Running Q & A

I’ve been incredibly busy these past few weeks with school, attempting to find a job, and puppy sitting.  Things have been stressful, but I’m doing my best to learn how to manage that stress (today that means consuming a lot of chocolate). I’ve also spent a lot of time thinking and writing about my running career (for a class) so I thought this was quite fitting. This post was stolen from Miles For Thought who originally took it from Olive to Run, and I’m sure it originated even further back then that…

1. How long have you been running?

I was talking to someone about this recently and realized that I’ve been running since high school (10th grade) to get out of gym class. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but at one point I quit the volleyball team because I couldn’t keep up with the 0.9 mile run they did before practice. It was too much for me. But two years later I was jogging 5ks on the treadmill.  Since then I’ve worked my way up and won’t ever stop!  (I hope…)

2. Why did you start running?

In our high school the option was to take a gym class in school or use an outside activity to fill the requirement. I chose to go to the local YMCA with a friend and work out to avoid the options in school. We always started with cardio which is when I found my way to the treadmill.

3. What is the furthest distance you have ever run?

Technically I believe it is 26.57 miles. Not all marathons are marked the same, so I actually did a bit more than the typical 26.2. I’m hoping that I can work my way up to a 50k in the future.

4. What is your best running memory?

Crossing the finish line of Boston. I’m pretty sure I was in tears that I was able to finish it (I’m a crier). I was so nervous the night before and finishing it was a great win for my confidence as a runner.  That and when I recently PRed at the Oakland Running Festival.  It felt great to power through to the finish line and give it all I had.

5. What shoes do you run in?
 

I’ve run in Brooks Ravenna for the past five years. Recently I went to a store and they recommended I try a new shoe. I’m a bit skeptical but am giving the Asics Gel Nimbus 14 a shot (and wearing my Ravennas on the side).

6. What are your favorite and least favorite distances to run or race?

Half marathons are my favorite distance. I really get into my stride by mile four and if I can keep my pace then I know I’m in for a great race.

Hmm, don’t actually have a least favorite distance. I know that marathons are tough, every time I hit mile 16 I’m questioning why I signed up for the full, but that doesn’t mean I dislike it that much.

7. Do you have a running partner?

My father and I used to run together, but now we are on opposite coasts.  In Ohio I ran frequently with my pace leader, she was a great motivator to push further (and talked me into running my first half and first full).  At this point I don’t have a running partner but would love one.

8. What is your favorite place to run?

At this point I’ve just been running around campus.  I do enjoy going into San Francisco and tackling all of the obstacles that it offers (coughhillscough).  I imagine this will change as I’ll be moving in two short months.

9. What is your favorite running accessory?


I don’t think I could live without my iPod shuffle.  That extra boost of pop music can really keep me going and motivate me to push until I make it home.

10. Do you like outdoor or indoor running?

There is no question about it, I’m an outdoor runner.  California has near perfect weather all year around so there is no reason to run inside.  I can handle the “bad” days with chilly temps and rain, so much nicer than the frigid Ohio winters.

11. What is your favorite time of the day to run?

Right around dusk or early morning before the sun is too high.  A 7pm run is ideal as long as I’ve fueled and hydrated properly throughout the day, although it means I’m ravenous by the time I return home.

12. What races have you run?


Too many to count?  I’ve run four full marathons – Boston, CIM, Big Sur, and San Francisco.  Nine half marathons, several random distances in the form of trail or relay races, and more 5ks than I can remember.

13. What music do you listen to when running?

I’m a big fan of obnoxious pop music. I’ve been known to thank Britney for helping me through a race, anything along those lines really keeps me pumped up. I also enjoy Rock My Run mixes because they put together some great beats.

14. What is the hottest or coldest weather you have ever ran in?

I recall one morning in Ohio when I left the running store in 4°F. It was brutal! A few miles in we had icicles in our eyebrows. But I was a pace leader and it was my duty to be out there helping others, so I was there and didn’t whine too much (as I can recall).

15. What are some other exercises you love?

I love ultimate frisbee and dancing.

16. Are you currently training for something?

I always consider myself to be in training. At this point I am looking forward to the See Jane Run half in June and then I’ll hopefully do another full in November.  (Stay tuned for your chance to win an entry into the race!)

17. What are your current or future goals?

Run a marathon on each continent. Although I might settle for a half marathon on each…  I want to travel the world and think it would be great to run everywhere I go.

18. Advice for new runners
?

Don’t be afraid of how fast or slow you are going.  Don’t let anyone discourage you based on your appearance, speed, technique.  Just suit up and go.  No one can deem you a runner and no one can take that away from you.  Enjoy yourself.

16 Random Facts

My lovely blogger (and real life) friend Sarah requested that I divulge some of my weird secrets/habits with this survey and who was I to say no? So here goes, try not to judge me too harshly…

1.) What’s a nickname only your family calls you?
My mother has been calling me Michelley for years and my father likes to call me Daughter Dearest. I went by Shelly for the first 18 years of my life so most of my family and their friends haven’t quite adjusted to calling me Michelle.

2.) What’s a weird habit of yours?
Let’s add this to the list of things I should not admit, but I have a serious tendency to check, wipe, and pick clean my nose.

3.) Do you have any weird phobias?
I have a fear of being engulfed in flames, but I’m pretty sure most people feel the same way. And when I’m snorkeling I’m afraid of fish touching me (they are ferocious!).

4) What’s a song you secretly love to blast and belt out when you’re alone?
I sing Take Me Or Leave Me all the time (in the shower and in the car). In fact, I recently sang it in a store in NYC and embarrassed Laura and Sarah quite a bit.

5.) What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
Poor driving skills and syntax error. I have awful road rage. My parents are New Yorkers and I inherited their nasty driving habits. But more importantly, I will not date a person that uses “txt speak.” Maybe I’m a snob but I’m looking for a person that will type out the word “you.”

6.) What’s one of your nervous habits?
I’m a leg shaker. When I get anxious both of my legs start going crazy.

7.) What side of the bed do you sleep on?
When I’m sleeping alone I typically sleep on the right side of the bed. Although in my last two relationships I was somehow forced onto the left side, don’t know how that happened…

8.) What was your first stuffed animal and it’s name?
My brother and I were very original when naming our stuffed animals, we definitely had a Mousey and Lamby (I still own both).

9.) What’s the drink you always order at Starbucks?
I don’t go to Starbucks frequently, but I love their peppermint mocha.

10.) What’s a beauty rule you preach, but never actually practice?
I’m far too lazy and low maintenance to preach any beauty rule. Or follow any for that matter.

11.) Which way do you face in the shower?
I face the water. That is unless I’m dancing, in which case I turn around a lot.

12.) Do you have any ‘weird’ body ‘skills’?
None that I know of.

13.) What’s your favorite comfort food that’s ‘bad’ but you love to eat it anyways?
Homemade chicken pot pie. My ex used to make it for me whenever I was in town. Greatest meal ever.

14.) What’s a phrase or exclamation you always say?
I always ask people, “Can I tell you a secret?”

15.) Time to sleep, what are you actually wearing?
Underoos. Unfortunately that will have to change soon as I’ll have a roommate at school.

16.) What did you used to wear that you thought was cool but now you realize it wasn’t that hot?
Not only did I wear baggy t-shirts but I thought it was cool to tuck the front of them in. True story.

And no survey would be complete without forcing asking others to share their own secrets:

Sarah at Running On Words
Melissa at Journey to Marvelous
Cherie at Cherie Runs This
Sara at Words to Run By
Carly at Carly Bananas

Now it is your turn, tell me a weird habit about yourself. Don’t be afraid, I won’t laugh at you (too loudly).