Happy Friday!

Did you know Wednesday was National Running Day? I know I’m a bit late in this post, but I did want to save it for Fitness Friday, so hopefully you’ll excuse me. 🙂

In honor of the day, I thought it might be fun to do a running survey that I saw on Tina’s site a little while ago. I’m not nearly the runner she is, but I figure any accomplishment is a good one!

Best Run Ever

Definitely the 5K that I completed last month. I’m still amazed at how strong, confident, and at ease I felt while running it. It had been my number one fitness goal for such a long time, so it just felt so amazing to be able to do it. Check out this post for the recap!

I Felt Most Like a Badass Mother Runner When…

I was able to run more than 10 minutes total. For the first summer of my running “career”, I was only able to run about 10 minutes. Then injury set in, which set me back quite a few months. When I was finally able to pick up running again, I hopped on a treadmill, and pounded out 20 minutes, doubling what I had previously been able to do. That was a great feeling.

Three Words that Describe my Running

Therapeutic, Progressive, Fun

My Go-To Running Outfit

I like loose, baggy clothing when I run, so often I’ll use an old T-shirt and baggy capri pants.

Last Christmas, my parents got me a Flip Belt, which I love. I wear it when I run outside (if I’m on a treadmill, I don’t need it), and because I can store my phone, keys, and ID in it, I feel much safer.

Mine’s hot pink. 🙂

(source)

Like I mentioned in this post, I also need my good running shoes and inserts. I swear my inserts helped me come out of my injuries, and while I’m not sure if I need them anymore, I am definitely not going to chance it!

Quirky Habit While Running

If I’m running outside, I like to count how many birds or other animals I pass. On one of my running routes, I run around a small pond, and sometimes I can count the fish in it.

If I’m running inside, I like to set my pace in tempo with whatever music I’m listening to. My PT told me that keeping my strides short will be better for my IT bands and knees, so listening to fast-paced music really helps that.

Morning, Mid-day, or Evening

Definitely morning. I like to get my workouts out of the way, because then I have the rest of the day to enjoy without having it hanging over my head. Also, I’ve read that allergens like pollen are lowest early in the morning, so when the season isn’t in full swing yet, or after the first couple of frosts, I figure morning runs are my best bet not to be sneezing the rest of the day. Ha.

I Won’t Run Outside When It’s…

Really cold or really pollen-y. Obviously. If you wanted another reason why having allergies/asthma is a bummer, my chest gets very constricted and painful in the cold, and I get to where I can hardly breathe if it’s allergy-y. So much fun. This is why I run on the treadmill. 😉

(source)

Worst Injury – And How I Got Over It

Definitely my worst injury was the issues I had because of my IT bands. When I first started running, I had no idea what all went into it, so I ran about 5 days a week, and did nothing else. Hardly any stretching, no yoga, no strength – nothing. My muscles weren’t used to it, and they weren’t strong enough to support my body, so I started having problems. I felt it first in my left hip – an excruciating pain that felt like the worst pulled muscle ever. I would give it a few days’ rest, and then try and get right back to running. Pretty soon, I was totally out of commission – even walking hurt horribly. I finally went to the PT, and they told me my body was pretty much not connected right, especially not my legs. My ankles bent in when I ran, one leg is longer than the other, my knees are kind of crooked compared to my hips…etc, etc. At that point I learned about the importance of cross-training, and things got better. Thank goodness!

My exercise DVDs that I use for cross training. Except Elizabethtown. I was watching that while on the treadmill. Haha.

Potential Running Goal for 2013

I would like to try running another 5K in the fall. I’ll have to plan everything out right so that I’ll be running after the first frost and before it gets too cold out (seriously, such a drag), but I know there are options. My first 5K really got me hooked! I’d also like to run the next one faster than I did my first, which I think is an attainable goal.

Next Race is…

To be announced, I guess!

———-

I am so glad that I decided to take up running. While I initially made that decision to help me lose weight, I’ve stuck with it for this long because I grew to love it. I love how strong it makes me feel, I love how sweaty I get, and I love that it’s one time during the day that I have to myself, for myself. 🙂

Now let’s hear it from you:

Are you a runner? If so, pick any of the above questions and answer in the comments! I’d love to hear your answers and stories. 🙂

Have a great weekend!