It’s Global Running Day! I won’t be doing any running today but I’ve loved reading everyone else’s posts about it. I can’t wait to be back out there. Out of all the ways that I move my body, running is what I miss the most and am looking forward to getting back to more than anything. Of course, I’ll be taking it slow and steady when my body feels ready but I can’t wait to be back to even just running 3 miles a few times a week!
In honor of Global Running Day, I thought I’d do a survey-style post about running.
RUNNING SURVEY
How long have you been running?
I started running when I was 17 because a timed mile was a requirement for college cheerleading tryouts. I never stopped! So…18 years!? WOW!
What shoes do you run in?
Newton Fate – I started running in them about three summers ago after my favorite Mizunos were discontinued and I’ve loved them ever since!
What is your go-to running outfit?
Lululemon Hottie Hot Shorts and Free to Be Wild bra. A loose tank over it unless it’s really hot. I prefer to run in shorts unless it’s REALLY cold. I’d rather bundle up on the top layer and still wear shorts than wear pants. I also adore compression socks on longer runs and I almost always wear a hat or a visor.
Morning or evening runs?
Mid-morning or evening. I do not enjoy early morning running…at all…but I will do it if it’s the only time I have to run.
Worst injury and how you got over it?
I was constantly injured when I first ventured into long-distance running (half and full marathons) before I started strength training and doing yoga. Since incorporating these things heavily into my routine, I’ve been pretty injury-free for the last 5-6 years. That said, the most frustrating injuries that I’ve dealt with have been knee bursitis, achilles tendonitis and a high hamstring pull.
Favorite race distance?
Half marathon! I’m on team half the distance, twice the fun!
Do you listen to anything when you run or prefer silence?
Unless I’m running with a friend, I prefer to listen to something. It’s usually music but I also enjoy podcasts and audiobooks too…especially if I’m running for over an hour.
Solo run or run with friends?
Most of the time I prefer to run solo because I love the freedom of deciding I want to go for a run and heading out of the door. I love to control my own pace and just zone out. I do enjoy runs with friends but I always want to chat during them…I don’t like running with someone else if both people are wearing headphones. I also don’t like running with people when our paces are really mismatched…I feel guilty for asking them to slow down or speed up!
How or cold weather running?
I will take hot over cold any day of the week. I will totally own that I am a huge wuss and just don’t love cold runs. I’m good down into the 40s but once it gets 30s and below (and I have to put on pants!), I will complain. This is mostly because I have Raynaud’s and my fingers and toes go completely numb when it’s really cold and they will never warm up…even in a half marathon distance race!
Hills or flat roads?
I actually really love hills. I think this is because I’ve done a ton of running in Birmingham and Charlotte and both are really hilly cities. I’ve come to love the up and down of the hills and the challenges that they bring.
Eating before runs – yes or no? Favorite pre-run food?
Yes, I do not like to run on an empty stomach unless I’m running REALLY early in the morning (like before 6 a.m. early). For something light, half a banana with nut butter for something more substantial, toast with nut butter, honey and banana. And always coffee! If I’m running later in the day, I don’t usually snack before I run but I’ve already had two meals that day.
Favorite post-run ritual?
A hot shower! I swear there is nothing like a hot shower after a good run. I feel like a million bucks afterwards. Also, my body cools off really quickly when I stop running and I will start to shake and shiver so I love to stand in a hot shower to warm up. If I’m running in the morning, I love a cup of coffee after I run. If I’m running later in the day, I want something cold and sparkly like a La Croix.
Would you rather run on trails or on the road?
I used to be 100% road but I live really close to trails now and I absolutely love the dose of nature and quiet that they provide. So I guess trails if they’re easily accessible but I don’t want to make a special trip to drive to them. Road is also totally fine with me!
One piece of running gear you can’t live without?
Definitely my Apple Watch. I can’t live without the run data. If you didn’t track it, did it even happen? haha
Do you have any pre-race routines?
The night before a race I like to lay out all of my gear and make a playlist so I feel pumped up for the next day’s race!
What was the most challenging race of your life?
My first marathon, hands down! Second to childbirth, it’s the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done.
What was your most memorable race experience?
PRing the 2014 Thunder Road Half Marathon. This came after a 5+ year hiatus from distance running and I trained for it during a difficult time in my life. I have never worked so hard at my running before and I was so proud of myself for sticking with the training and for achieving a sub-1:45 half marathon. Given that my first half back in 2006 was a 2:14, that was a big deal!
Also, running the 2017 Charlotte Half Marathon at 14 weeks pregnant. That was an incredible and very memorable experience!
Ever run in a costume?
No and I hope I never do. Haha…I’m no fun!
Ever lose a toenail?
No and again, I hope I never do!
Would you rather run with no socks or no sports bra?
No sports bra! (Although I may rethink that answer when I’m back to running and breastfeeding!)
YOUR TURN!
Pick 3-5 of your favorite questions and share your answers!
