1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?
So far I've only tried a few of these.
Shot Blox by Cliff were my first love, but over time I've realized how HARD they are to chew up while you're struggling to get enough oxygen already. So, I've moved over to their sister product - Cliff Shot Gel. So far, no awful flavors like other brands I've tried, and no stomach issues like I hear so many other runners talk about. I know the "85% Organic" label only means SO much, but it's comforting to me to know I'm not fueling my run with some odd chemical.
Shot Blox by Cliff were my first love, but over time I've realized how HARD they are to chew up while you're struggling to get enough oxygen already. So, I've moved over to their sister product - Cliff Shot Gel. So far, no awful flavors like other brands I've tried, and no stomach issues like I hear so many other runners talk about. I know the "85% Organic" label only means SO much, but it's comforting to me to know I'm not fueling my run with some odd chemical.
 |
| Ohh! This one has caffeine - even better! |
2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?
As of today, my longest race has been a half marathon. This time tomorrow, my longest race will have been a 30k. Assuming I live through the 30k, I'm almost certain my favorite will remain a half. The amount of training and the challenge are perfect for me, right now. It takes me about 3 miles to get totally warmed up, so 5ks and 10ks leave just a little too much in the tank. But, to be fair to all other distances, had I been asked this question 6 months ago, my answer would have been different. And, I imagine that in a year, my answer will have evolved again. That is the beauty of running - always changing!
As of today, my longest race has been a half marathon. This time tomorrow, my longest race will have been a 30k. Assuming I live through the 30k, I'm almost certain my favorite will remain a half. The amount of training and the challenge are perfect for me, right now. It takes me about 3 miles to get totally warmed up, so 5ks and 10ks leave just a little too much in the tank. But, to be fair to all other distances, had I been asked this question 6 months ago, my answer would have been different. And, I imagine that in a year, my answer will have evolved again. That is the beauty of running - always changing!
3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?Totally dependent on the season. We had a BEAUTIFUL and long summer here in the Pacific Northwest, and I was able to run in shorts for about six months. The rest of the year, I usually wear capris (or crops, as Lululemon calls them). I HATE it when people wear pants and they get WET around the bottom (running problem frequent here in the rain). If I ever wear pants, they're tight to my ankle - NEVER loose pants. (I have a thing about stuff moving while I'm running. This make sports bra shopping a VITAL part of a good run for me.)
4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?
Yuck. I know, in theory, "sports drinks" are supposed to taste good, but Gatorade and Powerade are gross to me. The only electrolyte drink I like is Nuun (pronounced like noon). This company was the first to separate carbs from electrolytes - therefore eliminating a drink full o'sugar.
Yuck. I know, in theory, "sports drinks" are supposed to taste good, but Gatorade and Powerade are gross to me. The only electrolyte drink I like is Nuun (pronounced like noon). This company was the first to separate carbs from electrolytes - therefore eliminating a drink full o'sugar.
 |
| Delicious AND pretty. |
5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?
I tend to prefer the colder temperatures to the hotter. I hate it when you sweat and then it dries on you - making you into a moving saltine cracker. ew. Plus, I love it when the air is cold and crisp, and it burns just a little when you breathe it into your lungs. :)
I tend to prefer the colder temperatures to the hotter. I hate it when you sweat and then it dries on you - making you into a moving saltine cracker. ew. Plus, I love it when the air is cold and crisp, and it burns just a little when you breathe it into your lungs. :)
6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brookes, Asics or Other?
I used to buy whatever looked cool and/or was on sale. Now? I will never run in anything besides Mizuno. I bought my first pair about 8 months ago, and they totally changed they way I run, the way I look at running, and basically my life. Suddenly running wasn't something I dreaded. So - my Mizunoa changed my life. And, their awesome colors sure don't hurt!
I used to buy whatever looked cool and/or was on sale. Now? I will never run in anything besides Mizuno. I bought my first pair about 8 months ago, and they totally changed they way I run, the way I look at running, and basically my life. Suddenly running wasn't something I dreaded. So - my Mizunoa changed my life. And, their awesome colors sure don't hurt!
 |
| My favs are Precisions - these are 12s and 13s. The teal shoes are my trail runners. |
7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?
I freak out before EVERY single race and totally forget everything I know about what I should eat. Some things I've tried: Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal with almond milk, a Powerbar Harvest Energy bar, a banana and toast, and once I totally freaked out and ate Dots. Oops. (I don't recommend trying that.)
I freak out before EVERY single race and totally forget everything I know about what I should eat. Some things I've tried: Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal with almond milk, a Powerbar Harvest Energy bar, a banana and toast, and once I totally freaked out and ate Dots. Oops. (I don't recommend trying that.)
8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?
I don't have rest days. I have a workout schedule that includes heavy weight training 5 days a week, and I fill in the blanks depending on my race schedule, work schedule, etc. So, I legitimize it because I don't run everyday, or do cardio everyday. So, I have cardio rest days, and I have weight training rest days. They just don't happen to come on the same day (unless, I'm feeling under the weather and I know I need it - OR if I'm recovering from a day the race previous. I expect to be resting after this 30k).
I don't have rest days. I have a workout schedule that includes heavy weight training 5 days a week, and I fill in the blanks depending on my race schedule, work schedule, etc. So, I legitimize it because I don't run everyday, or do cardio everyday. So, I have cardio rest days, and I have weight training rest days. They just don't happen to come on the same day (unless, I'm feeling under the weather and I know I need it - OR if I'm recovering from a day the race previous. I expect to be resting after this 30k).
9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?
Depends on the situation. Long run alone through town? Yes. Trail run with friends? No. Running in dark/dusk? No. In the country backroads where I grew up? Yes. (This is largely because nobody is around to see me dance-running. It's not pretty, but VERY fun.)
Depends on the situation. Long run alone through town? Yes. Trail run with friends? No. Running in dark/dusk? No. In the country backroads where I grew up? Yes. (This is largely because nobody is around to see me dance-running. It's not pretty, but VERY fun.)
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?
Time to think, and a way for me to test myself. I've achieved things through running I never thought I was capable of - but running has made me see that the restrictions I've made for myself are too limiting! Failure, or near failure, may not be as terrible as I once thought it was.
Time to think, and a way for me to test myself. I've achieved things through running I never thought I was capable of - but running has made me see that the restrictions I've made for myself are too limiting! Failure, or near failure, may not be as terrible as I once thought it was.
