Would You Rather...?

For some reason on this morning's run, the bugs were out in full force.  Before I reached mile one I'd already taken one in the eye, and they were sticking to my neck and arms, tickling my elbows as they slid down in my sweat.  I brushed them off as often as I could and upon returning home dug two out of my eyes and washed the rest down the drain.  Gross, huh.

Well, this morning's buggie run made me think of a recent post I read on Run the Edge. Tim and Adam are the writers and they have two recent posts where they have asked each other "would you rather" questions about different (crazy) running scenarios.  These guys and their questions are hilarious, which is one of the reasons I enjoy reading their blog.  I've been trying to come up with some questions of my own to post here, but I have discovered I am not nearly as creative as Tim and Adam.  So, I'm going to borrow and modify.  I'm also going to answer and I think you should too.

1.  Would you rather run for two hours around a putrid smelling landfill or run for two hours in a mosquito infested swamp wearing nothing but a sports bra, split shorts, and shoes?  

This question was asked of Tim (minus the sports bra) and he replied that he'd choose the mosquitos.  I disagreed, and my reasons were for exactly what took place this morning.  I figure you can get used to the smell, so that it is not so strong (although I may be wrong about this - skunk smell sure does last), but mosquitos will go in your eyes and nose and mouth, stick to you, etc. 

2. On a hot summer day would you rather run a marathon barefoot or in snow shoes?

I'm gonna say barefoot, even though it will not be pretty.  I'm also going to confess that I do not really know what snow shoes are, but they sound big, bulky and hot!  I don't think I want to run a marathon on a hot summer day period, but given these choices I'd revert back to my childhood days of constant shoelessness, and try it barefoot.

3.  Would you rather run 3 miles naked at 5am or 5 miles in a string bikini at 5pm?  Location: your daily running route (neighborhood). 

This question is modified from the original question, but my answer remains the same for both.  Its the birthday suit for me.  You've got fewer miles and shorter time, plus if you've seen my running route at 5am versus 5pm, you know there is a good chance no one will spot me in the morning, whereas the entire town will view the string bikini at closing time.

4.  Would you rather finish last in a race, but run your best time or win a race with a very slow time?

This one is tough.  It is fun to win a race, but it is also very satisfying to PR.  My reasons may be different from what Tim and Adam had to say (being that I am rarely if ever in the spotlight while running).  I'm going to choose the personal record.  I rarely remember if I place in a race, but I know my best times in all events I do, and I am constantly chasing those.  I think I'm more fulfilled by beating myself than beating anyone else.

5.  Would you rather get caught by race spectators squatting behind a bush to pee mid-marathon or finish on camera with it running down your leg?

The first part actually happened to my mom during a marathon.  She squatted behind a bush thinking no one could see her, but she was in full view of a balcony full of spectators.  They cheered for her and she waved.  She has no shame.  I think I'd go with that one, although whose to say a camera would really notice it running down your leg, unless the announcer called it out.  "Now finishing is Jane Reneau from Alabama and, oh my, it looks like she couldn't wait!" 

So what do you think?  Are your answers the same?  Let me know in the comments and check out the full set of questions asked by both Tim and Adam on Run the Edge.