Maniac questionnaire Name: Christopher Bender Maniac: #1877 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?: Four marathons, no ultras yet (I’m hoping to run one next spring!) What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): Two laps around the playing field in fourth grade (and I won!) What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?: The Olympic Discover Marathon from Sequim to Port Angeles, Washington, just before my son was born in 2006. It was a gorgeous hot sunny day, and I had fun until I hit Mile 17 at which point I crashed, having not paid attention to my fluid intake. I still finished in under four hours, but the last few miles were ugly! How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?: I grew up on a college campus and became something of a mascot to the lacrosse team. The players often ran a few miles after practice, and I used to tag along. I never lost the habit (or the interest). Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?: Observing the camaraderie of the Maniacs at the Yakima River Canyon marathon in April 2009 during a Maniac Reunion and reading the flyer convinced me that I just had to join. Six months later, I did! Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?: I’d like to run the Beijing Great Wall marathon some day. If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?: I’d run with the the Athenian, Pheidippides, the first marathoner, in 490BC just to be part of the marathon’s lore and history. What was you most memorable marathon and why?: The first -- everyone remembers their first time… :-) If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?: Anything but the Yakima River Canyon marathon (too hilly, pavement the entire way with a pronounced crown). What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?: Seven hours. 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?: Well, they think the Marathon Maniacs is a fitting and appropriate club for me. :-) If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?: I have a young son (3 years old now in 2009), so I doubt I’d run more than one marathon per month just because I don’t like spending too much time away from him. From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?: After 26.2 miles, all the medals are great. Where do you keep your finisher medals?: Hanging from the clothing rod in my closet. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?: Sometimes I wear them, but typically only when I’m working in the yard. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?: Across one of the great game parks in eastern or southern Africa. It would give “surviving the race” a whole new meaning. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?: Yellow. What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?: Pasta (of course) before the race. Anything with protein after the race, along with a massive vanilla milkshake. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?: Gu and plain water, along with gummy bears. Which race would you never run again and why?: I’d run them all. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?: Running with funky blood chemistry during my first marathon when I’d failed to hydrate properly on a hot day and crashed long before Mile 20 (after doing multiple training runs of 20-24 miles in the months prior to the race). Running through cramps -- I couldn’t stop for fear of locking up -- for the last miles was awful (but rewarding in a perverse sort of way). What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?: I tend to follow my body when it comes to training. If I’m feeling good, I’ll do a 40+ mile weeks with a single long run each week, but I often cross-train on a spinning bike and rowing machine. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?: Nope. I tend to train alone, as it’s hard to schedule runs with partners. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?: Nike Vomero for races and long runs. For shorter runs, I’ll train in Nike Air Pegasis. What are your short-term running goals?: I’d like to run an ultra in the spring of next year (2010). What are your long-term running goals?: I’d like to run at least one marathon per decade until I reach my 80s. In my 90’s, I might lower the bar to doing “just” a half marathon! Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?: I teach automotive racing and performance driving. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty?: Anyone who reaches out to do something extraordinary is, in my view, and a hero, and I like ‘em all. :-) |