Maniac questionnaire
Name Kirk White
Maniac # 680
State you live in Washington
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 9
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Sound to Narrows, Tacoma 12k 1988
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Seattle Marathon in 1989. Survived more than ran. Was not as prepared as a 30 yr old as I am now in my 50’s.
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? 2+ years for marathons. My wife of 27 years passed away 3 years ago, and my last of 5 kids left for college, so I had lots of time suddenly. Since then running has brought me peace, new and better friends, and a renewed energy for life.
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I figured I was crazy anyway, why not prove it with my feet and 3 quick marathons.
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Paris. I lived there once as a young man and would love to run those streets again, as the visual landmarks are outstanding.
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Jesus Christ… imagine the conversations we could have.
What was you most memorable marathon and why? Boston last April. An amazing life experience the whole week I was there. The crowds and spirit were indescribable, and the course was brutal the last 7 miles. But I ran fast enough to qualify again for Boston next year which topped the cake.
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? St George, UT. 2,500 feet drop in elevation helps a lot, though your legs will be hamburger by the end.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? 3,000 miles to Boston from Tacoma,WA
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? Many. “Why do you do that?” “ What is wrong with walking?”
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 6-8
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Park City is custom glass, but Boston’s is memorable.
Where do you keep your finisher medals? Here and there, hanging off cupboard handles.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Yes, I train in them and occasionally wear as casual wear. I give away to my kids ones I can’t or don’t wear.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Lake Tahoe or Hawaii
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow for sure… stands out more so cars don’t run over me.
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Spaghetti night before, banana and toast that morning. Steak or any red meat after as a reward.
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Most are gaggy to eat, but PowerBar Gels are the smoothest going down in the middle of a race. Caramel flavor is great. Gatorade “Rain” varieties are the smoothest and best tasting to me.
Which race would you never run again and why? Baker Lake Ultra. I almost permanently damaged my knees and did lose some toenails from that very rough 50k trail run.
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Baker Lake Ultra. My only Ultra but it was 6 hours of beauty and pain, creek crossings, roots, rocks, and personal challenge.
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Little cross training. I gear up for my marathons on a 18 week schedule from NikeRunning.com, ending up with 40-50 mile weeks at the most.
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I run with 3 other marathoners at work during lunch in the hills and waterfront of Tacoma, WA . Very lucky to have a work-provided gym to change and shower in, a company that encourages exercise, and scenery and various running courses to spice it all up daily. And running with Rich, Jerry and Clint is a bonus as there is always at least one of us to motivate, support, and partner the others.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I train and race in Asics exclusively. They seem to fit right and keep me blister and injury free.
What are your short-term running goals? Moving to at least one Triathlon a year with 2+ marathons and some 5-10K’s thrown in for fun.
What are your long-term running goals? Just keep running in different states and countries I hope.
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Occasional BBall with the boys, spectator sports, hiking, backpacking I love.
Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) Batman I suppose because he has cool cars and toys.