Okay, so you guys know I’m a sucker for survey and lists, right?
Since there are only a few days until half marathon #3, and then I am participating in the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half and Festival (don’t forget your discount codes!), I thought a running survey was only appropriate, especially after I stumbled upon this one from the awesome gals at Another Mother Runner.
Play along in the comments section!
Best Run Ever
The Newport 10-Miler last month. I went out strong and stayed strong, and surprised myself my maintaining a pace (8:47/mi) I didn’t think was even in the realm of possibility. Even if I don’t get that sub-2:00 time on Sunday, this race showed me that it is definitely in my grasp.
Plus, how can you compete with a beautiful course that runs alongside the ocean and passes historic mansions?
And I always love when I can run a race with this guy (and our friends!).
Oh, and when there’s free beer.
Three Words that Describe My Running
Strong, competitive, and challenging.
My Go-To Running Outfit
For bottoms, I love my Athleta capris and lucy shorts. For tops, I always end up with an Under Armour tank (with arm warmers when it’s chilly), my padded Target sports bra, Balega socks, Brooks Glycerins, and a hat. Must. Wear. A. Hat.
Favorite Running Song
I have a few: How Far We’ve Come (Matchbox Twenty), I Do Not Hook Up (Kelly Clarkson) and Feel So Close (Calvin Harris). My current running playlist is currently made up of 35% Pitbull, 30% Flo Rida, 20% Calvin Harris, 15% Kelly Clarkson and a random assortment of others. (Um, is this the playlist of a college student?)
Morning, Mid-day, or Evening
Morning, for sure! Me + afternoon or evening running = disaster.
I Won’t Run Outside When It’s
Icy. Okay, I know it’s been nearly 10 years since I tore the ACL in my right knee and underwent knee surgery, but in my head, I’m still super paranoid that I might slip and tweak my knee and injure it all over again.
Plus I’m kinda klutzy.
What is your favorite distance?
I’d say either the 10K or the 10 mile distance. While I used to enjoy sprinting, I’m finding it more challenging the more I focus on endurance races.
What is your favorite pre-race breakfast?
Toast with almond butter and banana. And coffee. Gotta have the coffee.
Who is your running idol?
I love Shalane Flanagan. Not only is she a fellow Massachusetts gal, but she was such an inspiration to watch during the Boston Marathon. And I swear I’m not just saying this because I’ll get to meet her in a few weeks (cue fangirl squeal) at the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half and Festival.
Do you use Gu?
For anything longer than a 10K, I use Clif Shot Gel in the cherry chocolate flavor. It’s delicious and has a shot of caffeine. The downside? It can be a little messy. I also fill up one of my water bottles in my hydration belt with watermelon Nuun.
Worst Injury – And How I Got Over It
My recent battle with the piriformis. I’ve been okay for a few months now (knock on wood!) but every time I start feeling confident that I conquered this thing, I feel a little twinge (particularly after doing squats or lunges in Body Pump) that tells me, Not so fast. So now I make sure I do a LOT of glute stretches before my long runs.
I Felt Most Like a Badass Mother Runner When…
Hmm, I have two answers there. The first was completing a 5K when Mimi was just three months old. I still remember people coming up to me as we waiting for the race to begin, saw me with my bib and Mimi in her carriage, and marveling that I was out there running a race.
Second was when I was running Boston’s Run to Remember half marathon last year and I finally, finally saw my family at Mile 12. Seeing how excited my kids were and getting a high five from Buddy, who was holding a sign he made all by himself, truly gave me the surge I needed to finish strong.
Unfortunately they won’t be there this year, since Dr. G. is running the half too (his first!), but I remember exactly where they were and will try to picture them there again this year.
Potential Running Goal for 2014
Two words. Sub-two. (or is that technically one word?).
My secondary goal is a sub-25 5K.
Jennifer says
I will chime in with my best run..I have had a few, but my favorite two were when I was running my first 20 miler last fall and I ran into Dimity from Anotherr Mother Runner during the DC Ragnar, that happened to be on my route. She was super nice and let me take a picture with her. My other was the Pittsburgh Marathon this month; I was super nervous and didn’t have any big goal in mind until I caught up to the 4:30 pacer, who had started way before me. When I realized that I could come in under 4:30 it gave me a great boost and I passed the pace group and never saw them again. It was also just an awesome race anyway, even with out a 15 minute PR!
Jessica says
I can see those why are your best runs!!!! Awesome job 🙂
Jennifer says
I forgot to say good luck in your race this weekend…here’s to that sub-2!
Jessica says
Thanks so much, Jen!!!! 🙂