Maniac questionnaire

Name: Margie Kost

Maniac # 1917
 
State you live in: Ohio
 
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 4 since 9/26/2009

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Cleveland Revco 10K, 1982?

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?
My first marathon was the Akron Roadrunner Marathon 09/26/2009…It was supposed to be a 20mile training run for Columbus…A lot of our Oak Hollow runners were there at my first marathon...it was overwhelming at times…I laughed…cried tears of joy/tears of pain…(my hip and knee hurt)  saw my brother who lives right on the 24 mile marker… J  ran it in with one of our runners…hands up and smiling!!  J 

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I was an aerobics instructor in my 20s and had some friends do running as cross training…I joined NERC…North East Running Club and started doing a couple of little races…I clearly remember when doing the 10K in Cleveland thinking…wow…I can’t imagine how those marathon runners run that long!! J

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I have been very fortunate to be running with such a great group of inspirational runners and friends…Kathie (#1239),           Brian (#1165), Carol (#1252), and then 2 more of our runners achieved the status in October…I had just run Columbus…had a great run… J …was going to go to Marine Corps to support some of our group running the marathon…I was able to get a bib # from an injured friend, Cheryl Oh; I ran under her name and had such an amazing marathon experience in D.C. and was able to share the entire experience with a special friend who encouraged me to even consider a “fall marathon”! J
Then, the following weekend…I had already planned on running the Elyria marathon with another friend so that we could achieve maniac status!!  We talked, laughed..the whole marathon!! I will treasure each of these experiences…I actually “enjoy” these things!!  J
   
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
If there’s one along a beach or mountains…I need to look into it…

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? I have been fortunate already to have run a few with some very special friends….I wish my brother could run this far…he’s the one who got me to run my 1st race in Cleveland with him…his back wouldn’t tolerate a marathon…but it would be such a great experience for him….and me!!   There is something extraordinary about sharing a marathon together…and as a friend once told me…each marathon holds something unique to it….

What was your most memorable marathon and why? This is hard to choose…the 1st one was unique…but painful too; the 2nd one I felt really strong and knocked off 46 minutes!!  I was so happy that I could run so strong…and keep going!! …like I was running on adrenaline….(and gels, and music.. J)   and MCM was amazing…I enjoyed being in D.C…and sharing my first marathon with a special friend-will treasure that…and last, but certainly not least…our marathon in Elyria was a test of strength in which another special friend and I got strength from each other and “Finished” !!
                            
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Hands down Columbus!!  It’s a flat course, not too many people so you’re not “dodging” all the time expending energy, like you would at MCM…great course, nice crowd support…it’s all how you feel too…if you feel good, then you really have a good chance at a PR.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Washington D.C. “road trip”… J

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? The hardest part is when you talk to friends/family and instead of supporting you, they say, ”wow, I can’t even run a mile”…all about them… (“can’t” isn’t a good word…)  My mom worries about me…well, after 3 weeks of marathons… I guess she’s allowed… J

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?
All around the country….world…share with friends….
 
From what race did you receive your favorite finisher’s medal? Has to be MCM in D.C… ask my maniac friends…we were at the Expo….I saw the medal and said…”I have to finish this”…I really like this medal!!

Where do you keep your finisher medals?   Right now, just in my closet…when I move soon….I will have to think of somewhere special….they remind me of each unique marathon experience..

 Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear them..I especially like my Akron marathon jacket that’s black with white stripes… (I wear it all the time)
I have worn a couple at race start…

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? By the ocean…

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? A vanilla crisp bar…(thx friend)
Bagels…fruit (not just bananas)…everything!!  Lil’ white donuts….

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Any “caffeinated” one…double latte..expresso love…. Sports drink…the lime Gatorade at races…

Which race would you never run again and why? Haven’t found one yet…

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? My 1st marathon....was hurting….was frustrated…thought, “maybe my body isn’t made for these..”

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?
Run tues, wed, thurs….then off Friday,  a longer one on weekend..(8-20miles on one day and then 5-8next) then off on Monday…I was doing small free weights for strengthening 2x/week…haven’t in a while….

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? The oak hollow runners in Chardon Ohio!!!

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Was an avid Asics user for years…started my training in Saucony shoes for flat feet…they’ve been great!! Will try Asics again too…

What are your short-term running goals? Keep running strong…stretch/exercise..

What are your long-term running goals? To be running for at least the next 30 years with this group of runners….share more amazing marathon experiences….

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Very into music…listening, sharing, singing, etc…sharing life and all it has to offer  with  people I love to be with!!  J

 

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? Probably Mr. Incredible…he just keeps going, even when he starts off  not sure if can still do what he used to do…keeps focused…persevering.. then look out!!!  J