Maniac questionnaire

Name  
Steve Laine

Maniac # 
1565
 
State you live in           
Georgia

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?
40

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)
Norfolk VA Harborfest 10K 1988

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?
Marathon portion of Great Floridian Triathlon, 1997.  (Part of a three man team, I did the marathon piece).  Hot, muggy, buggy and after dark.  I believe it was three or four loops around the lake in Clermont.  Fun since our overall time was a team effort.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?
Runner since 1987.  I ran to show I could do it.  I was born an asthmatic and still use an inhaler before each race.  I am very blessed to be able to run these races.  Running really helps with my lung capacity.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
Inspired by such Maniacs as Larry Macon, who is everywhere it seems!

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
Antarctica, I like running in wide open spaces.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
Dean Karnazes.  I’m reading Ultra Marathon Man right now.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?
St. George 2007.  We had a beautiful day to work with, and beautiful surroundings to enjoy.  Great sightseeing nearby.  Flawless execution.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?
Tybee Island.  That’s where I PR’d, by more than 5 minutes over my nearest time.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?
Anchorage, AK

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?
Most don’t think I’m crazy.  I only train one day a week.  Usually they don’t keep up with my total number of races and they’re amazed each time we talk.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?
52.  One a weekend.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?
Two Bear Marathon, Whitefish, MT.  Made out of stone.

Where do you keep your finisher medals?
Hanging in my closet on a couple of suit hangers.

 Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?
I wear them sparingly and keep them on hangers in the closet.  I never wear one when there’s a chance of spaghetti sauce on the menu!

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
Denali National Park, AK, the park road starting about 20 miles after the barricade.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
Yellow.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
Microwaveable pancakes, 3, and a Clif Bar.  Post race:  anything I can get my hands on. 

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
Power Gel has more octane, period.  Gatorade Endurance.

Which race would you never run again and why?
The original Atlanta (now Weather Channel) Marathon. Hilly, no crowd support whatsover and the weather usually sucks.  Been there and done that 5 times. Why don’t you just beat me with a stick on Thanksgiving morning and we’ll call it even. 

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
Two Bear, MT.  4600’ total elevation gain, plus trail running on real trails.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?
I run only once a week, and I think that has prevented injuries.  The week after a marathon, it’s back to 13.1, then I add two miles each weekend back up to 19.  No cross training at this point, even though I need it.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
None

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
Asics Kayano.  No

What are your short-term running goals?
50 states

What are your long-term running goals?
Improve times with speed work, eventually get down to 3:40’s again.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
Hiking with friends in Washington state and spending time with wife and three kids.

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty?
Batman. I think he dated Cat Woman and you must respect that.