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!

Murchison Wyldlife is so athletic 

Murchison ladies

Jamie Lynn, Sarah, Natalie, Katie, me, and Emily after the Color Run

Playing Catch-Up

I wish I could say that I was going to be better about updating my blog, but unfortunately, I just can't promise that. However, I do think that this week is going to be a big less stressful than other weeks - we'll see how long it takes for this statement to fall through - so I am going to try and post at least three times next week. We'll see. Meanwhile, I will walk you through my very hectic day and promise to see y'all later this weekend!

Breakfast

The best part about having to wake up early and get ready to student teach is the knowledge that breakfast is already taken care of for you. Do a little prep work one night, and you have breakfast for days. That is just what I did - in the form of Peanut Butter Finger's Almond Butter Granola. It's seriously addicting. I am a huge cereal lover, but I try not to buy it all the time because I have no self-control when it comes to my favorite kinds. Granola, paired with frozen blueberries and unsweetened almond milk, is probably my favorite way to start the day, and it kept me full until lunch. Granted, I ate a large serving of it, but I had to because I can't just whip out food in front of my middle school students!

Lunch

I arrived home a little after noon, when I sat down to write a reflection over the lesson that I taught today. Sidenote: I promise a review of my teaching is coming soon. Around 12:15, I turned on the oven and set out to whip out what has quickly become one of my favorite meals: dairy-free pizza. Today's 'za featured mushroom tomato RAGU, turkey pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, and squash. I scarfed that thing down in no time flat. Y'all should try it. Seriously.

Dinner

After class, campaigners, and a quick workout, I was more than ready for dinner. I whipped up about the easiest dinner in the books: a grilled chicken salad. I sauteed a chicken breast and threw it in a bowl with iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes. This is a big step for me because I am not a salad eater, and the fact that I have almost finished off a whole bag of iceberg lettuce is quite the accomplishment for this girl. Topped with salsa - my new obsession - and I enjoyed the perfect dinner after a very long week.

Workout

I think I mentioned last week that I am running a ten-mile race this Sunday. So, I wanted to get a little sweat session in, but not anything so grueling that it wore me out for my race on Sunday. I haven't run ten miles since February 3rd, so I am going to need all the help I can get! I came up with a quick 20-minute treadmill workout that covered about 2.4 miles.

I love quick interval workouts, and this one got me really sweaty, really fast. I followed it up with the ladder workout, courtesy of The Slender Student, and called it a day.

And that was my Friday in a nutshell - enjoy the rest of your evening!

It's Sunday

Another Sunday, another survey. I really do apologize for the lack of consistency in my posts, but school is eating my lunch right now. Seriously. Papers on top of midterms on top of lesson plans does not leave much time for blogging. However, fear not, because I have not forgotten about this Sunday tradition that everyone knows and loves. This week's survey is a compilation of random questions, so I hope you enjoy your Sunday as I pour over my school books. Oh, and Go Texans!

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate. My dad can attest to the fact that I have never been about the vanilla - there is just no added taste! Plus, a little bit of chocolate can cure anything. And vanilla ice cream mixed with chocolate sauce does not equal chocolate ice cream. Just sayin'.

P.F. Changs Great Wall of Chocolate aftermath

Hot Hot Summer or Snowy Winter?

Hot hot Summer, mainly because that is exactly what we get here in Texas. I know that I will be the first to comment when it starts getting unbearably hot, but a snowy winter is just not something I would appreciate. On the few snow days that we have experienced in Texas, I found snow to be wet, cold, and dirty. I am just not used to the snow, and I don't really know how to dress for the cold weather - our Texas "winter" is about as cold as I can handle!

Save or Spend?

I wish I could say that I am a saver, but I am definitely a spender. I find ways to justify buying things - especially when it's clothes from Anthro. I can wear this when I'm a teacher, you know? That's what I tell myself, anyway. I have gotten better about it since I have had to pay for some things with my own hard-earned money, - it's hard to part with - but there is definitely still work to be done in regards to learning the value of a dollar.

Elliptical or Treadmill?

Treadmill. I used to be all about the elliptical, staying on my beloved elliptical #18 at the MAC for over an hour, and while I still enjoy time on the elliptical, I'm all about the treadmill these days. Walking workouts, interval workouts, incline workouts, you name it! There is so much variety to be found on the treadmill that it's hard to get bored.

Banana or Apple?

Apples. It's honeycrisp season and that makes for one happy girl. My dad is quite the saver, but he and I both agree that we can spend a little extra during honeycrisp season. My apple consumption increases by 100% during honeycrisp season, and I have a hard time finding apples that even compare to my beloved honeycrisps.

Honeycrisp + peanut butter = winning combo

Morning or Night?

Morning, for sure. I love waking up early and starting my day. It generally makes for a much more productive day. I rarely get anything done at night, and I'd rather just use that time to wind down before bed, maybe by watching an episode of Friday Night Lights, my newest TV obsession. That being said, I don't remember the last time I went to bed before midnight. Okay, it was a week ago, but I'm someone who usually doesn't stay up that late, so a week of consistently staying up past midnight is not normal! Blame it on the school work.

Lipbalm or Lipstick?

Lipbalm (chapstick?) for sure. I feel like if I ever wear lipstick as part of a costume or something, I end up biting all of it off. Plus, I feel like only mom-aged people wear lipstick.

Acoustic or Electric?

Guitars? Acoustic.

Coffee or Tea?

Neither - which is great for my wallet!

Straight or Curly?

My hair is naturally curly, so you will most likely see me rocking the curly hair look because I have convinced myself that straightening my hair takes me an insane amount of time. It  really doesn't, but curly hair is usually my go to anyway because it's quick and easy. There are times when I wish I was that girl who could wake up and have perfectly straight hair, but the grass is always greener, right? I have found that nearly every girl wishes her hair was something different.

Curly

Straight

Three Squares or Graze All Day?

Is it bad if I say both? I typically eat three meals every day - breakfast being pretty hearty, and then I usually eat either a hearty lunch or a hearty dinner, but rarely are both of them "square" meals because the snacks I eat throughout the rest of the day keep me so satisfied. I typically eat something every three to four hours, which works pretty darn well for me!

Right handed or left handed?

Left handed. I used to hate it when I was younger, but now I love being left handed, despite the fact that I am still really bad at cutting things.

Beach or Mountains?

I really love both, although I might have to go with the mountains. However, I like the mountains in the summertime when they're not covered in snow. I love hiking and anything outdoorsy, and while I love the beach, I don't appreciate finding sand in my clothes days later. I get that from my mom!

Before climbing the mountain at Crooked Creek 

Colorado mountains - my favorites

Stratford America

Mac or PC?

Once you go Mac, you don't go back. I have definitely fallen into that trap and I really don't think I can ever go back to a PC.

Just workin' away on my Mac

Shy or Outgoing?

I'd have to go with a combination of both. I can be really shy when I don't know people well, and even when I am around my best friends, I tend to not put myself at the center of attention. In Pre-K my Indian name was Quiet Bunny. However, there are instances in which I am very outgoing, so a combination of the two is my answer to this question.

Name your favorite color: 
Pink! But I really love all colors - I just tend to gravitate more toward pink-colored things. 

I loved our pink volleyball jerseys

Name your favorite song: 
I have never been able to answer this question, and I still can't answer this question. My favorite song changes often, and it definitely depends on what I'm in the mood to listen to. I tend to gravitate towards country, but, and this is somewhat embarrassing, I do love to jam to the popular songs of the time - you know, songs like It's Always a Good Time, Never Ever Ever, and the like. Clearly, I'm still a teenager.

Name your favorite dessert: 
I think you all know the answer to this one, so let's say it together -

Pumpkin fro-yo is my favorite

Frozen yogurt!

What wizzes you off: 
What "wizzes" me off? I can't say that I have ever heard that one before, but a few pet peeves of mine are tardiness, drivers who fail to use their turn signals, slow walkers and drivers, and when people use "your" instead of you're."

When you’re upset you: 
I tend to keep to myself when I get upset, or I call my parents, who always know what to say to make me feel better. I don't get upset often, but when I do, it's usually because things have been piling up and the stress finally got to me.

Your favorite pet: 
You can all blame my parents for the fact that the only pets I have ever had are goldfish that didn't live longer than two days at our house.

Black or white: 
My white jeans from XXI are one of my favorite articles of clothing. They are so much fun to wear in the summer, and so much can be worn with them. However, I grew up with a mom who really enforced the "no white after Labor Day" rule, which has been engrained in my mind, so those white pants are unfortunately only alive for a few months out of the year. I tend to wear more black tops, though, because you can play with so many different colors to liven up the black.

Here's the black/white combo

Your biggest fear: 
Disappointing others.

Best feature: 
This is such a hard question for me, but I'd have to go with my legs. Years of volleyball (and countless wall-sits) made them pretty strong, and running has given them some definition. I will never be someone who has thin legs, but I am thankful for their strength - how else could I run 13.1 miles?

Just keep running

Everyday attitude: 
I'd say I have a pretty good attitude most of the time. However, when I get stressed, I tend to find faults in every little thing, and even the smallest thing bothers me. I am a pretty smiley person, and I try to look at each day as a new opportunity to do something great and make an impact on those who come into contact with you.

What is perfection:  
Jesus.

Guilty pleasure: 
Okay, I'm not going to lie. I, an English major who generally reads what most people consider to be intellectual books, do enjoy reading those chick-flick, sometimes "trashy" romance novels. I know, there is so much more value in reading the classics, but who doesn't remember reading "The It Girl?"

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Granola

I apologize for the lack of food and exercise posts lately, but school is severely limiting my free time these days. I don't know who started the rumor that you have all this free time in college, because I am certainly not experiencing said free time. Maybe next semester I'll know what this feels like!

Anyway, I'll try to make up for lost time by sharing a little bit of food and fitness with you guys. Last night some of my roommates and I went out to dinner to celebrate Lindsey's 20th birthday. She is the youngest of the group! We originally wanted to go to The Grove - an Italian restaurant in the Westlake area, but we were told there was an hour and a half wait. We yelped restaurants in the area and settled on Lupe Tortilla  about half a mile away. We waited about 30 minutes there, too, but at 7:30 on a Friday night, some wait time is inevitable.

Lupe Tortilla is one of my favorite restaurants, but one that I tend to forget about in both Houston and Austin. I bet you're not surprised to hear that they have killer tortillas, and I scarfed down a few extra in about ten seconds flat. After much debate, I settled on the Barbacoa tacos - two corn tortillas filled with slow braised brisket, cilantro, and onions. I threw in a little salsa, and gobbled them right up. They were spicy, but so darn tasty. The brisket was so tender and like I said, the tortillas were really what stole the show.

Workout

Today's workout served the purpose of pounding out some stress. Like I said, school is pretty crazy right now, and I started getting a little overwhelmed. The gym seemed like the best place to go to deal with that overwhelmed feeling, so even though I forgot my headphones, I put four quick miles in the books. I ran the first two miles at an 8:00/mile pace before slowing it down and completing 4.05 miles in 34 minutes.

I intended to run a few more miles in preparation for a ten-mile run next weekend, but hey, four is a pretty solid number, right? I think so, especially without headphones!

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Granola 

Now for the fun stuff. This morning I woke up with an itch to bake. And not for brownies or cookies, my usual go-to's, but for something healthy and pumpkin-y. I settled on two batches of pumpkin peanut butter granola. I have seen recipes that call for the use of pumpkin butter, but since I don't have any of that, I made do with what I do have.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (I used Libby's)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

[makes one batch - I doubled the recipe for two batches]

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees
2. Put the honey, peanut butter, and pumpkin puree in a microwave safe bowl, sticking it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before mixing it all together

Honey, pumpkin, and peanut butter mixture

3. Add in the oats, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice, and cover the oats completely with the pumpkin peanut butter mixture
4. Put the mixture in a greased baking pan or a foil lined cookie sheet. Bake for eight minutes, take it out and toss the granola if on a cookie sheet or stir the granola if in a baking pan, and put it back in the oven for another four minutes
5. Eat and enjoy! I am already looking forward to breakfast tomorrow and enjoying this fall breakfast. Pumpkin-flavored food is one of my favorite things about fall, so I am anticipating this to be a great way to start my day.

P.S. Go Horns! We snapped our two-game losing streak by beating Baylor tonight 56-50! Hook 'em!

Austin City Limits

I apologize for the delay in this post. The original plan was to post my ACL review on Monday, but school caught up to me and what I thought was going to be a painless weak turned into a very stressful one. While the stress stinks, I am thankful that my professors have offered the opportunity to rewrite papers for a better grade. I have accepted that the rest of October is going to be pretty crazy, but I am hoping things will slow down upon the arrival of November. They probably won't, but here's to wishful thinking!

Anyway, let's move on to Austin City Limits. For those of you who don't know, Austin City Limits, also known as ACL, is a three-day eight stage music festival that takes place at our very own Zilker Park. This year was its 11th year, and it was the final year of being only one weekend. After years of sellout crowds, ACL is going to be two weekends next year, with the same bands playing each weekend.

2012 Line-up

I have to admit that ACL wouldn't normally be my scene. An avid country music fan, I have generally not heard of a majority of the bands that come to ACL, and I find myself being unable to justify spending $90 on a one-day pass. However, I knew that I wanted to take part in this legendary music festival at least one time before I graduated college, because let's face it, then I could call myself a true hipster. Okay, not really, but a girl can dream. Anyway, even I had to admit that the lineup was pretty phenomenal this year, and Sunday literally had all of the bands that I wanted to see, so a Sunday ticket was just calling my name.

Unfortunately, I was in Spain when the tickets officially went on sale, and tickets sell out fast for ACL, so I was unable to buy myself a ticket. Two of my roommates had Sunday tickets, so I refreshed Craigslist pretty much every day until I found someone who was selling Sunday tickets for a decent price. I ended up finding someone in Houston, and my mom so graciously met up with the man to make the ticket purchase before mailing me the coveted Sunday wristband.

When Sunday rolled around, I got all dressed up in my best hipster attire - which really isn't that hipster at all - ate a quick lunch, and rolled out in the direction of Zilker Park around 12:45pm. We ended up having to walk about twenty minutes to the park, but parking was free and I didn't have to attempt to parallel park. Score!

Roomies: Jamie Lynn, me, Natalie

Since this was my first ACL, I was pretty pumped, and it certainly didn't disappoint. First up on the list was Needtobreathe, and since I missed their February concert, I was excited to get to see them live. I listened to them for about 45 minutes before heading over to Aaron Ivey Band on the Zilker stage. While I get to listen to them every Sunday at church, it was cool to watch them perform at such a secular event. Plus, they sang some songs that we don't normally sing at Stone, so that rocked. Next up was The Civil Wars - a band I was unfamiliar with, but I fell in love. It is a Joy Williams and John Paul White duo, and they are just precious. I recommend doing a search on iTunes for them - you won't regret it. My friend and I jetted out a little early in the attempt to see The Lumineers, but that was a complete fail. They were on a small stage with poor sound, and it was a total traffic jam. Props to Jamie Lynn for forging a path to Austin Eats.

NEEDTOBREATHE

Aaron Ivey

I was starving by this time, so when my friend said she was getting barbecue, I knew exactly what I wanted. I opted for the chopped beef sandwich from Stubbs, which I scarfed down in a record three minutes. Seriously. I was still pretty hungry, so when I saw someone walking around with a giant slice of watermelon, I just had to find out where I could get one of those. It was from Luke's Inside Out and it was the perfect refresher for someone who was quickly losing energy.

After dinner it was time to make our way over to see the Avett Brothers, who I will admit I knew nothing about, but they were performing as the sun was going down, and I was able to sit on the grass and listen to some great music. They put on a fantastic show, and I was hesitant to get up and head over to get a prime spot for Randy Rogers Band, but they are one of my favorites, so I knew it had to be done. While I didn't stay for all of their show, they sure put on a great performance and here's to hopefully seeing them again at the Houston Rodeo!

Randy Rogers

We left after Randy Rogers, before the headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers, one, because none of us were too keen on them anyway, and two, we still had quite a bit of neglected homework to complete before Monday morning rolled around. We got home a little after 9pm, sunburned and smelling like a mixture of questionable things, but it was a day well-spent. And though I certainly paid for it this week in the school department, sometimes you just gotta do those things. I am already anticipating the release of next year's lineup, in the hopes that I will know enough bands to justify purchasing a ticket, because it sure was a great Austin experience. This view just never gets old.

Jamie Lynn and I

Kayla and I

Jamie Lynn, Natalie, me, Kayla

Just Keep Running

Happy Sunday! I have a fun running survey for you today before I head off in the direction of Zilker Park for my first ACL experience! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

But first, the survey.

What is your favorite type of cross training?

Swimming, for sure.

What is your favorite song to run to?

Call me lame, but I love listening to Call Me Maybe, What Makes You Beautiful, and songs of the like. I really need upbeat songs that keep me pumped up, which tend to be the "hit" songs of the time.

What brand of shoes do you wear?

I have been wearing Asics to run lately, but I actually just bought a new pair of Mizunos. Not because I need a new pair of shoes at this time, but I had a $50 off Google offer that just expired, so I decided to buy them now and put them away for when I need them. Anyway, I really like both brands, and truth be told, I might like Mizunos a little more based on appearance. Hey, when you feel good, you run better, right?

Asics

Lots of support for my pronation

My new kicks - apparently my feet have gotten bigger, these are a 9.5!

Do you wear a hat when you run?

Nope. I think I have a weird shaped head in that hats typically obscure my vision when I wear them. So, no, I do not wear a hat when I run.

Me in a hat

What temperature is your favorite for running?

60s and 70s. Or any temperature with little humidity.

Do you have any big races coming up?

I do! I am running a ten-miler in two weeks, and I am running in the Houston half marathon in January. I have a couple of 10K's thrown into the mix between now and then, but I wouldn't say those are "big" races.

Run for the Water 10 Miler

What is your favorite distance?

I really enjoy running five and six miles, but I am really looking forward to this ten-mile race. That is actually the furthest I have ever run in preparation for a half-marathon, so I think I am going to keep that streak alive for the Houston half!

Are you a morning, noon, or evening runner?

Typically, if I don't run in the morning, I won't do it. I enjoy just waking up, eating a little something, and then pounding out the miles, having my run done for the day. However, I do enjoy evening runs every once in a while, but I just really have to make sure that I do it!

Do you run solo or with a buddy?

Solo. I don't know why but I have never been one to run with other people. I think it is because I am concerned about slowing them down, or vice versa. You never know when you just aren't going to be feeling a run, and I would hate ruining someone else's running plans.

What is your favorite post run snack?

I love eating fruit after a run - it is so refreshing! Apples and grapes are my go-to post run fruits.

What is your favorite race?

I really love the 10K distance, it is enough to challenge me, but not too much to where I am literally counting down the miles. However, both half marathons that I have done have been so much fun for me.

Cap 10K last March

Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your distance?

I don't wear a Garmin, but I would love to own one. Lately I have been doing all of my runs on the treadmill because the weather is just too gross for me to run outside (I'm a baby when it comes to the humidity - it just kills me!), so I can obviously track my distance pretty easily on the 'mill, but if I do happen to be taking my run outside, I typically use MapMyRun to plan my route so that I cover my desired distance. Or I just run until I feel like I have run the correct number of miles. Seriously.

What is my least favorite race?

I would have to say the 5K, simply because it is typically too short of a race for what I am paying. I also run faster over longer distances, and I have trouble making myself run much faster than what I would run if I were covering six miles. That was a pretty negative tone toward 5K races, and don't get me wrong, I still do them every once in a while, but I prefer longer distances so I feel as though I am getting my money's worth.

Post Color Run 5K in February

Where is your favorite medal from?

Disney World half - who wouldn't like a medal with Donald Duck's face on it?

Who is your running idol?

Well, I know they aren't famous runners or anything, but I'm going to have to go with my friend (and running coach), Alex Suchman, and my former physics teacher, Mr. Avis. Alex is one of the fastest runners I know, and the one who sat down with me to devise a running plan for my first half marathon. I can't say that I followed it, but he always encourages me in my running endeavors. And Mr. Avis is probably the most rockstar runner I know, running 50-milers for fun, and going out and running 17 and 18 miles on the reg.

Alex is the one on the right

Mr. Avis took some time off of running to come to prom!

How long have you been a runner?

Funny story, I used to hate running. I tried to like it, but it was never really my thing. When I got to college, I needed something to keep off that freshman 15, so I spontaneously signed up for the Austin half marathon in February 2011. I started seriously training for it in December, and I have never looked back. Well, that's a lie. I have hit a few patches where I took a small break from running, only because I don't ever want running to feel like a chore. That was a long response for something that required a short one - about two years. 

Do you run with your wedding/engagement ring on?

Well, of course! Kidding, a decision like this would require me to have either of those rings, and, I don't. But I usually don't wear my rings when I run.

What is your favorite workout? tempo? long run? fartlek? repeats?

I love interval workouts as well as longish distance runs.

Results from my latest interval workout

What is your favorite place to run?

I am so thankful to live in one of the most outdoorsy cities there is - Austin, Texas. Town Lake is about a ten-minute drive from where I live and it is one of my favorite places in the world. It is so peaceful and the view is spectacular.

Do you use Gu?

Gu is one of those things that I just can't do. I am a very texture-oriented person, and I think it is the texture of the Gu that keeps me away.

What do you drink to keep hydrated?

Just water.

What do you take with you on a run? Does it vary by distance?

I literally take myself and my iPod. Occasionally a house/car key if necessary. My parents hate that I don't run with my cell phone, but if I have too much stuff to carry and keep up with, it makes the run that much more difficult. Town Lake and the Buffalo bayou have water fountains on the trails, so if I need water, I can just stop and get some from one of the fountains as opposed to carrying a water bottle with me. And no, it does not vary by distance. All I need to survive a long run is a fully-charged iPod!