fitness & fro-yo: Run for the Water

A running survey seemed appropriate for Survey Sunday this week because this morning I completed the Run for the Water 10-mile race. It started bright and early at 7:00am, and I probably ran a mile or two before the sun came up. I really enjoyed the race, although my time was a bit slower than last year, and it helps bring clean water to the people of Burundi. I will say that the hills just about killed me this morning, and I am hoping that the Houston half will be a breeze compared to this race! That's what I get for only training on a treadmill.

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?

I don't think I run far enough to really need fuel, but I did eat Shot Bloks during my training for the BPMS150 my senior year of high school. I was a huge fan of them then, and I would probably still eat them if I could find them, but I have only really found them at Bicycle World and Fitness in Houston.

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

10K and 1/2 Marathon. The 5K race is generally too short for me to sign up for, mostly because it's so expensive for such a short race, and the 10K and 1/2 Marathon are my favorite race distances. I also think ten miles is a great race length, and I would love to see more of them. I have never run a marathon, but I think I would like to one day, and I'm not sure that I could ever run an Ultra!

Disney World 1/2

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

I wear Nike Tempo shorts a majority of the time, but if I am running outside in the cold, Nike tights are my go-to.

Extreme heat and humidity at the Blue Bell Fun Run in Brenham

One of the coldest races I've ever run

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

I'm boring and just stick to water when I run.

5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?

This is such a hard question! Living in Texas, I am used to being the heat, but that doesn't mean I like it. Actually, I don't mind the heat, it's when it's paired with the humidity that I can't handle running outdoors, even at 6:00 in the morning. But I'm a huge wimp when it comes to the cold weather, though I probably prefer that to the heat and humidity.

6. Running Shoe Brands: Suacony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics or Other?

Mizuno and Asics are my favorite brands. I have been wearing Asics running shoes for the past year, but I just recently bought a pair of Mizuno's that I am pretty excited to break in.

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?

Banana and peanut butter or peanut butter banana toast.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x or more per week, never ever ever or Other?

I generally schedule one rest day per week, but if I need more, I take more.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?

Generally, I have to have it. Especially when it comes to races. However, I have definitely arrived at the gym only to realize that I didn't bring headphones, so I have had to suck it up and run music-less. It really isn't that bad, but I prefer having music that pumps me up. If I am at my gym in Houston, I will often times time my workouts so that I can watch a good TV show or movie while I workout because every machine has its own television. I lead a rough life.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or other?

I'd say a combination of all of these reasons. I love the race atmosphere, but I won't lie and say that I don't run to keep in shape. Did you like that double negative? However, I don't ever want to hate running, so if I start feeling like it's a burden, I switch up my workouts. The feeling after a good run just can't be replaced, and to be honest, I don't feel quite as guilty about eating that frozen yogurt! Actually, I don't feel guilty about eating frozen yogurt at all, so scratch that last one!