Humpday Give Away: Do you run for BQ or DQ?
Q: such a seldom used letter. Until today.
You can divide people in many ways: Democrats and Republicans. Cat lovers and dog people. Beer drinkers and wine sippers. Dancing with the Stars devotees and American Idol idolizers. Those who wear undies with yoga pants and those who don’t.
Runners can also be easily grouped too as BQ’ers or DQ’ers. Translation: those that run primarily for a goal, like qualifying for the historic Boston Marathon (and get, in running speak, a BQ); and those that run for less tangible reasons, like the fact that their five-miler means they can get a Butterfinger Blizzard when they take their kids to Dairy Queen (DQ) after school. Sarah, who always seems to be on a training plan, is a solid BQ’er (and hopes to seal the deal at the Big Sur Marathon in two weeks), while I, crunching on the hard Butterscotch topping because I just pumped out 7 miles, am happy to be classified as a DQ’er.
The two groups aren’t mutually exclusive, of course. Many wannabe BQ’ers train hard, in part, so they can can treat themselves regularly. And many DQ’ers become slaves to their Garmins so they can nail a goal time when they line up at a starting line. Neither group is superior to the other. In fact, BQ’ers can learn to embrace a rest day from the DQ’ers, who, in turn, might benefit from throwing a couple strides into the end of their run. And the good news is that running is such a democratic sport, the BQs and DQs can run, train, chat and otherwise hang out with no issues, save where to fuel up post-run.
So, with the 114th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday (good luck to everybody running it, btw!), the question for today is: Do you run for BQ or DQ? Do you lie firmly at one end of the spectrum or do you hover somewhere in the middle? Has it changed over time or with children?
A random winner will take home a spankin’ new pair of silver New Balance 760’s, a shoe so versatile, it could lead you over the Boston finish line or through your neighborhood for a Dilly Bar.
So, tell us: What’s your Q status?
another mother runner 
I am a BQ kind of girl. But the nice thing is that the calories burned during every 20 mile training run to prepare for a BQ, equals a huge Blizzard from DQ 🙂
DQ all the way baby!!! I run so I can eat!
I’d like to be a BQer but since baby number three has come on the scene, it’s DQ all the way. My goals change and shift as motherhood changes and shifts me. And the BQ…well, I have a birthday in a few months which will make BQing much easier with that extra 5 minutes!
I wish I could run for a BQ, maybe someday I will. For now, I will happily reside with the rest of the DQ’ers!
although I’m addicted to my Garmin and have raced a couple of times, I run for my sanity…especially after mornings like today trying to motivate 2 tired kiddies!
DQ. No question.
BQ
and my BQ, PQ
That is, I have a specific goal in ADDITION to BQ for each and every marathon. It’s motto is “This year; every year ” (often muttered in response to the question “Are you trying to beat X:XX this year?”
Hmmm.. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m a DQ person. I did try to BQ this past Jan.. TRY. And I think I discovered that I’m NOT a BQ. It was fun to train, but the actual RACING a marathon was agonizing for me. Totally took the joy out of it. I would say that my favorite part of the Garmin detail post run is the number of calories burned, but not so I can visit DQ. 🙂 I lie somewhere in the middle I suppose. 😀
I don’t know if I’m either. I’m currently running to undo years of DQ and maybe if I succeed at that I could morph into BQ someday. Can I go with me-Q?
I hover somewhere in the middle. I am goal-oriented and need to have “my eye on the prize”. However, I know that I will never be considered fast nor will I qualify for Boston in my lifetime (as much as I would like to be included with that league). But, I do like to have major events on my race schedule, to keep me focused, regimented and scheduled. It prevents me from skipping workouts and gives me a mental distraction during my runs (envisioning what it will be like to cross that finish line). I do keep time goals for myself, but usually it is simply to PR, even if that means shaving a few seconds off of a previous race time. I was never a runner before my children, so my motivation has not changed. However having a family does keep me focused on scheduling my workouts around “life”.
BQ. But the BQ habit supports my DQ diet. I also run because when I don’t, I seriously turn into the Wicked Witch!
BQ or DQ? I’ve been both at times, depending on the race I’m training for and then also what jeans I’m trying to fit into at the time. 🙂 I was lucky to get a BQ and run Boston in 2004–amazing for a tortoise like myself! Most often though, for me, I set a F-Q goal (finishing the ultra) a “no DNF-Q” (dropping is not an option!) and then a T-Q (time goal), based on the terrain of the race.
I am somewhere in the middle. While I never plan to qualify for Boston, I have goals for my running times and distances…but I love me some sweet treats, and I LOVE that running allows me to indulge in those without the guilt and weight gain I would have otherwise.
I am squarely in the middle. When I first started running, I was a DQ’r, and then I flipped hard to the other side. Now I’m just trying to stay injury-but-not-ice-cream-free!
Solidly a DQ’r. Blizzards I love: peanut butter cup, m&m, and chocolate covered strawberry (which is seasonal, I think. And sometimes I enjoy the simple pleasure of a chocolate dipped cone.
HA! This made me laugh out loud! I am most definitely a DQ, but my running partner is my sister, who is most definitely a BQ. When I ran my first half marathon with her, I honestly don’t think I knew if 3 hours was a good time or not, I just knew that I finished! She, on the other hand, knows what our splits should be, where the next turn in the race will be (because she’s studied the map), and has OUR training plan mapped out before the next race. I, on the other hand, run for sanity and ME time! I seem to a be (a bit!) crabbier when I take a break from running.
I think that we have a perfect balance of BQ and DQ – she keeps me motivated and I keep her grounded. I would not change it for the world!
I am somewhere in between(although Boston is not anywhere NEAR my radar!) I like the thrill of bettering my time in races but also the satisfaction of a DQ at the end of the run!
I love Kelly”s reply, me-Q! Personally I BQ so I can DQ, Moolatte, here I come : )
Oh my, I am TOTALLY a DQ runner–literally. To me, there is NOTHING better than pounding out a good 5 or 6 miles (that’s my longest now that I’m 39 and plagued with temperamental joints) and then happily enjoying a Heath Bar Blizzard completely guilt-free. I’m not hard-core enough or fast enough to do a lot of racing or worry about my times. I just run for myself, and my ice cream consumption.
I have to admit that I am a DQer. I would love to be a BQer, but I just don’t have the time or energy between work, family, and training. I just trained for and completed my first marathon last month and my husband was just as happy for it to be over as I was. He was proud of my, no doubt, but just happy to have his wife back. So for now, I will happily remain a DQer with the hope of one day being a BQer.
I am definitely a DQ at this point. I am losing the baby weight from #2. I wouldn’t mind being a BQ but that’s a LOOOONG ways off (unless I magically gain 6″ in my legs soon because I run like a herd of worms).
Well I’m pretty sure I am more DQ than BQ. I ran last year just to run. This year I am running to train for my first marathon, the Chicago Marathon in October to raise money for the American Heart Association. I am running that just to finish with no time expectations. Maybe in my dreams I am a BQ’er but I do love my DQ!
Currently trying to BQ and improve my time at other distances as well as long as I still can! I do, however, still enjoy many treats after running…chocolate covered gummi bears are my favorite!
DQ! Run so I can eat! Nothing like that yummy soft serve =)
I’m definitely in the DQ camp (sub something decadent from my nearest Starbucks instead). As much as I would love to be in the BQ camp, that’s likely never to happen. I am always striving to be faster in my own way, following some program for some race ahead. It’s just that the elusive BQ is not my goal. Let me break a 10 min mile and give me something yummy to eat and I’m good.
I started out running to lose weight, which once lost led me to become a DQ’er (running so as not to gain the weight back but allowing me to eat DQ now and then). I would say I now hover somewhere in the middle. The numbers mean a lot more than they use to, but the joy of running and eating are good enough for me.
I would say right now I am cross between the BQ and DQ. I have a goal, to someday be BQ but right now- I am being realistic. Since at the speed I run, I would have to be 70 in order to qualify ( which I am far far far from). So now I am working on PRs. But knowing that I run/ workout as much I do, gives me a little DQ time. As for the time with kids- well I have slowly bought more equipment so that I can workout from home more. But having goals (BQ/PR) has shown my kids that you fight it to the end and do the best that you can. Love the running!!!! Keep up the awesome work everyone!!! Go moms!!!!
I love to eat and drink beer, but the ultimate for anyone who calls themself a runner is a BQ.
So I BQ so I can keep DQing.
What a great question!
My running is constantly evolving, Right now I am in the midst of BQing at Boston on Monday. But the following week, when I complete the Big Sur Marathon just 6 days later, I will definitely be a DQ’er (I’m just hoping to make it to the finish line that day!). I love the training and competing of being a BQ, but you can’t run hard all the time, and the DQ in me loves the simplicity of the run and all the benefits. I’m hoping one day I will be able to leave the BQ in me on the side of a race with all the thrown away sweatshirts at mile 2, but until then I keep racing for the BQ and enjoying the training for the DQ 🙂
Absolutely DQ!
I am a brand new runner so I have a mix of goals. I am training for my first half marathon in June, but really enjoying the extra bites all this running is earning me!
I am a DQ’r that is being pulled toward the BQ end of the spectrum by my BQ running buddies, which is kind of nice.
I will say that when I was training for my first 1/2 marathon, I did literally use DQ blizzards as motivation for my long runs. The funny part is after my run, I rarely wanted them. Instead of just skipping them, I just started having them the day before my run! 🙂
I’m a total DQer, although I’d substitute ice cream for a nice glass of wine any day!
I started running for DQ- I’ve lost 40 lbs and love to eat far too much to keep it off through diet alone. But the siren song of BQ is tempting…
I’m a bq. (if I could use smaller font, I would!) I have goals that keep me motivated but they very tiny compared to BOSTON!!! Maybe someday…
You are all so amazing. I love to dream about Boston, and hope to qualify someday. My best marathon time is 5:08.
So I’m thinking if I can just keep working at those 8 minutes, I’ll qualify when I’m 70 years old. I like long range plans, and this gives me a solid 33 years to do it.
Who’s with me?
I’m in the middle…I always like challenging myself & setting new goals for races. The older I get, though, the happier I am with simply having the ability to run, start & finish a race, etc. Plus, being so fit certainly allows room for beer, boiled crawfish, petit fours, etc…
I often think there should be a line of running tees that say “will run for donuts” “will run for Blizzards” “will run for beer” and/or “will run for BOSTON, BABY!” 🙂 Myself? I “will run for my sanity”
I always eat ice cream…regardless of the status of my exercise routine. If I could be on a Ben and Jerry’s drip life would be good. So I guess that means I am a bq’er. Not based on any amazing feat like the Boston Marathon or anything…I have only two 5K’s and a 2 miler under my belt…but have committed to a team for this years Army 10 miler! I need the goals. I need the personal challenge. Regardless of the amount of Jule’s ice cream or Glacier yumminess that make it into my body!
🙂
Not a DQ’r. More of a BQ’r, with the goal of competing and completing.
i have always run as a DQ’er but right now I have turned into a BQ’er and hope to get it in June at the Newport Marathon. I realized that maybe I could do it after running my first marathon just 12 min shy of my BQ goal. So here’s to a big BQ in June for me!! and then I will follow that up with a BIG DQ blizzard!
DQ! DQ! DQ! DQ! DQ! DQ! DQ! DQ!
Let me think a little more about it… TOTALLY DQ, baby!
I am not even certain I would want to run Boston. It sounds hard… looks hard, and I am just not into HARD right now.
I have lost over 50lbs since April, and I love “rewarding” myself after long runs especially. And I have learned since April that rewards do not always have to be food.
My FAVORITE DQ Blizzard is custom: Vanilla ice cream, strawberries with all of their gooey sauce and chocolate chunks…. mmm…. I may just have to go run by DQ now… it is only 5 miles away. Would need to find someone to pick me up though – doubt I could run with DQ on the stomach!
Loved the book and your blog! Way to go, Ladies!
I hope to run for a BQ sometime next year!
Hm, I would say I am right in the middle! I feel a BQ is out of my reacch for now since I am a week and a half away from my first full marathon. But I totally set goals for myself and feel like a slave to my Garmin! Just lately I have started focusing on my diet and trying not to justify those cookies because I just ran 5 miles! I am trying to slim down and so the sugar must go!
Amanda
BQ….but some chewy brownies sure would be good!!
I would say I’m more of a DQ than a BQ. I run because despite the shin splints it makes me feel good, I can eat what I want and I love the challenge. I definitely want to improve and get faster PRs, but I just don’t see a BQ in my future. Never say never though!
DQ’er all the way baby!
Right Now I would say I run more on the BQ side since having 4 kids my goal has been to drop some weight so running was the most logical way for me to burn calories. I do however have a little DQ in me I am currently trying to beat my current 5k time and trying to run a decent first 1/2 marathon in June (so some new shoes would really help)
I am BOTH..
When I first started running, 50lbs heavier, I could barely run a 10 minute miles without needing oxygen and a park bench. As I shed the pounds and got progressively faster my natural competitive athlete inside started to come out. HISTORY: I was a college basketball player, the last game of my senior year I thought that I had given up competition for good. I got lost in DQ and being a Mom.
FAST-FORWARD: Baby #2 is born and I had a jelly belly, the toned college basketball player was gone. I found a local Race for the Cure 5K, the satisfaction of crossing the Finish line without stopping in just under 30 minutes lit the fire inside. No more DQ until I got to my personal Goals weight.
TODAY: I have been training HARD for the Eugene Marathon on May 2nd, my primary goal is to BQ!! I know I can do it!! And I am proud to be an athlete again. In addition I am a ICECREAM FREAK!! Now that I am at my Goal weight and have maintained for over a year I can EAT.
Long story short…BQ then DQ.. How is that??
Definitely DQ. One of my favorite things about training for a half-marathon was being able to eat whatever I wanted and feel totally justified.
I started as a DQer and am quickly moving to a BQer. Though I have to get about 30 seconds per mile faster, I’m totally going to do it! (though maybe not this year)
I am 90% BQ and 10% DQ! I am so competitive it drives my hubby nuts. I can turn a jigsaw puzzle into a competition. But I do love to be able to indulge in treats as I feel needed and not have to worry about it sticking to my thighs or belly.
I’m definitely a BQ kind of girl! Although I became a bit of a DQ after my first race this weekend when I just kept thinking…If I finish this race, I can have an ice cold beer!
And my post about this race talks all about how I need new sneakers!
Well I am not really a marathoner or plan to be one anytime soon. I like the shorter distance races but I do strive to run as fast as I can. I would say I am in the middle, I run so I can eat but I eat so I can run!
As a very beginner runner, I’m in the middle. I started out a definite DQ-er, trying to lose weight and still have the treats I wanted 🙂 But last night, I just ran my first 16 minutes in a row!!! I realize this is a small accomplishment for those of you hardcore marathoners, but I was shocked that I could do it. I have never run for that many consecutive minutes before ever. EVER. So now I’m really excited about my 5k coming up, and ready to become a little more BQ. Thanks for your great blog! It really keeps me motivated!
First 16 minutes in a row??!!!! THAT is NOT a small accomplishment–that’s FANTASTIC. Even those hardcore marathoners started somewhere. Can’t wait to check out your blog. 😀
I think I am a DQ’er who aspires to be a BQ’er. One of my favorite all time quotes came out of Runner’s World. (I’ll paraphase)…The guy basically admitted that he loves to eat and drink, so and he runs, otherwise he’d feel miserable. That pretty much sums it up for me. I lost a lot of weight about 5 years ago. I started running to maintain the weight loss, and it has worked, and I loved it. I keep saying I’m going to get serious, lose the last 15 and train like a maniac to qualify, but that it just hasn’t happened yet. Ah, I guess so far I still want red wine and pizza more than Boston….but hopefully in a few years…..
I have little choice but to be a DQ’r – even though I HATE DQ!! I do run so I can eat & I run slower than BQ time.
Recently this has changed – I aged up and realized my 9mpm pace could carry me into BQ land! hmmm…what to do?
I think it depends on the day. I PR’d in my last two races so on those days I was definately a BQer but other days, I just want to get my run in so I can have a beer.
I am definetly a DQ’r..life is too short not to eat icecream on a regular basis! That being said I strive to be more like a BQ’r. I want to be faster and fitter but have trouble sticking with a training plan.
DQ. But I do amp it up a bit for the summer when most of the races I compete in are.
I really really really wish I was a BQ. But improving times don’t seem to motivate me anymore. I wish they did…but these days I’m happy if I can just space out for 5-10 miles at a nice 9-10 minute pace. And then go to DQ with the kiddos! (which raises another aging issue – seems that I am only buring off the fro yo rather than the DQ). What’s up with that?
I’m definitely a runner, not a racer. So I guess it’s DQ for me!
All hail the Queen! Just saying…
But in all seriousness….if there was a DQ at the end of my BQ…well, you can guess the rest!
Most of my running life I’ve been a BQ girl. Now that there are kids in the picture, a little less so. I haven’t been to a DQ in years – I have to check out all their new offerings!
DQ – I’m more of a Dilly bar gal, maybe Peanut Butter Parfait when Aunt Flo is in town.
I think I’m kind of in the middle. Races that I do for myself, like my 1/2 marathon and tris, are always usually a BQ. I like to see how I change from year to year and race to race. But, other races, like the 5ks that I run with my boys in the jogger, are definitely for DQ. In fact, in the summer, a lot of our races end up at DQ…ha ha!
I’m a DQ woman. Although, I don’t particularly care for DQ. I like that I can eat what I want and not worry about it. Like others, I mainly run for sanity and ME time. I’m a much nicer person when I’ve had my run.
Of course, BQ is in the back of my mind, but I would have to convince my hubby that all that time training is really worth it. I’m not sure he’ll be convinced as I leave him with four kids for hours at a time.
I use to be a total BQer…planned workouts, splits, logging times and miles, etc. After my son was born, I got ambitious and started with a 5K race 7 weeks post-partum. It led to a streak of 6 half- marathons in one year and I had a pretty specific training plan for them. I just wanted to run 1:50 and all 6 1/2 were between 1:49 and 1:53 on all types of courses. While I loved it, I think the 6 half-marathons in one year begged me for a different tune.
I now run, maybe not for DQ, but to feel fit, to feel good and to clear my head. I am enjoying not wearing a watch on the trails or getting sucked into smut television on the treadmill or music videos at 530am. (E! News, The Soup or the Daily 10 are some faves.) I’m completely ‘ok’ with not racing for awhile, but it also feels good to know I can dip into a bowl of low-fat ice cream (not fat free!) after dinner. And why not sprinkle some chocolate chips on it. After all, I ran today.
I’d like to think of myself as a BQer, although actually qualifying for Boston is a long way off from my current state. In my head, there is no correlation between food and exercise. I don’t exercise so that I can eat certain foods and I don’t eat certain things because I know I’ll exercise later. I do both because I enjoy them both and because I need them to function as a happy, healthy person. I just want to be a fast(er), happy, healthy person.
Well, I run for stinky cheese and I’ll be doing that until I get MUCH older, uh, that is until my BQ time is high enough for me to think I could get in. That’s ok, I’m having fun along the way.
Well, I’ll never qualify for Boston, but I definitely fall into the BQ category. I am completely motivated by upcoming races and trying for a PR every time.
I am in the middle. I very much follow a plan but have not BQ’d yet!
Ha! DQ. Though BQ would be cool. 🙂
When I started running it was all about the BQ (or the PR for me since I doubt I’ll actually Qualify) but now that I’ve been layed up for 3 months my dream of running for the pleasure of it and a dairy queen blizzard are what motivate me. I don’t need a bib or the bling of a finishers medal to run… and maybe that will change back to the BQ status some day. Today I go for the DQ with the BQ (or 4hr M PR) still in the back of my mind just waiting for that extra motivation to find its way back.
BTW… I really need some new kicks. =)
Definitely in the DQ category. I started running to compliment my weightloss efforts (once a 4.5 mph walk at a 4% grade no longer got my heartrate up something had to change…) I’ve lost 65 pounds, the last 15 while running and I have another 45 to go and I’m starting to train more for what my body can do as opposed to how my body can shrink.
Love the site, found you through Tall Mom on the Run!
I am in the in between category…I started out running after I had my son…18mos ago…I just wanted to be able to complete my first 5K and lose some weight; hence the DQ stage. I haven’t lost much through running, but I have really changed the way my body looks and feels!
Now that I have been running more, I am falling more and more into the BQ stage…or at least a PR stage, where I want to beat my last time, run longer and farther etc. I don’t think I will ever be BQ material, but I will continue my BQ pushing, while every once in a while enjoying a nice DQ blizzard!
Come on…mommy needs a new pair of shoes (and Tall Mom sent me!)
I am a DQer most definitely. My friend Jennifer runs to win, I run to finish and eat.
Now I’ll have a medium Oreo Blizzard. Thank you.
BQ before three kids…. but now, DQ– and mainly just for an escape from my three kiddos! 🙂
I would love to be a BQ-er. I really would. I have trained for marathons solo (my area isn’t so running-friendly) many times. I have finished each one, but by no means have qualified for much of anything! So for now, I am satisfied with being a DQ-er (I do love cookie dough and cheese cake) but LET IT BE KNOWN! Someday, I WILL qualify for Boston! And even if I don’t on paper, I will in my heart;)
I would like to say I am a BQ-er but I would be kidding myself! At this point (only 1 full week back to running w/ the BOB), I am just looking to break a stupid 10:30 mile. Kind of frustrating really. And seeing how I am nursing and cannot even keep weight on me, I guess I am not a DQ-er right now either. Hmmm….I don’t know where that leaves me. I guess I am just a ridiculously slow runner who can eat whatever she wants because her kid is on her boob before she even gets in the door from a run! I don’t know what kind of “Q” that is….
I am totally a DQer. I worked at DQ throughout high school and college, so it holds a special place in my heart…and stomach.
Definitely DQ in terms of pace — I’ve always been a back of the packer and am even farther back post babies — but BQ in terms of the need for a goal race for which to train.
I am definitely a hybrid of the 2. I’ll lie and say I run for the pure pleasure of it and the gorging on all things chocolate-covered it affords me but when the rubber hits the road I can’t resist pushing for the BQ….going to back for Beantown right now.
Good Luck at Big Sur Sarah–isn’t that a really tough BQ course?? Ouch!
Solid DQ! I do like the occasional races just to enjoy the atmosphere. I know I’ll never take the podium, so I’m in it for the fun of it.
BTW, Tall Mom sent me your way today!
I’m a DQer for sure, but secretly would love to be a BQer, but since I am so slow that’s probably never going to happen. I do enjoy races even though I’m a back of the pack penguin and am hoping to do a full marathon next year.
Ihave mostly been a DQ person but this June I am attempting a BQ. If no BQ, my hubby and are going to finally start our family, if I do BQ, we wait until next spring. Either way will be good!!! and either way I will always be up for DQ.
Well as a 41 yrs old mom of 2 young sons aged 4 and 5 who had 2 surgeries last year, lost 50 lbs and who started running about 5 mos ago and has only done 2 5k so far..I am a NQ: No Quitting!!!! Do you accept that kind of Q?!!
I would love to be a BQ… but right now during my no sugar challenge month (you can do anything for a month – right???).. DQ sounds heavenly. Dilly bars… blizzards… Mr Misty’s… I must stop thinking about them all!
Can I be a PQ? Peace & Quiet. Because I cherish my small moments of guiltless selfishness, to breath and sweat and think of nothing… or everything if I feel so inclined. I don’t have to worry about children or men or work. Only me. And it feels good. Now, I would be lying if I said that I enjoy every run because sometimes I chant the f-word to the rhythm of my footsteps on the ground, but I ALWAYS fell better and stronger and prouder afterwards. I do not run far or fast, but I run regularly. And my surroundings aren’t always peaceful or quiet, but my mind and body are.
I LOVE this post. 🙂
me too.
can a be a DQ dreaming to BQ eventually? right, dare to dream! I totally started running to loose weight and now I feel like there are endless possibilities like BQing!! woohoo! Good luck all boston peeps!
I am happy to say that I am primarily a BQ’er but somedays it doesn’t hurt to be a DQ’er and treat yourself for your hard work!
I have no desire to BQ, but I am not really a DQ kind of girl. I run because it’s a great group and solo activity for me, a way to get in better shape, and hopefully to be a good role model for my son.
Well, I think that I would like to aspire to be a BQer but for now am firmly a DQer :)!
I have to say that I love the BQ-to-DQ spectrum! I fall somewhere in the middle–though I am trying to get myself to move away from the DQ end towards the BQ end. I’m discovering speedwork! And it’s really almost as fun as the day I discovered the brownie/Heath combo Blizzard. Which is to say: it’s awesome.
I wish that I could say that I am more of a BQ runner, but recently I have to admit I am a DQ runner:) I loved this post because I felt that equal merit was given to both BQ’s and DQ’s which isn’t normally the case. I think also that as mentioned, you can be both at one time and that is a happy thought.
As SBS well knows, I am a BQ’er! I am a slow, but steady runner who has been chipping away at her goal to BQ!! I love working hard and seeing my times drop. My first marathon was a 5:11 and my best is a 3:48. 8 minutes to go and I will see my dream of the BQ!! Hopefully it will happen at St. George this year. I would love, love love the New Balance shoes! Good luck with your BQ SBS. I know you will get it!
I’m a DQ all the way. Also loosly translates to a foodie.
Being a newbie to running I would have to say I run for the DQ. Hopefully the best of both worlds.
I’m both. I would love to BQ someday, but I really have my work cut out for me if I ever want that to happen. Right now, I need to lay off the DQ ’cause 8 months after the birth of surprise baby #3, I still have WAY too much baby weight to lose. Full time job, 3 small kids at home, and a DQ literally around the corner from work has made it nearly impossible to run, and stress eating seems to be the new hobby that has replaced that running. UGH! However, I did manage to find the time to read your book, ladies, and I absolutely loved it! It gave me some much needed motivation. I got the jog stroller out and plodded through a 45 minute run yesterday!
I’m definitely trying to be a BQ’er with my next marathon in May. The best side effect of all that training (besides the endorphins) is being able to eat the DQ!
There is a little ray of sunshine on my blog today for Run Like A Mother! Can’t wait for Saturday!
“Run to eat, eat to run” – for those of us Filipino moms who can’t resist the local food-it’s legit!
BOTH! I love the benifits of extra calories burned, but I can’t deny my competitive streak that keeps my focus on my time.
I’m a 100% DQ’er! I can run to justify just about anything splurge for myself……for new wedges from Nordstrom, for chocolate and peanut butter ice cream (my FAV), for a new shiny lip gloss, or for new running wear.
I guess I’m the BQ mindset but without any hope of BQ speed! I’m a bit obsessive-compulsive about the running but do enjoy the occasional treat of being able to eat what I want.
I, too, hope to some day be a BQ-er. I love running, and I don’t necessarily associate it with being a DQ-er, either. In other words, I don’t run so I can eat. But it is a nice bonus! I have two small kids, so I run to run, and I hope to some day work on being faster… For now, I’ll just enjoy the run. And maybe an extra slice of pizza 🙂
I would have to say that I am mostly a DQ’er. If I am being particularly lazy one day and not getting my butt to the gym, all I have to do is think about how strict I will have to be that day w/my eating! Most of the time it works! But I do have to say that I usually have a weely milage goal, so I guess that part of me would be a BQ’er.
Good luck to all of you that are running Boston on Monday! I live 25 minutes from the start, and this is the first time in 4 years that I won’t be going to watch it (or cheering on hubby, who ran the past 2 yrs, but is taking this one off!!). Good luck & have fun 🙂
I used to run just to run but now it seems that I’m running to race. I’d love to run for a BQ someday but it will be well into the future (at least a few years, half to get a couple under my belt first). The good thing is that if I am to run for a BQ it won’t hurt to stop at the DQ a few times on the way.
Straight up DQ. I run simply for the fun and excitement.
I flip flop… Some races I’m a BQ’er and most races I’m a DQ’er 🙂
I don’t know that I am either yet. I definitely have a competitive side, against others and within myself, but also have not made running a “serious” part of my life. I hope to incorporate in more, but do feel less guilt eating when I know I am being better about running. I told my SIL she needs to run a marathon ’cause the carbs were fun to eat!! 🙂
I guess I am a closet BQer that is afraid to say it out loud because I would scare myself if I admitted that! I am 53 and trying to prove I can still run fast. But I LOVE the DQ (Ben and Jerry’s for me) benefits of running.
I guess I am more of a DQ runner – though a goal helps to keep me going and feels like more of an accomplishment.