Tagged Running

Erin tagged me a long time ago to answer some questions. I figured since xt4 just tagged me for something else, I better get this one done.

1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Ten years ago, I was finishing school, not doing any physical activities whatsoever. Unless you count multiple late night sessions of 12-oz curls. Multiple late night sessions.

2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
My best was the last half-mile of my Ironman. Ted caught me right at the top State St, heading towards the finish line. He asked how I was doing, I replied, "I'm finishing!"

The worst hasn't happened yet. As much as some of these intervals suck, I still am learning much about my running and how much the mind plays a role. In fact, just this morning, on my fourth half-mile of six, I stopped running. For no real reason other than my legs hurt. For a small second, I couldn't believe what happened. But within an instant, I started again and finished out the workout according to plan. For me, the mind is weaker than my running legs. Every tough/bad run tells me how to get better.

3. Why do you run?
I run because it's my weakest leg in a triathlon. When looking at results, almost always I will have the slowest run time of all those that finish in front of me, and probably another ten that finish behind me.

4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?
The best was for a racing a 5K; "When you think you are about to blow up start using your arms. They will be hanging by your side. Pump them. Pull with them."

The worst was when I was told I don't need motion control shoes. Must've been a bad day for Endurance House that day. They made up for it when I went back.

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
There was this one time at band camp...