Every so often, people ask about my running. Here are some of the most common questions I get, and what my answers are.
You run a lot. I see you all the time! You must be running a couple of miles a day!
Yes, I like running. It’s nice to meet you!
I saw you running this morning. How far did you go?
10 miles. Or 14. Or whatever it was.
Why do you run?
I don’t know. It makes me feel better. You can read about why I started running here. I keep running because it gives me space for myself. An early morning run is a success that I can carry with me all day. Running is also one of the few things I do that I feel successful at, because all I need to do is finish a run, and I won.
Do your knees hurt?
No, not yet. I guess I’ve been lucky so far. Hopefully I’ll be lucky for another few years.
Do you take water on your runs?
No. On the very hottest summer mornings I might put a water bottle in front of my home so I can drink once or twice during my run if it happens to be a long run day.
You didn’t run this morning in the rain, did you?
Yes, I did. If it was raining hard, I probably wore a plastic poncho from the dollar store, and a visor to keep the rain off of my glasses.
Do you run in the summer when it’s hot?
Yes, but not during the heat of the day. I run first thing in the morning, at the coolest time of the day. It feels so good to go outside and get fresh air compared to the stuffy warm air in my home.
Do you run when you’re sick?
If it makes me feel better I run so far I’ve never had an illness from running. I go as slow as I need to to feel good.
You’re lucky you have the time to exercise. I have kids/lack of motivation/a job/anything else.
Yes I am extremely lucky that I have time to run. I make sure to schedule in each run. That means setting aside the time and making sure I have child care, whether a babysitter or my parents. It also means being sure that before I go to bed, everything is ready for the morning. That includes asking my son if his homework is all done packing his lunch filling his water bottle he’s having his breakfast ready. It also means going to bed on time which means I have to make sure I finish my work on time. I am grateful that I have the time to run, and that I get a lot of support from other people.
You’re my inspiration.
Thank you, that is nice of you to say. I hope you were able to exercise or do something for yourself today!
Where do you run?
I usually run around the block many times. I have found that I enjoy it. I like watching the day start and every lap is a little bit different. It may sound boring, but I find it easier when I know the traffic patterns and the cracks in the sidewalk so I don’t have to be on high alert all the time. When I run somewhere else I find myself focusing more on safety such as watching cars, avoiding tripping on cracks or bumps, and being afraid of unfamiliar dogs.
I also find it mentally easier to do laps around the block. I can tell myself just to do one lap at a time instead of committing to a long run which often seems daunting even though I end up doing the same distance when I run around the block.
Staying close to home lets me go to the bathroom when I need it without worry.
Do you run on this or that path or trail?
No, something I value very much about running is being able to do it from my front door. I don’t have to take the time to go somewhere to start my run.
Do you run in the park?
No, for some reason I find it boring. I always have. I don’t know why. It’s beautiful and I know many people like it.
What do you listen to when you run?
I listen to the radio. I listen to the local classical music station on my long runs. On other days I listen to classical music at the beginning and then I switch to a local NPR station for the news.
Are you going for another run today?
No, I run once a day and that’s hard enough for me to make myself do.
Are you training for a race?
No.
Would you ever do a marathon?
I have run seven marathons. I think I’m finished racing.
Do you wear pants during the winter?
Not where I live, except on the coldest days. There can be 1-5 days a year when it’s cold enough overnight for me to wear pants while running in the morning, which is the coldest time of day. Otherwise, I wear running shorts. During the winter, I often wear a short-sleeved t-shirt and a long-sleeved t-shirt. On the coldest days, I may need a second long-sleeved t-shirt.
What brand of shoes is best?
Whichever brand and model work for you is the best choice for you. I like cushioned shoes, and don’t mind if they’re heavy. Other people have other needs and preferences.
Is your son going to be a runner like you?
I don’t know. I hope he does whatever makes him happy and proud in life.
What do you do for yourself? What do people ask you about? How do you answer?
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