10 Running Tidbits

This blog has been very quiet and very baby, and frankly, that's kinda is boring.  So, I decided to "borrow" this from Kyria over at Travel Spot to spark something new on this blog and get back to talking about running.  Don't worry, I've got a lot of thoughts in my head regarding running/triathlon/blogging/baby and should have some good posts coming up soon.

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?

I almost exclusively use strawberry banana PowerGel.  That's my favorite and I don't really like anything else.  I take A LOT of them during a run/race, like every four miles.  Last year when I was struggling with triathlon, Rachelle gave me a recipe for a homemade energy drink that has TONS of calories.  If I go back to triathlon, I'm going to try to use that on the bike.

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

Oy!  The longer the better for me.  My favorite distance is probably the half marathon.  It's long enough to have to pace, but short enough that you can really race.  I would say I'm probably pretty good at the marathon, too, although it's been a solid three years since I've done one and not sure when there will be another one on the schedule.  I haven't done an ultra and really don't want to.  That's a whole different ball game and I think 26 miles is long enough.

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

I am an old-school runner and run in running shorts.  My favorites are a pair from Saucony that are light as air.  In the winter I prefer to wear tights.  You won't catch me dead in a running skirt.

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

I will only drink water while running.  I take water at every single water stop no matter what the distance - 5K or marathon.  In triathlon I've experimented with Gatorade, whatever the stuff is Ironman uses, First Endurance, and homemade stuff.  If water had calories, I would use it.  :)

5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?

My favorite temperature to run is between 40-50 degrees.  I guess that's cold for most people.  Winter, and specifically snow, is definitely my favorite time to run outside - quiet and peaceful and totally badass.

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brookes, Asics or Other?

Saucony.  Only Saucony.  I have run in the Omni as my training shoe for YEARS!!!  I use the Kinvara as my racing shoe.

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?

If I'm at home and doing a race nearby, I will eat a piece of toast or two with butter and honey.  If I have traveled to a race, I will usually eat a cinnamon raisin bagel with nothing on it.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?

Right now, there's a whole lot of rest days.  :)  When I'm training, I usually don't run over 5 days a week.  I cannot do high mileage, and I cannot run many days in a row.  Frankly, I don't think it's needed.  I've done just fine with low mileage, very specific workouts.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?

I used to be a purist and not run with music and used to get a little angry at those who did.  However, when I started working with a coach and began doing all my workouts alone, I switched to using music.  Now I rarely do a workout without an iPod.  I think the iPod Shuffle is the best invention ever.  More to come on that later this week.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or Other?

Excellent question!  I think I started running out of boredom.  When I graduated college and didn't have anything to study anymore and lots of time on my hands.  So I signed up for a marathon.  Yes, I went big right from the start.  And then I was addicted.  It helped clear my head; it kept me fit and skinny; and I loved beating people (I'm not going to lie).  I love that I've been doing this for 11-1/2 years and are still setting new PRs.  I hope there are still several more years of that to come.  I love the people I've met and the friends I've made through running.  My whole world revolves around running.  I wouldn't want it any other way.