Running Survey

Happy Tuesday!  For today's post, I wanted to do the running survey that's been going around the blogosphere lately.  Luckily, I got tagged to do the survey by the lovely Meredith!  Enjoy, and answer some questions below (and check out the Tuesdays on the Run linkup).

1. Would you rather run on a beach path or a mountain trail?
Mountain for sure.  I love the scenery of trails and find them more fun to run on!  I usually don't run on the beach if I visit on vacation (which isn't often to begin with).  As much as I love being in water and looking at it, running on sand is not my favorite and I prefer running in the shade with different scenery to keep my occupied.

2. If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be?
I don't usually drink Gatorade during races.  It bothers my stomach and gives me cramps, unfortunately.  My favorite flavor is grape or lemon lime though!

3. If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would you purchase with it?
Items are here, here and here
Definitely a new running outfit!  I'm loving all the new fall clothes that are coming out, especially from Brooks!  How cool are those shoes?!?!

4. Do you prefer to follow a training plan, or wake up and decide how far and fast you want to go?
I have to follow a plan!  I wish I was one of those runners who could self-motivate, but I have to follow a schedule and know how many miles I should run that day.  Check out my current plan here!

5. Would you rather start your run with an uphill and end with a downhill, or start with a downhill and end with an uphill?
My apartment is in a very hilly area, and no matter where I run, I always end up running uphill for the last mile.   I think it's helped make me a stronger runner and helped my mental toughness, so I would have to pick ending with an uphill!  In a race though, I would rather end with downhill :)

6. When you can’t run, what kind of cross training do you choose to do?
Spinning, yoga or taking a walk with Selma and Dan!

7. What is your preference: out-and-back, point-to-point, or loop?
Definitely loop.  I try to avoid out and back courses as much as possible during my training runs.  During a race, I prefer out and back though!  I like seeing the leaders so I know where I stand, as well as the opportunity to cheer on friends and family that are running.  Plus, you already know what to expect for the second half!

8. If you could recommend any running gear or items to a new runner, what would it be?
I have to tag along with everyone and say that shoes are the most important gear.  Everything else you get is just a bonus and unnecessary to start running.  Most running stores (including True Runner..my favorite) will offer gait analysis and recommend the perfect shoe for you.  It can make a huge difference!

9. Do you see any animals on your runs?
I see deer constantly, as well as random other animals: rabbits, squirrels, cats, groundhogs, TONS of chipmunks, and nasty geese.

10. Ever gotten lost while on a run?
I like to explore different areas a lot on my runs, so sometimes I'll have to retrace my steps to find my way back.  I've never been completely lost thankfully!  I luckily have a really good sense of direction and always make sure to load maps on my phone if I'm out of the country (thank you City Maps 2 Go) so I can always find my way back.

11. If you could have one meal ready and waiting for you at home after each run for the next 30 days what would it be?
I actually can't really eat after I run!  I don't really have an appetite for a while and have to force myself to eat.  I would rather have lots of drinks waiting for me- coconut water, tart cherry juice, Nuun, or a Starbucks Refresher.

12. Capris or shorts? which do you run in most?
Depends on the time of year.  From about May to September I only run in shorts.  From September till it's too cold I wear capris.  I love them both equally though!

13. At what mile (or how many minutes) into a run do you feel like your body is completely warmed up?
I usually feel a lot better after mile 1 of a run.  In races though, I usually hit my comfort zone around the quarter way point, no matter the distance.

14. What do you do with your key when you run?
I hold it in my hand.  It seems like no one else does this, but I love having something to hold on to when I run!  Plus, I get a huge fear of losing it if I keep it in my pocket or Spibelt and spend the whole run checking to make sure it's still there.

15. If you could relive any race that you’ve done in the past, what would it be?
If I had the opportunity, I would go back to Copenhagen and do the ParkRun 5k again!  It was so much fun, plus I was in Europe with my best friends.  Who wouldn't want to relive that?  Best day ever!

My favorite local race would have to be the Pittsburgh 10 Miler, and last years' was the best. It was the first time I stuck with a pace group, and it was so much fun.  I crushed my previous PR for that distance, and I'm excited that I actually do get to relive that race this year!

16. What type of run is your least favorite?
Tempo runs are the worst!  Run commuting would also be high (or low?) on my list.  I'm always so exhausted, and my running backpack makes the run 10xs harder. I know that both of these runs are great for training, which is why I will suffer through.  Definitely not a fan though!

17. When you go for a run, do you leave from your front door or go somewhere to start?
I pretty much always go running in my neighborhood.  The only time I will drive somewhere to run is if I'm meeting someone, or want to have a long run at North Park or the river trail!

18. When running in daylight, are sunglasses a must or just an annoyance?
Definitely a must.

19. When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
I just tell myself that only wimps quit, and that usually works!  I also try to remember that running is a privilege so I should be thankful that I'm able to run (even if it sucks in the moment).

I nominate all of you to answer these questions!  I love to hear all of the different responses, so make sure to answer some questions below!

Comments

  1. I think I used to hold my key too back in the day before getting lulu pants/skirts that have the zipper pocket in the back!

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    1. I have lots of shorts with pockets, I just can't do it! I'm always feeling my pocket to make sure they don't fall out. Losing my keys is one of my biggest fears for some reason!

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  2. Love your responses! I'm not crazy about beach running either. And I constantly have to deal with big flocks of geese when out on a run!

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    1. Geese are the worst! At least the other animals will avoid you. Geese don't move at all and chase after you! Yuck!

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  3. Really like your responses to these questions and I will be sure to post my answers on Thursday

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  4. None of my winter running tights have pockets so I always end up carrying my key. It is so annoying, I don't know how you do it for every.single.run. Please come run with me in the winter and carry my keys for me!

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    1. I just feel better knowing my key is in my hand! I'm so worried about losing it so it keeps my mind off that while I run. To each their own though!

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  5. What a fun survey!! I ALWAYS run in my sunglasses - I'm really sensitive to the light, so if I don't have shades on I squint; and I'm paranoid about getting wrinkles so I can't be without sunglasses!
    I've never run on mountain trails before, but have run on the beach and it's...ok. I wasn't thrilled about having sand stuck in the mesh of my shoes for MONTHS, but you can't beat a beach sunrise :-)

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    1. Same here with sunglasses! I wear mine constantly, even if it's cloudy out. I don't ever want to squint! I completely agree about beaches. They're fun to relax at and enjoy the scenery, but not so much for running!

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  6. I almost always have a handheld water bottle with me, so I zip my key in that pocket. Otherwise, I hold it in my hand, despite always running in skirts that have plenty of pockets.

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    1. That's another great solution! I'll sometimes do that as well.

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  7. Ooo, I hear ya on nasty geese! My mom and I were out walking in the mountains last week and we came across some geese. One parked itself right in the middle of the road and hissed at us!

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    1. They're the worst! They definitely hiss a lot. I don't know anyone who likes geese!

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  8. I hold my key in my hand too! And my phone. Not my phone on race days but my key always. It seems like a lot of stuff to carry but I'm so used to it.

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    1. I know what you mean! When I run in the mornings I also have a small can of mace. It doesn't bother me at all to carry a few things. You gotta do what you gotta do, right?

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  9. Well these were interesting to read and I'm not even a runner! All these little details (like where you hold your key or out & back vs. loop) I hadn't really thought about that you all have to figure out on a regular basis. I also like how you tell yourself only wimps quit!!! ha!! You're a touch cookie, Gretchen!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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    1. I'm glad that this was interesting to you Gina! I guess there are a lot of small details that I don't even think about now, since I've been running over half of my life (actually over 2/3 by now!). Sometimes you need some tough love lol!

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  10. What a fun service! And how cool that you got to run in Copenhagen. It's such a beautiful city.

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    1. It was a lot of fun! And I completely agree about Copenhagen..such a beautiful place!

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  11. I swear sometimes the nasty geese are just synonymous with the North Shore Trail.. lol. There are mornings when they just won't move! And when they have babies with them?? Yikes... I've been hissed at, snapped at, and chased by those darn things! I usually keep my key in my bra.. >< And yes, sunglasses are a MUST. Very rarely do I run without them (even in the winter) and I usually regret when I don't.

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    1. I see them so much there as well as North Park! Typical- the two most popular areas to run. One time we took Selma to the trail and all the geese ran away from her. I guess she scared them- good!

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  12. I've lost keys before- I get it! LOL But I'd rather run near a beach- the waves are so peaceful to me.

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    1. The beach definitely is peaceful! I love it, but to relax and enjoy the water, not to run haha! I do like running near water though :)

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  13. i saw a skunk on my run the other day! so crazy. i see lots of squirrels normally and i'm like it's okay, i'm not coming after you!
    if my husband is home, i don't run with keys. if he's not, i hold my keys as well. i could take off the house key and do something with that, but like you, i prefer to hold them!

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    1. Woah that is crazy! Lately I've seen some opossums in my area as well..they're gross little things! I'm glad I'm not the old key holder :)

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  14. It's funny that I'm scared of losing my keys unless it's in my pocket! But I'm such a pack rat when I run that I'd never be able to carry everything in my hands. I think you've convinced me to do the 10-miler this year! It's the week after my half so it will have to be just for fun, but that's ok!

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    1. YAY!! I really hope you do it! It's seriously the best race. Perfect temperatures, relatively flat course, and organized really well. Plus, they always have my favorite race t's!

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  15. Yaay - yoga for cross training! :) Fun to read this and learn more about you!

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    1. It's the best! Glad that you enjoyed this Jess :)

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  16. Thanks for sharing - this was fun to read. I love the quote at the end. I used to carry my water bottle in my hand when I ran because I found it oddly comforting. Then I discovered the camelbak :)

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    1. I know what you mean about it being comforting. I haven't tried camelbak yet..maybe I should invest!

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  17. I love the runner survey! Mountain trails for sure :)

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