Your Questions answered! part 1

A while back, I was tagged in the Q & A game, and begged you guys to ask me questions!

Stephanie!

Amanda @ Running in the right direction asked....

Favorite time of year?

Definitely summer! I love all things that go along with summer. Beach trips, vacation, corn on the cob, more outdoor exercise, triathlons, sun tans, grilling, and sunshine!

Beach trip + Vacation = even better!

How do you fuel for a run? Before, during, after?

short runs, I may have half a luna bar or some almonds, but usually nothing. For long runs, I typically have a piece of organic whole wheat toast with organic peanut butter & banana, and some water. During my longs I use Honey Stinger pomegranate chews & waffles. After my long runs we always hit Panera to refuel with a breakfast sandwich & sometimes I'll make myself a protein smoothie at home.

What's one of your favorite blogs? Why?

My favorite has to be Beth @ Shut Up and Run, because literally I am laughing out loud every time I read her posts. She takes the common stuff of training, and the silly things that happen to her & always turns them into a hilarious story to tell! Adam @ The Boring Runner comes a close second for hilarious blog reading.

Erin @ See Mom Run Far asked...

What is your dream race?

GREAT question! I hadn't really thought about this one before, my "dream race" initially was the Disney Marathon, the reason I started running, but that dream is becoming a reality. My next dream would be Florida 70.3, which actually goes through parts of Disney too! I'm a ways off from a 70.3, but a girl can dream, right?

Which would you rather have, super endurance or super speed?

I think I would have to say super endurance. It would be awesome to run a ton of miles, or be able to complete iron distance triathlons without a problem.

What foods are your biggest temptations?

Definitely sweets. Ice cream, peanut butter cups, chocolate, YUM! I don't allow myself to keep things like that in the house, because I know I would cave. Instead if I am really dying for a bowl of ice cream, 

we head to the shop down the street.

source

Tricia @ Endurance isn't only Physical asked...

Whats your favorite AND least favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite part has to be the support, and encouragement from all of my followers who push me to become a better runner/athlete then I ever though possible. I love to hear how I've inspired others, and learn about new products & gear. My least favorite is time time consumption. It takes time to write posts, read other blogs, work on giveaways, etc. Sometimes I wonder how other bloggers do it all!

Suzy @ Running on My Time asked...

What do you love about running? What do you not like?

I love how I feel when I'm finished, strong and accomplished. I love that its found me new friends and great experiences, and many more to come. I don't like the time it takes to finish a long run (zaps almost half my sunday), or waking up early to do it, but I'm a bad night time runner.

What is your favorite place to exercise?

Running through the streets of Longmeadow or Forest Park. 

What is your favorite Race?

My favorite race I've done has to be the Rock N Roll Mardi Gras (Race Report HERE), but the triathlon I completed today came pretty close! If I had some friends doing the race with me, it definitely would have won!

Me & Shelley @ Rock N Roll Mardi Gras!

That's all for now! Look for part 2 soon!

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Sunday long run

O.M.G.

I am exhausted.

We had 12 miles on the schedule, but I was having trouble mapping out an even 12, so I went with 12.5. I decided to change up our scenery a little bit and have us run through Forest Park, the big beautiful park in our area. We even decided to leave at 7:30am instead of 8, since we knew it was going to be a HOT day.  What I was not prepared for, was the amount of sweating, killer hills, a moments of "I just wanna stop!!!"

We started of doing well, but it was our first long run in the heat. Instantly sweating, and even with a visor to keep it out of my eyes, i had to wipe it away from my face. Our usual route was changed up a little, and we were glad, because this meant we hit my dad's house around mile 5.5. We refilled our bottles, had a little to drink, wiped the sweat off of us, then headed toward the park.

Now the one thing I did not know about Forest Park, was that there were killer hills to climb leading into it. Not just any hill, but I think the steepest hill I have ever seen. Well, maybe not that steep, but pretty bad. I wish I could show you the elevation, but my Garmin is acting ridiculous and I can't upload the workout. Not only were there hills, but I think we missed the loop we wanted to take, and we ended up with an extra mile tacked on to the route.

So after the hills, we returned to our regular route which was a struggle. My legs were literally wanting to die. We hit Shelley's mom's house around mile 11, and stopped for more water. I took an ice cube to my neck, chest, face & arms, and it melted immediately.

The last 2.5 miles were torturous. At one point Shelley said "Is it wrong that I want to throw myself into oncoming traffic?" I had to stop for a walk break up the last hill, then we powered through to the end with thoughts of Panera on my mind.

stats (from what I can remember, stupid Garmin)
13.54 miles
2:46:02

Post-run treat?
Low fat Mango smoothie
Egg & Cheese sandwich on a honey wheat bagel
1/2 a chocolate chip cookie

After a much needed shower, I spent the day resting, grocery shopping & doing laundry, and cleaning. Unfortunately I do NOT have tomorrow off (hospitals don't get holidays), so I'll be stuck working until 4:30.. booo! Since the gym isn't open tomorrow morning, I may try an early morning bike ride.

And if anyone knows how to transfer my workout from my Garmin, which is currently frozen on the time screen with no buttons working, please let me know. Thanks!

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