Running Quiz

My running idol Janae @ The Hungry Runner Girl posted this a while back.  I stumbled across it again, and decided to have some fun!

1.  On average how many races do you run a year?
Well, last year I ran 7 races, this year I've ran 8 so far?  I didn't actually look, and I can't always count... so I guess my average would be 7.5!  Yeah, half a race.  I went there...

1st Race EVERRR

2.  Things you have to run with: 
My iPod nano, Nike Plus Sportwatch, Pro Compression, and depending on the distance and weather, my Nathan Shot Bottle with Powerade Zero.  I rarely run without music, sometimes it's refreshing to, but most of the time I need it.  It took me a LONG time to be able to convince myself I don't always need my shot bottle.  It was my baby blanket.  I always have to have my watch. ALWAYS.  I can't run naked.

 
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?
When I'm training for a race, a rough idea of a workout comes from a training plan.  Right now I'm doing whatever I feel like.  I don't have a training partner... and I don't have a coach, BUT I'm considering the online coach for next year!


4.  How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes?
300 has seemed to be max at this point.  My poor shins and feet just crumble after 300.

Wave Rider LOVE! The only shoes I run in

5.  Cell phone- do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home?
I almost always leave it at home.  I've been in several situations where I've wanted or needed it, but I still haven't learned my lesson to bring it.  I hate arm bands, but I did pick up a nice little hand held phone carrier.  


6. What was your last running related injury or have you been an injury free runner?
What's an injury free runner?  My most recent was my hip flexor.  I've dealt with shin splints, and my swollen foot issue last year.  

7.  Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or BOTH?!?
My CURRENT goal is speed.  I don't have any more races or anything major going on, and I'm really just watching precious outdoor time tick away (Nebraska winter right around the corner).  I've found the cooler temps right now have made speed effortless.  I feel much stronger and faster than I did at the beginning of the year.  Of course the long term goal will always be about the marathon.

8.  Speedwork—->  at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads or never do it?
Tready.  I can't seem to get myself down to a track, and roads are hard, I would probably end up tripping and falling.

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? 
IMMEDIATELY after!  I've learned my lesson!  After every run I grab some Powerade Zero, some chocolate milk, and hit the foam roller and stretch.  Every. single. run.  I used to think I could stretch in the shower and call it good.  And surprise, I got hurt.

10.  What was your reason(S) for starting to run?  
I used to do a mile here or there for cardio.  I don't remember why I signed up for that first 5K, but I can't imagine life had I not!

  

"I think you have too many shoes"… SHUT UP

If I’m ever having a bad day, I watch “Shoes” or one of the other ridiculous videos, I’m laughing immediately. (The muffins one is stupid funny too, if you care.) 

Kelly and SHOES popped into my head this weekend when a fresh box of Mizuno Wave Rider 16s were on my doorstep. (I order all of my shoes from Amazon, I always get free shipping, and they usually have the best prices)

Max mileage per pair really varies on the individual. For me, 300 miles seems to be max. I have one completely maxed out pair of blue 16s this year, and two pairs that are hovering around the 200 mile mark. I felt a fourth pair was necessary to have on hand for at home treadmill running. (I WILL NOT run on my treadmill with dirty shoes! I am an anal Annie about “no shoes in the house”, so clean shoes only, just in case I have to walk off my tread and go to the bathroom or get water) 

(From Mizunousa.com) Product Features

The Wave Rider delivers a harmonious balance of lightweight feel, sculpted fit and exquisitely smooth ride. By maximizing the responsive action of Mizuno's innovative Wave plate technology, the Wave Rider continues to define and create the brilliant run experience. 

• The pure manifestation of our Just Enough ethos–everything you need, nothing you don’t–in a Moderate Neutral package.
• Internal forefoot overlays provide superior hold and embrace at toe-off
• Updated heel counter provides a natural fit and embrace at a reduced weight.
• New mesh materials throughout the upper create a natural fit that allows the shoe to work in harmony with the foot.

I was never professionally fitted for running shoes, but if you are able to have this done, I’m sure it’s a good idea. I stumbled upon Mizunos last spring when I was training for my first half marathon. I almost pulled the plug on it completely because I had horrible shin splints. I was running in an old pair of Nikes that I wore for EVERYTHING. I did some research on Mizunos, and knew they worked well for me in high school volleyball. Luckily, the small shoe store in the mall had a pair of ruby 15s in my size! (10s are sometimes not always there, I call it big foot discrimination) 

They fit like a glove. I was amazed my first run in them, and almost immediately my shins improved! 

 

Tips from the shoe pro: (just kidding) 
- Get professionally fitted if you can. 
- If you can’t, do your research. Do you over or under pronate? Are you a heel striker? Do you need a lot of arch support, or do you need lighter more minimalistic shoes? Set up a camera behind your treadmill, or have someone else tape you running so you observe your foot strike. 
- Once you know the type of shoe you need, do some Googling for brands and styles, or head in to your local sporting goods store and tell them what you need. 
- Looks aren’t everything. OK, I know, the bright fun shoes are the coolest, but if you are serious about running performance, you might have to get shoes that don’t always look the coolest. 
- Save your running shoes for RUNNING! Get a separate pair for cross and strength training. It will save your running shoes. 
- Keep track of your miles. This way you will have an idea when it’s time to retire and get a new pair. Don’t wait until you have shin splints or some other major issue stemming from worn out shoes. 

MY Mizunos! :)

Someone else's Mizunos...

 It's cool to make a heart out of your shoes to express your love for them... try it!