Maniac questionnaire
Name Laura Houston
Maniac # 928
State you live in Confusion, WA
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 5/3
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Bayou City Fun Run 10K in Houston in 1984
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Houston Tenneco Marathon 1985. I did have fun except for the asthma at the end and the stairs up to the women's locker room at my club. A nice lady got my bag for me since they wouldn't let my spouse in the ladies' locker room (much to his chagrin).
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Off and on since the early 70's. I started running in college (recreational) because it was the thing to do and I hate missing out on a party.
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? All my crazy friends who are maniacs inspired me and I wanted to wear the gang colors.
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Not sure except that it be on trail, not a ton of elevation, and very scenic.
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Joan Benoit Samuelson. Her 1984 performance in the first women's Olympic marathon inspired me to run my first the next year.
What was you most memorable marathon and why? Boston 2006. I was so thrilled just to be there and feel all the history around me. The screaming at Wellesley was my favorite part – I literally floated through there! I was also in a world of pain (digestion issues) but still pushed through because it was Boston – I would have DNF'd in any other 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? Road – probably Tucson; Trail – Mt. Si.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Seattle to Boston
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? Some do. Ironically, it's my swim mates at Masters (Queen Anne Swim Club) who usually call me “sick” and “crazy”. At work, they're used to it and my boss named my computer account “Ultra Laura”. My boyfriend has gotten used to it and laughs at me when I am shocked at my swim friends – apparently I said a few years back you'd never catch me running one of those ultras!
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? As many as my body would allow!
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? 1985 Houston marathon – it's relatively small and hangs on my keychain to this day.
Where do you keep your finisher medals? On a hook in our bedroom.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear the tech shirts to run in and may wear the cotton shirts if the design is cool (like the Orcas Island Fat Ass Tshirt). If it's a memorable shirt, I'll save it for a quilt someday; otherwise, they go to Goodwill.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? I can't decide – there are so many places in the world I haven't seen (I don't get out much).
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow.
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Prerace is usually pasta though Thai is good too. Post race, after a bottle of chocolate soy milk, I like sushi and red wine.
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? I like a variety of gels – whatever doesn't make me puke. Same with sports drinks.
Which race would you never run again and why? Don't have one – I've like 'em all so far.
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?Vancouver marathon – I was trying to qualify for Boston. I didn't feel well and after a lot of whining, my friend who paced me started saying (after seeing it on a sign) “Run bitch run”. Such an inspiring phrase, I wore it on the back of my shirt at Boston (and got thanked by over 30 people!).
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Usually 3-4 days during the week and one or two long runs on the weekend, depending on what week I'm in (Build, Peak, or Rest). Mileage is anywhere between 20 and 45 (though bumping it up a bit now).
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I usually do long runs with several people; weekday runs are alone or with my lab mates and/or boss.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? A variety of shoes; for road – (right now) Mizunos. For trail, currently Innov-8.
What are your short-term running goals? To run and finish White River 50 miler, though I hear the scenery is worth just doing as much as you can.
What are your long-term running goals? Run til I croak.
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Swim, kayak, teach ChiRunning and ChiWalking, play in a band (Efllat alto horn), cook, knit, read.
Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) Wonder woman – she rules!