Maniac questionnaire Name Mark Rudnicki Maniac #1785 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 48/2 What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) 330 low hurdles at freshman field day in high school What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Chicago; 2002; Yes, I carried a camera and talked to people the whole run. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Started in high school as a high hurdler (state sectional champ and Catholic League Champ). Started marathons in 2002 after I separated from my ex. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? Many of my friends are maniacs and I meet more every race I go to. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Antartica If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My entire family because most think what I’m doing is ridiculous and I’d like them to experience it at least once. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, WV – after drinking 7 beers in a bar that we had to get buzzed into and having a local come up and say “you’re not from around here, are you?” The run was very emotional as I ran past the memorial fountain to the plane crash victims and was handed a rose that I placed near it. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Jacksonville, FL What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Flew to Anchorage (stayed a week) then to Kona (stayed a week). 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, but most give encouragement – “way to go”; “Marathon Mark does it again” If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? As many as my legs would allow. From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? My last one is always my favorite. Where do you keep your finisher medals? On a wall under 5x7 pictures of me from the run. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? No, I store them in a large plastic container. When I’m done with all 50 states, I’m going to have a quilt made. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Summit, IL (my hometown) Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Chicken and pasta night before; oatmeal morning of. 2 McDonald’s Double Cheeseburgers post-race! What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Recently switched to HammerGel. Lemon-Lime Gatorade. Which race would you never run again and why? Katrina Relief Marathon. I was injured (from the National Marathon the month prior) before I started but ran (OK, walked most of it). It was an out and back on a not too scenic road. Or, maybe the pain was limiting my senses. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? See answer to last question. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? If I’m lucky I get 2-3 times with a longer run on weekends. 20ish. 12 ounce curls is my cross training Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Nope. I could use one to get me out the door. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Run and train in the same shoes -- New Balance 769 What are your short-term running goals? To finish my next marathon What are your long-term running goals? To complete the 50 states without getting injured then see what happens. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Read some; take pictures; play Scrabble. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? The Flash |