Maniac questionnaire
Name
Mark Ulrich
Maniac
#2058
State you live in
Texas
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?
13 / 3
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)
I ran a local Houston-area 5K – and was instantly hooked!
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?
I ran my first marathon in Houston in January, 2004. My sole goal going into the marathon was to finish... and ideally with a time of less than 5-hours. I did both... with 13-seconds to spare!!
In retrospect, my preparation was TOTALLY inadequate. I trained solo, and while I had a great reference book, Jeff Galloway's "Marathon", I chose to only read the few chapters that really interested me... and ignored the vital discussion regarding not increasing one's running distance too quickly, and being sure to follow the prescribed training regimen. These critical mistakes cost me at mile 20, when I was forced to walk for the final 6-miles. Amazingly, though, with 0.2 miles to go, and a complete stranger screaming that I RUN my legs found energy that 30-seconds prior I didn't have, and I managed to sprint in the final 1/4 mile with the dreaded 5:00 clock rapidly ticking down!
At that point the memories are complete joy and a strong feeling of accomplishment and pride for what I'd done. Additionally, I secretly (unbeknown to my wife and daughter) was plotting my second marathon!
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?
My catalyst to convert from a couch-potato to an active runner in 2000 was losing 50-pounds (prompted by seeing my Dad’s painful hip surgery – and realizing that with time that was my fate as well), and having the good fortune of a friend to encourage me to take-up running as a great way to make a permanent change in my lifestyle – without which I’m absolutely certain I would have gained all of that weight back, several times over!
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
Shortly after running nearly a dozen marathons I saw a Marathon Maniac jersey on a couple of guys in the Chicago Marathon – and was struck by the appropriateness of that group to myself! While I was quite frustrated to then learn that I wasn’t yet qualified, it was very motivating for me to then consider my hopeful qualification in the Maniacs in planning my race calendar.
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
I’d like to run the London Marathon most in the world. I’ve heard absolutely great things about it, and absolutely love the city.
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
I would run with the great running philosopher Dr. George Sheehan, who unfortunately passed away several years ago. I’m making slow headway at reading his many great running books, and recommend them all – especially Running and Being!
What was you most memorable marathon and why?
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon in Houston in January. I was delighted during the run to have a huge P.R., and a B.Q. to boot! Most gratifying to me was that my wife and daughter each played a huge part in my success, firstly by strongly supporting my running through the years, and secondly during that run to supply me encouragement with much needed eGels, salt pills and water!
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?
I would suggest Houston. It’s a great, flat, fan-supportive and fast course. Chicago would be my close number two, though I’m somewhat hesitant owing to the huge crowds. I’ve heard from several good running friends that St. George is a super-fast course owing to the large net-downhill course, but as I’ve not personally trained-for or run the course I’d hold-off for a more predictable flat course.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?
My three 50K races (two in Huntsville, Texas, one in Chicago).
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?
All of them are convinced that I’m crazy to run as much as I do! While my wife and daughter have always been hugely supportive, they’ve made comments through the years pointing out (sadly, correctly!) that I typically ignore the good running-related advice that I’ve been given.
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?
To be honest I’d be completely happy doing no more than I’m doing now (about six per year). In fact, I hate to admit this within my Maniac questionnaire, but I’ve already signed-up for the Chicago Triathlon in the Summer of 2010 (in addition to the Boston Marathon), and am looking forward to additionally training by biking and swimming!
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?
Boston – not because it is any larger or better – but solely because I will never forget how hard I had to work to qualify for that run!
Where do you keep your finisher medals?
I’ve had all of my P.R. (at the time) medals engraved with my finishing times, and after showing them off for a few days at the office store them in my memories box in my closet. Someday soon I plan to hang them along with several of my race photos.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?
I only wear technical race t-shirts, and only wear the cotton ones if I plan to toss the shirt afterwards.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
An ideal marathon would be on a beautiful tropical beach in Tahiti that I visited long ago as a teenager.
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
Yellow!
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
Pre: Small yogurt and oatmeal.
Post: Banana, bagel and cream cheese with a pint of either Guiness or Shiner Boch (a great Texas micro-brew)!
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
Gel: Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel (Vanilla-Orange). LOVE the flavor (reminds me of a Good Humor Creamsicle from my youth!) I’m convinced that I also benefit by the electrolytes, caffeine and amino acids.
Which race would you never run again and why?
I’ve never had a terrible race that I’d never again run. The closest that I came was seeing some friends wither in Chicago’s unbelievably hot 2007 Marathon. I ignored the unfair castigation of the race organizer, signed-up and ran the 2008 (and 2009) Chicago Marathons, and loved them!.
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
Running the Chicago Marathon in October, then the Chicago Lakeside 50K Ultra only three-weeks later.
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?
A typical week is 40-50 miles. I bounce between early morning weekday runs and occasional lunch-time runs. I’m fairly consistent of cross training twice per week by incorporating resistance training immediately after my workout, concentrating on my quads, hamstrings, and my core.
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
I ran for years with the HoustonFit “Green” group, and made many good friends through them. I continue to run with those friends whenever I can, though lately I’m running with a generally faster Houston-area Kenyan Way running group led by the incredible New Zealand runner Sean Wade.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
I train in Brooks Adrenaline’s, but race in Newton Stability Trainers. The Newton shoes ROCK!
What are your short-term running goals?
To continue my strong running, to run a very strong Boston Marathon, and to then diversify my training to include biking and running.
What are your long-term running goals?
My distant dream is someday to do an Ironman Triathlon!
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
I enjoy reading, surfing the web, and spending as much time as possible with my wonderful wife and daughter.
Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty?
Superman, of course!
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