Running survey

Happy Friday!

The sun is shining, I'm going to a Blackhawks game this weekend, and we brought in doughnuts for team breakfast this morning. What a time to be alive!

I have been seeing another running questionnaire currently making its waves throughout the blogosphere. These are always fun to answer and share! Here are my responses:

1. Would you rather run along a beach path or a mountain trail?
Beach for sure. My flatlander-ness gets more and more ridiculous with every passing year. I like to keep the horizon simple.

2. If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race's aid stations, what would it be?
Unless the race is serving Powerade instead of Gatorade, it seems like the default flavor is always lemon-lime, yes? My favorite flavor is fruit punch. I don't think I've EVER seen it at an aid station, but I do try to grab it when it's handed out post-race.

3. If you received a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing you would purchase with it?
Those who know me well would probably guess I'd say running shoes. A year ago, shoes would been my answer with no hesitation. However, at this very moment, my closet runneth over with running shoes.

I know, I know, what has happened to me?

Right now, I would love to get one of those super-reflective running jackets. Something like this:

Reality check: Sadly, most of these jackets cost way more than $100. But you get the idea.

4. Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and fast you want to run?
When it comes to long runs, I prefer to follow a plan to a certain extent. I believe long runs should be minimally messed with. (Notice I didn't specify the duration of the training plan. Cue the 4-week half-marathon crash plan which I have used way too frequently.)

For the shorter, mid-week runs, I like to be more spontaneous. I believe it's important to keep running fun. Going with the flow makes it feel less like it's something I'm doing out of obligation.

5. Would you rather start your run on the uphill and end with the downhill, or start with the downhill and end with the uphill?
How about "C - None of the Above"? I'd rather start on the flatland and end on the flatland. In case anyone missed it the first time, please allow me to reiterate:

If I HAD to pick between the two, I'd rather start on the uphill and end with the downhill. Let's get the hard part out of the way first when my legs and lungs are relatively fresh.

6. When you can't run, what kind of cross-training do you choose to do?
I try to mix things up as much as possible, but my first go-to is the stationary bike. I also love Zumba, yoga, weight-lifting, and barre. If I get access to a pool, swimming is fantastic.

7. What is your preference - out and back, point to point, or loop runs?
In order of preference: loops, out and back, and point to point. Loops are great because you get an ever-changing mix of scenery. Out and back is nice because you can really gauge how far you've come and how much distance you have remaining. Plus, out and backs at races are fun because you get to see so many of your fellow runners. While I do enjoy the mix of scenery at point to points, the logistics can get difficult at races (e.g. moving gear check, shuttle buses, parking lots, etc.)

Regardless of course type...

8. If you could recommend ANY running-related item to a new runner, it would be:
Get fitted for the right fit and type of running shoes. It can make a world of difference in terms of comfort, stability, and injury prevention.

9. Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?
Living in the city of Chicago, usually all I ever see are lakefront waterfowl (geese, ducks, seagulls), other urban birds (e.g., pigeons) and squirrels.

NOTE: The geese and pigeons can actually be pretty aggressive! Not sure if that fits into the description of "wild"???

10. Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
Once I was in Atlanta on business and decided to go for an early-morning run before the sun rose. I didn't have any familiarity with my surroundings. (This was back in the days before we had smartphones or GPS watches.) I knew I was in trouble when I saw a "Welcome to Smyrna" sign. Yikes!

11. If you could have one meal ready and waiting for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days, what would it be?
This question assumes calories are no object, right? Definitely Chicago-style deep dish spinach and mushroom pizza.

12. Capris or shorts - what do you run in most often?

I like capris. I have trouble with my shorts creating wedgies, riding up, or chafing my thighs. Blech.

13. At what mile or how many minutes into your run does your body start to feel like it's warmed up and ready to go?

I think there's a difference between getting warmed up and finding your groove. It takes me 10-15 minutes to warm up, and 3-4 miles to get into my groove.

14. What do you do with your keys when you run?

If I'm not wearing a running belt, I'll carry them in my hand. If I'm wearing a running belt, I'll zip them inside. If I only have a single key to carry, sometimes I'll tie it to my shoelace.

15. If you could relive any race you've done in the past, which would it be?

The 2013 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon (read my recaps here and here.) Best race experience and post-race party, EVER.

Aloha with Lilo and Stitch!

Your turn! I'd love to hear any or all of your responses to any or all of these questions!