Happy Wednesday friends! I've had some ups and downs with running this summer. After I tweaked my back last week, I've been having trouble finding my groove again. So instead of focusing on my struggles, I thought it would be fun to do this running survey that has been circulating the blog-o-sphere! Hopefully it will be just the motivation I need to get back in the swing of things! Make sure to play along at the end and answer yourself. I always love to learn more about you guys!
1. Would you rather run along a beach path or on a mountain trail?
My favorite running path ever is the paved path just next to the beach on Wailea beach in Maui. It is the perfect combination of being able to see the gorgeous ocean while you run and not actually having to run on sand. My ankles do NOT like sand! I just need to figure out how to get myself back there sometime!
2. If you could choose the flavor of gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be?
Lemon-lime? I'm not a big gatoraid fan though.
3. If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?
Hello new shiny running shoes! I really want a nice new clean pair to use exclusively for my treadmill.
4. Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?
I am a plan and schedule kind of girl! Even if I'm not training for a race, I will make a weekly workout plan on Sunday night or Monday morning. And yes, that's my OCD talking. 🙂
5. Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill?
I'd rather get the tough part out of the way in the beginning. Uphill first! In Asheville it's always up and down... up and down! I've learned to embrace the hills!
6. When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?
I have a ellipical machine, so I immedatly gravitate towards that. I've been interested in picking up biking and swimming, although I don't have any gear!
7. What is your preference—> Out and back, point to point or loop runs?
In a perfect world I'd love a point to point, but the logistics of that are often to complicated, so I pick out and back.
8. If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a—>
Good running shoes fitted by a local running store.
9. Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?
One time I saw a snake. I screamed like the girl that I am and ran the other way. I am TERRIFIED of snakes! I don't even like talking about it.
10. Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
Yup. I'll go out running to explore a new place and I sometimes get turned around. Never completely lost, but definitely turned around. Don't tell the hubs!
11. If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would that meal be?
Could I eat that meal without calorie consequences? If yes, I'd have my husbands pancakes! He always had them waiting for me when I was marathon training.
12. Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often?
Skirts! duh!
13. At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go?
I'm good and strong at the beginning and then fade at .75 mile. I often struggle until I hit 1.25 miles and then I've reached that golden stride!
14. What do you do with your key when you run?
Either put it in the built in pocket on my skirt or tie it to my shoe. I'm still in search of a new running belt that will fit my iPhone 6+.
15. If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one what it be?
Disney Princess Half Marathon!
I'd say the Chicago Marathon but WOW was that hard...
16. What type of run is your least favorite type of run?
Winter. I hate the cold!
17. What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?
I keep getting small weird injuries that keep me from running and then I've been having trouble getting my groove back. It is so hard to be forced to stop and then start over again. I'll keep at it though until I get my mojo back 🙂
18. When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?
I do both! It depends on whether I want to run hills or not. My neighborhood is crazy hilly.
19. When running in daylight—> are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?
Sunglasses are a must. My eyes water like crazy and its the only thing that helps.
20. When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
I know I will feel so much better if I finish. I think about the times when I have been physically unable to run and I try to remain grateful that I am able to run that day! It is such a joy and gift and I try not to take it for granted. A day with a run is never a bad day.
I'm feeling more motivated already!
Thanks for stopping by today! Up tomorrow is a delicious salmon that pairs beautifully with the peach salsa I shared yesterday! I'm including my tricks to grill using cedar planks.
I’m linking this post with Wild Workout Wednesday and Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday. Thank you so much ladies for the link up party!
Your turn!
Tag you're it! Answer any of the survey questions below!
jill conyers says
I love the beach but given the choice, I will always choose trails. And a plan. Gotta have a plan 🙂
Have a fantastic weekend Julie!
JulieWunder says
I feel like us runners/bloggers are all a little type A! haha!
Cassi says
I don't run so this is HOW DO I LIKE TO WALK...
1. Beach path - I love to smell the ocean, well most of the time.
2. Just water please; I don't drink Gatorade.
3. Either another pair of shoes or one of those belts that hold your water bottle.
4. I prefer to roam and see where it takes me.
5. Definitely start uphill.
6. I weightlift and kickbox at home.
7. I guess my roaming walks would be a loop.
8. I have a flipbelt but it's getting annoying carrying my water bottle in a bag LOL
9. Just birds and squirrels.
10. Nope
11. A meal waiting would mean I had to prepare it before going out. Just warm me up some leftovers after I cool down.
12. Depends on the temperature. My first 5K it was below freezing so I had many layers on. My second 5K I had shorts & capris under. The one in September...will see.
13. I haven't noticed.
14. At the 5Ks I leave my keys with my son.
15. I've only done two so I can't comment on this.
16. Cold walks...just can't warm up!
17. I walk Wednesdays during lunch to pick up fresh foods at the farmer's market.
18. I walk from work.
19. I have transitions lenses so I don't have a separate pair of sunglasses. Although some days I think I need a hat too.
20. How else will I get back to work? LOL
JulieWunder says
The water belts are a great buy! I have one from my marathon training! Good luck on your third 5K coming up! I hope you have a great time! Thanks for stopping by today!
Jaime says
I agree with so many of these. 🙂 I need to fill it out myself! I love running on the beach, I'd eat garlic knots after every run if I wouldn't gain 10 pounds, and I always want new running shoes!
Jess @hellotofit says
This was fun to read!! I dislike running in the winter, too.
JulieWunder says
I'm such a summer girl!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
I absolutely loved reading this. What a fun survey! And I hate those running funks. I was in one of those last week, and I don't even have an injury. This week has been much better!
JulieWunder says
Glad this week was better for you!
Ilka@ilkasblog.com says
Running along the beach is really special, but I love mountain trails, too. Anything I like at a running store? I'm always excited about a new pair of running shoes.
JulieWunder says
They are both pretty awesome!
Gingi says
Fun Q&A!! I need to start my running routine soon.. but it's soooo hot! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
It's so hot! I have to get up early to go outside and run!
Michelle says
Love these surveys/interviews...it's cool to see how similar and different we all are even though we do the same things and have similar goals! Thanks for linking up!
JulieWunder says
I agree! It is always interesting! Thanks for hosting the linkup!
Helly says
I like having a set plan to follow and I prefer trails over beaches 🙂
JulieWunder says
Trails are great too! Great to see you today!
Annette @ Sweating Through Life says
I'm going to be honest...the picture of you with the long sleeve top on, made me excited for fall. It's my favorite time of year, and I'm so over running in the humidity:)
JulieWunder says
Awww! And I'm dreading it! I actually really like Fall.. it's the approaching winter that I really dislike!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Thinking of the feeling I will have when I cross the finish line is what always motivates me on my runs!
JulieWunder says
Me too. I love that moment 🙂
Jamie says
I'm totally all about that beach run. What better way to cool off than jumping in the ocean!? Nature's ice bath : )
JulieWunder says
I totally agree!
Emilie says
I don't think I have ever run in sunglasses before! And I definitely prefer uphill in the beginning. Ending a race on an incline is just cruel!
JulieWunder says
I agree, although Asheville is notorious for doing that! Just the way it's so hilly here!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Ooh I miss our Wailea beach already! I would recommend a great sports bra. Fun survey I may need to do this too!
JulieWunder says
Another good recommendation! I remember my terribly flimsy cotton ones when I started! I didn't know any better!
Annmarie says
Love this running survey, how fun! I've been on that beach in Maui before, absolutely gorgeous!!!
JulieWunder says
It is! It's my happy place 🙂
Dan Steadman says
definitely a training plan...have seen deer on my runs...one race to relive...the Asheville City Marathon....nothing like your first time
JulieWunder says
A deer! Wow! I'm surprised I haven't seen more animals really. There are everywhere here.
sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
Thanks for linking up!!! I love having a plan when I run...I'm type A, calendar, to do list type 🙂 I love music for long runs it keeps me going...and honestly I pray a lot when I run which fuels me too!
JulieWunder says
Love that! I think a lot of us runners/ bloggers have that type A gene 🙂
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Haha I love your answer to shorts or capris! I also saw a snake on my run TWICE before. OMG you bet I freaked out big time like jumping 6 feet in the air and screaming type of thing. I hate snakes. It was my regular running route, so any time I ran there, I would think every stick was a snake... Not cool!
JulieWunder says
Not cool at ALL. I really dislike them too. ewwwww!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I'm definitely a training plan girl. It's killing me right now because my coach only gives me 2 weeks at a time for my marathon plan. My type A personality is screaming over this!!
JulieWunder says
Oh man! That would drive me nuts! I seem to plan for 3 months at a time for anything- haha!
Blane Sherer says
That was interesting.
Thanks for sharing.
JulieWunder says
Thanks!