Maniac questionnaire Name Teresa Verstraet Maniac # 1498 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 6/1 What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) New Times 5k ~ 2007 What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? ~ 2007. I never thought I could, then one friend wanted to do a half marathon after having children and so I joined her and felt proud for the accomplishment. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? It’s nice to have a network with people who share similar passions. It was a new goal to get in. I get bored without a scheduled race or goal on the horizon. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Hmm, many come to mind: Marathon du Medoc, Sydney Marathon, Paris Marathon, If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Probably my husband if I could keep up with his pace, run a nice scenic ultra and be able to enjoy (or perhaps suffer through) nature and the experience together. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Catalina Eco Marathon as I just got the running bug, it was my first marathon, and I talked with Dean Karnazes and some other fun ultrarunners who also ran it…and the scenery was marvelous!!! I brought my ipod but didn’t turn it on once and before I knew it I was on the home stretch!!! If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? I usually avoid, fast, paved, and flat, but the PF Chang Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoenix is quite flat and fast. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Big Horn Trail Run 50k, WY (Scottsdale, AZ to Sheridan, WY) Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? What are some of their comments to you? Yes, my family thinks I’m mental and always caution me to stretch. They can’t really relate but fear for my well-beingJ. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 4 travel to destination marathons or ultras would be ideal… I love the destination part then add a few more local ones!!! From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Catalina Eco…Nice large buffalo head. Where do you keep your finisher medals? One the side of a kitchen cabinet hook Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Unless short sleeve cotton I wear them. I love the swag for sure! If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? No clue, I feel like there is one everywhere I want to go. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Black What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? I have a fragile stomach so ½ bagel and a banana has worked well. Post-race: a beer and a burger often hits the spot. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Clif shots razzberry or gu vanilla. Accelerade at a race G2 when home after a long run. Which race would you never run again and why? I have yet to run a marathon or ultra I didn’t like! What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Camp Pendleton – It was my first race I was actually trying to improve my time and my first marathon on ALL pavement. I hated the first three hours b/c I was obsessed with my pace and watch, then at hour 3 I blew it off and started to have fun. I did Prescott Whiskey Row the week after but that was a lot more fun and challenging. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? It varies, still trying to see what works for me b/c I often feel like my knees are 36 (yrs old) going on 85. For now I take one rest day, and run, cross train, spin, barbell,etc. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? No. I enjoyed running with a friend in the past but she’s being a slacker at the moment. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Asics. What are your short-term running goals? Boston Qualify (along with my husband). What are your long-term running goals? Lots of destination marathons, 50ks and 50s. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Hang with my 5 year old son and husband. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? Elastic girl. |