Maniac questionnaire Name Phillip Selmer Maniac # 1686 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? Four. What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) The Pacific Crest 5K at Sunriver, Oregon in June of 2006. I won the Clydesdale division for my age group—it was my first MAJOR AWARD! What was the first marathon you ever ran? Tacoma City Marathon. What year did you run it? 2008. Did you have fun that day? Apparently I didn’t have enough fun, because I had to run more marathons after that one. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I ran Track and XC in high school (I was terrible), but January of 2007 was my inauguration in to the world of distance running—my wife took me out on a 7 mile run. I started running to lose weight. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? My wife decided it would be a good thing for us to do. It was really her idea. She is a stronger runner than me—I was built to throw the hammer. She is my inspiration. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Somewhere cold with a lake to stand in at the finish. If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My little brother Tom, because he is an amazing athlete. What was you most memorable marathon and why? The first one at Tacoma—I could not believe I ran 26.2 miles. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Elma’s Easter Marathon for sure…it is F L A T. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Elma, Washington. Do any of your non-running friends or family members think that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? Sort of—they all laugh when you mention the 18 or 20 mile training runs you do on Saturday mornings. You get a lot of, “I get tired just driving that far in my car.” If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? If my body could take it—6. Although, there is that “double double” that appeals to me… From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? I like the Seattle Rock N Roll medal—very heavy! Where do you keep your finisher medals? My nightstand drawer. Do you wear your race t-shirts? Yes, usually the day after the race—NEVER the day of the race. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Skagway, Alaska to the Yukon Territory—where I grew up as a kid. The climb over the summit to the border would be a killer! Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Black, please. It has a slimming effect. What is your favorite pre race meal? The banana and two pieces of toast. Post race meal? I’m never hungry after a race. The next day, I can eat like a man with two…digestive systems. What is your energy gel of choice? Raspberry Shot Blocks. Sport drink of choice? Nuun in my water, or that wonderful Perpetuum after about 2 ½ hours on the road. Which race would you never run again and why? I always say I will never run that race again after all my races—until about a week later. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Ideally four runs a week, but with three kids, work, and life—I get in three a week—moderate distance with hills, speed work, and then a long run. That nets about 24 miles on average. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? My wife Emily is my training partner, but I have to give a shout out to John Merritt who made me believe I could go the distance. Excuse me while I squirt some tears. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I train and race in the same shoe. They have thick heels, a good post, and lots of weight to them. I put the clod in clodhopper. The Etonic Jepara has been a trusty shoe. What are your short-term running goals? Figuring out how to run without pain in my Achilles tendons. What are your long-term running goals? Staying healthy and fit enough to run 3 marathons a year until I can’t move my legs any more. Breaking the 4 hour barrier. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Watching my kids do their things, reading, cooking, just being with my wife, hanging with the Boston terriers, touring the world of beer and wine. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? I don’t have heroes. My wife, friends, and kids all do heroic stuff. I’m just glad to be in the audience. |