Name: Craig Withers   
Maniac #821
 
State you live in: California

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?: 30
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): Rock&Roll, San Diego 2003

What was the first marathon you ever ran? Rock&Roll, San Diego
What year did you run it? 2003
Did you have fun that day? Yes, of course

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? 2002; primarily just to get off my lazy butt and start doing something different. So, I signed up for the ’02 R&R in San Diego; but my training didn’t go really well; I stress-fractured my leg on my first attempt at 20 miles.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Mostly, common interests; I’ve met a number of maniacs at various races. Plus, I can totally relate to the name.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
Badwater – I can dream can’t I? I think that this one is for the totally insane. Death Valley to Whitney Portal during mid-summer, Wow!

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Abraham Lincoln; he’s my hero. Plus I think it would be funny to watch him run (especially if he wore a stovepipe hat).

What was your most memorable marathon and why? St. George, 2007 – my best time; everything went very smooth.

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

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? 3,776 miles, Anchorage, AK

Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? YES, they all do.
What are some of their comments to you? They’re all very original (not) and suggest the same thing – “you’re insane”. It is noteworthy, however, that “over time” many of them have come to believe that I’m a good influence on their kids relative to determination, focus and goal setting.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? I think 15-17 (3 week average) is about right. Any more would severely inhibit my ability to climb mountains and smoke cigars (not at the same time of course).

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Rock&Roll, San Diego – although my next race is Little Rock, AR and I understand that they have a “big” medal.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? YES
What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear them all – even the ugly ones.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Fried Chicken (crazy isn’t it).
Post race meal? Pizza and Ice Cream

What is your energy gel of choice? Hammer.
Sport drink of choice? Black Cherry Propel

Which race would you never run again and why? Tecumseh Trail, Indiana; too many stream crossings – I’m not good with getting wet during a race.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Tecumseh Trail one weekend followed by Thunder Road the next weekend. Also, I typically schedule/coordinate races with climbing the high peak in each state (or a nearby state). Accordingly, most of my races are somewhat “hilly” and a number of times I’ve spent 8 to 10 hours hiking the day before (or the day after) a race.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Typical is kind of tough – I guess around 60 miles; sometimes I will bicycle to break things up.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
Nope, I keep strange hours. I’m not much into routine.

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

What are your short-term running goals? A marathon in each state, I intend to finish on my 50th birthday in my home state of Iowa. I can’t wait for the party afterwards.

What are your long-term running goals? After every state; I think that I’ll “try” a couple of ultra’s and The Great Wall Marathon in China also sounds interesting.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? I climb mountains – I’m going for the high peaks/summits in every state (I also intend to wrap this up before I turn 50). If anyone is interested – I’m always looking for climbing partners.