Maniac questionnaire Name John Clarke Maniac # 1644 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 15 What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) A 5K in 2004 What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Twin Cities Marathon 2005. Great Experience. Ran it with my daughter who was also a first-time marathoner. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? First started running in 1986 to get in shape. Drifted away from running in the mid-90’s. Took it up again in 2004 and will continue as long as the body holds out. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? Looked for a new goal after qualifying for Boston. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Antarctica. If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Running with my daughter is my greatest pleasure. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Boston! I got teary on the summit of Heartbreak Hill and again one mile from the finish. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Rock and Roll Arizona. Flat and usually cool weather. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Minneapolis to Honolulu 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? My supportive wife does think I am somewhat excessive and obsessive about running, but she tries to understand. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 10-12 if the body held up. From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Of course Boston is special, but I really like the Philadelphia medal. The “Kicked Asphalt” motto fits the race and the city. I also do like the Rock and Roll Marathons’ medals. Where do you keep your finisher medals? In two shadow boxes in my living room. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I have two types of clothing – professional work wear and race shirts/with jeans. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? I do not have the organizational ability to run a marathon. I am amazed at the skills of race directors. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow of course! It is garish and tacky, so it is far more noticeable. What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pre-race: bowl of cereal (frosted mini-wheats) with a banana and raisins. Post-race: chocolate milk and ice cream. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Gu and Orange Accelerade. Which race would you never run again and why? Honolulu. Poorly organized. Horrible finishing area that is awash with fecal matter from the zoo if it has rained. The only post race food is an apple and two cookies. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Running at Twin Cities in the heat (upper 80’s) in 2007 What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? 30 – 45 miles. Sometimes I use an elliptical machine. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I run alone. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Saucony Stabil or Brooks Addiction. What are your short-term running goals? Stay Healthy What are your long-term running goals? To still be running when I turn 70. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Read. Play chess Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? I have always liked Goofy. |