Fitness Friday: Running Pop Quiz

I found this quiz on Tuesday from Fancy Nancy at Living the Dream and earlier in the week from Michelle at Running with Attitude who linked over from Christine over at Big Dream Runner. I'm all about not needing to think of my own blog topics so I figured I'd play along.  

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?
I'm one of those weirdo runners who try lots of different things (but never something new on race day!).  There are a few flavors of GU I can tolerate (Espresso Love is my favorite and I tried Vanilla for the first time a couple weeks ago and it was pretty good).  If I use GU, I have to take a good 1/2-3/4 of a mile to get it in. If I suck the whole thing down I'll pay dearly.  No fun.  I also LOVE Sport Beans (1-2 every couple miles like a treat) and used Shot Bloks for my triathlon and last weekend's 12 miler.  My complaint with Shot Bloks is that they get stuck in my teeth.  One of these days I'm planning to fuel with Swedish Fish. :)

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?
I'm definitely a fan of the 1/2 Marathon because it's a distance you really have to train for but doesn't consume your entire life like marathon training.  5k's are, IMO, harder than distance races because you basically just go balls out until you die, and that's no fun.  I'd still love to post a sub-30 5k in an official race though. Next year, I think I want to focus on more of the middle distance races. 10k to 10 mile.

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?
Because of where I live, this ranges from longish Nike shorts (because chub rub is the devil and there isn't enough body glide on the planet to prevent it - believe me, I've tried) to capris to winter running tights.  I have a running skirt but the shorts underneath are too short for my taste so I never wear it. For bigger races, I'm usually sporting a Team Sparkle skirt over my shorts/capris :)
 
4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?
I alternate between water and Nuun.  For races, I'll carry Nuun in both water bottles on my belt because I know I can get water on the course. If I'm only going for an hour or less, I'll just use water. I hate all sports drinks - or rather they hate me.
 
5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?
I'll run in pretty much any weather (in Michigan you have to) but my ideal temperature would be just a little bit chilly - like around 50 degrees - with clouds and no wind.

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brookes, Asics or Other?
I've worn Asics GT2170s (or whatever the previous numbers were) for as long as I can remember. I just heard they've redesigned them this year and are now calling them the GT2000.  I'm not sure whether to be excited or horrified.  The good news? They come in some really loud colors now and I've always wanted running shoes that can be seen from space!
 
7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?
My pre-race meal is always a little bit of coffee and 1/2 a bowl of oatmeal with butter and brown sugar.  (Note to self: pack oatmeal for Disney). 

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?
Right now, my training schedule has 1 rest day (before the long run), 3 running days (tempo, 800s, long run), and 3 cross training days.  Sadly, only the rest day and running days are being followed.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?
I'm definitely in the "have to have it" camp.  I find my head is not somewhere I want to be on my runs. The music I run to varies a lot though. The only rules are that it can't be sad or too slow. One of these days, I should post a running playlist.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or Other? 
Can I just say "all of the above"?  I definitely need the stress-relieve and sense of accomplishment.  I also love to race for the bling. 

Feel free to copy the questions from me if you want to play too - just let me know you did so I can read your answers!