TOTR: Running Survey

Happy Tuesday! It's a super dreary one here and not expected to get any better as the day goes on. Totally one of those mornings where I wish I could have stayed in bed just a LITTLE bit longer. But once I got my butt in gear and out the door, I was glad I didn't press snooze a few billion times this morning and made it through my run.

Which is a perfect segue to Tuesday's on the Run. See what I did there? ha.

Brie from Lean, Clean, & Brie posted this survey yesterday and I loved it! So of course I HAD to steal it. :)

Would you rather run along a beach path or a mountain trail?
Beach. No doubt! I love running at the beach--everything is much more laid back, relaxed.. I don't feel any pressure to be fast. I run because it's what I love to do!

If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race's aid states, what would it be?
Lemon Lime. No doubt! Although it would be really awesome if they served Spark at aid stations.....

If I have you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?
I would DEFINITELY put it toward a new pair of shoes!

Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?
I'm not a big training plan kind of girl.. which I guess is a little weird considering how many races I run. I've never actually formally trained for any race that I've ever done. Granted my marathon in November will be a little different but in the past? I guess I've just gotten lucky that what I've been doing works. ha.

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?
Start on the uphill! I've always been one to tackle the hardest thing first so it would be no different here. And to be honest, I kind of, sort of enjoy hills. I guess that's what living in the mountains will do to ya.

When you can't run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?
Any and everything! I'm a fitness nerd/junkie so I love trying new things. I do a LOT of Insanity, lift weights, walk, bike... whatever I'm in the mood for that day.

What is your preference: out and back, point to point, or loop runs?
I'm not a fan of out and back races... at all. I feel like they go on FOREVER! As far as point to point and loop runs go, I'm really okay with either.

If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a...
Definitely a good pair of running shoes. I think most new runners go out in whatever pair of shoes they have laying around and don't realize how important a good pair really is! Are they expensive? Yes. But are they worth it? No doubt. And go to a running specialty store and get your gait analyzed! The right pair makes all the difference.

Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?
Other than dogs? No. And let's hope it stays that way. :)

Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
I thought I got lost one time during a race in Asheville. We were going up this gigantic hill/mountain and the course wasn't properly marked, there weren't that many runners, and I had gone an exceptionally long time without seeing anyone. But other than that, I don't really remember getting lost on a run before.

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?
Umm, how about a hot fudge sundae?! With extra whip topping?! And a warm brownie?!

Capris or shorts... what do you run in most often?
SHORTS!! I'll run in capris/tights when it's really, REALLY cold but I definitely prefer shorts!

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?
Typically about a mile or so into a run, I feel like I start loosening up and start zoning out.

What do you do with your key when you run?
I try and hand them off to someone else or hide it. ha.

If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one?
The Kentucky Derby Half I did in April. It was by far the best run of my life. I don't know if I've ever felt as good about a run as I did that one (although last Saturday in Hilton Head was close). I felt like everything I had was firing on all cylinders and even after crossing the line, I felt like I could have done another 13.1... my body just felt GOOD.

What type of run is your least favorite type of run?
Night runs. Does that count? ha. I don't' really have a least favorite type of run but I really, REALLY dislike night races/runs. I'm such a morning person now that the thought of running after work or night makes me cringe. ha. Which is funny because when I first started running 10 years ago, I'd go after dinner. Yikes.

What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?
I love seeing what my body can do! I spent the first half of my life not doing ANYTHING so now it's fun for me to test my limits. And plus, I really, REALLY love dessert. ;)

When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?
Depends. Sometimes I'll go out my front door, other times I'll drive. During the week, I go in before work and hop on a treadmill.

When running in daylight: are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?
MUST! Even if it's not super bright outside, I wear my sunglasses.

When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
I'm not a quitter. That's what keeps me from stopping. I don't give up on my dreams!



Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Sarah