“Strong and powerful” – Emily Gokita on her love for running

Why do you run?

I found running later in life. After years and years of teaching fitness classes ranging from Zumba to yoga and boxing to spinning, I really craved movement for me. Running became that movement. I started running to have some time for myself and kept running because I really enjoyed how it made me feel – strong and powerful.

Is there a moment when things began to “click” for you in this sport?

I had done 5k races in the past (for fun), but I didn’t start running distances until I moved to Berlin in 2017. When running started to feel good and I started to notice my “easy” paces improving, something clicked. I reached out to a friend (our RCTC president) about doing the Berlin Half Marathon and, after crossing that first big finish line, I immediately wanted more. A few half marathon efforts and now two marathons later, I’m determined to get a BQ in 2022.

How did you find out about RCTC?

My husband and I moved back to Boston in late 2020, then found our way to Portland in late 2021. The whole time, I knew I wanted to join a run club to help level up my running and find community. Lucky for me, I had friends in high places at RCTC encouraging me to join. 

You’ve lived in many different places! What is your favorite town to run in?

Ooo, my favorite town to run in is the town that made me a runner… Berlin! Running along the Spree in the early morning or evening light is amazing. It’s a real breath of fresh air in a city that sometimes feels dark and gloomy. There’s a very nice bike, run, and walk community out there, so you’re never alone on a long run along the river. 

What do you do for work and fun outside of this sport?

Outside of running, I’m a content strategist (currently for a wine company). In the past, I’ve worked in marketing for fitness apps and tech companies. As a side hustle, I’ve been teaching fitness classes of all kinds since 2009 (aging myself, for sure). Lately, I love teaching cardio boxing to the beat of the music or choreographed spinning classes. Here in Portland, I’d love to get into teaching more yoga or mobility classes for runners. 

Where are you at with running right now?

I’m excited about training with a team this year. I’m working towards the Shamrock 8k, Eugene Half, and – my bigger goal – running a BQ in Berlin this September. I’m already manifesting and visualizing that one big time. 

Roads or trails? Why?

I can’t choose. Roads are my normal, trails are something I like to hit at least once per week – usually with my dog – because nature is good for our mental health. I’m always down for a Forest Park jaunt.