#fromthebackofthepack

From runslikeapenguin:

1. When and why did you start running?

Both my parents were runners. They pin it around age 12 or 13 when I wanted to run with my dad in some races. Monkey see, monkey do.

I eventually signed up for XC my sophomore year of high school after I kinda flamed out in soccer. Since then it’s mostly been about competition. Although now I appreciate the health benefits and ability it gives me to hang with my active boys.

2. Do you have a “running squad/tribe”? Who are they? Do they live close enough for you to run with?

Tumblr? Definitely the people I “talk” with about running the most. And certainly people I’ll look to meet up with at the big races.

IRL right now, the closest thing is my marathon training group through Chicago Endurance Sports. I only know a few of them and the meeting place isn’t necessarily close to my house.

About 10 years ago, I ran with a corporate team. We competed in the local corporate race circuit and trained together at lunch time on the lakefront path. That was pretty fun, but I only worked there 3 years.

My XC and track teammates from high school would definitely be the ones in my “tribe”. I don’t see them often, but when we do meet up it’s special.

3. What’s your favorite non-running exercise?

Are there other forms of exercise? The only other thing I do right now is crossfit, although I wouldn’t say I love it. I used to ride my bike a lot when I was in high school. I did a few 100 mile rides back then, but it’s harder to find the time and place to ride a lot where I live now.

4. Do you have a running or racing playlist? What’s on it?

I have a general “running” playlist filled with upbeat pop trash spanning several years. Then, I have a more focused and curated version of that list that covers the length of a marathon. I listen to podcasts mostly (Nerdist, Grantland), so those playlists have not seen many additions or changes lately. I never wear headphones or iPod anymore when I race. It gets in the way and I need to focus.

5. What’s your fitness spirit animal, and why?

The gazelle? Too pretentious? Looks graceful running with its long legs but not necessarily fast enough to escape the cheetahs.

6. What’s your favorite race or run?

Daisy Dash 5K on Fathers Day. I’ve run my best adult times there. My kids, wife, and dad have all participated with me over the years. Local course with a great energy and some decent competition from the local high schoolers.

7. If you had a gift card loaded with $$$ to your favorite running store, what would you get?

Shoes, sleeveless tanks, and shorts. I go through all 3 of those a lot and they aren’t cheap.

8. What’s your favorite non-water hydration?

I drink a lot of regular Gatorade (multipacks from Costco) and sometimes Nuun (subscribe and save from Amazon). Glacier cherry Gatorade is my favorite.

9. Who’s your favorite elite runner?

Gotta be Meb. A little younger than me and still kickin’ ass.

10. What is the best running- or fitness-related compliment someone’s paid you?

That I make it look easy. Some of that is a vast amount of experience, but I like to think what they’re really seeing is my joy for running.

From fromthebackofthepack:

1. What race would you love to run?

San Fran Marathon. I love the city and I think it would be so cool to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Do you have a lucky race outfit or item of clothing?

Since I mostly run marathons lately, I tend to buy a new outfit for those. For the last 3 Bostons, I’ve bought a multipack of Asics Intensity socks at the expo each time and worn one pair in the race.

3. Favorite post-run treat?

I tend to not want to eat much after I run. I often force myself to eat a Clif bar. If we’re talking after a marathon, it’s definitely a cheeseburger and milkshake.

4. What’s your absolute favorite distance to run?

For as much training as I do for marathons, the 5K is still the one I love to race.

5. What do you do with all of your medals?

They’re in the bottom drawer of my bathroom cabinet. I think my wife bought a medal hanger recently, so maybe they’ll go up in my office soon.

6. If a magical genie appeared and said he would give you a million dollars if you could run an entire marathon listening to only one song on repeat – what song would you earn your million with?

I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s got to be “Shake It Off”. #lightningonmyfeet

7. What are your favorite weather conditions to run in?

50 degrees and sunny.

8. Best race sign you’ve ever seen?

Worst Parade Ever.

9. What’s your dream gel/chomp flavor that no one has yet created?

Pina Colada. Does that exist in gel form?

10. What’s your all time best running memory?