I also do this in Skyrim. I pick the race that best accentuates myself, and go be... me. I also make decisions that I in that situation would take.
For example, I'm a sword-and-shield soldier who sided with the Imperials (lolstormcloaks) and I s*** myself at the sight of dragons. I never fight them alone. Even then, I may break off. I've killed like four.
I married, and spend a lot of my time in Whiterun, doing what Nords do. Drinking and fighting and drinking again.

So... have you ever role-played yourself?