We’ve all had those moments while running when we imagine we’re doing something else … like during mile 21 of a marathon when I’ve wished I was running a 5K. Or deciding to go for a gadget-free run and wishing I’d brought my favorite music. Or having to choose one race over another for a big fall goal and questioning if I made the right decision.

Today is the day to take on some of the tough “what if” questions about running in a “would you rather” running survey.

Amanda Brooks from Run to the Finish recently shared her This or That Running Survey posing tough running questions she had to choose between. I thought it would be fun to take these on. I also want to hear your answers!

1. Would you rather run a 5K or a marathon? 
Both the 5K and the marathon are painful in their unique ways. If I had to choose, I’d pick a 5K. Yes, you feel like you’re going to die the entire time, but thankfully it’s over pretty quickly and you don’t have to train for hours at a time to prepare. I must admit though, during the Braves Country 5K last month, I was silently wishing I was running a marathon so I could slow down by more than a minute per mile.

2. Would you rather run a flat race in the heat or a hilly race in the cold?
This is so hard for me because I love flat terrain and cold temperatures. I think the cold outweighs the flat for me though, so I would pick a hilly race in cold temperatures. My recent Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Half Marathon was a good example of how my body can do more on hills than I believe I can do when the temps are cool.

3. Would you rather get new running shoes or a new running outfit?
New running shoes – Brooks Pure Cadence, please!

4. Would you rather run a marathon without headphones or a Garmin?
Music is a huge motivator for me, so I would rather run without my Garmin.

5. Would you rather choose a race because of the convenience (location, price, travel) or the swag?
I would choose a race for the location, travel and price before I chose one for the swag. I am much more interested in the atmosphere and my performance than the race medal or T-shirt. I got the ugliest marathon medal ever in March but had my best and most enjoyable race!

6. Would you rather run a PR that results in an injury or finish strong and miss a PR?
Finish strong and miss a PR every time to stay injury-free and healthy.

7. Would you rather do 100 squats or 100 push-ups?
I would rather do 100 squats because that is much easier for me than push-ups, however, I should probably do the 100 push-ups because that is a huge challenge for me.

8. Would you rather run without socks or without a sports bra?
I’d rather run without socks! Enough said (jiggle, jiggle).

9. Would you rather run on a treadmill for an hour or run around the same street block for an hour?
I’d much rather run on a treadmill for an hour. Although anything after an hour on the treadmill starts to get monotonous for me, an hour is totally doable and better than running in circles.

10. Would you rather run a Ragnar Relay or be part of a marathon relay team?
I would definitely run a Ragnar Relay! I fell in love with relay races last year and got to run my first Ragnar earlier this year. It is such a great bonding experience and so much fun. Also, since it is spread out over 2 days, it gives you a fun weekend with other great runners and friends that 4 hours at a marathon simply can’t match. If you’re thinking about running a relay, here are my 26 tips to make it a success!

11. Would you rather run naked or take a naked yoga class?
Oh my gosh. Can I pick NEITHER!?! I truly can’t imagine doing either. I guess I’d have to pick running because I just can’t comprehend doing downward dog with no pants on right in front of someone on a mat behind me (Eww!). I’m unladylike, but not that unladylike! I would pick a route very, very, very far from where I live or anyone I know. Talk about embarrassing!

12. Would you rather come in 4th in the Olympics or 1st at the New York City Marathon?
This is such a tough question. I think I would pick the Olympics. I would love to represent my country and have the experience of going with Team USA and being part of the opening ceremonies. Also, I would know that I was among the top very best 4 runners in the entire world. It would be hard to be disappointed with that, even if a podium finish wasn’t in the cards. You could also tell your kids, and grandkids and their kids that you were an Olympian! How many people can say that? (And maybe that would mean I’d get to hang out with Kara Goucher, Meb and Ryan Hall!)

13. Would you rather give up running for 3 years to get a BQ (Boston Marathon qualifying time) or never BQ but run as much as you want?
I would always choose to run for life without a BQ than a BQ that would result in a long time of no running. I’ve shared before that a BQ is not a huge goal for me. Simply getting better and improving as an individual runner and being my personal best is my focus. I would love to run the Boston Marathon one day, but there are many great races and great events out there to be run.

Join the fun by posting these running survey questions and your answers on your own blog if you have one. Be sure to link back to this post if you do.

How would you answer these running survey questions? Which question is the toughest one for you to answer?