Another runner's quiz

Happy Friday!

I am coming back home from Florida tonight. By the way, lest you all think that my week away from Chicago was all warm sunny beach weather, let me tell you that it really wasn't. Two days ago, my mom and I took a day trip from Orlando to the Daytona Beach area. We ended up getting literally whipped around by coastal gale-force winds.

Here are some pictures (which do not do those weather conditions justice):

OK - moving on to the topic of the day. I recently came across another runner's quiz and thought I would tackle it here.

1.  On average how many races do you run a year?

The number keeps growing each year. I have run 15 races this year so far, with one more still to go. I had too many of them this year. It was to the point where some of them started feeling burdensome on the calendar. Therefore, I hope to be more selective of the races that I do next year. If I were to extrapolate or estimate my ideal future average annual race count, I would say 10-12 races per year.

2.  Head accessories, things you have to run with: a hat, a visor, sunglasses, headband, ponytail, braids, sweatband?

I usually pull my hair back in a ponytail, and if it's bright out sunglasses are a must. If it is very sunny and/or warm out, or if it is about 45 degrees or colder out, I will wear a weather-appropriate hat.

Side note since we are talking about head gear: when it's cold out I try to carry some Kleenex. I personally don't like snot rockets and I shudder at the thought of being hit by one.

3.  Where do your workouts come from? A training plan, a coach, whatever you feel like doing that day, or what your training partner is doing that day?

In an ideal training week, I would run three days a week: usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays, then a long or longer run sometime over the weekend. The weekday runs are usually a leisurely 3-4 miles, maybe 5, and I try to do at least 6-7 miles on my weekend run. I'll tweak things based on whatever races might be on the schedule that require specific preparation. Otherwise, these days I really just do whatever I feel like. There's not a lot of decoration with me.

4.  How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes?

I try to log 300 miles on a pair of running shoes before retiring them. However, some pairs get an early retirement based on how much I actually like the shoes and/or if they start feeling worn down before they reach 300.

On that note, does anyone know if the more minimalist running shoes are supposed to have lower mileage expectancies? My Saucony Progrid Kinvara shoes only have about 115 miles on them, but the soles are already showing a lot of wear. I am thinking I might take those up only to a max of 200 before retirement.

5.  Cell phone - do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home?

Leave it at home. I like to be carrying as little as possible when I run. The only exception to this is if I'm running a big race and would need to use my phone afterwards to reunite with friends or family, or if I plan on taking a lot of pictures along the course.

Related thought: at races that offer runner tracking, I've heard that some runners track themselves so they can receive notifications of their own progress on a real-time basis. I've never done this, but plan on trying it soon.

6.  What was your last running-related injury or have you been an injury-free runner?

I've mentioned many times that I have a wonky left knee from IT band syndrome.  I've also been diagnosed with piriformis syndrome and muscle weaknesses in my hips and glutes, which have resulted in some pretty bad groin pain and hip flexor pain. I have done a lot of physical therapy, yoga, stretching, and strength-training to keep things under control (although recently I haven't been as good about keeping up with my preventive measures as I should).

Sadly, I've started feeling some aching behind my right knee. I also have occasional twinges of plantar fasciitis in my left heel. The end of racing season definitely couldn't come at a better time for me to focus on all the rehab efforts.

7.  Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or both?

Right now, I'm pretty happy with my endurance. These days I feel like I could pretty much go out and run a half marathon on a whim, which to me is a big accomplishment. I would really love to improve my tempo, though. In my experience, speed is much, MUCH harder to build than endurance. I have definitely been making progress, but ironically it has been a long and slow process for me to build speed.

8.  Speedwork - at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads, or don't do it?

When and if I do speedwork, it's on the roads. The exception is when the weather is horrible and I have no choice but to use the treadmill (I don't like treadmills). Unfortunately I don't have easy access to a track.

9.  Stretching after a run: hit the ground after a run and get stretching, stretch in the shower, stretch once you get to work/school, skip the stretching?

I always try to do some fundamental stretches right after I get home from a run. I used to be much better about doing my entire stretching/foam-rolling routine after long runs (which can take at least 30 minutes). These days, immediately after a run it's usually just about quickly working over whatever is sore - usually my piriformis, hip flexors, and IT band. More thorough stretching and all other focus areas usually wait until whenever I have enough downtime.

10.  What was your reason(s) for starting to run?

When I was in high school, I first began running recreationally as a way to try to lose weight. I would huff and puff through a mile maybe once or twice a week. It wasn't until the summer after I graduated from high school that running became a more regular practice for me. My boyfriend at the time broke up with me and I was hurt and angry. I was determined to whip myself into shape for when I started college that fall. It motivated me to get out there and run as often and as much as I could. Somewhere along the way the practice stuck.

Funny how these things happen, no?

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Your turn! I would love to hear your responses to these questions either here or on your own blog!

1.  On average how many races do you run a year?
2.  Head accessories, things you have to run with: a hat, a visor, sunglasses, headband, ponytail, braids, sweatband?
3.  Where do your workouts come from? A training plan, a coach, whatever you feel like doing that day, or what your training partner is doing that day?
4.  How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes?
5.  Cell phone - do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home?
6.  What was your last running-related injury or have you been an injury-free runner?
7.  Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or both?
8.  Speedwork - at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads, or don't do it?
9.  Stretching after a run: hit the ground after a run and get stretching, stretch in the shower, stretch once you get to work/school, skip the stretching?
10.  What was your reason(s) for starting to run?