I really enjoy reading Katies' blog, Runs for Cookies, every day. This morning she answered questions given to her along with the Liebster Award and then she asked her readers to answer the questions as well. Feeling like I was given a pseudo Liebster award myself, my answers are below:
Who was your biggest role model as you first started running?
When I first started running, I had joined Team in Training. We had a great team, with awesome coaches, and a fantastic team leader. Over the years, we have all remained close and I still run with many of those wonderful people. They keep me on track and accountable. And, we have so much fun on our many adventures!
Another person that comes to mind is Mike. When I first moved to Florida, I heard that he was running the Disney Marathon. He was just a regular person - a parent of one of my kindergarteners- and I was just in awe that he was going to do something like that!
What is your best running memory?
So far, I think I would have to go with completing my first full marathon. A group of us girls had entered the lottery to run the Nike' Women's Marathon, not really thinking we would get picked. Surprise! I had to be convinced that if we did get chosen, I would be running my first full marathon. This was also a very new experience for me, as I had not traveled by myself, without my family, ever.
Needless to say, we had the best time! We biked across the Golden Gate Bridge, rode the trolley "the right way", spent time at the pier and indulged on a wine tour (yes, the day before the big race). We enjoyed the challenging, yet beautiful course, stopping for pictures along the way. And nothing says marathon finisher better than a little blue Tiffany box. Can you believe we even toured Alcatraz that same afternoon?
The time you now spend running: what was it filled with before you started running?
I have no idea! I think what I like most is that life comes in phases. I know I have certainly enjoyed each and every phase my children have gone through...although, sometimes I'm happy when "that phase" is finished. I have only been running for five years now, so I'm thinking that prior to running my days were filled with taking care of my kids and helping them to participate in their many activities. They are teenagers now so they don't need as much of my time. Also, I can just walk out the door and say "I'm going for a run!" (which leaves me with no excuses for not going). I think my daughter said it best, when I once jokingly said I was giving up running; she simply said, "You can't, it's a part of who you are!"
What is your favorite tv show?
I know I'm a little bit behind the times but I just finished watching Breaking Bad...what a great show! Next, I'll move on to season 2 of The Following.
What is one habit you won't give up, even though you know it's not the healthiest?
Chocolate, of course! Although, I have been trying to make healthier treats, like these Almond Butter Cups.
If you could have lunch with someone famous, who would you pick?
That's a really tough one to answer. I might pick Kevin Bacon, but I'm not sure I'd be able to actually speak to him. Then again, I really might enjoy dining out with Anthony Bourdain. He might take me somewhere exotic to eat! Of course, there's always Kara Goucher, she might be able to give me some good tips for sticking to a training plan. I think my list could go on and on!
What is your favorite season for running?
I live in Florida, so any season but summer is good for running. Of course, there's always a fall race on the schedule, which means I run all year long!
Describe the one route you would be okay running over and over for the rest of your life.
I love to travel and run in new places, but the route I run every Saturday is wonderful. We start at a park, run up and over two bridges (the closest we can get to hill training) and then along the boardwalk at the beach. Catching an early morning sunrise on your run, or stopping to watch the dolphins play never gets old.
If time and money were not a factor, where would you choose to go on vacation?
Right now, I'd just continue with my quest to run a half marathon in all fifty states. I have been enjoying touring the country. If time and money were not a factor, I'd be able to spend more time in each place and really appreciate it. I also might be able to complete this goal a bit faster.
What is your favorite pastime other than lacing up the running shoes?
I like to read, cook (and eat), kayak, go to the beach and travel. Any time I can do any of those things with Chris, it's that much more special.
Who was your biggest role model as you first started running?
When I first started running, I had joined Team in Training. We had a great team, with awesome coaches, and a fantastic team leader. Over the years, we have all remained close and I still run with many of those wonderful people. They keep me on track and accountable. And, we have so much fun on our many adventures!
Another person that comes to mind is Mike. When I first moved to Florida, I heard that he was running the Disney Marathon. He was just a regular person - a parent of one of my kindergarteners- and I was just in awe that he was going to do something like that!
What is your best running memory?
So far, I think I would have to go with completing my first full marathon. A group of us girls had entered the lottery to run the Nike' Women's Marathon, not really thinking we would get picked. Surprise! I had to be convinced that if we did get chosen, I would be running my first full marathon. This was also a very new experience for me, as I had not traveled by myself, without my family, ever.
Needless to say, we had the best time! We biked across the Golden Gate Bridge, rode the trolley "the right way", spent time at the pier and indulged on a wine tour (yes, the day before the big race). We enjoyed the challenging, yet beautiful course, stopping for pictures along the way. And nothing says marathon finisher better than a little blue Tiffany box. Can you believe we even toured Alcatraz that same afternoon?
The time you now spend running: what was it filled with before you started running?
I have no idea! I think what I like most is that life comes in phases. I know I have certainly enjoyed each and every phase my children have gone through...although, sometimes I'm happy when "that phase" is finished. I have only been running for five years now, so I'm thinking that prior to running my days were filled with taking care of my kids and helping them to participate in their many activities. They are teenagers now so they don't need as much of my time. Also, I can just walk out the door and say "I'm going for a run!" (which leaves me with no excuses for not going). I think my daughter said it best, when I once jokingly said I was giving up running; she simply said, "You can't, it's a part of who you are!"
What is your favorite tv show?
I know I'm a little bit behind the times but I just finished watching Breaking Bad...what a great show! Next, I'll move on to season 2 of The Following.
What is one habit you won't give up, even though you know it's not the healthiest?
Chocolate, of course! Although, I have been trying to make healthier treats, like these Almond Butter Cups.
If you could have lunch with someone famous, who would you pick?
That's a really tough one to answer. I might pick Kevin Bacon, but I'm not sure I'd be able to actually speak to him. Then again, I really might enjoy dining out with Anthony Bourdain. He might take me somewhere exotic to eat! Of course, there's always Kara Goucher, she might be able to give me some good tips for sticking to a training plan. I think my list could go on and on!
What is your favorite season for running?
I live in Florida, so any season but summer is good for running. Of course, there's always a fall race on the schedule, which means I run all year long!
Describe the one route you would be okay running over and over for the rest of your life.
I love to travel and run in new places, but the route I run every Saturday is wonderful. We start at a park, run up and over two bridges (the closest we can get to hill training) and then along the boardwalk at the beach. Catching an early morning sunrise on your run, or stopping to watch the dolphins play never gets old.
If time and money were not a factor, where would you choose to go on vacation?
Right now, I'd just continue with my quest to run a half marathon in all fifty states. I have been enjoying touring the country. If time and money were not a factor, I'd be able to spend more time in each place and really appreciate it. I also might be able to complete this goal a bit faster.
What is your favorite pastime other than lacing up the running shoes?
I like to read, cook (and eat), kayak, go to the beach and travel. Any time I can do any of those things with Chris, it's that much more special.
