(Belated) 10 Running Questions

 I'm just getting into this blogging thing so my posts are going to be sporadic for a bit.  I've been working really hard on getting to the gym everyday this week because I'm trying to slim down before the holidays and get back into lots of fitness classes now that my 2 half marathons are over! I saw this running questionnaire from about a month ago that Another Mother Runner posted, and I thought my answers would be a nice little running introduction from me to you! 

1. Best Run Ever: I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler this past April in Washington DC.  That was the longest race I've run up to that day, and I was very anxious even though I'd ran 10.5 miles in my training to prepare.  I tried to keep up with the 8:30 pacer who was actually running 8 min miles.  I ran the race in 1:20 and definitely experience the runner's high.  I felt so great and the run wasn't hard just very enjoyable.  Crossing the finish line with a nice time and a huge smile on my face was when I really felt like a runner.  Immediately after my run I felt like I could run even more, and then eventually some soreness kicked in at brunch.

2. Three words to describe my running: Relaxing (definitely the time I use to de-stress and think about things), competitive (with myself and other runners, I'm always chasing the PR and trying to get better!), and healthy (it's become a part of my life but I balance it with crosstraining and try to keep it from being like work but always being something I want to push myself to do!) 

3. My go to run outfit: Something bright colored and fun.  I'm a big fan of running capris (no chafing!) and a dry-fit or wicking shirt (Under Armour rocks and are a Baltimore company to boot!). I usually have a headband, armband for my phone, and my Brooks purple Pureflows of course!

4. Quirky habit while running: Sometimes if a good song comes on my iPod I do a little rocking out and dancing with my hands haha

5. Morning, midday or evening runner?  Depends on the day of the week! Midday if I need to get a run in.  I prefer morning but if I sleep in because waking up is hard, I'll hit the treadmill at night.   

6. I won’t run outside when its raining or snowing. I'm kind of a baby about running in the rain if it's cold or the snow, probably because I'm cold all the time and being cold makes me super uncomfortable.  

7. Worst injury & how I got over it: Luckily I haven't had any serious injuries since I've been running this past year.  I felt some pain sometimes in my knees or shins but usually take a day off from running and wear compression sleeves and be sure to stretch it out.  In high school I pulled a hamstring and it was excruciating-I felt like I couldn't walk and stairs were the worst.  I remember soaking in the hot tub and thinking how lucky people are to just be able to walk around everyday. I never want to take advantage of being able to run so I try to take care of myself.  

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when I finished my first half marathon this past September in 1:48:24 which met my sub- 2 hour goal! It was the Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon and the course was scenic and pretty flat with fabulous weather. I ran my first 5K in October 2011 so it feels pretty amazing to be running a decent timed first half marathon a year later. I never thought I'd be a runner! I made a super cute shirt that said "I'm the fast girl your mother warned you about" which made it really fun! 

My legs started to feel it around mile 8, but I pushed it out and felt on top of the world when I crossed that finish line in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum.  I was so elated and was snacking afterwards but when I met up with my boyfriend who hugged me and told me how proud he was of me, I just started to cry uncontrollably.  I don't know why, but I'm guessing it was happiness,relief, and all of that stress of training releasing itself.  Having that kind of emotional moment was when it really struck me that running was something special to me. 

Me doing like Rocky in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum after my first half marathon this past September

9. My next race is? Celtic Solstice 5 Miler in December which is a pretty infamous race in the Baltimore area and always sells out! I ran this race last year and it has a super sweet Brooks premium along with hot soup and mulled wine from Boordy Vineyards after the race!

10. Potential running goals for 2013: Definitely going to tackle running my first marathon (Who am I?!) and just work on my speed of shorter runs and continue chasing those PRs and loving running!