Why I run (tagged a while back)

I have been, as military folks would say, AWOL. Life has been one big SNAFU lately (not sure why I am talking in acronyms)...
I've really been enjoying reading MotownRunnerGirl's blog lately. Welcome back! !Bienvenidos! It's about freaking time...
Anyway, I read her blog before I came to do her bidding (she tagged me again, this time so did 5ksandcabernets, both on the same thing).
Things have been a little hectic these past few weeks, so I try to remember a recent post of hers that began, "Good morning, It's so nice to be here!!"
Well, by the time you read this, I'll be sending those very vibes...
I've been looking forward to answering these questions about why I run. Let's begin:
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Nonexistent. I used to like to say that I only ran when chased.

2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best: The feeling after completing my first full marathon the Rock 'N Roll Marathon in San Diego. It was, by far, the hardest thing, but also the best thing, I have ever done. I cried like a baby crossing the finish line. All that hard work, the training, the fundraising, the injuries. The time sucked (see below) but I finished and got my medal. Best overall time, the 2007 White Rock Half Marathon: 2:43.
Worst: The 2007 Austin Half Marathon and the introduction of the IT band issues I still have today. Also, the time for my first marathon: 6:57. UGH.
3. Why do you run?
Because I love to eat.
Because I am free and get an out-of-body experience when I reach the runner's high.
Because I want to live long and healthy and experience everything that life has to offer -- the good and the bad.

4. What is the best or worst piece of advice that you've been given about running?
Best: Get fitted for shoes.
Worst: It's OK to wear cotton. No, it really isn't.

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
I'm a freak on race day. I can't sleep the night before and generally can't eat very well, either, because I'm so nervous. I wake up at a horribly early hour, do a lot of pacing and I HAVE to shower before a race.

Here's how this one works: Answer five questions about your running on your own blog.
At the end of your blog post, tag five other people and post their names.
Go to their blogs and leave a comment telling them they've been tagged and to look at your blog for details. When they've answered the questions on their own blog, they come back to yours to tell you.

OK. I know very few runners who visit Circle30, including 5ksandcabernets, Motown and Christy ... so Christy, it's up to you.