Happy National Running Day!

Today is Memorial Day in the US. I am learning to not confuse my holidays (I've only been here 15 years and should know by now.) This is the day to commemorate fallen soldiers who gave their lives in the line of duty. It is also a day that people have BBQs with lots of hot dogs and hamburgers, apparently. I think it's a way to kick off the summer.

Tomorrow WEDNESDAY though is National AND Global Running Day and I have pledged to run! (Edit: I don't count well, as you'll see in the post, so thank you to Lea at Running with Ollie for straightening that out for me!)

See? Although apparently that's for kids, but oh well.

I'm also joining up with Kristen at jonesinforarun.com She sent out a questionnaire that everyone linking up with her is answering. Click here if you would like to read her interview and see or join the linkup! So, on with the interview!

Why do you run?

It also just makes me feel good.

How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day?

By running on National Running Day!

And since I'm in LA, I'm pretty sure no one will bat an eye at my hat and maracas.

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

Oh dear, math is not my strong suit.

165.26 miles!
No mileage goal; I tried that a couple of years ago with one of those "Run 2014 miles in the year 2014" but I didn't get anywhere close. It doesn't really do anything for me other than make me feel bad about an arbitrary goal, so it's clearly not my thing.

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

We Run the Grove 10k. It's "big" because it will be my first race in California, and it's in Beverly Hills!

But I think it's more of a run on some major streets, rather than a scenic route.

I'm hoping to find a half marathon or two to run this year as well.

Before I leave for a run I must have:

For runs under 8 or so miles:

Anything that requires on-the-go nutrition and hydration:

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

I use a Garmin watch.

It *is* normal to take pictures of your watch, right?

Also normal to stand around and wait for the satellites to come online.

Who is your favorite running partner?

I have had several running partners over the years.

Friends:

Ann Marie.                                                                                             Erika.

 

Christy.

I don't know why they were all blonde. 

Family:

My sister.                                                                                             My nephew.

I would have loved to have my dog be my running partner but, well, she's challenging.

So currently, my running buddy position is VACANT.

What races have you run so far this year?

But I have that 10k coming up in a couple of weeks and I hope to find a lot more races to run in my new town.

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

But it WILL get easier once you can build your endurance to a few miles.

I think if you are new to running you owe it to yourself to at least build up to 3 or 4 miles before deciding whether or not you like it. Most people I know, myself included, really struggled until hitting that 3 mile continuous run milestone.

Describe your relationship with running in one word:

I know it's cheesy, but it's true.

I started running at the age of 34 and it has taught me that I can do things I had told myself my whole life that I couldn't do. Sometimes I get frustrated with my speed (ok, often) but running has made me stronger and tougher, and has introduced me to so many people I would have never met otherwise.


So, will you be celebrating Running Day, and if so, how?



UPCOMING POSTS: CARDIO CAMP, WE RUN THE GROVE RECAP