Is it an African Swallow?

This was a lot of fun. Thanks for participating.

I guess I should have a disclaimer stating that this is my opinion only and should not be mistaken for that of a professional or anyone who actually knows what they're talking about.


Ginger Breadman asked:
Oh man, I did just google myself. I'm totally serious. First I googled my real name, then G. B. - that one is so much more fun. A question for you . . . hmmm . . . if you were the last human left on earth, and you could bring back two people, who would they be and why?

Googling oneself is sometimes fun but often, it's TMI for me, you know? Someone with my same name does a whole lot of academic research in the UK though, so at least I can seem smart.
That's a tough question. Provided I don't take it too seriously, I'd have to say I'd bring back a hot rock star who I wouldn't have to worry about being a "bad" rock star because there would be no groupies and also, probably my mom. Entertainment and mom's lasagna, what more do I need?

Ginger Breadman also asked:
I've got another one. What is it that you do for a job? You said something the other day about cancer patients that made me wonder.
I work in software. Intriguing, I know. I do a lot of volunteer work with The American Cancer Society so that is where my references to cancer related issues usually come from.

skinnylittleblonde asked:
What is your very first memory?

My first memory is actually one where my mom had to go to work and leave me with a family member and I didn't want to go, so I cried on the porch for about thirty minutes while they tried to coax me into the car. The promise of ice cream finally did it, go figure. I was three.


GirlGoyle asked:
Q&A huh? Well funny you should throw this out there cuz I was just thinking of you the other day. You are just so engrossed and passionate about running that it fascinates me. I've gotten to a point where my skinny jeans cringe at the sight of me and so I wonder...what would be your suggestion for someone who wanted to get into running but doesn't know where to start. I can get as far as tieing my sneakers and getting to the gym for a 3 mile run say...two times a week. But the problem is I don't' know how to set running goals so help me. So...I have tied my sneakers...where do i go from here??

Well, the first thing I'd say about distance running (which I consider to be anything over a 5K) is that you should enjoy it, at least at some level. The feeling I get from running or from having ran is a huge motivator for me. As for goal setting, I think it's important in the beginning (or all the time, if you're me) to set smaller goals.
When I first started running, I'd run two minutes, walk a minute. You can already run three miles so what I'd do is set nothing more than weekly goals. This week, three miles. Next week, go for 3.5. The following week, go for 4. Then, the week after that, I'd drop back down to three. I say this for two reasons. First, I don't think a newer runner should increase more than 10% (+/- a percentage or two) per week in mileage. You'll find a lot of research on this but the main reason is to avoid injury. Second, when you drop back in mileage once a month, it gives you a break mentally, which you'll need as you increase the distance. I think as long as you're not training for a particular distance on a particular date, slow increases are the way to go.
Just as a side note, races are a good way to test yourself. Not because you're competing but because you have to prepare for the distance. It helps to know how to pace yourself and to decide how comfortable you are with a certain distance. So much changes when you're on the course with other people and a finish line. A good one to look at now is a local Turkey Trot (usually a 5K) which happens on Thanksgiving in almost every city in the U.S.
Okay, I obviously could go on and on.

Runner Girl FL asked:
Ok I got one....
When does training for the marathon stop hurting?!?!
Hehehe

Ha, I don't quite know how to say this but my first instinct is to say never. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Unless you're injured and trying to run on that injury, the pain of training, I think, is actually good. I mean, you're running a marathon. You're pushing yourself past all normal and logical limits. It's not supposed to be a walk in the park. So take care of your body and make sure the pain you're feeling is a "good" pain. Also, stretch. Stretch all the time. Become the Queen of Stretching. Be a better stretcher than anyone who has ever stretched before. Do you get what I'm saying? Stretching is important.


Sizzle asked:
what color is your hair?
It's now brown. I highlighted and bleached and dyed for ten years. I loved blonde but I got over it.

justacoolcat asked:
What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

Heh. Is the swallow carrying a coconut?