Would You Rather Running Survey

Another Sunday, another survey. And this one, surprise, has to do with running! I promise I’ll get my hands on some other types of surveys soon. But for now, enjoy a look into my running preferences. I’m sure none of them will surprise you.

WOULD YOU RATHER…

RUN A RACE IN 30 DEGREES (F) AND WINDY OR 80 DEGREES AND SUPER SUNNY?

I do not handle the heat (and likely the humidity that comes along with it) super well. I start sweating almost instantly, so while I hate being cold at the start of a run, I heat up pretty quick. Though 30 degrees might be a little on the chilly side for this Texas girl.

RUN A BEER MILE OR A COLOR RUN?

I’m not much of a beer gal, but I had a terrible experience at the one and only Color Run I ever ran. The weather was pretty horrible, it started almost an hour later than planned, and there was no organization. The colors were all within half a mile of one another, and I immediately delete any and all emails containing the subject “Color Run.”

RUN ON THE TRAILS OR IN AN URBAN SETTING?

Urban setting, 100%. I tried my first trail run this past July, and to say it was a miserable experience is no exaggeration. I like running through neighborhoods and around parks and by restaurants. It’s what I’m used to, and call me a Grinch, but I get tired of looking at the same trees and bushes for so many miles.

FORGET TO PUT ON DEODORANT OR BODY GLIDE BEFORE A LONG RUN?

To be honest, I really only remember to put on Body Glide before a half marathon distance or longer. So, I think forgetting to put on deodorant would be the real crime.

EAT BACON OR BROWNIES AS MID-RACE FUEL?

Both of these sound pretty terrible, as I have a hard enough time taking Clif Shot Bloks or Jelly Beans during a race, but I guess I would go with bacon. I don’t think it would sit quite as heavy in my stomach.

WEAR RUNNING SHOES THAT ARE TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL?

I guess too big. I could always wear extra thick socks. Wearing shoes that are too small is just asking for pain and blisters and loss of toenails.

RUN A CROWDED BIG CITY MARATHON WITH 30,000+ RUNNERS OR RUN A SMALL RURAL MARATHON WITH LESS THAN 200 FINISHERS?

I’ve done both, and I much prefer the big city races. I thrive on the crowd’s enthusiasm and encouragement, and I really enjoy having other runners in close proximity throughout the entire race. Which is strange because I don’t actually enjoy training with others, but I enjoy the camaraderie that comes from a big race.

EAT INDIAN CURRY OR SASHIMI THE NIGHT BEFORE A BIG RACE?

I cannot stomach the idea of raw fish. Not the night before a normal day, and most certainly not the night before a big race. And as for the curry, I would just be sure to lay off the sauce. Besides, can’t hate the carbs, right?

TRAVEL FOR A GOOD PR RACE OR CHOOSE A LOCAL BUT CHALLENGING RACE?

Well, seeing as I love traveling, I jump on any excuse to combine traveling and running. And I think it’s safe to say that any race I travel for is going to be more challenging than any race I would choose to run in the flatlands of Houston.

Washington D.C.

EAT SWEET OR SAVORY IMMEDIATELY AFTER FINISHING A RACE OR HARD LONG RUN?

Savory. Weirdly enough, I’m never super hungry immediately after finishing a race, and I typically want something that tends to err on the healthy side of things.

And with that, I’m off to go coach a volleyball tournament. Today I’m thankful that it’s just a few miles down the road as opposed to on the other side of the city. Check in with y’all soon!