Maniac questionnaire

Name T.J. “Teej” Ford

Maniac # 837

State you live in Oregon

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 27 marathons, 2 ultras

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Crazylegs, Madison Wisconsin, 1986. I think it was an 8 miler. We ran once before the race to “train”. Mostly we wanted the free beer at the end.

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Seattle, 1999. It was boiling hot, and I was wearing long sleeves and tights. My right calf gave out at mile 13 and I struggled to finish. No, it wasn’t any fun, and I swore off marathons for life as soon as I crossed the finish line. That lasted a year.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I started running in 1998 in China as part of the Hashers, and continued when I lived in NYC just so I could run the NY Marathon. I just wanted to tick off “finished one marathon” on my life list.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I kept saying “I’ll stop after the next one” and then “I’ll stop once I qualify for Boston” and when I got to 10, I figured there was no point in stopping. I was running the “normal” 4 or 5 a year, and then in 2006 I got hit by a car and almost died. When I could run again, I had to prove myself so I ran 9 marathons last year.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Probably the one along the trail to Machu Pichu, if my lungs could handle it.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My sister Kate, who died in 1996. She died before I became a runner, so I would love to show her what it feels like and why I do it.

What was you most memorable marathon and why? My first Boston, because it was Boston. It was also sunny and 78 degrees and I got sunburned to a crisp. I couldn’t wear pants for about a week, and my ankles swelled up and oozed over my shoes.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Avenue of the Giants – flat, small, beautiful, and I first qualified for Boston there. And Humboldt county has really nice post-race, uh, herbal offerings.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? From Portland, Oregon to Dublin with my tour group, Run Amok Tours.

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?
“Why?” “don’t your feet hurt?” “It’s not good for your female parts, is it?” (that one from Mom). And my favorite: “I get tired just driving 26 miles”

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? Probably one a month, mainly in foreign countries.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? I’d say Boston for the unicorn, but it sounds too trite. Tucson has a cool saguaro-shaped medal.

Where do you keep your finisher medals? Hanging on a tie rack on our “race wall” in the basement. I need another tie rack.

 Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Usually I only wear the technical ones, since I don’t look all that good in huge baggy cotton t-shirts. The cotton ones I usually just use to clean the house in or with.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
You mean someplace there isn’t already one? Along the cliffs of Moher in County Donegal, Ireland. Guinness at the aid stations.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
Yellow – it shows up better

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
Steak, coleslaw, French fries, red wine, and chocolate cake. And a candy bar before I go to bed. Post race, I like a huge cheeseburger, a chocolate milkshake, a beer, and a cigarette.

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
Hammer Gel raspberry – it’s like eating jam. Lately I’ve enjoyed Gleukos drink.

Which race would you never run again and why?
Marathon of the Palm Beaches – I hate Florida heat and humidity.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
Timberline marathon, 2007. I took a huge face-plant at around mile 18 and thought I’d broken my shoulder, but I was in the middle of Mt. Hood National forest, so I had to keep going.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I usually run about 40 miles a week unless I’m really training, then I like to get at least 50. I lift weights at the gym and cycle, do cyclocross, and hike in the summer.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
When my husband Tom wants to slum it, he’ll run with me, otherwise I run with (usually behind) a group on Saturdays.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
I’m down to my last pair of late, great, Asics Gel trainers VI (they’re up to 13 or 14 now and I hate the redesign). Currently looking for the next perfect pair. Open to suggestions.

What are your short-term running goals? To complete my 3-marathons-3-countries-3-weeks adventure starting May 18 in Copenhagen, May 25 in Edinburgh, and May 31 in Newport, Oregon.

What are your long-term running goals?
To run until I die. Preferably, to die when I am running. Specifically, AFTER I have crossed a finish line and gotten my medal.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
Talk about marathons, travel to marathons, read books (sometimes about marathons, sometimes just novels), go to movies and plays, eat and drink.

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head)
Wonder Woman – I love her bracelets.