A running quiz

I’m kind of late to the party (per usual), but I did this running quiz that I saw on Jogging on Coffee ... three months ago, ahem.

Fuel: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?  

When I first started running, I didn’t even know you needed to “eat” while running long distances. Once I learned this, I bought a variety of things to try, and I didn’t like most of them. I tolerated GU Energy Gel, but it was still gross to me. Then, I discovered GU Chomps, which I thought were the best thing ever (because they are almost exactly like gummy candy). I used them until this training session when a running group coach gave us a bunch of GU gel. I started using it again and realized that even though the texture was still nasty, I liked it better than chewing something while running. So for now, GU gel ... but only fruity flavors (the idea of espresso gel makes me gag … not that the fruity flavors don't sometimes).
 
Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

Half marathons and I are in love. Good thing, since I have seven on the calendar for 2013 (yikes). It’s a manageable distance, but I still find it very challenging. I have tons of room for improvement … and I’m extremely scared of the marathon distance. I’d like to someday get an under-30-minute 5K, but I just really don’t like that distance. It takes me at least one mile to warm up, so this doesn’t bode well for a 3.1-mile race. I’ve done two 10Ks: one I didn’t like and one I loved, so I’m still not entirely decided on that distance.

Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

I always run in black capris. Always. Why? My legs are blindingly white. Even the small amount of skin that shows could frighten small children. 

Black capris, pale legs? Yep, me.

Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

Nuun is my favorite sports drink by far. I highly dislike Gatorade but have been known to drink it during a race with a water chaser. But, blech. 

Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?  

Cold, please! Living in Florida, “cold” is anything below 80 degrees, which doesn’t happen very often (it was 85 degrees today, and it’s January for goodness sake). Hot weather is miserable here. The sun sizzles my skin and the humidity causes an excessive amount of sweating. 

Me excessively sweaty: not pretty

Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics or Other?

I love Brooks! I was fitted for the Brooks Adrenaline when I first started running, and I’ve never ran in anything else since. I tried on others and ran on the “track” in the store, but the Brooks stood out as the most comfortable and most supportive by far. 

My love

Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?  

I either have toast (usually sandwich thin) with peanut butter and a banana or oatmeal, but usually the toast, peanut butter and banana because it tastes better.

Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or other?

I only run three days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday), so I have four rest days from running. I keep thinking I’ll add another run day, but I haven’t. Since I haven’t been injured and this allows me to run half marathons, I haven’t changed it.

Music: Have to have it or go without it?  

I go without it. I almost always run with my running group and chatting with the girls is one of the reasons I love running so much.

#1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or other?

My number one reason for running is endorphins. I feel awesome after I run. Even if it was a “bad” run, I still feel fabulous. Closely tied for second: running is challenging, it allows me to be competitive (with myself), and it provides social benefits.

Are you a blogger that’s completed the quiz? If so, let me know so I can check out your answers. Otherwise, let me know your answers below. I particularly interested in your rest days ... how many days do you run per week? How did you determine that number?

I love her

It started simply with liking her as a singer. When she came out around the same time as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, I always liked her best.

Then, when she did “Newlyweds,” I fell in love. I loved her personality. I loved her honesty. I loved her humor. I loved her realness. I thought she was gorgeous. Then, I couldn’t resist anything she did, whether it was a movie, an interview on TV or an appearance in a magazine, I had to see it.

I defended her when people called her stupid or fat.

I even gave slimy John Mayer another chance when she dated him. He couldn’t be all that bad, right? Yes. Yes, he can.

Being a Dallas Cowboys fan, I don’t like Tony Romo (yes, you read that right: don’t like). She renewed my faith in him … for awhile. Now I like him even less.

I saw her in concert during her “fat, mom jeans” time. But that’s as close as I’ve been to her.

She clearly wasn’t fat.

Maybe I’m slightly obsessed. And maybe I shrieked like a little girl when I heard she’d be making at appearance at a local mall. (And maybe you are scared now. I don't blame you.)

So when I heard it was the Saturday before my half marathon on Sunday, it still didn’t deter me. I knew it would probably involve standing on my feet for hours (It did: 2.5 hours’ worth), and my choice of a heeled boot was probably not the wisest shoe choice. But, I had a chance to meet Jessica Simpson, and I wasn’t passing it up.

The deal: if you bought $50 worth of Jessica Simpson Collection merchandise from Dillard’s, you’d get a wristband to meet Jessica and Ashlee Simpson. They were appearing from 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

So I headed to Dillard’s early in the week to make my purchase and get the details. I bought some purple skinny jeans (LOVE them) and was told to return on Saturday to meet Jessica.

To further add to my not-smart-before-a-half-marathon routine, I didn’t eat anything before going on Saturday. My stomach was excited and nervous (due to both meeting Jessica and the race and wondering where my boyfriend was who said he’d be ready to go at noon and was nowhere to be seen) so food wasn’t an option.

We finally made it to Dillard’s, and I got my wristband and got in line close to 1 p.m. And waited. And waited. And waited. We stood in line for more than two hours. But, the moment finally arrived.

When it was my turn to go up to the stage to meet Jessica and Ashlee, I had to give up my purse, phone and camera. I’m not really sure why … maybe safety reasons? They didn’t let people know this in advance, so some people were really unhappy about this. I kind of was because I really wanted a close-up photo of her (and with her), but I was just happy to meet Jessica so I really didn’t care.

Here’s how my interaction with Jessica went down:

Normally, I wouldn't post a photo of my butt. This one shows
me with Jessica Simpson, though.

Jina: Hi.
Jessica: Hi. How is your day?
Jina: It is great now. (Yes, I think I really said that.)
Jessica: What is your name?
Jina: Jina. It’s J-I-N-A.
(Jessica and Ashlee sign photos for me.)

Jessica is listening carefully to my name. Ashlee is not.

I love this.

I knew she didn't listen!

Jessica: That purple looks gorgeous on you.
Jina: Thank you. You are both gorgeous.
Jessica and Ashlee: Aww, thank you!

It was short and sweet, but it rocked. My favorite celebrity said my favorite color looked gorgeous on me. I’m glad since 99.8% of my wardrobe is purple.

After taking massive amounts of photos, we left. I really wanted to stick it out until she left, and I probably could have. I figured my boyfriend suffered enough at this point, though.

As we ate sushi (my favorite pre-race meal), I looked through all of the photos and reminisced about my best day ever (of this year, anyway).