Maniac questionnaire Name: Melissa Rankin Maniac # 1848 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 38 marathons, 1 ultra What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): Covina, California: 1981 400m hurdles- I kept tripping. Not a pretty sight. What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? 22 yrs, gained 15 pounds in college. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? Seemed like a fun group. Other 50 state group members were maniacs. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Boston because it's Boston. I may have to wait for awhile tho.! If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Deceased : my brother who passed away in 2006 from leukemia, we got really close before he died. Living: my husband Doug, we've one run together before we were married, but now his knees are in bad shape so no more marathons. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Houston - my first. Also doing my first double (NH, ME -2009) was pretty memorable and emotional. Prior to running the double, I had been diagnosed with melanoma, had surgery couldn't run for 3 weeks, so really thought I'd have to walk a lot or only do one. Also, I had all the fear that comes with chemo and radiation, but luckily the melanoma was caught early so no chemo etc. I had a lot of gratitude at both races at the finish line. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? My opinion , Towpath in Ohio. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Portland, Oregon marathon 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, they call me "Crazy Running Girl", "Marathon Melissa". If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 17 (one every 3 wks.) From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Tied: Goofy challenge, lots of Bling. and I like Surf City's Where do you keep your finisher medals? On pegs in family room. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Yes, some. Others to charity. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? One with cool weather, music and spectators. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow! What is your favorite pre race meal? Oatmeal, bananas, almonds. Post race meal? Anything as the mood strikes me. What is your energy gel of choice? Gu- Espresso Love, Sport drink of choice? Water Which race would you never run again and why? I haven't fopund a race I've been totally unhappy with. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Most cahllenging, my opinion Labor of Love. It had so many variables, 4500 elevation gain, snakes, desert solitude, hills, snow, wind, rain, but it was beautiful. What is a typical training week like for you? Varies. How many miles do you run? About 30 miles /week. Any cross training? Yes, yoga, swimming, and a little biking. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Varies, but because my schedule is so wierd, i usually run my long runs by myself. What kind of shoes do you train in? Asics 2140, What are your short-term running goals? What are your long-term running goals? Finish the 50 states Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Spend time with family, Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? Superman- because he is faster than a speeding bullet.
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