Name Liam Mycroft
Maniac #854
Live in Dublin, Ireland
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?
20 Marathons to date
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)
X-Country at school, back in the 60’s!
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?
Windermere in the English Lake District in 1986. Had a great day on rolling hills and wonderful scenery.
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?
Ran at school, but stopped for college, and started properly in 1986 @ 28. Always thought I was fit, until I did a charity event, trained then for a race, and found out that not only did I enjoy it, I was actually reasonably quick (then!)
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
The camaradie of like minded nutcases, with a couple of friends who are members inspired me to join up and share the world of mad runners.
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
Although I ran it in 2001, I would like to qualify and run the Boston Marathon again.
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
Nelson Mandela, and listen to him talk for the hours on the road – he inspires me in life.
Steve Jones (the runner) – who inspired me as a runner.
What was you most memorable marathon and why?
Boston 2001 – The hype is justified – just a wonderful experience, the city, the people, the race.
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?
I would suggest a relatively low-key race where the numbers are under 2000 to avoid congestion. From personal experience, the Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham, England, is a perfect PR course, flat and fast, at least it was for me J
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?
Regularly travel to the US, and the west coast would be the furthest, approx 6000 miles.
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?
We have non-running friends???? Work colleagues think I’m mad, will ruin my knees, and that I’m far too old for all that fit stuff.
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?
I’d travel and run one a month across the US.
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?
Surf City Marathon in February this year, a surf board shaped medal.
Where do you keep your finisher medals?
On the book case, proudly.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?
As often as I can. They gather in the drawers, until I decided on a clear out, then they go to Charity. I often wonder about little African Children running around with T-Shirts displaying the local Dublin 5 K race I ran last year.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
I think the World is covered now.
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
Yellow
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
Before a marathon I like to take a bagel, yoghurt and banana about three hours before the race. After a race, it’s beer and anything that I can’t eat while I train – Steak and Fries!
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
PowerGel – Green Apple – Lucozade Sport as the drink.
Which race would you never run again and why?
London Marathon – Too crowded, still weaving around runners at Mile 25!
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
Connemara Marathon – It’s a VERY tough Marathon, the Hell of the West at Mile 22 is a 2 mile climb just when you need it most.
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?
Too sporadic lately, but when I’m consistant, around 35 miles per week, never been a high mileage runner.
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
Have a few. Friend Kieran is coming back from injury but we get a 5/6 miler most Saturdays, and I have a Polish female running partner, Karolina, for speed work, who is way too fast for me, but great to watch when she’s flying!
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
Asics Nimbus 9’s – These days I race in the same.
What are your short-term running goals?
Turn 50 this week (March 12th), and aim to qualify for Boston @ 3:35 this year.
What are your long-term running goals?
To get a year of injury free running before I’m 60
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
I love to travel, and combine this with my running. I read a lot too, legal thrillers.
Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head)
Super Rhino Man, who passed me in the London Marathon at Mile 15, and ran a sub 3 hour marathon dressed in a Rhino Costume - |