Maniac questionnaire

5/7/07

Name

Michael Rasmussen

Maniac #530

State you live in

Washington, just moved from Virginia

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?

Completed marathon number 14 on 4/29

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)

1 mile as a High School freshman in 1973, didn’t run another race until the Virginia Beach Rock & Roll ½ Marathon in 2001

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Shamrock Marathon, Virginia Beach (3/15/03). I had a blast, felt good the entire distance.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?

In June 2001, I started running consistently as I started to gain a few pounds. Plus to train for the R-n- R race, three months later.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?

It started as an experiment to see how many miles training my body could handle and it ended up with me running 3 races in three weeks in three states. Talking to MM’ers at various races, thinking this group is for me.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?

Wow, there are so many great running locations and races, but Comrades I think would be number one in my book.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Jon Sinclair. He was one of the best road racers in the 80’s from 5K to the marathon. I have done a short run with him several years ago, a great guy and very easy to talk to.

What was you most memorable marathon and why? Kaiwah Island Marathon. A great course, pan cake flat, very scenic with great amenities. My first BQ.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Lower Potomac River Marathon. Small, approximately 150 finishers, first 16 miles are flat and scenic, miles 16-22 some small hills, then flat to the finish.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?

About 750 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?

Yes. Don’t your knees hurt. Your going to need hip replacements by 55.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?

12-15

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

Boston

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

Hanging up in my office

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?

Yes. I wear them to work. I have only received one that I wouldn’t wear (for a 5K) and gave it to good will.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?

I really don’t have a favorite place. I have been to over 30 countries and all 50 states. There are so many great places.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?

Yellow

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?

Oatmeal bar, banana and orange joice

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?

Power gel (only for races over ½ marathons. Gaterade/water (50/50) lemon-lime

Which race would you never run again and why?

OBX Marathon. Didn’t care for the course. It ended up being 7 miles of road, then off road (loose sand and wood chips in sections of packed dirt with loose rocks) for about 4 miles then back on the road.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?

Ocean Drive Marathon. It was my third marathon in as many weekends. Plus there was 20-25 mph winds from the north gusting to 35mph. Did I mention it’s a point to point race going mostly north.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? 6 days running with Monday being a rest day. I normally average 60 miles but peak at 80 per week. With one run being a speed workout, maybe a tempo or interval, one run will have some hills inbedded, a 16-23 miles Sunday long run, and two days as recovery days 5-7 miles very easy. Most of the miles are aerobic. I do some biking as cross training.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?

My treadmill. 5 days a week I ride her hard.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?

OB 767’s or Nike Span Triax. I train and race in the same shoe.

What are your short-term running goals?

Enjoy ever run

What are your long-term running goals?

Train and race smart to stay injury free and be able to run for a long, long time.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?

Kayaking, cycling, bowling

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head)

Captain America