Marathon Survey

This has been circulating on Facebook but I thought I'd post the answers here:

1. Number of marathons you have run:
6 (Walt Disney World, New York City, Safaricom, Rome, Walt Disney World, Napa Valley)

2. Where was your first marathon?
Walt Disney World, baby (yes, I am a Disney freak)!

3. Favorite Marathon course:
This is a hard one to answer because all of the races I've done are incredibly different. NYC had the best crowd support, Napa was best for PR, Safaricom had elephants on the course, Rome took my breath away, and nothing beats running through Cinderella Castle at Disney. In short, they were all awesome. I mean who picks marathon courses they don't think will inspire them somehow?

4. Most memorable race:
If you're talking the entire experience, I'd have to say Safaricom in Kenya.

5. PR?
4:35:xx (Napa Valley)

6. Ever run in a costume?
I wore a Goofy ears headband during WDW 2008 because I was doing the Goofy Challenge, but not sure if that counts.

7. The only running shoes for me:
I have no brand loyalty when it comes to shoes. I do, however LOVE me some Balega Hidden Comfort socks!

8. Ever injured?
Sadly, yes. ITB, sprained ankles and a long and sordid history with shin splints.

9. Hot or cold weather runner?
COLD! My preferred running temp is somewhere in the 40's. I'll take a 30 degree run over a 70 degree run any day.

10. Morning or evening runs?
I am not a morning person at all, but I prefer to get the runs in early. I feel like I then have my whole day to enjoy and bask in the glory of the run.

11. What is your motivation?
The feeling when you cross the finish line.

12. Ever DNF?
No (knock on wood)

13. Marathon I'd like to forget:
I wouldn't really want to forget it, but my worse marathon experience by far was New York City. I hit the wall VERY hard. I seriously say I no longer fear death after NYC 2005 because I know there is a point when dropping down dead is actually preferable to living. If this had been my first marathon experience I probably would have never done another. Ironically, it was my second and I had a 30+ minute PR so you'd think I would have been elated...

14. Favorite post race nosh:
Pasta. I love pasta! I also think a bagel with cream cheese and some bacon on the side is an awesome post-run snack.

15. Galloway or Higdon?
Have not done either but am planning do a sort-of Galloway approach on Big Sur to keep from feeling like I did in NYC.

16. Flat course or hills?
I think in general I'd prefer some rolling hills to keep thing interesting.

17. Back, Middle, or Front of the pack?
I consider myself middle-back :)

18. Run alone or with a partner:
I enjoy doing both. If I could only do one for forever I'd probably pick to be a solo runner.

19. Ever win your age group?
Ha!

20. Favorite post marathon indulgence:
Guilt-free days off from running.

21. Funniest T-shirt spotted on another runner during a marathon:
"Pinocchio told me this was a 10K" (at the WDW Marathon)

22. One part of your body that has never seen body glide:
I own a body glide but have never used it! So every part.

23. Best part of running:
The feeling of accomplishment (no matter the distance).

24. If I didn't run I'd_______________.
Be supremely bored.

25. I can't run without______________________.
A water bottle, hat, orthotics, and Garmin!

26. Ever lose a toenail?
One after the Goofy Challenge. I even saved it :)

27. Gatorade or Cytomax?
Don't use it anymore but I used to run with lime Gatorade Endurance. Cytomax is icky.

28. Favorite gel flavor?
Gu Vanilla. Rarely use them anymore, though, and prefer Shot Bloks.

29. How many days after a marathon do you usually start running again?
Normally probably more than 7, but the last time around I ran two 6 weeks apart so started up again after 4 days, I think.

30. I run, therefore I ________________________.
Own way too many running skirts.

31. Pre-race routines? (night before or morning of)
Lay out EVERYTHING, pin on number, attach chip to shoe.

32. How often do you cry during a marathon?
Never have. Might have gotten choked up around mile 20 of Napa when I knew I was going to PR (no waterworks at the actual finish, though). Have definitely cried watching other people finish marathons, though!

33. What was your worst/least favorite marathon?
Umm, time-wise Safaricom was my worst. How-I-felt-wise was NYC. Would still highly recommend them both!

34. What is your typical night before the marathon meal?
Pasta with simple tomato sauce

35. Would you run a marathon again?
Of course!

36. Marathon that I must do:
On my list are Paris, Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Antarctica, and CIM.