Maniac questionnaire Name Dick Whicker Maniac #776 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? I think near 30 but have only been able to substantiate 15 marathons and 7 ultras so far. Some of my earlier races were in the early ‘90’s and I’m having difficulty finding results. What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Governor’s Cup 8K in Brown County State Park at Nashville, IN in 1986. Couldn’t have chosen a hillier road course if I tried. What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Chicago on Oct 29, 1989. Was my 40th birthday and I signed up the week of the race. Had a lot of fun and a good pace til around mile 18 when I found myself sitting on the curb…. but I finished. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? For about 21 years. I enjoy running. I enjoy competing. I enjoy the camaraderie of other runners and the friends I’ve made. I love the lifestyle and the resultant physical, mental and emotional benefits of all of the above. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? Read a blog from #770 after running the HUFF 50K on Dec 29, 2007. Went to the website and thought it looked interesting and fun to share like experiences. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? There are too many choices to answer that question definitively. If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Probably my youngest brother Mike who was killed on our family farm in 1989. I miss him… What was you most memorable marathon and why? Don’t know if I have a singular memory but my first at Chicago; New York for the notoriety and shear size at the time; Grand Canyon International Marathon for the raw beauty; Pikes Peak Marathon for the challenge. Also the Grand Canyon International Marathon because Billy Mills was the Honorary Starter and I can still see his famous come from behind victory in the 10,000 at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Probably Chicago or Columbus since they are flat and usually fast. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Manitou Springs, CO to run the Pikes Peak Marathon or maybe Laughlin, NV to run the Grand Canyon International Marathon 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 they do but I’ve done it so long I don’t hear those kinds of comments. Most wish they could do this. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? Certainly those things stand in the way sometimes but if I could I would probably run 6-8. I do so many other endurance events like duathlons, adventure racing long distance cycling, mountain climbing and dog sled racing, as well as many various distances so my focus is not just marathons/ultras. From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Although I always like to receive a metal or similar recognition of my effort and finish, I don’t recall one that stands out. Where do you keep your finisher medals? In a box in my closet. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Yes I wear many of my race t-shirts and keep them in storage bins; many, many storage bins. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? As silly as this might sound, probably on the country roads out where I live and where I’ve trained for 20 years. Maybe paying homage in some bizarre way. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? I look better in black in my opinion. What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? My pre-race eating habits are pretty much non-existent though sometimes it will be a light breakfast. And my post-race meals are pretty pathetic too as I don’t like to eat right away, but maybe 4 hours later I would eat an old running shoe if you gave me a bottle of catsup and a glass of milk! What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Gel preference is pretty much any that I get free at the races. I drink a lot of Gatorade mostly because it’s available most anywhere but I like Accelerade too. Which race would you never run again and why? Probably the Grand Canyon International Marathon simply because they don’t have it anymore. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I have the world’s lousiest training regimen. Some weeks I don’t run at all for a variety of reasons and then the following week I may run 35 miles. I cross train sometimes with cycling, canoeing or x-country skiing (during the winter). Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? No. I live out in the country but prefer to run alone anyway as it’s my personal time and I can run as far, as fast (or slow) as I want. If someone else is present I feel I get distracted and don’t get a quality workout. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? For the most part I train and race in the same shoe- if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I have found that Asics 2100 series works for me. I tell anyone that their shoes are their most important piece of equipment; go to a reputable running store and get fitted by professionals and don’t be a cheap skate. What are your short-term running goals? Stay healthy; stay competitive; have fun. What are your long-term running goals? Same as short-term goals. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Do other endurance events and cross train. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) |