WORKOUT -
Ran on TM -
10.0 miles/1:20
1.5-2% incline
5 min walk cool down
I got up in time to go to a Piloxing class but felt like running instead so that’s what I did. Every 5 minutes I would switch from 1.5% incline to 2 and back. I started at an 8:30 pace and then sped up slowly until I hit 10 miles and averaged an 8 min/mile pace.
RUNNING QUESTIONS
Dave tagged me in a series of running questions; check out his answers in a video here.
Since I’m terrible at making videos, I’m going to list my answers below. I also didn’t answer all the questions, but you can see the whole list here if you want to join in.
Questions:
1. Why did you start running?
Three words: cream cheese frosting.
{Six cake mixes, NBD}
2. Best running memory?
My husband says I have a bad memory because I don’t remember things from when I was like 9 months old…
I have a lot of great race memories (I think, if I can remember them) and they usually involve other people, not PRs or fast paces. or a sweet race costume.
3. What shoes do you run in?
MIZUNO FOR LIFE, FRESH TO DEATH.
Mizuno Wave Riders were my first ‘real’ running shoe and that’s all I’ve worn since. LOVE the 16s and at this pace, I’ll also love the Wave Rider 129s.
4. Favorite & least favorite distances to run?
Favorite is the marathon; least favorite is anything shorter than that. You have to run too fast and too hard, and I’m lazy and like to run slower.
5. Do you have a running partner?
Generally no, and although I enjoy the company of running with others, I like the majority of my runs to be solo. I’m part extrovert, part loner. What a dichotomy.
6. What is your favorite running accessory?
Tim Tebow. and rain.
And a Garmin 405 GPS watch. If I’m running outside, I’m wearing it.
7. Outdoor or indoor running?
Both. Why pick favorites? Unless you’re the favorite…
8. What is your favorite time of the day to run?
MORNING, the earlier the better. I believe in Hell and I think there’s a part of it where you have to get up early every morning and then stare at the clock until about 5pm when you can finally run on a really janky treadmill.
9. What races have you run?
Ehh just a couple. You can see them all here, but the New York City Marathon remains a favorite. I can’t even think of the city without mentioning pizza.
10. What is the hottest or coldest weather you have ever ran in?
Boston 2012 was pretty toasty, I think it was around 87 degrees? All I know is I needed some water-proof mascara like Lance needs a new PR firm.
I’ve never run in really cold weather. Us SoCalifornians start writing out our wills and death wishes if it dips into the 50s.
11. Other exercises you love?
I really enjoy walking with friends because I get to TALK! (as if I don’t enough already) and more recently I’ve been enjoying barre classes at Xtend barre. Doesn’t matter that the studio is encased in mirrors, I still think I look this while taking a class:
12. Are you currently training for something?
LIFE.
Nothing specific, I like to be in marathon shape year-round or close to it so I guess that’s what I’m training for?
13. What are your current or future goals?
To win the Olympics and my current goal to not poo my pants in a race remains unchanged.
Actually, I’m goal-less at the moment. A marathon PR would be really nice, but I’m not sure I’m dedicated to hard running enough right now for that.
14. Advice for new runners?
Get a good sports bra.
Honestly, don’t compare yourself to other runners. Their pace, training log and race times have nothing to do with you; comparing either makes you feel bad about yourself or prideful and better than someone else, neither of which are great choices.
Make running a LIFETIME goal, not a “Until I lose the last 5 pounds… Until I PR…Until I have kids” goal. When your priority is to run healthy for a lifetime, it becomes so much easier to not obsess over a bad race, a slow run, or a season of unmotivated running.
15. Why did you start a blog?
TO TALK ABOUT MYSELF. Isn’t that why we all start one?
Dave, sign up for a marathon!
One of the questions that I didn’t answer but you can is,
When did you start running?
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Great answers. I love little surveys like this. Well, I’m not a lover but I loooove spinning. I started spin class when I was 13. It started out as cross training, but now it’s my go to fitness. I wish we had barre really bad here, it makes me sad. Pilates will have to do for now:) Maybe I’ll just start harassing someone until they make barre available here.
I did track in high school, but I started running when I was 25 and never stopped. I stopped while I was pregnant with my twins because I had to but got a double jogger and started right back up again. I just turned 41 and I love having that time to myself.
I technically started running exactly a year ago. I always ran in high school for sports, but I hated it and then I signed up for my firs 5K last year and decided to get my butt out there.
It’s pretty much been an obsession since. Then once I started running, I started reading blogs about running, and that’s when I found your blog and then I decided to start a running blog of my own so that’s my story!
I’m about to sign up and start training for my first half (I’ve only ran 5Ks, 10Ks, and 8Ks so far) so I am really excited for my first long distance race!
One thing I like about reading your blog is that your *always* tongue in cheek and this post takes the toast….on the whole tongue in cheek thing!
I love love love your advice to new runners. I’m not a newbie but am currently experiencing an unmotivated training season for my next marathon. And I’ve been feeling guilty about my lack of stellar motivation / training which is stupid because I will be running for a long time.
I started running almost a year ago and have loved (almost) every minute of it.
I loved this response “Honestly, don’t compare yourself to other runners. Their pace, training log and race times have nothing to do with you; comparing either makes you feel bad about yourself or prideful and better than someone else, neither of which are great choices.” — I needed to hear this today!
I like running with others but quite enjoy the alone time too. I technically started running to lose weight but it wasn’t until I ran a race and then started realize how fun it was to run long and far that I fell in love with it and then identified myself as a runner!
I’ve been running on and off since my sophomore year of high school when I ran track. Things got serious three years ago, when I started running more than 5 miles at a time.
I just started running in June and I really do love it! I finished my first half marathon last Sunday and it only made me want to do another one
I really appreciated your answer to question 14. I love the advice to make running a lifetime goal, it does make those bad run days easier. 
Cute questions and good answers…love hearing a little more about the blogs/bloggers I read. (Boy that made sense right?)
This has nothing to do with your post today but I thought I should share this with you. I bought my first pair of compression socks from Pro Compression! Can’t wait for them to get here because Lord knows my shins could use them. And I used your coupon code from a previous post! Whoop-whoop!
awesome!
I started running in 2010 when a friend wanted me to do the Arnold Pump & Run with her. Man it’s fun to people watch at the Arnold Classic! I never really got into it at the time and then got pregnant and stopped completely. I picked it back up when my son was 8-9 months old and I was up by 50+ lbs and have been running consistently ever since and just recently added trail running into the mix. I’m absolutely addicted! Now I’m training for a 1/2 and considering an Ultra…
These little surveys are some of my favourite posts to read!
Do you warm up at all? or go cold turkey running? Great advice to new runners. It is very hard not comparing yourself to others, esp close friends that you run with =)
i dont really warm up but i always start slow even in races. i never just go full board from the start.
I started running when I was 6. Apparently I got bored living out in the country and would run laps around the outside of our house. Eventually my mom signed me up for the local track club and that started my competitive running which lasted through college. But here I am at 36 and can’t run a mile without an injury so I live vicariously through real runners by reading their blogs. Been reading this one for about a year and LOVE it! I literally laughed out load when I read your response about why you started blogging…too funny. Keep running strong, SR!
I want to say the first time I did any sort of program was back in 2005 maybe. It was for a 5k and I was SO proud that I ran it. Until someone told me that I could have walked it just as fast as the pace I ran. I thought that was pretty mean to say to a new runner. Then I took another couple of years off. In 2008, I jumped from a 5k to training for a half marathon and haven’t looked back.
The Kidless Kronicles
If I go to NY, can we do pizza together? If if if.
I really love your advice for new runners. I recently started running again (it was the only sport I’ve ever participated in), and I’m trying to adopt that mindset. I don’t want to compare myself to others I know that run. I’m also not just running to lose weight or complete a goal; it’s a lifestyle change. I’ve recently started changing my views on why I run, and I’m finding a new love for it. I’m so glad because even though I live in SoCal, it’s getting pretty cold (30s/40s), and I need the extra motivation!!
I loved reading your answers to these running questions!
You are the last person in the world I would think of when I hear “lazy”. Even in the marathon (all 40) of them, you are never slow!!!
Oh, I started running about 28 years ago – my sophomore year in HS!!!
I started running 1 year, 2mo ago with a 5k and a half 5 mo later. LOVE your advice to us newbies. I’m an obsessive competitive person and it used to kill me when I looked at the pace of others. Now, er, I’m absolutely fine with it. I don’t run to break records. I just want to keep going and enjoy it!
I have played basketball my entire life through college and after college, I thought what’s next? I got bored going to the gym everyday doing whatever. My parents have been runners since before I was born and my dad talked me into doing a 5k. The rest is history! My sister and I do marathons while my parents are into 5ks. I love that I can get out and run with my family!
I like your answer for #14.
I started running cross-country in Middle School. I ran up till my Senior year in High School, when I ended up quitting. I had been bullied by my team-mates for a number of years and the coach wouldn’t help me (I wanted to train with the boys instead). I didn’t know what else to do, and wasn’t strong enough to just ignore it, so I quit. I got back into running in 2007 when I was working way too many hours and going thru a divorce. I knew I needed to run- both for my physical health but also for my mental health.
i could hear it in his first words!!!! dave’s from wis.!!! GO PACKERS! (next year)….he seems soooo down to earth and sweet, thanks for sharing! -10!!!!! don’t the insides of noses and lungs freeze?
I started running competitvely in the 6th grade and then all through high school and college. After 10 years I got burn out and pretty much quite running. After my kids were born and I gained 50lbs, I came back to running. I’ve been running for me and my sanity for the past 2 years. I actully enjoy getting out on the road and trails now. (I’m still not enjoying the treadmill, I don’t know how you do it)
I hardly remember things from when I was 9 YEARS old…
Bahaha! As a Gator grad that picture of Tebow running topless in the rain just made my day. That would be a GREAT accessory.
I started seriously running (like a lot) after I got called back to Florida from my dream internship in NYC because my then fiance now husband had been admitted into the burn unit ICU. When I got to the hospital he didn’t even look like the same person. It was a hard summer.
I ran to make myself feel better and it helped to keep me from feeling sorry for myself.
Now we run together when we’re together (he’s in basic training right now). It makes the miles pass a little easier.
Great answers!! Love these sorts of little surveys
I have been running since I was 16 and lived out in the bush with my family, most runs back then involved jumping over fences and hiding from the odd kangaroo, never had any idea of distance or time I just ran until I couldn’t anymore. Once I left home and started University I continued with some running but moved most of it to the gym instead. Have had a few injuries over the last 5 years or so, and it’s only over the last 2 years that I’ve really starting running “properly” and keeping note of times etc. I now have a plan to get me to a half marathon and hopefully a full marathon eventually, and I’m just so glad that *fingers crossed!* I’ve beaten my injuries and will continue to be a runner for life!
When I started college I began running at 6am – which is crazy early for college. Now I get my runs in at 4am. I never called myself a runner since I started “late”. It wasn’t until my 3rd marathon when I decided that maybe I’m a runner after all, albeit a slow one.
I first started running for my first race – the NWM in 2009. Question for you, SR: What brand/type of sports bra would you recommend? (Also on the more affordable side!) Thanks!
i really like moving comfort bras. you can get them on http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ for cheap and they usually always have some sort of promo code.
I started running when my BFF moved back from NC and she had started running there and thought that I should run too.
I started runinng in 9th grade. My first day I ran a half mile around my block and I nearly died. Since then it’s been a love/hate relationship, but mostly love!
Two years ago at age 42 when my daughter was interested in being on the middle school track team. They needed adults to help supervise the kids during the off-campus “long” (not really) runs. I figured this would supplement my home work outs (on the Wii) and I found that I sort of fell in love with it. I am horribly competitive and like to push myself so I started going longer and there you go…Couple of half-marathons, many 10k’s and upcoming Surf City full, I finally call myself a runner!
Greatest compliment ever when someone at a race said “oh I can tell you’re probably fast cause you have nice, lean legs”. I promptly handed her $100 and kissed her! It’s so sad how we are not kind in speaking/seeing/thinking of our bodies. Then a stranger comes along and sees something totally different. I need to learn to love these legs! They are strong and they are the ones God wanted me to have.
Your advice to other runners is GREAT!! I think it can get so hard sometimes to not compare to others, but it’s so important to realize running is such a personal activity and everyone is different!!
I’m part loner too, would like to do a few runs with people, but generally out there on my own!
“Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt. I’m tryibg hard to focus on the joy of running+running for myself today, right here right now.
I started running last year on March 26-nearly my anniversary!
Mizuno love. That is all.
word.
I was in Maui. There was no exercise room at the time share. I thought I will go for a run. It was awesome! My knees did not like me too much but I kept it up all week! I’ve been in love since!!
Running’s free, and I’m too cheap to pay for a gym! That’s what got me hooked.
I started the Couch to 5k in March of 2011. I ran my first half marathon in October of 2011, and after getting married and having serious surgery in summer 2012, I ran my first full marathon at Disney on January 13th, 2013. I cannot even begin to list all of the things that running has done for me.
I started running about 4 years ago when I moved to Hawaii. It was just too beautiful not to be running or working out outside. I met a lot of people that were into racing and tris, so that helped me get motivated. I ran my first race (a 5k) there as well as my first half and full marathon. I loved my days running there and miss it something awful I tell ya. I live in NC now. I am currently on a hiatus from running because I am 33 weeks pregnant, and it just takes too long for my body to recover after a run now, but I am still doing other forms of working out. I know I will continue to run post baby. I have my sights set on a half and full marathon already!
I always tell people I started running to hook a husband.
I was a hot mess of a young 21 year old and he was a hot intern and – you guessed it – runner! I hated every moment of it for about 2 years and now almost 8 years later WE just finished our first marathon. I can’t imagine my life without running! I continued running to stay sane and in shape, eat LOTS of goodies (wine, cheese, cookies, ice cream, peanut butter etc) and keep my husband! Bad story, sorry!
Started running when I was 5. Back then only Nike and Asics made legit running shoes in kids sizes, but I only wear Mizuno Wave Precisions now – you ever consider trying them, especially for races? They are lighter than the Wave Riders, but also a neutral shoe.
love all your answers chica!!
that pizza looks sooo good!!!
xo
Your answers make you sound like a really good person, and I’m glad I found your blog. Funny, fit, and inspiring. I started running at 13 and I’m now a few months away from 30 and with a 17-month-old daughter. Strangely, I run longer distances now (never a marathon, though), but I’m 35 lbs heavier than my “glory days.” I’m trying to get there again!
I ran track and cross country in high school but never ran more than 4 miles, even when the coach assigned more. Five years ago, when trying to start working out again, my body started giving out on me. Four months later I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and after a year of pain and depression, medication finally got it under control. Now I run because I can. Three half marathon under my belt and a record long distance run of 22 miles, I run at least 4 days a week. Not because I love it but because I physically can. Plus now I’m in remission!
i just started within the year… i have asthma and a big chest and lots of excuses haha so i never got into it before… i got up to 3miles and then had a random couple months of no running so now i’m trying to get back into it again
i’m almost through with my C25K program… so far to go, but at least it’s a start! 
the teebow comment and the LANCE comment had me laughing out loud.
and lazy? nah, you’re not lazy.
I’m pretty sure you said your tu-tu was aqua; other than that, I’m sure you look EXACTLY like the picture above at barre class.
I started running originally because my husband was so so into it! He loves running and is aiming to get into the Olympic trials. I can’t say I love running in the same way and just currently starting learning how to lift weights – I am excited to what that will bring!
ha good answers!
Ran my first 5k Dec 2011. First half March 2012. I’m about to do my 4th & 5th half in Feb 2013(back to back) and 1st full- MCM in October.
I did it because I want to be just like/faster than my boyfriend (the thought that crossed through my head as he finished his first marathon and I burped up a huge Denny’s waffle waiting on him to get to the finish line). I kid… partially.
Fun questions – fun & great answers.
I think especially as women we should celebrate each other while we are out there running no matter what the distance or pace. There’s enough bull$hit out there! Be kind.
I started running in 2008 ( at the age of 43) and have fallen in love – madly & deeply – with the half marathon distance.
I don’t know that there was a time that I started running. I’ve always really enjoyed it. Even in the 4th grade when I played soccer. My first race was a 10k my sophomore year in college so I guess that’s when I started really training and such.
When I joined the gym after I graduated. It’s been great since. No regrets.
These are great! I can’t agree with your Tebow comment but I loved looking at that pizza! I started running just last year because I wanted to be involved with a charity and it’s kind of become a habit, hopefully one I can keep.
I started running in the third grade:) I’m 25 now so yeah don’t feel like doing the math to figure out what age I was lol but I love it and always will!
Mizunos. Duh. The best.
Running was forced upon me in college. It was a mandatory form of cross training for the sport I’m actually good at. Or WAS good at.
I only started running after my first year of law school! I always thought I was incapable of running since running a mile was basically torture in P.E. But here I am two half-marathons in with 3 more to come this spring!! And no intention of stopping
Love this post and all your answers. LOVE the training for life outlook. I remind myself of this daily as I get super grumpy when I try to train for anything more than just enjoying life.
I need to get to NY for that pizza! LOL.
My (first) college (I transferred later) didn’t really have any student clubs to join, so me an anti-sports person decided I can suffer through one XC-season to find friends – turned out I fell in love with running, improved quickly and went on to another school with a scholarship soon.
Brooks
Too many best runs
Best race distance overall: marathon; on track: 10K; XC or shorter road race: 5K; I hate the 400 and the 800 with a passion; just for running/training I like 10 milers and anything over….15 is the best maybe
I rather run alone, but I did have certain training partners I loved running with
my shoe; I don’t actually have travel accessories, I travel a lot (I don’t have a home base now, just travel, live here and there) and even my running watch broke, sad face
between 10 am and noon or evening
college XC 3K, 5K and 6K; road 2 mile, 5K, 8K, 10 mile, 13.1, 26.1; trail: 4 mile, 10 mile; track 4×400; distance medley; 800; 1500; mile; 3K; 5K; 10K
outdoor running!!! best on trails, but parks or streets are ok too; I run indoors when must and even than rather on the track; I HATE the dredmill
coldest weather is probably about – 35F windchill outside; hottest maybe 100-105F mid-day
rather not discuss my goals here
I lOVE running; I really like swimming and riding my bike (but I don’t do these as a ‘sport’); I like pilates and bikram yoga; I like trying new things, but I only LOVE running
my advice: enjoy and good shoes. if you are in pain, rather sit out a day or two to heal than run through it and injure badly
I started to blog cuz I want to share what I learn about health and I want to eventually motivate people and maybe somehow, once I learn enough, make the world a better place.
I’ve always played sports, but I started running ‘for fun’ when I was in college to prevent the freshman 25 from happening…and have used it to de-stress ever since
Honestly, I started running because I felt like I had no reason not to. I read a story about a 70 yr old woman that ran everyday and figured if she could do it, I could do it. Now im hooked. One day ill be that 70 yr old lady
I started running after I graduated from high school. I think before that I’d done some 5Ks but that was it – never really ran to train or around the neighborhood or anything, just the races. Then I realized you get better the more you do, so I started running and haven’t looked back. I love the freedom of the road and the mind-clearing power of running.
I only started running a couple of years ago. My kids are finally old enough that they sleep all night so now I can do early morning runs. I am 42 years old and in the best shape of my life!
Love that ballerina photo! That’s what I feel like too!
I started running for fun after I stopped playing softball, when we were forced to run.
I started running in 8th grade to lose weight and found out that I LOVED it. We didn’t have track at our tiny school, but I don’t care about the winning aspect anyway. I just love doing it!
I was a soccer player and basketball player through middle school and highschool and I absolutely hated running. I was a goalie so I felt really cheated when I had to participate in runs and sprints with the rest of the team. My job was the roll around and catch things right? Right.
When I got to college I thought “I’ll never run again!” and I didn’t for a long time. After my college boyfriend and I broke up, he moved to New York, but we “got back together” long distance and we decided I was going to go visit him.
I decided I wanted to look really good so I started running. I can’t believe I started running for a guy, but four years later we’re engaged and I’m still running just because I fell in love with it, and I guess him too.
My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Asper started a running program with our class and extended it to outside school with local 5Ks for a few of us that really loved it. I thought of her often when training for my first full and found her on Facebook to let her know I am now running marathons and ultras ; )
Your comment about Southern Californians and cold weather made me laugh out loud!
I love your last response to #14. So true that if running is a lifetime goal, the impact/importance of individual runs/races/seasons is minimize.
oh my gosh girl, you’re hilarious. LOVE your answers. Amen to training for LIFE, baby.
You are hilarious and I can totally relate to your answers from the quiz. You and HRG inspired me to take the dog on a trail run tomorrow. I am so excited to get out and take on some hills. Yay for us spoiled Cali girls and being able to run outside all year long without crazy weather.
I started running with my dad when I was young then continued running due to high school sports and haven’t stopped since. I definitely don’t do distances like you, but running is running, right?!
P.S. Is it unethical in the blogging world to put links to other people’s blogs like yours? If so, I will delete it from my post.
hahaha no its not unethical. it might be unethical to steal peoples posts and claim them as your own but thats never stopped me.
(i kid)
I started running in high school when my patents dropped me off at cross country practice and wouldn’t pick me back up. I either had to run during practice or run home.
I started running because I wanted to find something I was passionate about. I had tried other things but never got much joy out of it. Once I started running I loved it instantly. I run in my Mizuno wave rider 15′s which I love. My favorite accessory is my Garmin. I am a little too dependent on it though. I love running outdoors and I am currently training for my first race ever, the RNR Dallas. Can’t wait!
sarah! I’m happy that NYC is your favorite race!
I wanted to let you know that Matt, who led the ‘run group’ in 2010 and his then girlfriend got married this past October. I was in their wedding party. I owe you a huge SPANKS to you and your blog because my husband and I have friends for life! Thank you SR! Also, what did you decide to do about NYC this year…are you running 2013 or another year?
omg that is crazy! congrats to them and so glad you guys are friends.
im doing nyc in 2013.
I had to link to this post. I love your advice to runners. Oh and you are hysterical, which makes me even love your posts more.
I absolutely loved what you said about comparing ourselves to other runners. I love your healthy outlook, humor, and intelligence.
I started running at the end of summer 2012 when I signed up for a coffee-themed 5K JUST BECAUSE I <3 coffee. While doing Ease into 5K to prepare for it, I found out I actually enjoyed running, and now I'm training for my first half, the Disney Princess Half.
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