Before I launch into the last day of the Healthy Lifestyle Expo and a fun post about my last day in LA, I found this draft of a post I borrowed from Carina ages ago. I thought it would be a nice break from the conference talk.

Running Quiz

1.  Would you rather run along a beach path or on a mountain trail?
Mountain trail hands down! I love trail running although I don’t get to do it often enough. I really need a running partner to go out for longer trail runs.

2.  If you could choose the flavor of gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be?

I don’t care for gatorade. Nothing in nature is that color. If I had to choose a flavor I guess I would go for the lemon. If I had to create a flavor though I might go for watermelon with mint. My preferred drink at a water station would be cold coconut water.

3.  If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?

A new pair of Hoka running shoes. I really love these shoes. My feet never hurt after a run.
4.  Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?

I thrive on a training plan. I’m going crazy right now because I don’t have one, but I also need the flexibility in my life at this time so it’s probably a good thing. I love how training plans push me out of my comfort zone and provide a structure that makes me accountable.

5.  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?

I would prefer to start on the uphill and have it all be downhill from there.
6.  When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?

This is really something I need to get back into. I actually enjoy a combination of weight training, plyometrics, and yoga. My most successful marathon to date was the Montreal Marathon and my training consisted of an equal balance of all three along with running 4-5 days/week. Plus I’ve gone soft and I would really like to feel more toned again.

7.  What is your preference—  Out and back, point to point or loop runs?

I prefer a point to point. I find out and back runs painful. I don’t mind a loop course if it’s a really big loop, but a double loop is torture!

8.  If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a:

smile and a positive attitude! Cheesy I know, but when you first start running it can be really challenging to progress. There are so many people turning to running these days and races are becoming the “in” thing to do, but I think sometimes people jump in for the wrong reasons. They have all the tech and fancy running gear, but they are miserable out there. Forget all of the “stuff” and just run. Later when you decide you really enjoy running and want to go further or faster then download a tracking app or buy a Garmin so you don’t have to run in mile loops to track your distance. Wear what feels comfortable not what is most expensive or in vogue.

9.  Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?

Nothing crazy. I’ve seen deer, raccoon, and snakes. Once at the reservoir I was nearing the end of my run and getting close to where I parked my car. This guy was waving his arms overhead from the parking lot. I pulled my headphones off and he was yelling “there’s a bear out there.” He told me the bear had run in the direction I had come from just minutes before. Holy crap! I didn’t see it so it must have gone into the woods thankfully.

10.  Ever gotten lost while out on a run? No.

11.  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?

I would like a fruit platter and a delicious salad with lots of vegetables in a fresh lemon ginger dressing.

12.  Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often?

I have worn the same style of running capris for years now. They fit perfectly and there is a hidden pocket on the waist band big enough for my iPhone 5. They are Kirkland brand from Costco! You can’t buy them there anymore, but thank goodness for Amazon. I know I’m so fashion forward.

I cannot wear shorts. They ride up and there most definitely would be inner thigh chafing. My body simply cannot accommodate shorts, not for running or any other time.

13.  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?

It takes at least a mile or two to feel like I’m really ready to go. Every now and then I get into the groove right from the start. Those are usually great runs.

14.  What do you do with your key when you run?

Drop it right in the sports bra because I’m classy like that! My car key is too big to fit in my pocket with my phone.

15.  If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one what it be?

It would be the Middletown Half Marathon, my first sub 2 hour half marathon. Only this time I would have my family there at the finish.

16.  What type of run is your least favorite type of run?

Hill repeats are torture, but then there is this demented sort of pleasure I actually get out of them once the workout is finished.

17.  What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?

Actually I’ve only run a few times since running the Hartford Marathon. I’ve been focusing on daily yoga over the last two weeks. I will get back to running next week and my motivation will be the crunchy leaves, seeing the last of the fall foliage, and enjoying myself before winter begins.

18.  When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?

For most of this marathon training cycle I ran right from my front door. It was painfully boring at times, but I didn’t have the time to drive places to run.

19.  When running in daylight:  are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?

I never wear sunglasses to run. I think they would be an annoyance especially with sweat dripping down my face. I also don’t own any that would be ideal for running. On sunny days I usually wear a baseball hat.

20.  When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?

Tired? I don’t get tired! OK every now and then I feel tired and that’s when my goals kick in and remind me why I’m doing this. I also think about how truly lucky I am to have a fully functioning body. If I feel tired or frustrated during a run I usually dial it down to allow myself to enjoy the run because ultimately that’s what it’s all about.