questionnaire Name Ross Hamilton Maniac #2072 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 23 marathons, no ultras What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) I was a civilian employee of the Canadian Army in the 1970's. Once a year all non-combatant soldiers had to run a mile in under 12 minutes. Civvy employees were invited to participate. I was the only one who did, as there weren't many runners in those years. What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? 1996 Manitoba Marathon. Had a great time. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Been running for about 25 years. I didn't like team sports because I'm a lightweight, and running was enjoyable and inexpensive. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I saw the ad in Marathon & Beyond. I read the criteria questions and thought, hey, maybe I'm certifiable too, because I met all those criteria. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Comrades Ultra If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Richard Dawkins, the evolutionary biologist from the UK. His book 'The Greatest Show On Earth' was incredible, I'd love to run with him and talk about it. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Boston. Just because it's Boston, but also, my grandchildren were there to cheer me on a few blocks from the finish line. Later that week we went to Fenway Park and watched the Red Sox play. And I owe that unbelieveable week all to running. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Manitoba Marathon in Winnipeg. It's in June, but starts at 07:00, so it avoids the heat most years. It's flat, and, being in June, you've time to get in lots of training. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Edinburgh Scotland 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? I'm sure some of them think I'm a 'bit teched'. When I haven't seen somebody for a few years, their first question always is 'Are you still running'? When I saw 'yes', I get a sort of odd look, but they're too polite to say anything. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? Twelve >From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Boston. Where do you keep your finisher medals? In a drawer all jumbled together; except for the Boston one, it's behind glass in a frame. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Sure, I wear them all, even the cotton ones on short runs. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Israel Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Hunan Kung Pao before; coffee and pancakes afterwards. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? I use mini Mars Bars during a marathon, and drink Powerade. Which race would you never run again and why? I never say never. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Boston, but that was because it was early in the year and I'd under-trained. The Newton Hills were brutal. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Maybe 40 miles if I'm well into training; I don't keep track. I cycle all the time,it's how I get around, and kayak quite often. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I have a half dozen very pleasant young ladies, some younger than my children. I'm the happiest old man in town. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? New Balance mostly, but I've tried them all over the years. What are your short-term running goals? The family want a reunion in Florida in January 2011. So I plan to do the Disney Half on Saturday and the full on Sunday; but I'll run lots of marathons in 2010 too. What are your long-term running goals? To keep running all my life. It's either finish line or flat line. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? I hike high in the Rockie Mountains with the Skyline Hikers; I go on long bicycle trips, I do river kayakking, and I love spending time with the kids and grandkids. I read prodigiously. Retirement is a real hoot. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head), non Maniac Beauty? No super hero.
|