A Running Survey

Hello! Happy Friday!

I hope it’s been a good week! Today, I’ve got a running survey to share. I love random surveys and especially random running surveys.

1. Would you rather run along a beach path or on a mountain trail? This is a tough one. I LOVE running on the beach, but I think that a mountain trail would be quite lovely. Unfortunately we don’t have too many (or any) mountains in lower Alabama, so if we are being realistic, I’ll chose beach.
2. If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be? If I had to choose Gatorade specifically, I would go with lemon-lime. For some reason that just seems like the most natural flavor of Gatorade (in my opinion). I think this might be because I remember drinking this flavor when I was younger. I wish more races had Nuun at aid stations! Gatorade has so much sugar and can be really hard on your stomach (especially mid-marathon).
3. If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it? I usually spend gift cards on shoes. Specifically, I would get a brand spanking new pair of the Brooks Launch. They make my feet happy. Happy feet –> happy runner!
4. Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run? If I am training for a specific goal, I prefer to follow a plan. I did my own thing with my running for several years (like from 2005 – 2014) and that resulted in a lot of haphazard training. I did the occasional workout, but just ran easy 95% of the time. I built a pretty good base during this time, but my running has improved drastically over the last two years by using a coach and following his plan.
5. Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill? Let’s start uphill and hopefully that will help us start conservatively and finish stronger.
6. When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do? Oh dear. Cross-training is definitely not my forte. Thankfully (knock on wood) I haven’t been forced to cross train too much. I would probably choose the elliptical.
7. Do you prefer out and back, point to point or loop runs? Point to point runs can be really fun, but the logistics of planning them can be a bit cumbersome. I love our Battleship route! I don’t mind out and back or loop routes either though. Daniel can’t stand an out and back route, so we run loop routes primarily.  
8. If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, what would it be? I’ve got two here. First, I think a GPS watch can be extremely helpful. I love my Garmin 235, but any of the other base models would be great for a new runner. While helpful, the watch is definitely not a necessity. However, you NEED to go and get properly fitted for a pair of running shoes that work for your feet and your stride. Just do it (ironically, I do not recommend Nike shoes).
9. Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs? Occasionally we see snakes, foxes, armadillos, etc., but nothing too crazy!
10. Ever gotten lost while out on a run? I rarely run in an area that I’m not familiar with, so that definitely minimizes my chances of getting lost. The last time that I remember getting “turned around” on a run was when I was in Arizona for Ragnar Del Sol (that was 2011, so it’s been a little while). A few of the girls wanted to go out before the race started and do a shake-out run and wouldn’t you know it that every single house and every single street in the neighborhood where we stayed looked the exact same! I really didn’t know if we were going to ever find our house again that day.
11. If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days, what would that meal be? I’m typically a morning runner, so if I had to pick one post-run meal for the next month it would consist of a big, hot cup of coffee with some overnight oats, greek yogurt and some sort of fruit. That’s pretty much what I eat after my run every single day anyway …
12. Capris or shorts: what do you run in most often? Shorts! I am not a fan of running in capris. I only switch to tights when it is 40 degrees or less. Usually then it’s time for long tights, not capris. We have a very short window for capris and short-sleeved running clothes here. It seems like it is either 90 degrees (like 11 months of the year) or 30 degrees (the other month). Spring and fall last for 2 seconds. 
13. At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go? It usually takes me 2 or 3 miles to warm up and get into a good rhythm. I like to do a 2 or 3 mile warm up before most races and workouts that I do for this exact reason.
14. What do you do with your key when you run? Hmm. If I have a zip pocket I *might* put it in the pocket, but otherwise it’s “hidden” somewhere on my car. Rethinking this strategy as I type it out for the world wide web to read (just kidding … I trust all 5 of you out there that read this :))
15. If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one what it be? Easiest question ever … Rock N Roll New Orleans 2015. I mean how often do you really get to win a marathon?! That was one of the best days ever and was definitely the best race EVER. It’s going to be hard to top those emotions!
16. What type of run is your least favorite type of run? Hill repeats. I don’t like those.
17. What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on? The weather has started to cool off, so that definitely helps. I’m also chasing some goals that I feel like I am making good progress on and that helps to keep me motivated.
18. When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start? Some of both.
19. When running in daylight are sunglasses a must or an annoyance? I don’t really run in daylight all that much and when I do I rarely wear sunglasses. I have a pair of running sunglasses that I like a lot, but I don’t find myself wearing them often (for running anyway). I am more of a hat or visor kind of girl.
20. When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting? I’m sure you’ve heard the quote “Pain is temporary. Quitting is forever.” I get tired. Sometimes my workouts are hard and I want to quit, but I don’t. If I have to, I adjust my goal for the day: take a break, reassess and push through. I use this strategy for workouts and race day!

If you want to play along … answer any or all of the questions. I’d love to hear your answers!

Have a great weekend! I’ll talk to you soon!