you wanted to know, questions 6-10

As a requirement for entry in my 1,000 mile giveaway, you needed to ask me a question. Any question. And I promised to answer them over a series of posts. Here are questions 6-10 ...

Kelly asked, "On non-iPod runs, what do you find yourself thinking about the most?"

Let me begin by stating when I actually use an iPod. The following things must be true for me to run with music:

1. I must be running solo. I am very anti-iPod when running with friends.
2. The run must be at least 6 miles.
3. The run must be outdoors.

or

4. It's a race.

So, when it comes down to it, non-iPod runs don't happen to frequently around here. For the following reasons.

1. The vast majority of my runs are done with someone else (usually G).
2. My shortest run of the week is 5 miles (and I only run that once).
3. When I run on the treadmill, I forgo the iPod for the television.

But on the rare occasion that one of these solo music-free runs happen, I generally use the time to prioritize. I run mental checklists of what I need to accomplish and how I am going to do it. It's basically a business meeting as I pound the pavement.

Rene' asked, "What are your feelings on speed work for a first-time marathoner?"

I have mixed feelings on speed work for first-time marathoners. I think it mainly depends on the athlete. For example, if you are a seasoned runner with a good base and a lot of experience, I think that speed work can be very beneficial from both a mental and physical perspective.

However, if you are new to running and have a small weekly base, I believe that building your weekly mileage is more important that a ton of speed work. I would eventually add speed work into the training program, but the primary focus should be building endurance. And you do that by running more, not running faster.

Twilighttwinsjewels asked, "What's your superhero name? What does she dress in? Please share her persona."

Name: Buttercream Crush (an homage to my love of cupcakes).

Outfit: Nike Shirt, Running Skirt, Knee Highs, Turbo Boosted Trainers and Sunglasses for when I have to go incognito.

Persona: Strong. Powerful. Determined. Organized. Jack of many trades. Ultimate multitasker. Able to clean up bodily fluids while remaining stylish.

mommaof3ontherun asked, "What's one thing you do as a mom that you said you'd never do before you became a mom?"

One thing? Dude. There are tons of things. But the one that occurs most frequently is saying to my kids, "Because I said so." I hated when my parents threw that one at me, but now I find myself saying it on a daily basis. Talk about eating your words.

Cynthia O'H asked, "When you started this 1,000 mile journey did you expect to finish it in mid-August?"

No. To be honest, I wasn't sure that I would get there at all. This is my third full year of running and my third attempt at 1,000 miles. In 2008 and 2009, I finished the year with 923 and 921 miles, respectively. So, I knew it wasn't going to be easy.

But then in April, I was told by two different running coaches that my mileage base was too small and that the small base was the reason behind my disastrous marathons and half marathons. And with that I decided to make the change. I gradually built my mileage to 40 miles a week and 1,000 miles just kept getting closer. Now, I just really want to set a mark for me to beat next year.