The lovely Charissa and the fabulous Dana both tagged me to answer some questions about running. And since I’m not running right now and don’t have a lot to write about, I consider this perfect timing 🙂
1) Location: Trail, Road, or Indoors?
Definitely roads. Since I’m generally a solo runner, trails give me the creeps. I guess I’ve seen too many horror movies and expect a knife wielding psycho to jump out and come after me. And while you all know I don’t mind the treadmill and use it a lot, outdoor running is where it’s at.
2) Time of Day: Morning, Noon, or Evening?
That’s a tough question. I don’t like early morning running because I like sleep. But if I didn’t have to work and could just run whenever I woke up, that would be awesome. Since that’s not an option, evening runs are generally my preference. It’s a great way to cap off a day, and sunsets can be a nice bonus.
3) Weather: Sunshine, Mild or Hot?
MILD. I mean, I’d like it if it could be both mild AND sunshine, but I’ll take 60 and overcast over sunny and 85 any day. I do not do well in the heat.
4) Fuel: Before, After, and sometimes during?
Before a run I usually have either oatmeal or a bagel with cream cheese or sunflower seed butter. During longer runs, I bring my hydration bottle with Nuun, and Gu, although I’m going to try out Honey Stinger Chews this summer, because I’m trying to find more natural fuels. After a run, I’ll have more Nuun, and sometimes a chocolate milk. And a big breakfast is very important after a long morning run–eggs, toast, coffee, and home fries. Yummmmm.
5) Accessories: Music, Watch & More?
I just got a Garmin in January so it hasn’t quite become second nature to wear it yet, but I’m sure it will. I ALWAYS have my phone for emergencies, and sometimes music. For outdoor runs I also wear my RoadID bracelet, and for longer runs I have a handheld water bottle, or a hydration belt. I am apparently not a minimalist runner, haha!
6) Rewards: Food, Wine, or …?
Both? I always have a good meal after a run, and I love me a nice frosty beer as well. If hard-pressed, I’d say it’s food more often than not.
7) Type of run: Long, tempo, intervals, hill repeats, progression, or recovery/easy?
Hill repeats have long been a favorite of mine–they help me stay strong during hilly races, and make me feel like I’m doing a lot of work in a short time period. Second favorite would be intervals, specifically 800s. They’re just long enough to be hard, but not awful.
I’m supposed to tag 7 people to answer these questions, but many of the bloggers I follow have already been tagged, so I’ll just pick a few.
Everyone else, pick a question to answer in the comments!
Love the Stingers but now trying out Sport Beans. The more caffeine I can get the better!
There are stingers with caffeine! But yeah, sport beans are also really tasty!
Yes! I second your answer to #2… if I could just get up and go for a run whenever I naturally wake up, then I’d be totally into that. But, you know, work and stuff gets in the way, and there’s no way I’m getting up at 4:30 to run before work. 🙂
Seriously. Blergh.
haha – I was going to answer that question as well. Except for the opposite. I am out running by 4:30 … after putting out and then feeding the dogs and cats, emptying dishwasher, making coffee and checking email. Yes I am nuts, but I think that is obvious since I spend every morning this winter outside running 🙂
I don’t think you’re nuts–it’s just what works for you! To each their own 🙂
I do a lot of my running indoors, especially this winter!
Yeah, you guys have had an absolutely brutal time of it!
So funny that I used to only like to sprint (ok, that is relative), but now? Give me that long slow distance allllll day.
I like both for different reasons. Running fast can feel really exhilarating, but it’s also nice to have lots of alone time for reflection.
I also like roads, but sometimes running in nature on trails just makes me feel so good!
I’d compromise with a paved trail through the woods–I’m too clutzy to worry bout roots and holes!
Yay for evening runners! People keep mentioning their Road Id’s which makes me realize that I forgot to mention mine. Oops!
Haha, I haven’t been running outdoors much, so it hasn’t been getting much use. But it lives in my gym bag so that when I need it, I have it.
Totally agree with you on that weather! I am a morning runner and so looking forward to early mornings in the summer. The temperature should be perfect.I love that you love hill repeats! Way too many people shy away from hills. Hills are important!!
They really are! My last half was super hilly and I cruised right by so many people struggling on the inclines.
Hill repeats?! Girl you gotta share some of that love. I don’t think I know anyone else who loves hill repeats! (And most definitely not this girl!) Whenever I run outside, I have to deal with hills so I don’t do repeats too often, but when I do, I despise them!
They’re my favorite type of speed work. I feel like such a beast when I do them 😀