Maniac questionnaire

Name Jean “Mama Jean” Evansmore

Maniac # 770

State you live in MD

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 43 marathons and 2 ultras

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)

7 miles-Survivor 7, Baltimore, MD. Came in 1^st in age group. …Only one in that age group! Showing up works!

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day.

First time I did this was Feb. 5, 2006, in Ocala, FL. Hell, I was in PAIN that day…just trying to finish faster than any female around me that had white hair or looked about my age. Yes, fun was when I finished and found out that woman that passed me during last 3 miles was about 2 years younger..in another age group! I was first in my age group! Next person was more than 3 mins. behind me! Got my massage first and then checked stats and they had to pull my award out of the box where it was packed up, ready for storage! WOW! Turns out that was my fastest time and I don’t expect to beat it.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?

A little more than 2 years. I started doing this because of health. Dr. advised me to take off 10 lbs. I joined Curves, took off weight by doing Curves diet and exercising. Was training to walk a marathon & raising the required 5K so that I could walk a full marathon in HI. Did it June 2005 and came in second in age group. Knew I had to keep moving and change eating habits or weight would come back. Got on internet and found local 5-10K races. Had fun doing them and challenged self to do more. Learned more, did more and look where I am now! Sitting at a computer answering questions……

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?

After having met the challenge of joining a group (50 state marathon club) and doing something that I thought made absolutely no sense at all (running/walking for 26.2 miles) and loving it, heard about this group or saw a shirt at a race. This was a bit more “off the wall” than just doing 50 states. Checked the site and made a point to qualify initially by doing 3 marathons in 7 days because I wanted to come in higher than the lowest place. That was in 2006. Didn’t get around to checking it out much this year as I was busy doing my races. Finished my last race of year a couple weeks ago and that’s why I looked on site again. Was surprised at status attained.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?

I got accepted for NY each time I applied! This year, someone in Brooklyn recognized me and said “welcome back Mama Jean”.. There’s no way that I won’t try to get into NY each year now. Fans are amazing and I took lots of pictures this year. But I really encourage everyone to do Hatfield-McCoy as it is so full of unique sites and situations and in my home state of West Virginia.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?

Boy, are you making me think! I have two. Don’t have enough energy to do much talking and I’m really into my head, praying and talking to my body, during a race, so it would only be someone whom I’ve been around and can accept the fact that I’m not going to chat much but can listen. That would be the amazing, fantastic, fun guy, Larry Macon, who lifts the spirits of everyone around him. The other person would be the one whom I love to do races with as she’s an excellent driver and a quite helpful person. She is my running friend Dana Sherrod who also patiently waits for me at the finish line. Come to think of it, I think both these folks are from Texas….hmmmm.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?

Hatfield-McCoy. Well, it’s partly in WV and I am a West Virginian. It is full of adventures. Nothing predictable or boring. It’s also where I met Larry Macon. He asked why I was limping since I said I was fine. I was totally unaware of a limp. Was used to having about two days of pain after a race. Went to Dr. after race and found out I needed orthotics as one leg is shorter than other. This imbalance is what had caused my back, hip, leg pain. Larry’s observation has probably kept me from serious injury.

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’d need more info that that. Some people run well on flat and others find it to be too challenging as same muscles are used over and over. I personally don’t like a very flat course. Would have to say, you’re asking the wrong person since PR isn’t part of my normal mode of operation or conversation.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?

Though I did one in England, I didn’t go for that purpose. Just happened to get lucky and invited to take part in a marathon there. Guess it would be Oregon. OR, it could be Missoula, MO since I flew to Seattle and drove 8+ hrs. to get to the race. OK…you said furthest…not longest time traveled…so, Oregon….or Spokane. Oh, don’t know. Must be one or the other.

Do any of your non-running friends or family members think that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? What are some of their comments to you?

Did they think I was crazy??? Of course. But that’s because they didn’t know any better. But now, they just want to know where I’ve been and where I’m going next. Some people are envious and they tell me they’d love to get away periodically. They only see that as the “fun” part. Not the work of planning, figuring out details, etc. and then actually getting out and moving for 26.2 miles. My older female friends are very pleased and proud of my running which I ensure everyone knows I run/walk. What I am able to do is an accomplishment for us all. They take ownership and say I’m racing for “us” meaning I’m doing it for those that cannot. One even has me bring her a rock from each state I travel to as she collects them. Sometimes when I let her know I forgot, it turns out she’s been to that state already, so no problem.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?

I would do 52 because having time off drives me a bit bonkers. I’ve been home for 2 weekends now and I’m exhausted from the shopping, cooking, running around, etc. I am tired! Need to rush to catch a plane to somewhere, then do a race wherein near mile 18, I, too, am wondering about my sanity.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

My goodness. Now I have to go look at them again. OK…just wait a min. or so…OK…it will have to be NYC marathon. Both are different, but show runners and NYC profile. Back of medals have quotes from top winners. But a close second to that is the Dallas White Rock medal. Their medal is a nice scene also and the ribbon is the BEST QUALITY of the 45 I have. It is also stitched so that the medal hangs properly. NY’s is not designed to hang around the neck neatly. It hangs on the peg quite straight.

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

Found an old folding peg hanger at a consignment shop this summer. It’s hanging on the wall and has space for 86. Think that’s enough for me….at least for a bit.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?

Oh yes, I wear them regularly. It’s a bit difficult not to since my life revolves around marathons and exercising. Try to rotate them, but have found some that I had missed seeing in a while. At some point, I just might make or have someone make a wall hanging for me.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?

It would have to be in my birth state of WV, in the middle of the state so that the beauty of the mountains could be observed, enjoyed, appreciated and perhaps xx###%%% when it got tough. Yes, I know there are a couple there already, but I love my state and like Sen. Byrd, would do whatever to help it out.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?

I like the shirt with black because I usually wear black or red shorts. Wouldn’t like bright yellow next to red which is my favorite color.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?

I do the pasta thing just because…it’s a way of filling up, but more importantly, meeting others. Breakfast is usually peanut butter & banana sandwich and maybe a can of store brand “Ensure”. Post race? Beef, which I seldom eat. But usually during the last few miles I start getting hungry and can think of nothing but how much I would love to have a steak! Often by the time I have done my post race stuff which includes snacks, I’m not that hungry anymore and don’t want that much food. But I understand what my body’s telling me, so I get that protein in.

What is your energy gel of choice? Whatever I put my hands on.

Sport drink of choice? Gatorade if available…otherwise, whatever I can get.

Which race would you never run again and why?

Harrisburg, PA. as long as same RD is there. A VERY poorly marked course which added lots of time to my run during last few miles. Got age group award anyway…..only one. Reports on marathon guide show it had been that way for years and RD was not willing to accept responsibility for not correcting the same errors that had been made in earlier years, but was very defensive. Course itself was nice and had some scenic parts, especially through the woods and along the river.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?

NH marathon on a Sat. and VT 50K Trail race done the next day….50K Trail run done the day AFTER a marathon….hills, roots, creeks, missing hillsides, mountain bikers coming behind you and even falling in front of you while you are tripping over roots and falling AGAIN. Race was loaded with crazy people….all having fun. I intend to do it again and again. I want the age group award when I’m 70.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?

As a 50 Stater told me when I asked him when he did his training, if you run a marathon each week, isn’t that your training?? So, I believe it. Also, I go to Curves about 3-4 times a week and do Tai Chi once a week. Guess you could call that cross training. I call it just doing something to keep moving. I don’t want to get stiff. Doing races is fine, but just getting up and going out to run is tough for me. Lack of self-discipline is what I call it. I’m on computer now instead of outside running.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?

No training partner. Think I need one…somebody to get me up and going. I may try to find one in 2008 because I’ll be in trouble if I don’t do that or do more races.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?

I do it all in the same shoes. Those “fast” folks need different ones. I’m back of the pack. And remember, doing races is my “training”….

What are your short-term running goals?

Complete my 50 states in August.

What are your long-term running goals?

Earn an age award for each state. Will be scheduling races where I didn’t win one.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?

Well I’m part of a recently formed group of women in about the same age group, 63-78. We get together once a week and play bid whist cards at each others house on Thursday, our “Funday”. We eat and drink and have an absolute ball and we call it our therapy and we know one should not miss therapy!

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head)

At this point, it’s gotta be Maniac…R U Crazy or something? Not me! Every once in a while I know how to give the “correct” answers… LOL….Enjoy.

Spent so much time on this that it’s dark now and I’m not going out there to run. Will try the treadmill, perhaps….