In my weekly Q&A segment I asked Alexi Pappas (@AlexiPappas) a few questions about life on and off the track. I caught up with her as she was filming her latest film Tracktown. You can follow along and get behind the scenes looks by following @TracktownMovie.

Describe your childhood dream.

My childhood dream was to be a babysitter and a singer and an actress.

Describe your fondest race memory.

Many fond memories-- most recently, I loved running the Eugene Butte to Butte because it was along my usual Eugene running route but better! Because it was faster, lined with a circus parade of people, & ended in pizza.

If you weren't running, what would you be doing?

Making things-- writing, acting.

Describe your worst habit.

Soda pop.

Describe the kind of kid you were when you were little.

I was a frog & a princess. 
 

If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, describe how you would spend it.

Napping. Everything about nap is yes.

Describe your most embarrassing moment as an athlete.

When I had a big "accident" during my first ever 10-K last year (people later asked me how I got so muddy on a roadrace)... during mile 2 of 6. During the moment of disaster, I was running next to a boy, horrified. I apologized, mid-stride. He laughed. I asked him if I should stop, dive into a bush, disappear. Bam. He turns to me and says, "That's Deena Kastor right there in front of you! She's badass. You gonna stop now? No. You're not." And I didn't. I finished the race. And I have no idea who this boy was but I love him in the "running" way.

Tell us about your favorite memory with one of your current or past training partners.

I once got lost in a giant corn maze with my college teammate Abbey D. The map was no use to us.

Describe the perfect post-race meal in detail.

Steak. Medium rare to rare, if you dare.

Describe the most unique experience since you have become a professional runner.

Last winter I lived 11 straight days without running water or power when it snowed in Eugene.

Dream place to run or try and why?

I want to try running at altitude because I heard it's fun.

Who is your childhood hero?

My dad.

Describe your guilty pleasure.

Lox. I'm a pigeon for it.

If you could give one piece of advice you think every runner should hear, what would it be?

Be brave and amuse in your braveness.

Dinner for 3 (living or dead) who and why?

My dad, my Jeremy, my brother. Good food, good men, good.

Describe your pre-race ritual.

Big steak & big sleep two nights out.

Who is your favorite writer?

My favorite playwright is Sarah Ruhl, my favorite book is "Wild Nights!" by Joyce Carol Oates. My favorite short story is A&P by John Updike. I have many favorite poets but I will say Mattea Harvey today.

What does running/racing/life look like for you in the next 6 months?

I am training in Eugene, Oregon. Excited for what coach has in store for me. I am ready.

Tell us about the film you're working on?

A coming of age story set in Eugene, Oregon. I co-wrote, co-directed, co-produced and am starring in the film. It is going to rule. See tracktownmovie.com and get ready for an epic year ahead.

What's it like balancing filming and training?

One would not be the same without the other. I have found that both running and writing/performing are learned disciplines and both are also a choice. What is so beautiful to me is that neither filmmaking nor running is life or death but I (we) choose to take them both extremely and wonderfully seriously.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Today it is "Hook." Yesterday, "Spirited Away." Tomorrow, "American Beauty." 

Explain where'd the bun come from?

The bun is the most efficient way to tame my unruly hair and it makes me feel like a brave queen.