injury will appreciate, it can knock your confidence. And I am a worrier anyway.
It feels a bit like you are the only one who isn’t getting better and progressing when of course that isn’t the case - injuries happen to everyone at some point and all athletes have to work through them.
I am on the mend now and hopefully I will be able to get back to regular training very soon, but it has felt like a really long time. I have tried to stay positive which can sometimes be difficult when you have setbacks.
Having the sponsorship has been great, especially with the additional challenges that having the injury has added. I have a lot of rehabilitation to do and I also need to work on rebuilding my fitness. Picky has everything I need to be able to do this, including great opening hours which allow me to train early before work so I can fit it in around work and on-call commitments.
It’s nice to know that someone feels you are deserving of sponsorship, so it’s just a little bit more motivation to try your best and do well.
I hope I can show folk that it’s never too late. That if you want to do something and you work hard then you can achieve things.
I stand by the fact that I am not a naturally talented athlete. I have had to work incredibly hard and dedicate a lot of time to training. If I can do it – anyone willing to put in the work can too.