Maniac questionnaire

Name   Kevin McCarthy

Maniac #1509
 
State you live in            Maryland

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?  
            8 marathons (first ultra coming up in 5 months!)

What was the first race you ever ran?
            Mardi Gras Half-Marathon in 2005

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?           
            Always remember your first. J  Marine Corps Marathon in 2005.  It was a gorgeous day and I was amazed at the crowd support.  It was such a great experience because a whole bunch of my friends ran as well.  Was such an awesome feeling - I had tears crossing the finish!

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? 
            I really got into running in 2004 after seeing my roommate complete her first marathon.  After seeing that I started and have been hooked since.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? 
            Heard about it through my best friend/running partner Greg Leo (maniac #1158).  Can’t let him have all the glory!
 
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? 
            Boston

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? 
            My deceased sister who had M.S.  After what she went through, she would be smiling every mile.  A marathon would be a stroll in the park for her!

What was you most memorable marathon and why? 
            Hmmm, each one was unique and painful in it’s own special way.  But the first was definitely the most memorable.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? 
            National Marathon - good course and perfect time of year to run in DC before it starts getting warm!

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? 
            Ft. Lauderdale

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? 
            “You’re running how far?  After you swim and bike?”  Yes, family members and co-workers think I’m insane!

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 
            I’d definitely go for the titanium maniac level!  Then maybe 10 a year.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? 
            Marine Corps Marathon

Where do you keep your finisher medals? 
            In the home office.

 Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? 
            I wear the new ones and give away the old ones.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
            Ireland coast

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
            Depends on the time of year.  I’m too pasty white to wear black tanks in the winter.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
            Traditional big pasta meal always works for me before a race.  Afterwards, a nice big turkey burger, tater tots and beer J

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
            Chocolate and vanilla gu’s and lemon/lime, orange or berry Gatorade.

Which race would you never run again and why?
            Ft. Lauderdale A1A.  That was a miserable run for me.  Hot, boring road course, little crowd support, even along main beach towards end where people would cross the street and be ignorant of the runners.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
            Would have to be the last four months.  Decided to go for volume this year so did 4 marathons this spring with smaller races sprinkled in between plus a 200 mile overnight relay.  So basically something going on every weekend to every other weekend.  My body has pretty much adapted to the physical stress, just the time it is taking away from other things is extremely difficult!

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?
            When I’m good, I’m doing my 3-10 milers 3x during the week plus a long run on the weekend.  Very unpredictable and long job hours/travel are the biggest hurdle.  Definitely mixing up the training this year as I’m doing triathlons as well and training for first ironman!

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
            Yup, fellow maniac Greg.  Pain in my ass but he pushes me and I’m grateful for it.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
            Whatever is on clearance at the expos J  Mizuno’s are my new favorite now.  Asics work for me as well.

What are your short-term running goals?
            Getting through upcoming fall (after some summer tri’s including a thing called ironman) to include 5 marathons in 6 weeks followed by my first ultra (JFK 50 miler).

What are your long-term running goals?
            Next year I want to focus on speed training and hope to qualify for Boston.  Then would love to do some international marathons and more ultras.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
            Try to get as much home time as possible with partner and puppies (OK, not really puppies but still my babies), hiking, camping, movies, happy hours, weekend getaways to Philly and NYC.

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty?
            Spiderman.  Was called that growing up cuz I would always climb things.