Maniac questionnaire Name: Lora Eklund Maniac #: 511 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? As of January 10, 2008: a total of 41 marathons What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): New Times 5K in 1995, I was clueless. What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Inaugural Suzuki Rock N Roll Marathon in San Diego in 1998. The marathon was horrible but the group I was with was fun. And my coach had trained us well so we finished in spite of the poor organization. AND I was hooked! How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? 28 years. Started for vanity reasons (to stay thin) but ended up staying with it for mental health. Amazing what you can resolve when out on a solo long run. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? Craig Swanson convinced me it was a fun group. Doug Britian applied additional pressure. They were right (don't tell them!). Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Boston If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Male: Billy Mills. Met him once and he is very inspirational. Female: Joan Samuelson, wow, what you could learn from her. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Marine Corps. Marathon. Ran it right after 9/11. Very emotional. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Rock N Roll Arizona, mostly flat, usually perfect running weather. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Arizona to Vermont 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? If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? At minimum 52 From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? 1999 Disneyworld Marathon. That Mickey Medal is pretty impressive. It was also my first marathon after a tough recovery from a stress fracture. Where do you keep your finisher medals? In a special box until I finish all 50 States. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? No, I am having a quilt(or two) made out of them If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Keywest with Jimmy Buffett playing at the finish Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Cappelini Pomodoro for pre-race. Mexican Food for post race. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Stinger Gingsting Honey Gel. Normally don’t use sport drinks but when I do, I use fruit punch PowerAde. Which race would you never run again and why? Las Vegas Marathon, Very over hyped and can you say boooring? What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Run with Horses in Wyoming. The altitude (and lack of oxygen) killed this flatlander. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Typically 30-40 miles per week. Only cross training is walking my dog or swimming in the summer when my pool is warm enough Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? My wonderful friend and birthday twin, Ann and her dog, Lucy. My dog is too old and can't run anymore. Ann keeps me honest and Lucy keeps us entertained. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Brooks. What are your short-term running goals? Finish my quest for a marathon in all 50 states. What are your long-term running goals? Run forever or until I die, whichever comes first. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Lots of volunteer work. Look for me on the field at the 2008 Superbowl Halftime show. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) |