Q&A with Me

I asked on Instagram for people to submit questions that I would then answer, and I thought it would be fun to turn them into a blog post as well since I’m never sure how many people follow me here versus on Instagram.

I love that people submitted a wide variety of questions–everything from running to family things to running clothes recommendations. If you have any other questions, be sure to leave a comment, and maybe I’ll do another round of these again.

Dream race for YOU to launch your 2021 racing season (Location? Distance? Date?)

Gosh, I hadn’t really even thought about this because I don’t know when races will resume. I am actually really excited for the race scene here in Anchorage, If I had to pick a marathon to run next year, it would either be Anchorage RunFest or California International Marathon. . .but only time will tell.

Best chapstick or lip balm for cold weather and outdoor workouts?

I typically use the Lip Conditioner from Beautycounter–or a Beautycounter lip gloss (seems a little much, but I’m not the only who does–Hungry Runner Girl does it too 😉 ). I’ve used a variety of products but no limp balm has seemed like it didn’t do the job for me.

Running sock for Alaska? My feet get so cold in my Hokas.

I always recommend wool (or wool-blend) socks if you have a hard time keeping your feet warm–Smartwool makes some as well at Feetures, Balega, and Stance.

What’s on your running playlist?

I actually never run with music. I will listen to music on the treadmill but don’t take the time to make my own playlist (it’s not a priority for me).

Do you intuitively eat like your sister or do you have a different food philosophy?

We’re basically twins, so yes, we have the same philosophy with good. In the past I’ve had a handful of food rules but right now there are virtually none because I feel like I need all the calories I can get with the amount of running I’m doing and the little time I have to eat.

How did you become soooo intense and dedicated at running those distances?

I’ve always like to challenge myself and be the best I can be. (That’s probably the overachiever and perfectionist in me.) Plus, if I say I’m going to do something, I feel I should follow through on it.

What does your husband do for work?

He’s a manager with the state.

Who are your favorite runners to follow on Instagram?

Lauren Floris
A Foodie Stays Fit
Track Club Babe
Run to the Finish
Running in Alaska
Vicki Runs It
Arkansas Runner Mom
Hungry Runner Girl
Sarah Bishop Runs
Peach Runner 26.2

Did it take you a long time to work up to the 9 days on/1 days off running schedule?

I don’t remember. I’ve done this rotation before, so when I started working with my coach postpartum this time around, it wasn’t too hard to make the transition back to that. I will say that I am moving to a day off every 14 days soon, and I’ve been at the 9-day rotation for over 6 months.

Every get sciatica? How did you deal with it if you did?

Fortunately, no. I’m a strong proponent of PTs (physical therapists), so my suggestion would be to see a PT if you haven’t already.

Can you share a frequent strength workout you do specifically for runners?

I honestly, don’t have a specific workout I do–I just try to hit all of the major muscle groups (quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, pecs, biceps, triceps, back, etc.) and lift heavy!

If you could only afford one lululmeon coat, would you pick the Down for it All or Another Mile?

Definitely the ‘Down for it All‘ for running. I think the ‘Another Mile‘ would be too thick for most people–unless you were doing a low-intensity sport.

Do you run your speed workouts on the treadmill at an incline or 0%? What do you think is best?

I always set the treadmill at 0.5-1.0% grade incline anytime I’m on the treadmill. I think it simulates outdoor running a little better. However, if the incline causes you to become injured, that would be one reason to run at 0%.

What prompted the move to Alaska?

My husband is originally from Anchorage. We were only going to stay a year, but then the recession hit in 2008, and we didn’t know if we could get jobs elsewhere, so we stayed.

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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