What are some dependent variables that you'd like to learn more about - i.e., what are some "outcome" variables that you'd be interested in modeling with independent variables (in other words, regressing the outcome or DV against multiple independent variables). Having said that, can you think of any "categorical" variables that might help to explain the dependent variable?

Personally, I am a runner. Looking at the multiple problems we have reviewed there are some categorical variables I would like to learn more about when it comes to improving times of races.

1) Training time (weeks)

2) Stress - I find it more difficult to clear my head and focus on my runs when I am at a stressful time (work,etc)

3) Food - some runners swear by "carb loading" before a race, other successful runners don't eat anything at all

There are a few ideas of categorical variables I would interested in learning more about in regards to running.

So, how would you measure some of the variables above. So, for example, would stress be the dependent variable and whether you run a categorical independent variable? I can definitely see how that would work, and I suspect that stress would be lower for those who run on a regular basis. So, we could measure our categorical variable on a survey by asking "Do you run at least 3 to 5 times per week?" If respondents say "yes," they get a 1, otherwise, they get a 0. How about food? Training?