you wanted to know, questions 41-45

When I had my 1,000 mile giveaway, a requirement for entry was to ask me a question. Any question. And I promised to answer them in a series of posts. Here are questions 41-45 ...

trifitmom asked, "What bridge are you running over in your photo header?"

It is the Nickel Bridge in Richmond, VA. It has one of the most beautiful views of the James River.

dr. jen asked, "Any desire to do a triathlon or other type of non-road race (e.g., mud run, adventure race with kayaking/biking/etc)?"

I am always up for an adventure, but my true love is running.

With that said, I have done some non-road races before. In 2009, I ran a 5K Mud Run. It was a blast and totally something I would be interested in doing again. And I have done three sprint triathlons, but have yet to train for a single one. They are a lot of fun and I have performed well in them. (I finished 3rd in my division in the most recent one despite not swimming or riding my bike for over two years prior). Part of me wonders how well I could perform if I trained properly for them, but I have a hard time finding the motivation to do so. Swimming and biking just aren't my things.

S Club Mama asked, "When I run, it seems the jostling makes my bowels active. I haven't had to go on the side of the road (at least not #2) yet, but does that happen to you? Or is my body the only weird one?"

I have been fortunate enough to have a bladder of steel and a strong stomach. Even when I was running at 9 months pregnant, I didn't have any issues. But, you are not alone. Pretty much every runner I have ever met has faced these issues and I have seen quite a few race photos with #2 dripping down the runner's leg. Not pretty.

the dawn asked, "I'm curious what has brought you back to full marathon racing? I know that you enjoy and prefer the half marathon races, so just interested to know why add a marathon and 40k?"

I do prefer shorter races. I am much speedier over shorter distances and the training is much less taxing. But, there is something about the marathon that has such a hold on me. It's about proving you can cover the distance and the pride that comes with it.

During my first two marathon training cycles, I ended up injured. I was in pain from mile 1 to mile 26.2. My finish times did not represent what I am capable of. Honestly, I thought that my body wasn't built for the distance and that I should just focus on shorter races.

But, then I upped my weekly mileage. I was running more miles in a week that I ever had in marathon training and I wasn't injured. My body could handle it. And all I could think was, "What could I do if I made it to the start line injury-free?" I needed to know. So, I switched from the Indianapolis half to the full and committed to the training. In the process, I grew to love the heavier mileage at a slower pace. I started to think not only of this marathon, but others down the line. And ultras after that. Sure, I still love the shorter distances, but its become about proving to myself that I can push myself both hard and long. To pick up the pace and cover the distance. I want to prove to myself that I can endure. And the marathon allows me to do that.

daysrun asked, "If you could sit down to dinner with three people (living or not), who would they be and why?"

OK, so I am going to take some liberty with this question and change it to FIVE people, because I can't pick just three.

If I could have dinner with any FIVE people, it would be with my husband, my three girls and my dad. And here is why.

My dad passed away when I was 20, one month before I met Jeremy. And if I could have ANYTHING, it would be for my dad to have the chance to meet him and my girls. It kills me that they never got the opportunity to meet each other. To share memories. I hurts me just to think about that. And I don't think that will ever change.