Ask Susan

I would imagine if you write a blog you probably read a few as well and I'm no exception to that rule.  I read a LOT of blogs and they're probably the same ones you're reading.  Meaning, they're popular.  Well, they're always saying "a reader asked me this" and "someone wanted to know this".  Well guess what?  No one ever asks me shit.  Ok that's not really true.  I do get asked things from time to time, but it's not a daily occurrence or even a weekly occurrence.

Feeling a little pathetic left out, I wrote a Facebook post asking all my faithful readers to ask me a question so I don't feel like such a loser.  Y'all made me feel so good asking me your questions, even if most of them were a little tongue in cheek.

Well I'll show you because I'm answering them anyway.  So here goes.

Did the cake pops go over good or are were they for tomorrow? 

The cake pops I made went over quite well.  The teachers, other parents, and of course the children all loved them.

How do I break my diet coke habit?

I have a feeling the asker of this question is being a little facetious. Clearly I have NO IDEA!!!

How many Diet Cokes did you have today? ;)

Seriously, another Diet Coke question?  FOUR!

When was the last time you ate at Moe's? 

I ate at Moe's last week (or was it the week before??).

How did you get so good at baking and decorating cakes? 

I'm not good at cakes to be honest, but I think the key to being successful at anything is twofold--  First, fake it 'til you make it and second, never say can't.

Why don't you write your blog 7 days a week?

I used to write my blog 7 days a week, but it got to feel like such a chore.  Not because I don't love to write and share my life, but because some days are just downright boring and I'm really not that interesting.  I decided to take Fridays off and I'll occasionally take off Saturdays too.

How do you find time to write a blog @ all?   

I write my blog every day pretty much as soon as my kids go to bed.  It's a routine, just like anything else I do that is important to me.  If you WANT to do something you'll find the time to do it.  I don't watch much TV and prefer to write my blog or play on the computer in the evenings.  I also don't do any household chores after the kids' bedtime (except occasionally or laundry).  So basically my evenings are ME time and I chose to use that time to blog.

How do you remember every last detail of a run/race so clearly?

I blog in my head while I run.  Honestly I do.

What are your kids' Halloween costumes?  Did you make them or just buy them like the rest of us mere mortals?

I can not reveal the details until the big day.  I made one of the three (and it's my favorite).  

How do you find time to do all that you do?

I honestly don't believe I do MORE than the average person, but it goes to what I said about making time to blog.  If you want something in life badly enough, you'll find...no MAKE the time.  Period.  There is ALWAYS time, you just might have to make sacrifices.  I also don't have a job.  My job is to take care of my children.  So yeah, you might spend 8 hours a day working, but I take 2 hours to make cake pops and that still leaves me 6 hours to workout!  I also know what's important to me and I focus on making time for those things.  I generally don't sweat the small stuff (like dust bunnies).

 Are you geeked for the MS150 next year?

Oh I'm totally geeked over the MS150.  I can't wait to ride over 100 miles for charity with friends and family.

 What are you wearing for NYC? 

I know you're not going to believe this, but I don't know what I'm wearing.  Eek!  I do know I'm going to wear my compression capris, but I haven't decided on the top yet.

I need to know the weather first I suppose.  Just in case you're in charge of these things I'd like 55 degrees with a little sun and a slight breeze.

What are your tips to do your best at a race (assuming someone wants to improve and not just finish)?

Well that's easy. (Just FYI this is one of those do as I say and not as I do moments).  In order to run faster you have to... run faster!  Speed work it KEY to improving your speed.  Either run shorter distances faster or run a distance longer than your race at a slower pace.  If you're used to running 10 miles at a 10:00 minute mile, then when you go to run your 10k race (for instance) you'll be able to run at a faster pace.  There's no doubt about it, however, speed work is key.  Also stick to your training plan.  Overtraining can be just as bad as undertraining.

how exactly does one accidentally PR?

Read all about it here.  I swear, it was an accident!

I also received a bunch of question from Allison (clearly she was bored today) and I'm not sure she REALLY wants to know the answers.  I'm going to choose to answer my favorite.

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?  
If you could paint a picture of any scenery you’ve seen before, what would you paint? 
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do differently?
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?
If you were immortal for a day, what would you do?
If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
If you were reincarnated as an animal/drink/ice cream flavor, what would it be?
If you could know the answer to any question, besides “What is the meaning of life?”, what would it be?
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

I'd love to learn to sew.

Pick one of Allison's questions (your favorite) and answer it in the comments section.  

Do you have a question you want me to answer?  Ask in the comments section.