A few fun facts...

I found this fun little quiz over at found at Running with Attitude.  I always think these are fun, so I decided to answer the questions as well. Feel free to post and answer these if you feel like it...


1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?

I started as a Gu girl.  Vanilla Bean to be exact.  But, too many and my stomach does not like them.  For NYC, I started training with Honey Bee Stingers.  I love how well my stomach likes these and they are just the right consistency.  I've tried other chews, but some were too gummy and stuck to my teeth. However, I still think gels are the way to go for quick energy - they absorb more quickly.  Plus, let's face it, chews can be a bit bulky to carry...especially for a full marathon.  I was eating a 1/2 pack of chews per hour, which I later found out was not enough calories for me.  I eventually switched to Hammer Gel, which is absorbed quicky, easy to carry, works well with my stomach and give me enough calories.  This was working for me when training for this year's Houston Marathon and I have continued to use them.

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

I love the 1/2 marathon distance!  To me, it's just enough distance to feel challenging, burn calories and earn a yummy treat afterwards.  But, unlike training for a full marathon, the long runs don't leave me as tired and achey.  I would also like to train for a few 5k and 10k distance races, which I think will help in my overall speed.

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

I am a huge running skirt advocate!  No longer do I have to tug at running shorts that ride up between my thighs...annoying and not so pretty.  However, when the temps dip into the 40s, I trade in my running skirts for my favorite Nike running capris...unfortunately, these capris are now HUGE on me. Time to buy some new ones!

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

I use water and Gatorade/G2 primarily.  However, the Hubby has gotten me to try Nuun, which I think has really come in handy as electrolyte replacement in the hot summer temps.  I don't love the fizziness or flavor, but I've gotten used to both.


5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?

Cold!! I hate, hate, hate the heat!  If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I turn into a whining, grumpy mess in the summer!

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brookes, Asics or Other?

Well, I am a flat-footed, over pronator, so I am stuck with motion control or stability shoes.  I have only worn either Brooks (Ariel) or Saucony (Grid Stabil) for years now.  :-/  They fit my feet well (I have a wide foot, but narrow heel).  The problem?  They are fugly!!!  It seems that they never come in any colors other than blue and white.  I have shoe envy when I see my friends wearing their colorful Asics and Newtons.

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?

I used to be an oatmeal girl, then I switched to peanut butter toast (sometimes with honey).  For NYCM, I ate two Pop Tarts....hey, it must have worked, because I had a 23-minute PR.  While working on my nutrition, I've started eating either steel cut oats, or a few egg whites with a side of granola and almond milk.  It seems to be working for me!

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?

1x per week.  I only run 3x per week, but I do strength training 2-3x per week and try to get in a bike ride 1x per week.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?

I typically do not run with music..even on my super-long runs.  My friends joke that I am the "zen runner".  The only exception is if I am stuck on the treadmill or when I used to run on the indoor track at work...both were extremely boring and running without music was mind-numbing!


10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or Other?

All of the above!  I started running, because I was in the process of losing weight and I had never run before, so it was a challenge.  After joining a running club, I discovered the social side of running and love that.  But, I also love the solitude of my weekday solo runs and my thinking time.  As a type-A person who gets stressed out daily, I can't beat the stress relief that running brings. Seriously - running IS my therapy.  (It's cheaper, too!)

So how would you answer any of these questions?  Lemme know if you post your answers on your blog!