Carly from Chubby Chicks Run Too is my go to blog for a does of running humor. Carly tells tales of an out of shape (and often in shape) runner while balancing work and family. She says her blog is the next best thing to having her own reality show.
Before leaving for Costa Rica I asked her a few questions about running…..
Why do you run, when did you start?
Why I run seems to change over time. I started running in elementary school after my 6th grade teacher said I was a “natural” during a Olympic day. I guess it was her power of suggestion that led me to do track and cross-country (and the fact that I stunk at every other team sports). As I got out of HS, I gave it up entirely but once again became a runnier on a double dare to do a marathon. Every year has a different “why” but now I run because I like myself better when I do. I levels out my mood.
Alone or with a group? Alone. I like the idea of running with people but ultimately I like being by myself and my own thoughts.
Treadmill, track or open road? Open road. The treadmill kills me with boredom!!!!
Music or just you and sounds around you? It depends on the day. Most of the time I need to keep myself amused with the cheeseball songs on my iPod.
Has running gotten harder as you’ve gotten older? Yes!!!! I can’t really explain it but everything seems a little more stiff and achy.
How much do you run? Do you do straight mileage or any speedwork? Right now I am running minimally and just getting back into a routine. My current plan has me running 4-5 days a week and doing both speed work and hills (which is new for me).
What’s the funniest thing that happened on a run? So many funny things have happened over the years….countless klutzy falls in front of an audience, running with my pants inside out, and one time a lady stopped dead in her tracks, started clapping and cheering “Good For You”! It left me scratching my head.
When you run, what do you imagine you look like to passersby? Based on some comments I get from others when I tell them I am a runner, I must look like a Hippo with running shoes.
What do you do to keep running fun? Sign up for races and download crazy songs on my iPod.
What has running taught you? Running is a house of cards, all of your hard work can vanish in a heartbeat. It is a very humbling sport and it never lets you get too cocky.
Best race you have ever had? Twin Cities Marathon 2010. It was a test on how strong I could be when I had absolutely nothing left in the tank.
Worst race you have ever had? Twin Cities Marathon 2010. I was under-trained because I got horribly sick during the peak of my training. I could not run for a continuous mile. It took me over 6 hours and I barely made the cut off.
What keeps your running? Endorphins. Oh and that I can get some time to myself.
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