Maniac questionnaire
Name: Michael “MMKuhl” Kuhlmann
Maniac # 678
State you live in -- Washington
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 5 Marathons/0 ultra
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)
Third grade – 100 yard dash, lane 1—DNF. I walked off the track at about 50 yards. Everyone else had already finished.
In seventh grade--same distance, lane 8—DNF. I made it to the 70 yard line as the others crossed the finished line.
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? 2007 Parker Paint Tacoma City Marathon. I did have fun. Well run event.
I was surprised that I could actually walk the next day.
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?
I started running for fun when I was 14, to get in shape for skiing.
For many years, that was my routine-- run 10-12 miles a week during the summer months to get in shape for skiing. After ski season, do little until July or August.
My youngest daughter got the marathon itch in the winter of 2006, and infected me in March of 2007.
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
Too hard to choose--Some day I would like to run the BOSTON Marathon.
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
Deceased-Elijah (of Biblical times) His 30-50K run from Mtn Carmel to Jezreel; out running a chariot pulled by a team of horses had to be exciting. He probably did it bare-footed or in sandals.
Living--I enjoy doing marathons with my youngest daughter. Well, at least we start and finish at the same place; and, if there’s an out-and-back I get to see her at least once during the race. It’s fun to have her meet me at the finish with a bottle of water and goodies.
What was you most memorable marathon and why?
2007 Tacoma—It was my first.
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?
Pass on trying for a PR at any event with two of the three killer “H’s” – Heat, Hills or Head-wind.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? 150 miles. I have much to look forward to.
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?
Of course I’m nuts. Confirmation of what several suspected for years. I’m trying to recapture my youth. I’m destroying my knees, back, hips, skin, toes, ankles, neck, ears, eyes, nose, mouth and feet. Is this a genetic anomaly? Whose side of the family did this come? Is there medical or psychological treatment available?
How many miles is a Marathon? Was the Portland Marathon the same distance as the others?
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?
I have yet to find out. But, right now, I’d say 12.
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?
TACOMA 2007
Where do you keep your finisher medals?
Who wants to know??
I wear them my “Precious” (the latest medal) under shirt and tie for several weeks.
At family gatherings I wear them all at the same time.
Or, hang them on a hook in the closet at home.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?
I wear them under my shirt and tie.
I wear them when training.
I wear them at the YMCA.
I wear them shopping.
I wear them in the yard.
I wear them at a BBQ or water skiing.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
I don’t know. I need to see more of the world.
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
I like them both.
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
Pre race meal—baked potato and grilled salmon.
Post race—Banana, blueberry and strawberry smoothie and steak.
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
GU and Hammer Gel both work for me.
Water.
Which race would you never run again and why?
I’ve liked all the ones I’ve run. However, I’m a little apprehensive about:
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
Two marathons in two weeks. Why--Because it’s two marathons in two weeks.
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? 40-45 miles. Weight training 2-3 times/weeks
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
No partner. Tried to run with my daughter, but she is too fast.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7 for training and for racing. I usually have three pairs of the same shoe--Two being broken-in on shorter runs and one for longer runs and races. When training for a marathon it’s important to have an organized approach to both actual training, but also ones equipment.
Then, of course, there’s the issue of being a mental basket case after completing a 15 mile training run and forgetting where you left your shoes. Having more than one pairs makes it easier to find something to use the next day.
What are your short-term running goals?
Silver star
What are your long-term running goals?
Gold Star & Qualify for Boston.
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
Classic car restoration or skiing fill the 11.173 spare hours/year.
Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head)
Main Maniac; anyone with 10 stars, anyone in the 50 state and/or 100 Club.