Or what I do when I don’t want to think — as in think up a topic, that is. I take the survey I’ve been tagged in. Thank you, Skinny Running!

Would you rather run along a beach path or a mountain trail?
Beach. I’ve mentioned that I love running by the water and most of my fondest running memories are running along the water: at Smuttynose, in Kauia, in Monterey.

Even better is running on the beach, something I so rarely get to do. I take off my kicks, go down to the packed sand, and run.

If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be?
I don’t drink Gatorade, I now use Nuun or Gu tabs after a run  . . . but maybe lemon lime or berry.

If you given a $100 git card to a running store, what would you purchase with it?
It’s just such a silly question considering how expensive running shoes are.

Do you prefer to use a training plan or wake up and then decide how far or fast you want to run?
If I’m training for a race, training plan all the way. Sometimes even if I’m not training for a race . . .

Although I usually take an off season in the winter, where I still run, but not as hard or long or as often. Then I just mostly wing it. It’s awesome. Reminds you why you started to run.

Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end with the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill?
We faced that very question this past weekend. We were running at the mostly flat bike path that has one monster hill. The plan said to do it at the end; everyone voted to tackle it first.

I went with the flow, but I actually kind of wanted to tackle it at the end because race directors always seem to put the big hills at the end!

When you can’t run, what kind of cross-training do you choose to do?
Swimming. Dance DVDs. Yoga. Pilates.

If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner it would be?
Good running shoes are the obvious choice, and that’s very true. For the long haired ladies like myself, I love my Sweaty Bands. And get a foam roller; you can start off with a cheap one from Target. Then use it! And good socks. I’m partial to Balega, although I like Feetures too.

Do you see any wild animals while out on your runs?
Deer, woodchucks, rabbits, chipmunks, an occasional snake, a very occasional turtle (so appropriate for me!). I once saw a fox — I think.

Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
I have a terrible sense of direction. And I love exploring new places on foot.

Several years back we were in Williamsburg, VA. I ran out to William & Mary college, which was really lovely, but got totally lost. I finally had to ask someone. It gives you more of an adrenaline rush than a race, let me tell you!

And sometimes I manage to get myself lost on routes I’ve run on many times. I’m in my own head and miss a turn and then can’t quite figure out where the heck I am. My Vivoactive actually has a get back to the start function, but it’s rather limited and thankfully I haven’t had to use it . . . . yet.

If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would it be?
One of my favorite long run post run meals is chocolate chocolate chip pancakes topped with nut butter.

Capris or short? What do you run in most?
Running skirts from SkirtSports or Sparkle Skirts.

At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go?
This varies so much for me! Sometimes the first mile is the easiest; sometimes it’s the hardest. Usually by about mile 3 I’m settling into my pace.

What do you do with your key when you run?
Zipped into a pocket somewhere (on my water bottle, in a jacket, in a skirt).

If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one?
I’d like to relive some of the bad ones to see if I could do them better: Blackstone Valley, RI; Heartbreak Hill, MA; Annapolis, MD.

Or maybe Austin . . . because I still have friends there.

Maybe Smuttynose, because of those lobster rolls & being by the ocean.

Then there’s Vegas, because it’s flat, it’s fun, and I wonder what I could do there now that I know what the heck I’m doing.

Usually I’ve a very decisive person . . .

What type of run is your least favorite?
Tempo. Maintaining a fast pace is so hard!

When you go for a run, do you leave from your front door or drive somewhere to start?
Both. I probably do about 75% from my front door, though — just because it’s convenient.

When running in daylight, are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?
A must and an annoyance.

When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
Usually the thought of whatever postrun snack I have planned. I guess I’m as food motivated as my animals!

Now it’s your turn. I hope the following bloggers will answer these questions at some point:

• Kylie McGraw
• Late to the Party
• Fairytales and Fitness
• Tutus and Tennies

Don’t sweat it if you don’t have time or have already done it. But inquiring minds want to know. 🙂

Answer one question or more if you’d like!