Maniac questionnaire Name: Joe Arcilla Maniac # 1937 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 3 (so far) What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) A 12K event in 2005 – yeah, an odd distance to start, but it was a race where I knew I wouldn’t finish last. Oddly, I didn’t run my first 5K (the traditional starting distance for many) until almost 3 years later 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? Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? The unexpected death of Joe “Voodoo” Truini, Marathon Maniac #1522, this summer – those who knew him knew he was tough as nails as a runner and he had a big a heart as anyone. Just a couple hours talking with the man could leave you feeling you had known him as a good friend your whole entire life, and his passing deeply touched many people, including me. When I signed up for the race he was scheduled to be at in November (the Outer Banks Marathon), it didn’t seem right to sign up for only the half-marathon distance, so despite circumstances that screamed I was setting myself up for disaster, I signed up for the full. Then I truly went crazy and signed up for Silicon Valley two weeks prior as a “training run” soon after. Essentially, my Maniac status is all because of and a tribute to him, and I hope I do him proud as the years go on. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? What was you most memorable marathon and why? If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? 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 do. I think 26+ miles is something they can’t wrap their heads around as something you’d go and run. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? I’d probably be right at 12-18 – I have a second hobby in triathlon that I picked up when I was sidelined with running-related issues that I have some unfinished business with still From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? The 3rd place AG medal from the Shortest Triathlon Ever in Emeryville, CA - it was completely unexpected and I looked like a sheep going up to a rather unfamiliar place. Where do you keep your finisher medals? I have a box where I put them – I figure I should try to display them better one of these days. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? The tech T-shirts I’ll happily use for training runs; the cotton T-shirts go in the drawer to be worn whenever I feel like wearing a T-shirt. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Out of places I have been, I would say Aleppo, Syria – the history that you would be running through and around this ancient city is simply amazing. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pre-race meal, a bagel with peanut or almond butter, a sliced banana, and a little honey. Post-race, I’ll eat almost anything, but it’s almost mandatory that I have an iced latte or iced coffee as a recovery drink. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? I like the eGels or Sport Beans; I don’t have a big preference sport drink wise and I generally don’t drink them during a race. Which race would you never run again and why? The Glass City Marathon – I ran on a marathon relay team with some friends out there; the friends were great, but the race was only so-so. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Nope, though during the longer runs, I wish I did sometimes. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Right now, Brooks Glycerin 6’s are my faves for longer distance training and racing. I have some Mizuno Wave Rider 12s for training at lesser distances, and my Wave Precision 8s are for my half-marathon or shorter distance races. I’m weighing options to replace my Brooks, as they’re both getting close to retirement distance. What are your short-term running goals? What are your long-term running goals? Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? Powdered Toast Man – he had absolutely the coolest superhero briefs around. The Tick was also pretty cool . |