I read this on my sister’s blog, Not Fast But Not Last and thought what a good blog post it would be for myself – only to find out she tagged me as the next person to answer these questions.
1. How long have you been running?
Pretty much all my life. Growing up as a kid I was always outdoors, running around the neighborhood with all the kids. Though I didn’t take the racing part seriously till early 2011.
2. Why did you start running?
My sister had some health issues and decided to take up running. She fell in love with it and as a result registered for her first half. I would join her on her runs as a motivator to get up on those early morning short runs and as a supporter biking alongside her 10 mile runs and carrying her water bottle.
3. What is the furthest distance you have ever ran?
13.1 – 2014 Iron Girl Clearwater Half Marathon
4. What is your best running memory?
There’s a few, but I think the one that captures it all was coming down the winding trail off the Memorial Causeway down to the finish chute at the Iron Girl Clearwater Half and just looking across the water over to the Sand Key bridge and reflecting back on my journey to that point. It was a proud moment and I channeled all that into sprinting down to the finish line.
5. What shoes do you run in?
Currently, the Saucony Ride 6.
6. What are your favorite and least favorite distances to run or race?
Now that I am able to run longer distances, the shorter mileage runs are the runs I am starting to dread. The reasons is because it usually by the time I am warmed up the run is over with. Then aat times, I don’t mind them because I am getting stronger and faster so I can see the seconds shredding off.
7. Do you have a running partner?
I do not have a running partner. I have friends who I have gone on runs with here and there, but that’s the extent.
8. What is your favorite place to run?
I am always most excited for my Saturday morning, long runs and the reason for that is because of the location. I love to run in Downtown St. Pete down by the water. I like to get out early enough to watch the sunrise. It’s so peaceful and the perfect “me” time to just unwinding from the week and get me in my weekend mood.
9. What is your favorite running accessory?
I have two, my Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS watch and my visor. Now that I am running more and longer miles I needed something to help me keep my overall time, my average pace and most importantly my distance. I also love my visor! I’m so used to wearing sunglasses casually throughout the day but have had very little success running with them, so the visor was a perfect match. I almost feel naked if I don’t have it, lol.
10. Do you like outdoor or indoor running?
I used to be a treadmill runner, but now I hate the treadmill and would much rather run outside.
11. What is your favorite time of the day to run?
If I am doing a short distance like 2-4, I could run either in the morning or evening. If I am doing a long distance run, definitely in the morning, as it makes me feel like I accomplished something before the day has even started.
12. What races have you run in?
This past race season, I participated in one 5k (Women’s Running Series), two 10ks (St. Pete Beach Classic and Best Damn Race Safety Harbor), one 15k (Gasparilla Distance Classic) and my first ever Half Marathon (Iron Girl Clearwater)
Previously, I had participated in four other 5ks prior to the 2013-2014 race season.
13. What music do you listen to when running?
Ill listen to music during my longer runs, and I usually just put my iPod on shuffle so I am always surprised to whatever may play.
14. What is the coldest or hottest weather you have ever ran in?
Living in Florida, it doesn’t get too cold. I’d have to say the coldest I’ve ever ran in was around 48- 50 degrees. The hottest yet that I’ve attempted was 80+ degrees.
15. What are some other exercises you love?
I’ve definitely been working on strength training, and I am loving the results. I feel stronger and I like seeing my overall form being built from a skinny, boney girl to a healthy, athletic lady. I was also into yoga when I first started my training for the Iron Girl and fell out of routine, but I would definitely like to try and get back into it for the next half.
16. Are you currently training for something?
Since my last race, I took some time off to recoup. Then I was out of town for work, only to come home and now I am getting over being sick. I have two halfs that I am signed up from in the fall/winter, so as soon as I am feeling 100% better I will be back training for first, the 2014 Women’s Running Series St. Petersburg followed by the inaugural Best Damn Race Cape Coral.
17. What are your current or future goals?
I would definitely like to break my current time for a half marathon on 2:37:52. Currently, I would like to finish the Women’s Running Half closer to 2:30, and not having four bridges to go over could make this goal happen 🙂
18. Advice for new runners?
Just take it slow and easy, you’re still lapping everyone sitting on the couch 🙂
19. Why did you start a running blog?
I wanted to document my 20 week journey in training and competing in my first ever half-marathon. I decided a blog would be the best so I could a) have my journal and b) easily share my progress with my family and friends.
20. Who will you tag?
Montana with Pretty Lil’ Mudder.