10 Running Related Q & A

About 6 months ago I came across a great book and running community. I can't even remember where I first found them but I am so happy I did. Sarah and Dimity are very inspiring people, and there blog posts are great; funny and inspiring. Being a mother is hard, trying to be an athlete or a runner, or just trying to keep yourself in shape and sane, is even harder. They make it easier, they make you feel like you're part of a community of people that care about you. When my alarm goes off at 4:30/5 AM all I have to do is think about the book, there blog, or them out running at the same time and it gets me out of bed.
So thank you, you have inspired me and kept me going when I want to stop. I can't wait to see you in 3 short weeks at the TC Marathon!

They asked mother runners to post answers to these 10 questions. So I'm playing along, feel free to do the same!

1. Best run ever: I have been running since I was 10 so this is a pretty loaded question. One of my favorite runs was back when I was a freshman in college. I had 3 floormates that I would run with at 6:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We went out for a run (I don't even remember the distance) and it was POURING, I'm talking water dripping in my eyes so I could barely see. It was a blast, all I remember is splashing in puddles and pushing each other under waterfalls off of roofs. Who knew running in the rain could be so much fun. Ironically a recent training run comes in at a close second. I ran 18 miles in a complete downpour. It didn't stop raining the whole 3 hours I was out running. I guess I must really love to run in the rain. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right?!

2. Three words that describe my running: freeing, fun, me

3. My go-to running outfit is: skirt sport running skirt, tank top, sunglasses, asic running shoes.

after a very HOT 12 miles

4. Quirky habit while running: I don't really think I have one. I never run with music, don't use a GPS, but must have sunglasses. I rarely run without my dog, Kali (she's trained through 4 marathons with me.)
 
5. Morning, midday, evening: morning, early, too early. I wish I could run at 7 AM every morning especially now that it doesn't get light out until about then. Unfortunately I need to start by about 5 AM.

6. I won’t run outside when it’s: It would have to be pretty bad. I don't own a treadmill and don't have a gym membership so outside it is. I've ran in negative temps, pouring raining, etc. If you ask me it makes me feel alive to get out there. How much more badass can you get by getting out there in rough weather.

7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: IT band issues plagued me through my first marathon but since then I've been pretty lucky. I'm pretty smart about not overdoing it.

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: Anytime really. Most of my friends think I'm crazy for running and training as much as I do so just hearing there responses when they hear about my training makes me feel pretty kick ass. I just love getting out there and sweating, and hurting, and pushing through it.The most badass I have ever felt was probably after the Tough Mudder.

9. Next race is: Twin Cities Marathon (part 2!) I'm so excited to run this again, and hopefully get to run with Sarah along the way! City of Lakes Loppet and then the Birkie (XC ski races) follow that, and then Tough Mudder again in July!!! Most fun event I have ever done.

10. Potential running goal for 2013: More triathlons! My goal is Ironman Wisconsin in 2014, and if that doesn't work out it will definitely be Half Ironman Boise in 2014.

summertime craziness

I'm busy, that is all I can really say about my life right now. BUSY!
Summers are always busy in the Kutzke household but this summer has been even crazier than normal.
I became the Minnesota State Fair Homebrew Competition Organizer which occupied pretty much half of July and all of August. We were on vacation for a lot of June so as soon as we got back from Oregon and Washington I went straight to work with that. Plus on top of that I've been running my own daycare, training for my 6th marathon, and I just completed my first triathlon.
It's been a whirlwind. I enjoy being busy and I especially enjoy training and doing new things, but I'm really looking forward to taking a bit of a break. Granted as soon as my marathon is over I have the City of Lakes Loppet and Birkie to get ready for. And I just signed up for the Tough Mudder again which is taking place in July. And I plan on doing at least 2 or 3 more triathlons next summer as well.
Who am I kidding, I'll rest when I'm dead.

I need to post about my triathlon, it was a great time and I have so much room for improvement it will be fun to work on my weaknesses over the winter (namely SWIMMING!)