Denver Metro Racing (DMR) was founded with a simple goal – to create an opportunity for competitive women runners to leverage a local team support system while pursuing individual goals. They thrive off the group training effect and are inspired to create an environment where local runners can become part of a team again. They are working professionals with a passion for running and believe that working cohesively together can allow us to reach that next big goal.
This month, DMR’s founder, Nora Erspamer, is the Runner Box Colorado Runner of the month.
It says on the website that you moved to Colorado last January. Where were you before and why Colorado?
I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago. I have always had my eye set on moving west so after my husband and I got married in the fall of 2018, we pulled the trigger. I am a Midwesterner at heart but love the lifestyle, scenery and weather here. I am however still getting used to all the hills!
You ran at North Central collegiately? What events do you run and how was that experience compared to running post- collegiately ?
Yes, I ran track and cross country at North Central College. I primarily focused on the 1500m, with a few distance events sprinkled in there. I tapped off my college career with All-American and All-Conference honors. North Central is a fantastic school and the running program and community truly impacted my life. We like to joke that every runner you meet is somehow connected to NCC.
Post-collegiately, I joined the competitive racing team, Second City Track Club, based out of Chicago. Training with this group really took my training and mental focus to a new (and different) level. I began to extend my race distance, running my first marathon in the fall of 2018.
Collegiately and post, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by such positive and motivational people, helping to maintain that “training spark.”
In less than a year after your move to Colorado, you took a leap and started Denver Metro Racing. Tell us a little bit about how that all got started?
When I moved to Colorado, it was a priority for me to find my training path and running community. I reached out to several local clubs and landed on the Highlands Ranch Running Club. After speaking with the coach, Phillip Buckley, I resonated with his coaching style and the culture of the club. I was on board.
Phillip and I began to geek out about running and shared the common observation that a truly competitive women’s distance team did not exist in the suburbs of Denver. These groups appeared to only exist in Boulder and in the Springs. We both knew women like me existed in this area…it was just a matter of creating an environment for us to gather. That’s when the idea was born.
Tell us a little bit about what DMR is and what the plans for the future entail?
DMR was founded to simply create an environment where competitive women runners can leverage a team support system while pursuing their individual goals. We are unique in that the ladies can maintain their current coach and training plan. Our focus is to eliminate the silos and cohesively work together to accomplish both individual and team goals. We are working professionals and mothers, so we understand the importance of balancing work, training and family.
Future plans are to continue building the foundation of this group and helping each lady reach their full potential. Our goal is also to create friendships and a strong female running community that we can be proud to represent.
We are eager to be present and support the local running community. DMR will be racing local events throughout the calendar year to show our support and to help build the great running scene that is already established.
I see on the website that there are currently 13 women on the team. Do you plan to expand that even more or keep it right around that number?
We have been encouraged by the fast growth of the team. I anticipate the group will hover around 20. The goal is to maintain the culture and purpose of the team while also ensuring that training ability and goals align. I am excited to look back a year from now and see what growth we endured.
What are your racing plans for 2020?
I am running the Sprouts Mesa Half Marathon on February 8 with several teammates. I am then gearing up for my first Boston Marathon experience. A few ladies are also running Boston. We anticipate the team will take part in the Colfax Marathon Relay, Ragnar Trails and Colorado Classic 10K. As far as the fall, options are wide-open!
If there are female athletes out there who are reading this and would like to get more information about Denver Metro Racing, what should they do?
Great question! Visit our website (www.denvermetroracing.com) and submit the Contact Us form. You can also email us directly at: team@denvermetroracing.com. Be sure to also follow us on Instagram and Facebook – @denvermetroracing
What was your favorite thing in the Runner Box?
I loved the Bobo’s Toaster pastry! I am also very excited to try the “Oats over night” chai latte. Thank you for sending!
Thanks Nora! Follow Nora’s racing on Instagram @run_fergie_run.
“Leave the research to us, and we’ll leave the training to you,” says Runner Box. The Runner Box is a subscription-based service that delivers a “box” of runner-friendly goodies to you every other month; items like gels, bars, and other accessories hand-picked to add to your running. Many items are new to the market, and new items are expected with each box. A great service for yourself, the boxes also make great gifts and are often themed around holidays.
Previous “The Runner Box” Colorado Runners of the Month:
July 2018 – Alex Nichols
December 2017 – Patrick Rizzo
November 2017 – Chris Mocko
October 2017 – Ashley Brasovan
September 2017 – Bryan Williams
July 2017 – Anna Mae Flynn
May 2017 – Timothy Olson
April 2017 – Noah Droddy
February 2017 – Courtney Dauwalter
January 2017 – Becky Wade
December 2016 – Zach Miller
November 2016 – Sage Canaday
October 2016 – Sarah Pizzo
September 2016 – Clare Gallagher
July 2016 – Addie Bracy
May 2016 – Tabor Scholl
April 2016 – Amanda Basham
February 2016 – Alia Gray
November 2015 – Ali Williams
October 2015 – Neely Gracey
September 2015 – Timmy Parr
August 2015 – Andy Wacker
July 2015 – Lanie Szuch
June 2015 – Joe Gray
May 2015 – Brittni Hutton
April 2015 – Andy Rinne
March 2015 – Justin Ricks
February 2015 – Laura Thweatt