Running Survey with Tons of Pictures

I read this survey on Jess's blog and thought is was interesting.  I like to learn about other people's running plans, favorite races, and anything else. 


What is your favorite type of cross training?

Lately, I've come to have a new appreciation for biking.  After buying my first road bike, I've ridden a few times and like it.  Recently I have also been putting some quality time into the elliptical machine, although I find it rather boring.

What is your favorite song to run to?

This varies month to month, but right now it is The Time (Dirty Bit) by the Black Eyed Peas. 

What brand of shoes do you wear?

Saucony.  And only Saucony.  Nothing else compares. 

Do you wear a hat when you run?

I never wear a hat, but often times I wear a visor in the summer.  Last summer I wore my visor the majority of my races to keep either rain or the sun off of my face.  Plus, I was easy to spot. 

Can you see my white visor?  This was taken during the MC 200 Ragnar Relay last year.  During this leg, it poured and the race got held up because of the torrential downpour!

What temperature is your favorite for running?

Mid to upper 70s and sunny.  I have to wear layers for anything cooler, so it is nice to just run with shorts and a shirt or tank top. I would much rather run in 100-degree weather than 0-degree weather. 

Do you have any big races coming up?

This weekend, a 4-mile race.  Also the Madison to Chicago 200 Ragnar Relay, another duathlon, hopefully another half, a metric century bike ride, and the Chicago Marathon. 

What is your favorite distance?

13.1/half marathon.  I think it is what I'm the best at, too.

Are you a morning, noon or evening runner?

It depends.  I typically run in the late afternoon/early evening.  However, this summer I'll be running my marathon long runs in the morning, which will be different. 

Did you know that I made this print when I was in junior high?  We had to trace a picture from a magazine onto a block and then use paint to create a print.  My love for running started many, many years ago. 

Do you run solo or with a buddy?

I run solo 95% of the time.  I sometimes run with one of my friends, typically longer runs.  However, I don't know too many people that run my pace or my distances, which makes it hard.  As mentioned before, I'm training with others for the Chicago Marathon so I won't be running solo then. 

What's your favorite post run snack?

Greater Than.  You must try it now. 

What's your FAVORITE race?

I don't know if I have an absolute favorite race.  Each race is special for its own reasons, or for the people I have done it with or who were there with me.  Last year my favorite race was the Quad Cities Half Marathon because my uncle ran it as well.  It was super flat, in Iowa (I <3 Iowa), and my parents and brother came to support me. 

Photo taken by my mom near mile 2.  Can you find me?  I'm wearing a white long sleeve shirt and black shorts with black gloves, running behind a guy in red.  I'm pretty far back in the picture.  I am not the lady with the bib on the front of her shorts.  I don't know why anyone would ever do it.  It is a fashion no-no on race day, at least for me!!!

Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your runs?

I'm in love with my Garmin.  It makes runs so much easier and of higher quality.  I'll never go back.

What is your least favorite race?

There are races where I was hoping to run a better time, but I don't have a least favorite.  If a race was not enjoyable, why would I run it?  That just does not make sense. 

What race is your favorite medal from?

I like the medal from the Flying Pig Half Marathon because it has a flying pig on it.  I think it is funny.

My former medal display.  I've recently added some new hardware and had to expand to showcase everything.  I'll post some new pictures soon.  They flying pig medal has a blue ribbon. 

Who is your running idol?

My brother.  Always has been, most likely always will be.  He signed up with me for my first half because I wanted someone else to do the race with me, and did the year after just to be nice.  That first race we did, the Mad City (Madison, WI) Half Marathon was so hot that they cancelled the marathon due to the amount of runners that had to go to the hospital.  He ran so well that he got 5th place overall and beat me by 52 minutes.  However, I've gotten a lot faster, but so has he.  Now he only beats me by 20 some minutes.   

After my brother finished the Madison Half Marathon the second time we did it.

How long have you been a runner?

13 years.  I started running in 8th grade and haven't stopped.  I've run more and more every year. 

Labor Day Benefit Classic 5k...nearing the finish.  Once again, taken by my mom.

Do you run with your engagement/wedding ring on?

Considering I'm not married or engaged, no.  But, I don't run with any rings on.  I rarely wear rings as it is.  The picture below is one of my favorite rings, though.

It is the symbol for new beginnings in New Zealand.  My parents got it for me after a vacation they took there. 

What's your favorite workout? repeats? long runs? tempo? fartleks? Long runs.
 
I like middle distance runs, from 4 - 8 miles at a nice, faster-ish tempo, in the 7s somewhere. 
 

One of my favorite pictures from last year.  I was so proud that I got to start in Corral B for the Hot Chocolate 15k Race, where there were thousands of runners.  This year, if I do it, I'll get a Corral A start.  It was freezing during this race, though!

 

I'd love to learn about your running habits!  You should do the survey as well.