That’s right – it’s National Running Day! It’s a great day to reflect on your love of running, enjoy some time pounding the pavement in the fresh air, and (just maybe) treat yourself to some new running gear.
A fellow blogger – Kristen over at Jonesin for a Run – mentioned that she had a survey that she made up for running day last year. She suggested we all answer the questions and link up, which I thought was a great idea. I’ve included my answers to her questions, plus a roundup of my “running favorites” at the bottom!
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1. Why do you run?
For lots of reasons – to feel physical exertion, to stay in shape, to train for upcoming races, to spend time outside exploring new places, anxiety relief… so many benefits!
2. How do you plan to celebrate national running day?
Go for a run and search for a new pair of running leggings to buy! (Just stocked myself up with fun new t-shirts for short runs the other day – check ‘em out…)
3. How many miles have you run so far this year?
Probably about 30. I stopped running in January once I hit 30 weeks pregnant, and then wasn’t able to pick it back up again until I was cleared at my postpartum appointment at the very end of April. So I just started back up again at the beginning of May! I started back up with only a few miles a couple times per week throughout May, so I look forward to ramping up that number now that I’m back in the swing of things.
4. What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?
My “A” race this year is Rock N Roll Brooklyn on October 10th. I’ve got plenty of shorter 5Ks and fun runs throughout the year as well. I’m also signed up for the Blackstone Valley Triathlon on August 1st which I plan to do if I’m up for it – I knew this would be a stretch so close to having the baby, so I’m not going to feel guilty if I’m not ready for it. And if training goes really well this year, then I want to do the RI 6 Hour Ultra on November ___.
5. Before I leave for a run I must have:
Short run – music / Long run – music & fuel belt. I’m pretty simple.
6. Do you have one favorite app to track your runs?
I’ve never used apps much in the past, but have recently started toying around with some. I’ve been using the Wahoo Fitness App along with their TICKR X heart rate monitor and it’s fun to be able to track data that way. {Disclosure: I received a free heart rate monitor from Wahoo and plan to do a review post on them soon!}
7. Who is your favorite running partner?
My husband is always great to run with, even though he’s about twice as fast as me! I generally like running alone though, because I find it to be a great stress reliever. There is definitely a benefit to running with others sometimes though, especially for helping push you with speed.
8. What races have you ran so far this year?
I just did the Color Run this past Sunday, but haven’t done anything else so far this year – a far cry from my normal 1-2 races each month! Can’t wait to get back into that kind of schedule.
9. If you had to give someone one piece of advice about running what would it be?
Find a race that you might like to do and sign up for it. Nothing keeps you accountable like having an event on your calendar that you’ve already paid for!
10. Describe your relationship with running in one word:
Spirited!
And here is my own “running favorites” round up that I wanted to share with you!
1. Favorite Race Distance:
I’d say I have two – the half marathon for a training challenge, and the 5K for anytime fun runs.
2. Favorite Shoes:
My personal favorites are Asics and Mizunos. That said – I always get asked when I lead programs what type of shoes are best, and the answer is what fits your feet best! I highly recommend going to a running store and having them help you out. They’ll take a look at the way your feet hit the ground and can make suggestions about shoe type and size.
3. Favorite Running Store:
When I lived in Mansfield, I loved shopping at Spark BRS in Taunton! I still try to swing by there when I’m in the area. Since I moved, I’ve been enjoying shopping at Marathon Sports in Shrewsbury – great staff and selection.
4. Favorite Running Magazines:
- Women’s Running Magazine
- Runners World
5. Favorite Running Books:
- For laughs/motivation: Honey, Do You Need a Ride? Confessions of a Fat Runner
- For those getting ready to tackle their first 26.2: First Marathons: Personal Encounters With the 26.2-Mile Monster
- For sports nutrition advice: Well what kind of entrepreneur would I be if I didn’t promote my own book?! Check out my very own book, Eat to Peak: Sports Nutrition for Runners & Triathletes. Other great options include Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook and Andrea Chernus / Heidi Skolnik’s Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance.
6. Favorite Running Plans:
For beginners, I love this 12 week walk/run plan – I think it’s easy to follow and feasible for just about anyone to complete.
I’ve also developed a beginner’s half marathon training plan for those looking for a challenge. It’s a perfect plan if you’re not worried about a time goal and you just want to cross that finish line.
7. Favorite Running Mantra or Saying:
“PR or ER!” Haha, let’s be serious, I’m not really that hardcore. Probably more like “Strive for progress, not perfection.” But I’ve got a whole round up post of my favorite running sayings, from serious to seriously funny.
8. Favorite Running Music:
I’ll listen to anything, from hip hop to 90’s pop to country top hits. My all-time favorites for pushing me through a hard workout are Nelly’s “Heart of a Champion” and Charlie Boy’s “I Look Good.”
Share with me: Why do you run? What are your “running favorites”? What are you doing to celebrate National Running Day? Comment away! 🙂
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Happy Nat’l Running Day!! So bummed I couldn’t fit RnR Brooklyn onto my schedule in its first year. I’m sure you’ll rock it!
Thanks LaToya!! It’ll be my first “A” race back from having my baby, so I hope to be able to run well!
I love your advice to runners– find a race to sign up for! I definitely think that deep down the reason I sign up for so many is because I need it to get me out the door haha. Also I totally laughed out loud over your favorite mantra “PR or ER!” I’m going to remember that next time I race 😉
Yes, that is totally me – I end up trying to find at least a race a month, otherwise I get a tad lazy haha 😉