I really love food. Apparently, too much food can be a bad thing. I hear exercise can counteract that problem. I run so I can eat. Thus, I love to run.
Last one, make up day.
Day 26. The only day in the challenge where I’m going to ask you to run: go run a mile as fast as you can and tell us about it!
Ok, it was dark out, but I decided to drive up to the track and run a “quick mile”. I was just going to run it as fast as I can.
Well, I ran pretty fast for me. I am not sure how I did it, but there it is.
I kept pretty good pace through the mile. My breathing was heavy, but steady. I felt good. I was pushing myself, but I wasn’t completely dead at the end.
Sometimes I wonder if I am making progress and then I do something like this. This is my fastest mile to date.
Day 30. Show us a sweaty post-run picture!
This is from after tonight’s mile run.
See the hair? Yeah, that is why I usually wear a bandana, lol.
Day 29. Do you like running with a buddy, in groups, or solo? Why?
When I first started running, I liked running with a friend and did that often. But, in the last year, I really haven’t seeked out anyone to run with. I prefer being able to set my own pace, etc. Plus, my schedule became that much more involved, so figuring out days/times when I could run with someone was/is difficult.
I still would enjoy running with someone. I like the company and the conversation. But, overall, I just like to head out on my own terms and enjoy my music and the ramblings in my own head.
And running with a group can be fun, but again…not something that really fits my life right now. Maybe as life slows down…ya know, in about 15 years or never! lol
On another note, running with someone with a faster pace than your own is a great way to push yourself!
Ok, I got a little behind on these…
Friday Day 25. What’s your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Oh, this depends for sure. I can’t say that I have a favorite because it just depends on what I am craving at any given time. Peanut butter banana toast would be hight on the list, but I haven’t had it in a while.
Saturday Day 26. The only day in the challenge where I’m going to ask you to run: go run a mile as fast as you can and tell us about it!
Ok, I am going to have to do this tomorrow….
Sunday Day 27. While running do you use any watches or apps? What technology do you utilize?
I use my iPhone while running. I listen to the music that I have saved on there and I use runkeeper for keeping track of my mileage and time. I haven’t had my iPhone for too long. Before I had that, I used my mp3 player for music and I wore a watch to keep track of my time. And then I used mapmyrun to track my miles. The iPhone is definitely much easier!
Monday Day 28. Headphones in or out? If in, what music gets you the most pumped up for running? I definitely prefer headphones in. Every once in a while I will run without, but I much rather have the noise in my ears. My playlist changes now and again, but here are some of my faves:
Gorillaz
Girl Talk
Pink
Florence and The Machine
Noah and The Whale
Mumford and Sons
Radiohead
Metallica
Francesca Battistelli
Jane’s Addiction
Tenth Avenue North
Salt n Pepa (ok, you try and NOT run fast while they are singing Push It! lol)
Day 24. What’s your favorite pre-run snack or meal?
I usually don’t try and eat much before a run. Before races, which are usually first thing in the morning, I will have a banana or a yogurt. Those are my go-to food. Sometimes a bowl of frosted shredded wheat. (which is what I eat for breakfast 90% of the time on non race mornings)
Usually, the only time I can run is in the evening, so I try and go at least an hour or two after I eat dinner. Even then, I tend to have belly issues and/or heartburn. Such is life.
And of course, I pound lots of water beforehand :)
Day 22. Define your relationship with running.
I answered this one yesterday and then Tumblr ate my post. So, I didn’t feel like re answering it. I still don’t today…so this will probably be short and to the point.
Running is my hobby, but it is so much more than that. I run to stay healthy and to keep my whole life on track. When I run consistently, I make better decisions in my life. I eat better, I sleep better, I live better.
Running is what I do to have “Kari time”. It is a way to de-stress. It gives me time to sort through issues that are going around in my head.
I run because it is fun. But, really….I run because I NEED to. To me, it is a perfect past time.
Day 23. If you couldn’t run for the rest of your life, what other exercise would you start doing in its place?
Oh my, if I couldn’t run…I would go insane. Ha ha, no…I mean, yes. No, but really. If I couldn’t run, I would probably bike. I truly do enjoy biking and don’t do enough of it as of right now. Let’s just hope that I never have to give up running because that would just be…sad.
Day 21. What advice would you give to someone looking into running?
Oh boy…advice. Let’s see.
I don’t know that I have much advice except “start running and see how it goes!”
Everyone is so different and really the only way to learn is to continue to run. As you add up the miles, you figure out what shoes you like, what music (if any) you like to run to, what clothing fits best, if chafing is an issue, what time of day you like to run, how fast you can run before you burn out, how much to push yourself, if you are prone to injury, you learn how to ice and stretch and roll.
My only other advice is to “not stop running”. Take days off, sure, but then get back to running. Just keep going. Cross training is great. Run for fun. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the air in your lungs. Enjoy being able to feel pain in your legs. Appreciate the ability that God gave you to go out and speed along the road. No tricks, no bells and whistles, just you and your legs. It is an amazing thing.
Oh, and I guess there is one more point…sign up for races and/or join a running community. Tumblr is excellent for motivation. Races are good because you have something to push yourself and work toward. I wouldn’t run nearly as much as I do, if I didn’t have something to train for.
Oh, I am sure I could think of more to ramble on about, but that about sums it up. ;)
Day 19. Show us a picture of your best “I’m a beast runner” runner face!
Day 20. Have you ever followed any sort of training plan? Which ones and how did you like them?
Yes and no. I have googled “_____ training plan” and copied down the info, but as far as “following” one…that just doesn’t happen in my world. I think the one I am using now is from Runner’s World. I honestly don’t remember. I do have the “schedule” in an excel sheet and I update the sheet with what I actually run, but it is almost never right along with plan. But, with that said I do like to have something to reference. Something to at least shoot for. It helps me keep my focus as much as I can.
Day 18. What are your PRs? Time, distance?
5k - 24:45
10k - 58:16
half - 2:00:06 (seriously…7 seconds from under 2 hours! lol)
marathon - we shall see in October!!!!!
Day 17. How many miles a week are you usually running and what’s your normal pace? How would you like to improve this?
Well, my mileage is not consistent AT ALL. I can run anywhere from 5 miles to 20 miles per week. My mileage definitely goes up and down based on my life’s schedule.
My pace is usually between 8 and 9 minute miles. 8 is my “fast pace” and 9 is my “easy pace”. But, for extra long runs, I like to slow it down to a 10 minute mile. That of course all sounds cut and dry. But, on any given day my pace is up and down depending on so many factors….but I am sure that is true for most runners!
I would like a faster pace, but I am not really too worried about that. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, no worries. What I would like, is to get my mileage up. Most importantly for training for the marathon. But, also in general I would like to figure out a way to run more in my daily life. Now, with three jobs, four kids, and a husband….that might be near impossible, but a girl can still try. And as long as I am still trying, I am doing ok.
Day 15. Show us a picture of your sexy running calves!
Day 16. Do you carry water or powerfood with you while running? If so, how and what kind?
I really “should” experiment with gels, and the what-not, but I haven’t. I have tried one or two kinds when I did my adventure run, but I haven’t since. I really just like to run with water. But, I only run with water on anything over 5 miles on a hot day. On a cold day….I probably would need to be going farther to feel like I need water while running. I generally rely on pre run preparation for my fuel. I eat well the couple days before and I drink a lot of water. That usually helps push me through. But, on that note…I don’t get many long runs in. That fact should be changing soon, so maybe I will need to find better ways to fuel myself while running as I get that mileage up. We will see.
And when I do run with water, I usually just use my hand held water bottle. It holds about 10 oz of water. I don’t chug during my run, but I take little sips throughout. That amount was perfect for my half marathon and I didn’t stop at any water stations. Of course, after the run I chugged about two bottles of water straight down :)
Water…I love water. Gatorade? Way too sweet. Actually, most “juices” are too sweet for me.
30 Day Running Challenge
Day 14. What was your favorite race you’ve run? If you haven’t raced, what are you most looking forward to with racing?
Favorite race…oh goodness. I would have to say the Mackinaw Bridge Run. (close second would be the Adventure Race that I ran with my brother) I ran the bridge back in 2011 with a couple friends. Follow the link above if you want to read the recap. It is a pretty good read, or at least I think so.
There were three of us that ran and we all went with our spouses (without kids) and camped up in Mackinaw for the race. We had a blast.
I was very nervous about the race because it was the farthest I had ever run at that point and I well…I don’t really like bridges too much. So, the race was a challenge to say the least. But, that is when the best things happen in life. When you push yourself, overcome fears, and do what you didn’t think you could do.
And if you have some more free reading time, here is my pre run post in which I talk about my running and my fears.
Here are a few photos from that run:
This is the view of the bridge from our campground.
And here we are, up at 5am, ready to go run! (Me, Heather, and Brandon)
And here is me, sopping wet, on the last half of the race.
Post race food, the best!
Post race picture with the hubby :) Putting on that sweatshirt was the best feeling in the world. I was wet and cold and the sweatshirt was new, warm, and soft.
We talked about doing this race every year since it was so much fun. Well, the race AND the camping with just adults was a lot of fun. We didn’t make it happen in 2012, but maybe 2013. We shall see. Brandon still runs, but Heather ran in to knee problems and hasn’t been able to run. But, if anything…we can all camp together!
Day 13. Have you ever been injured because of running? How?
No, not really. I have had issues with my calves, shins, and IT Band. But, nothing that a little ice, rest, stretching, and working on my form couldn’t help.
I hope that I can continue to be so lucky!
Day 11. What kind of clothes do you run in? Actual running clothes or old t-shirts? Show us a picture!
Hmm, well I just posted a picture of me post race, so that gives you an idea. I usually wear a tech type shirt or a tank top. But, I wear a lot of my race t-shirts as well. And I have a variety of shorts. I prefer shorts, but in colder weather I will wear spandex type pants or yoga pants. I almost always wear a bandana. I have quite a few of them. I used to wear them when I worked in kitchens as well. They are just super convenient to keep the sweat and hair out of my eyes. Plus, they are cheap and come in a variety of colors.
Day 12. How has running changed you or your life?
Oh goodness, this is a tough one. How has it not changed my life, might be an easier question. I am healthier. I am happier. I don’t get depressed nearly as often. My body responds well to the exercise. My kids look up to me for doing something I am passionate about. I get fabulously hungry. I get my “me time” in. I have met so many people through running. I have formed stronger connections with people. I have inspired other people to be active in their own lives. I have become more confident. I have allowed myself to put myself first, take care of myself, and quit being a martyr. Oh, and found a great community on tumblr!
Oh, I could probably go on. Running seriously has changed my life. It is still baffling to think that running used to not be a big thing in my life. Right now, I can’t imagine a life without it. It is not merely a form of exercise, it is a complete lifestyle. Something that affects all other aspects of my life.
Day 10. Where do you run: treadmill, street, track, trail? And why do you prefer running there?
All of the above!
Ok, well…I have only run on a trail probably once. But, that isn’t because I don’t like it. I really should find some trails near me and do that more.
Track. I used to run on the track all the time. But, as my mileage got up there, it got difficult to keep track of all the laps. Plus, it is just boring going around in circles all the time. Now, I only use the track when I want to do timed miles or laps or if I have the kids with me. I can let them run around the field while I run in circles.
Treadmill. I used to run on the treadmill a lot more as well. Now, I avoid it as much as I can. But, the thing does come in handy when running outside isn’t an option. I am sure as winter comes, I will probably use the treadmill more since it will get dark so much sooner.
Outside. I definitely prefer running outdoors. If I could run outside every day, I would. I would run in the rain, the snow, the hot sun. It really doesn’t matter. I just don’t like running in the dark. And if there is 4 feet of snow…well, that could prove to be difficult.
Day 9. What’s the strangest or most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on a run?
I knew this question was coming and I have been racking my brain. I just can’t think of anything strange or embarrassing!
It probably doesn’t help that I have a horrible memory…seriously horrible. And I don’t embarrass easily at all. I mean…if something is “embarrassing”…more than likely it is actually just really funny. I would rather be amused at myself than embarrassed.
Nope, sorry…I wish I had a funny story for you, but I don’t.
I did jump about two feet the other day off the side of the road because I saw a snake in front of me…and then I realized it was dead. Yep, that is all I got:) That probably would have looked pretty funny if someone had seen me do it, lol.
