Name Annette Tomal Maniac # 824 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 5 What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) 5K in April, 2002 – after not running for an entire year! I’d registered for my first 5K exactly a year earlier and suffered debilitating knee injury the day before and eventually had surgery – but all that took a year away from running. What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Chicago Marathon in 2003. Ran hard; did well. Only stopped at 2 water breaks (didn’t know you were “supposed to/allowed to” stop more often)! How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Since Fall, 2000 – lots of time off over that first 1 ½ years with knee pain and finally surgery; then, later had to take time off from running because of broken shoulder, broken toe, ITB, etc. I started running because my son (7th grade) started running, and I thought it’d be fun to do races together. We’ve only done 2 races together, though! By the time my knee was fine, he was done running! I’ve run a few races with my daughter and a couple with my husband. (5-10Ks). Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I got hooked on Marathons after Indianapolis in October (2007), when I was in terrible (ITB) pain the entire second half. No spectators cheering me on (like Chicago); only me, refusing to quit. So, then Miami in January (2008), and then I decided to try for the “50 states club”, which probably unofficially makes me a Marathon Maniac! And my co-conspirator in our “50 state” quest found the Maniacs website. She’s now going to try to be an “official” Manaic; we’re going to run 3 marathons in 3 months this spring (Miami, St. Louis, and Louisville) Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Hmm….haven’t thought that far ahead. First, the 50 states! Maybe Rome? If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? What was you most memorable marathon and why? The Chicago Marathons are great because of the incredible spectators – they are AWESOME. But I like the smaller races, too. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Miami – flat, not crowded, water stations don’t slow you down, no lines at portapotties after half-marathoners leave. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? So far, Miami. 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? They gave up on me!! At first, it was “you’re going to hurt yourself.” “You’re going to end up with arthritis.” “Should you be running so much.” They finally realized that I was just going to keep running anyway. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 4-6 (and one of them in another country) From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Miami – it’s cool. Where do you keep your finisher medals? At my desk at home, so I can be motivated by them! Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Only the technical ones. The other ones I get in a Large and give to my husband or son. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? On the beach in Phukett, Thailand Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Black What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Power Bar Harvest Bar Toffee Chocolate Chip. Toast and Eggs and Iced Coffee. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Gu – Strawberry Banana, Tri-Berry, or Vanilla Bean. Gatorade G2 Which race would you never run again and why? Chicago – every Chicago-area resident has to experience that race, especially for their first marathon. The spectators are incredible; the race goes through lots of different parts of the city. But it’s very crowded. And, I now like the peacefulness and serenity of smaller races. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Running Chicago and Indianapolis 2 weeks apart (October, 2007). My ITB pain was bad in Chicago and horrible at Indianapolis. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? In the winter, 3 days a week; I follow Hal Hidgon’s “Marathon for Seniors.” In the summer, 4 days a week because I’m in 3 different running groups, so then it’s a combination of Hal Higdon Novice, Intermediate, and Senior! I cross-train (on bike inside) and do weights on the days I don’t run. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I’m in 3 running groups, so I run with different people. But Annette is my partner in our “50 states” quest. We hope to someday get Cynthia in our 50-states group! but right now she’s focused on training to qualify for Boston. And Patty is my faithful Tuesday “no matter what the weather” running buddy! What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Saucony Triumph. Same shoe for training and racing. What are your short-term running goals? Run a Marathon every 3-4 months. What are your long-term running goals? Run all 50 States + DC and then start doing marathons in other countries! Maybe one on each continent? Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Hmmm…I didn’t know there were any fun things in life EXCEPT for marathons!! Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) |