National Running Day, Plus a Quiz

When my personal life tends to come through in my blog posts, I try to step back and re-assess why I have this blog. It's a running blog, a health & fitness blog, sometimes, even a food blog. Though, there are times when I forget that and end up complaining about other things...like work. That's one reason I didn't write yesterday, as it would have been a post about my job.

I don't like publicizing that part of my life. It's not something my audience needs/cares to hear about. So in the future, if I don't write or you find a post very vague, it's probably because I had a bad day of work and refused to vent it here.

But anyway! HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!

I took an easy 5 mile run since I've been feeling a bit weak all week. Strength training was really difficult last night, so I thought anything more than 5 miles today may hinder my race for this weekend. I did pretty well, finishing just under 44 minutes :o). Completing 5 mile in under 45 minutes is always an ongoing goal, so I'm proud of myself!

Now, I'm kind of cheating at blogging today, but I decided to take a running pop quiz from Hungry Runner Girl. It was fun to do and maybe it's something you'd like to answer as well!

Here are mine....

1.  On average how many races do you run a year?
This is only my second year of racing. Last year I completed 2 races (Run for Freedom 5k and a 5k Turkey Trot). This year, I've already completed 3 and have at least 4 more planned.

2.  Head accessories, things you have to run with:  a hat, a visor, sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen, head band, ponytail, braids, sweat band?
I just got myself a sweat band for my birthday. And I almost ALWAYS put my hair in a pony tail braid.

3.  Where do your workouts come from?  A training plan, a coach, whatever you feel like doing that day or what your training partner is doing that day?
 Whatever I feel like doing for the most part. I've looked at training guides, but I never liked them ;-)
 
4.  How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes?  
I usually start looking for a new pair once my shoe life has reached 400 miles. At 500, they are done.

5.  Cell phone=  do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home?
Depends. If I'm planning a long run, like a 20 miler, I need to have my phone. Just in case I get hurt or need to have someone pick me up from exhaustion.

6.  What was your last running related injury or have you been an injury free runner?
My last injury was pretty minor. It was about a month ago following the Frederick Half Marathon. I hurt a tendon in my foot. But it was pain free in a week. I rested for a week.

7.  Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or BOTH?!?
 I'm feeling both. Though, now is probably not the best time to try to get faster with heat and humidity. Ultimately, I would really like to get crazy distances, like my all-time goal of 26.2.

8.  Speedwork—->  at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads or never do it?
I can do it anywhere. I like doing it on the treadmill since the speeds are very controlled. Though sometimes I will push some speedwork on the trail.

9.  Stretching after a run:  hit the ground after a run and get stretching, stretch in the shower, stretch once you get to work/school, skip the stretching?
I usually stretch right after the run, though, I have skipped on several occasions.


10.  What was your reason(S) for starting to run? 
 I started running strictly for fitness. But now, there are numerous reasons and counting...


How about you? What are your answers to these questions?

Did you run today for National Running Day?