Name Bobby Volante Maniac # 841 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 14 Marathons What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) The Crescent City Classic in 1998 What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I loved to run when I was young. But I made the dumbest decision in my life when I was 15 and started smoking. I smoked for 25 years and finally quit in 1997. Running helped me get motivated to quit for good. ‘ve been running ever since that time. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I don’t know. I guess I’ve always been a Maniac at heart. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? I’ve already been fortunate enough to have run Boston. I guess I would like to run New York City one of these years. If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Wow. That’s a tough one. Let’s see. Probably Pre. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Definitely Boston. It was both my worst AND my best Marathon. My time was by far my worst. The weather was terrible (85 degrees at the start with winds gusting to 30 mph). But I did finish!!! It was also run on what would have been my mom’s 74th birthday and I ran that day to honor her memory, so it was also my best Marathon. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Definitely the Mardi Gras Marathon if the weather is right. It is as flat as your kitchen table (one short bridge). What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? The Maui Marathon about 4000 miles away. Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? YESSSSS!!!!!! What are some of their comments to you? “WHY do you do such a crazy thing?” “Somebody must have dropped you on your head when you were young.” But they almost always say “Man, I wish I could do that.” And I tell them that anyone can do it. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? Probably between 20 and 40 From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? The First Light Marathon in Mobile. It is a simple wooden circle with the Marathon logo on the front. But it is special because it was made by hand by a handicapped child. Where do you keep your finisher medals? My first is on my wall. The rest are on my dresser. I’d like to frame them and put them on a wall. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I usually wear them on my daily run. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow. It stands out better. What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pizza for pre race. Post race something light, maybe pasta. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Energy gel is CarBoom Sports drink Gatorade any flavor Which race would you never run again and why? So far I’ve liked them all. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Boston because of the weather. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I average about 45 miles a week. I do ride my bike but not as much I would like. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I have a group of friends that I run with on a regular basis. On my long runs they sometimes help me by running at different times. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Nike What are your short-term running goals? I guess to stay healthy and injury free What are your long-term running goals? I’d like to complete the 50 states although it will take years. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? I love to play golf and I dabble in woodworking. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) The MAIN MANIAC!!! |