Would you rather?

This is a series of "Would you rather?" questions that I found on Olive to Run and I thought they would be perfect so y'all could get to know me better as a runner.

1. Would you rather run a 5K or a marathon?

I have never run a marathon before, and I probably won't run one for at least two more years, but I prefer longer distances any day.  I am definitely not a natural runner, but I have had much more success increasing my endurance rather than my speed.  I would definitely pick a half-marathon, which I have run, over a 5K.

I would love to run a race in DC one day.

2. Would you rather run in the heat of summer or the icy winter?

I like the warm summer much more than the cold winter.  My success in fall races over spring races can attest to this because I despise training in the cold so I have a much more substantial training base from the summer than from the winter.

3. Would you rather have new running shoes or a new running outfit?

I would much rather have a new pair of running shoes.  I am pretty picky about my running clothes, but if absolutely necessary, I would go for a run in (gasp) a cotton t-shirt and plain old athletic shorts.  Shoes are what keep me safe from injury and I use the same pair over many runs in a row so I would prefer a new pair of shoes over running clothes.

My running shoes from oldest ---> newest.  There are a couple of  pairs missing.  I think they one of those pairs is in my car!? The ones on the right I only have 40 miles on, but I really like my new Brooks Launch shoes so far.

4. Would you rather run alone or in a group?

I would rather run alone.  My long runs can sometimes get lonely, but I like being able to move around the time and pace of runs (although it would help to have somebody to hold me accountable).  I do love the race atmosphere with a bajillion people around me though.

5. Would you rather run next to someone in a race who tries to talk to you constantly or someone who breathes heavy and grunts?

I would rather have someone talk to me.  I love talking, especially during long races.  During my first half marathon, I don't even remember 5 of the miles because I was talking to someone.

6. Would you rather run a race because of the convenience (location, price, travel) or the swag?

I love me some swag, but ultimately if a race is convenient I am more likely to do it.  I would love to run some major half-marathons and eventually marathons (I love big races), but they are just so far away that it isn't realistic, however I am hoping to travel to go run the Princess Half-Marathon at Disney in February.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

7. Would you rather run a race with a group of friends or by yourself?

I would rather run it by myself.  I wouldn't mind sharing the race weekend with friends, but I want to run the actual race by myself.  I also would not mind running with a friend if they needed support (pacing, moral support, ect.), but I don't want to run a goal race with other people.

8. Would you rather run a PR but result in an injury or finish strong and miss a PR?

I would take finishing strong without a PR because there will be other races to run to get that PR, but I don't want to have to sit out of running for an extended period of time.

I would love to have had a PR that day, but I was sick so I didn't want to push it  (and I don't think I could have pushed it much more).

9. Would you rather eat a big meal the night before or a big meal after a race?

Big meal after a race.  I will eat a pretty good amount the night before a race, but I am careful not to eat too much so I don't run into GI problems (no pun intended).  After a race, I will eat EVERYTHING in sight.  On the way back from my last half-marathon, I just wanted to stop at every food establishment between the race and my house where my grandmother was making shrimp and grits.

10. Would you rather be chased by a swarm of bees or a pack of dogs?

I would rather be chased by a pack of dogs.  Big dogs, for the most part, don't scare me.  I have grown up with one so, unless unusually vicious, I would rather deal with dogs.  Bee stings are painful.  Enough said.

The dog on my left is ancient, but I love her to death.  I don't think she will be doing much chasing.  The one on the right will probably chase you, but won't attack you.