I’ve been “tagged” by a few people in the blogosphere to do an “11 Random Things” post, which entails:
- Listing 11 random things about myself
- Answering the 11 questions the person who “tagged” you asked
- Asking 11 new questions to 11 other bloggers
Since I’m in a hurry here (second half of the Syracuse game, and then I have brownies to make!) I’m just going to do the first part of this — list 11 random running-related things about myself!
1. My first race ever was a 15k (the Boilermaker). Why start with a 5k when you can sweat up and down hills for 9.3 miles?
2. I’m so tempted to buy these shoes because to me they just scream, “I’m a runner and LET’S GO ORANGE!”
3. I’ve run in the Lincoln Tunnel! I worked in NYC in 2009 and lived across the river in Hoboken, NJ. They had a 5k race (and still do) that goes from Hoboken over to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel. It was actually my first 5k (2nd race ever) and very surreal!
4. I always chew peppermint gum while running, even in races. It’s just a habit I picked up a few years ago and it hasn’t gone away. I think it’s OK though – they say mint is energizing (and no, I don’t know who they are).
5. The coolest place I’ve ever run (besides in the NYC Marathon) is Santa Monica, CA. I was there for work a couple years ago and squeezed in two runs. Between running along the sidewalk on the beach and tackling the steep stairways to the top of the bluffs, it was pretty much a runner’s dream. Oh, perfect temperatures too, and none that oppressive humidity you’d get in a place like Florida.
6. My parents were marathon runners, yet my 3 siblings and I were competitive swimmers through college. I still wonder how that happened, since my parents were never swimmers (my dad can barely stay afloat… sorry pops, you know it’s true).
7. Following up on #6, because I was a swimmer, people always ask me if I do triathlons when they find out I run too. No! My brother and sister do them, but I just have no interest right now. I like the simplicity (and consequential relative inexpensiveness) of running.
8. I’m all for healthy eating, but sometimes I doubt how important it is what you eat before you run — I mean, as long as it’s not an entire Vermonster or something. I think some of my best runs are fueled by candy, cookies, etc. I’m beginning to think any sort of easy-to-digest food pre-run is a good choice.
9. Follow-up on #6 & #8 — did I ever mention my mom ran a 3:03 marathon on a Hostess cherry pie? In her defense, this was in the 80′s, before things like GU and Powerbars were all the rage.
10. I fail time and time again in the responsible stretching department. When something starts bugging me, I’ll stretch and foam roll religiously, but as soon as it goes away, I stop. And the cycle continues. When will I learn? Oh! But lately, I’ve been stretching my calves (on a set of stairs) for 10 minutes daily and that feels wonderful. My Pinterest app makes those 10 minutes go by so fast!
11. I have a lot of marathons on my running race bucket list, but you know what race I really want to run? The Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh, NC. Sure, I might get sick after downing a dozen glazed donuts, but I’d be up for the challenge. And think about how fun “training” for that one would be!
I could definitely go past 11 random running things, but that’s enough for now. 
If you’re a runner, share something random and running related about yourself! And if you’re not a runner, how about a random… cookie related thing
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I grew up on those cherry pies after basketball practice!!!!!!!!!! LOVE THEM!
And those shoes, love those too!
Haha, I will have to let her know other people fueled workouts with cherry pies
I always preferred the apple!
Sweet! I didn’t know that you were a swimmer… I was too- though that was in high school! What did you swim? I have recently been trying to get back into swimming (upping the meters or attempting too) and it has been so much harder on my own.. without a coach screaming at me, hah. I’ve always been a sprinter anyway- so this has been quite the challenge. I’m also doing the LIvefit trainer so I have been swimming after those workouts when I can get the energy (on top of teaching 3 classes a week!) There is just something about the smell of Chlorine on my hair and skin that makes me feel like I’m home..
Small world! I swam IM and distance in college – definitely no sprinting for me! I still swim from time to time (once a week or so) just to stay loose with all the running I do. I agree (sadly) – the smell of chlorine makes me feel at home!
I just bought new Brooks trail shoes and I am obssessed. They aren’t as bright but they are dark gray and pink which I love (although those are not my school colors).
Random Running Fact:
My first running races were during 6th grade Xcountry. I was not a big fan of running and hated having my parent’s take my pictures. I used to cover my face when I ran by. Now I feel lucky to have my family still show up (I am 30 years old) to cheer me on during my races!
I have Brooks Ravenna’s and I really like them, they’re my first pair of Brooks (I usually wear Asics, and still do).
Haha, I bet a lot of 6th graders would have covered their face in a X-Country race! Stop it, mom!
Have you seen the Asic Gel Noosas? You must google them! They are like a rainbow of happiness (or starbursts).
How can we follow you on pinterest? I tried to look for you but couldn’t find you.
Oh my gosh, yes I’ve seen those – I’ve got them pinned on Pinterest! I would be just as happy with a pair of those.
I’m on Pinterest! Here: http://pinterest.com/lbbakes/
I want to run the Krispy Kreme race too, just to saw I’ve done it. I say we do it together! We will probably feel like total crap afterwards, but so worth it
& you just made Craig’s night. He happened to glance over & saw that Cherry Hostess pie picture & he was like “OH MY GOSH. I LOVE THOSE THINGS.” But the lemon ones. He started telling me about how he used to have them as a special treat when he was little, he didn’t even know they still made them.
So now I owe you a thank you…because I know what to surprise him with for Valentine’s day
I say a donut-eating race would be a great blog-friend getaway!
I swear, so many people grew up on those Hostess pies. I think you can still get them at stores, especially in like convenience stores. I hope you find one for him!
Ha!! I totally remember eating those mini pies in the end of 80s/early 90s with my dad before/after races where I would go to watch him & run the kiddie race. That’s so funny!
Apparently they still make those pies today – I’m tempted to get an apple one to try just for old time’s sake!
My running fuel is coffee! I always have a cup (or 2) before a run. And a race is always followed by a Latte’ (sp?)
Plus my Energy gels always have to be the coffee ones.