Maniac questionnaire Name: Kevin Pugh Maniac #: 956 State you live in: Colorado How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 7 marathons, 0 ultras What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): Bolder Boulder 10K What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?: Honolulu Marathon in 2002 – it was the 3rd largest marathon in the world that year, and it’s 30th anniversary. I ran it as part of the Joints in Motion Team to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation, and raised almost $40K. The race was HOT, HUMID, and beautiful! It was a GREAT day! How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I used to hate running. Then my wife got us a Siberian Husky for a wedding anniversary gift. Short morning runs gradually got longer and longer, until I found myself in a newspaper article titled “Husky Runner” announcing my effort to raise funds by doing the Honolulu Marathon. I trained with our dog, and she has done some races with me too, especially the Canine Classic 10K, where we were the 2nd highest fund-raisers for MESA (Moving to End Sexual Assault). Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I learned about the Maniacs when met a handful of them just before the start of the 2007 Seattle Marathon. I went home and checked out the website. Then I ran much of the 2008 Shamrock Marathon with #136 Ron Knecht, and was certain I would join as soon as I qualified. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Badwater, or Antarctica If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My wife, Bethany…there’s nobody I’d want to share the accomplishment with more than her…and I know she could do it too! What was your most memorable marathon and why? Probably my first…I remember being pretty nervous at the start, which was a huge spectacle of fireworks in downtown Honolulu, which was full of Christmas decorations. I’ll never forget crossing the finish line and seeing Bethany. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? From what I’ve heard: Chicago. From what I’ve run up to now: either Shamrock (VA) or Fargo (ND). What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? So far – Honolulu 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? Yes, most of them think I’m crazy…until I convince them to run with me!! If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? I’m learning that, with proper training, I think I could do 52 in a year (one every weekend). From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? As of 5/17/08, Shamrock (VA) or Fargo (ND) Where do you keep your finisher medals? Right now, hanging on a hook in my bedroom closet. I also collect the official marathon posters, and I plan to frame them each with the medal in the frame too. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear all of my technical race shirts, but only a few of my cotton t-shirts. The ones I don’t wear are just taking up space in my drawers right now. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? On the Amalfi Coast in Italy! Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? The yellow is most recognizable, but I like the black better I think. What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Two days before: pasta! The night before: salmon, brown rice, and broccoli. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? I’ve been using Clif Shot Blocks and Gatorade for my last several races, including my PR. Which race would you never run again and why? So far, I haven’t run a race I wouldn’t run again. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? So far, my most personally challenging race was my first one! But, after that, it was my first attempt at 3 marathons in 9 weeks. I learned a lot about recovery during that time! What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Typically 4 days of running and 2 (optional) days of cross training each week. Generally between 30-45 miles per week. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? My Siberian Husky, Veya…or sometimes a “cell phone training partner” – Tobin Burgess. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? First marathons were in Saucony Grid Omni, then I tried Mizuno Wave Alchemy for two marathons, but went back to Saucony Grid Omni. I don’t currently have different shoes for training and racing, but I try to race in shoes with less than 200 miles on them. What are your short-term running goals? 1) Break the 10:00/mi average pace, 2) Get more structured and/or purposeful with speedwork, 3) Create the perfect training and racing playlists for me. What are your long-term running goals? 1) 50 states before 50 years old, 2) Qualify for Boston, 3) Win my age-group Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Triathlons, Competitive Skiing, Soccer, Hiking, Climbing, Photography, Kayaking… Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head): I don’t know about “super hero”, but I’d have to say Indiana Jones.
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