Good morning! Brad and I are about to head out to return home from Virginia (if we ever find our car key), but the I’m a runner posts continue on through the weekend.
This morning, Patty answers my Q & A. Her love of running is infectious so be sure to check out her blog for more running tales. She currently training for a marathon and documenting her experience “one step at a time”.
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My name is Patty, and I am a runner
Name: Patricia Guidetti
Age: 26
Currently City: Arlington, VA
Home Sweet Home: Philadelphia, PA
Blog: www.patriciaguidetti.blogspot.
1. How long have you been running?
About 3 years competitively (can you call it competitive if you only hope to be able to drag yourself across the finish line and not come in last?).
2. How did you begin running?
I would run every once in a while just for exercise, but was never really into it. A friend of mine, Lauren, sent out an e-mail to a group of us saying she wanted to run a race on Halloween- the Run! Geek! Run! 8k here in DC. On a whim I said I’d do it with her, never having run more than 2 miles at one time my whole life and I only had 3 weeks to “train”, but I was at a point where I wanted to do something to break out of my boring every day. Once I crossed that finish line in 55 minutes (did I mention that I am slow?), I was HOOKED and now I am looking to complete my first full marathon in Philadelphia
Picture of myself and my friend Lauren and after completing the Philadelphia half marathon in 2010.
3. In how many races have you competed?
- 2 5ks
- 5 8ks
- 2 10ks
- 1 10-miler
- 1 half marathon
- Hope to complete my first Marathon this fall! J
4. What is your favorite pre-run fuel?
Oatmeal with Peanut butter and honey. Mmmmm…..Seriously the best thing ever!
5. What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Chocolate and Banana Protein shake… that is when I have to go to work and can’t drink a beer :-).
6. What is the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you while running?
I once got sick on a trail because I drank too much the night before. Not my proudest moment, but, in true runners code, many people running past me either asked me if I was ok, or told me to keep going that I’d get through it.
7. Do you like running buddies or do you prefer to run alone?
I am a total loner on the trail (which makes watching the Criminal Minds episode where the runners get abducted and their eyeballs scooped out and thinking it will happen to me my most irrational running fear). I like having that time to myself to just relax. Running is truly a great stress relief for me and it allows me to think and just separate myself from the rest of the world. That being said, I love running races with people. Even if we don’t start or finish the race together, I love the idea of having someone there rooting for you, but most importantly, someone to take a picture with afterwards.
8. What’s your must-have object on a run?
I completely MUST have my Nike+. It was seriously the best money that I’ve invested. It allows me to track my progress and with the new Cheering feature, I am able to get encouragement along the way. I have it set so that my workouts get up-loaded to facebook so that I shame myself into running as far as I need to. It’s also great to see that my friends and family can applaud my effort along the way.
9. What’s your favorite running outfit?
I am a Brooks girl through and through (* totally shameless plug—you should send me some free stuff Brooks! 😉 *), so really anything by them. My absolute favorite outfit is my favorite because of its ridiculousness. LIME green tech shirt, bright orange and pink shorts, utility belt and my reflectors—it is absurd (partly why I love it so much), but there is not a single person that will not see me when it’s still dark during my 5:30am runs. I feel like a neon wonder woman, but without the awesome hair.
10. Favorite place to run? (Can be a city, a specific trail, the treadmill, etc.)
The Washington and Old Dominion Trail. It runs through Northern Virginia and will take you right into Washington DC. It’s a great trail that is full of life at all hours of the day. I love it in the fall, because all of the leaves are changing colors and it really is breath taking to run through it.
11. What is the worst race in which you have ever participated? (can be “the worst” for any reason)
My very first 10k—It was a very cold, very rainy December morning. I hadn’t slept well that night before and was miserable running the race. I was much better when I crossed the finish line, but I have never experienced a cold like that. The rain literally just soaked right through everything. And the only picture that was posted of me was me, miserable, rain soaked eating a banana—not actually running. That being said, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
12. What’s your favorite race distance and why?
I love running 8ks. The distance is very do-able for even beginning runners, but I never take them too seriously. This also allows for some really creative costumes. 😉
13. How many times a week do you typically run?
I actually just started marathon training this week (hello all you fellow halhigdon-ers running the Philly Full!! J ), so I’m now running 4 days a week and cross training two.
14. How has your running or your feelings toward running changed over the years?
When I was younger, playing sports, running was used as a form of punishment, and like many, I hated it. As I got older, I would run every once in a while just to attempt to stay in shape, but never really did anything. After a particularly rough year, I was looking for an escape and found that through running. After doing my first race, I set my sights on something higher and now I am going to be running my first full marathon in the fall.
15. What’s your pie-in-the sky running dream?
I would love to run the Marine Corp Marathon here in DC or the NYC Marathon in NY, but for now, finishing my first marathon is more than I thought I’d ever be able to do.
16. Any running or race superstitions?
Outside of not wearing the race shirt until after I’ve completed the race, I have a thing about mile makers. When I am on the trail, there are mile markers for every half mile. Every time I pass one, I have to hit the sign. If the sign is on the other side of the trail, I still do the hand motion as if I am hitting the sign. I’m not quite sure why, but it’s something I’ve done for a while, and I HAVE to or else it’s like I didn’t actually run the distance.
17. What or who inspires you to run?
The idea that I can do something more for myself is the most inspiring for me. My mother has reciently taken up walking and she calls me and gets so excited when she is able to run a half or quarter mile during her time on the tredmill. If she is able to do it, I want to continue to do so as well.
I also love races where people are there to cheer you on. I absolutely love every single person who offers a high five, words of encouragement, tissues, beer, etc. It really inspires you to power through the finish.
18. What’s your favorite running memorabilia and why?
I absolutely LOVE my Half Marathon medal. After the race I wore it for 3 days (mainly because I wanted people to know the reason that I could barely walk). And I am most proud of myself every time I see it.
19. How has running changed or contributed to the person you are?
I am much more self-aware and more patient. I’ve learned from my long runs that you can try and get them over with as quick as possible, but you won’t get as much out of it, and you are only going to hurt yourself in the end. There are really a million was that running has changed me, all for the better, and I really am grateful for this amazing sport.
20. A friend just ran a mile and is inspired to start running regularly. What words of wisdom or inspiration do you have for them?
Stretch, hydrate and have fun! If you aren’t having fun, then why bother?! You also need to know your limitations, because if you don’t, it could only lead to injury.
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Patty, thanks so much for volunteering to be featured today. I love that you have a superstition about hitting the mile marker signs. I’m always fascinated by the quirky superstitions that people have. Good luck marathon training!
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If you would like to be featured in an I’m a runner post, please contact me at foodiefresh@gmail.com.