Maniac questionnaire

Name Shawn Newton (I’m a girl…)

Maniac # 553

State you live in Florida

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?

10 marathons, no ultras thankyouverymuch. 26.2 is plenty enough for me!

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

Polar Bear 5 miler in Indianapolis

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?

My first marathon was the Indianapolis Marathon in October 2002. It was pretty fun. I had some friends out on the course with me, and we’d see each other on the out-and-back sections.

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

I started running in mid-2000, hoping to drop some weight (like many people who start running.) The distance craziness started in mid-2001, after I had completed my first Indy Mini Marathon.

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

I didn’t even know I qualified until I found out from “Slow Twin” Bill (Maniac #493), who had run 3 in 3 months. Since I also had 3 scheduled within 3 months, I thought, “What the hell? I may never do anything this stupid again,” and sent in my info right after the last one was completed J

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

Hmmm…I dunno. Probably Honolulu. Or Bermuda.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?

I’m gonna go for the inane here and pick Will Ferrell. I find him charming and oddly attractive…

What was you most memorable marathon and why?

Probably ING Georgia, because I was so miserable for the whole second half. But the spectators and citizens were amazing, which kind of balances out the misery.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?

Wow. That’s such an individual thing. Maybe Chicago—People seem to go fast there. I didn’t, but others seem to.

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

How far is Baltimore from Tampa? 900 miles or so.

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?

Oh, yeah. If I hear one more person say I’m going to ruin my knees…But a lot of people think it’s cool, and they’re really impressed. I’m “the girl who runs all the marathons” in my little network of friends and co-workers.

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

As many as my legs would allow.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

Bank of America, which is part of the Gasparilla Distance Classic festival here in Tampa. It’s big, it’s gaudy, it’s colorful, and it has a pirate on it! How can you top that??

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

In shadowboxes on my bookcases. I only have 10 so far, so there’s no space issue. Yet.

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

If they’re nice-looking tech shirts, I’ll wear them. I wear my Baltimore 2006 shirt all the time. The cotton ones are in a box in my closet. I mostly trade them in holiday t-shirt exchanges on one of my running e-mail lists, but some of them get worn as throw-away shirts before chillier races.

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

Mackinac Island. I love it there. It’d be hard to get 26 miles on such a small island, but maybe if you went up and down city streets and then around the perimeter a couple times… (This is why I’m not in race management.)

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?

Yellow.

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

Pre-race: It varies. Usually pasta with some source of protein and a salad.

Post-race: Steak. Always. Medium-rare ribeye is my top choice. And a margarita or two.

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

I like the Clif Shots, especially the raspberry. But I can’t handle anything like that after about 18 miles. It’s a texture thing--my gag reflex seems to go crazy right around there, so I’ll use the Shot Bloks or Sharkies, or even the sports beans. As for sports drinks, I use Gatorade at home, but I’ll take whatever on the course.

Which race would you never run again and why?

Kiawah Island. A double-loop course when you’re near the back of the pack makes for a lonely and boring second half. Plus, all the volunteers seemed to have left. I don’t know if it’s just because it was cold the year I ran it or what. I might run the half there, but never the full again.

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

Probably ING Georgia, just because of the freak heat wave, the crazy hills (don’t have those in Florida…) and the logistical issues they had being an inaugural event.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?

When I’m not training for a marathon, I usually run about 20 miles a week. I just started lifting light weights and doing yoga. My friends are pushing me to get a bike, and to swim a bit. Actually, they’re trying to push me into triathlons…

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

Nope. Sometimes my mom will run with me, but she’d rather be on her treadmill, especially during the summer. I can’t fault her for that, but I’d rather take a stick in the eye than run on the treadmill every day.

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

Asics Gel Nimbus

What are your short-term running goals?

I’ve got a couple local races coming up for the second half of this year, a 10K and two half marathons. I’m also registered for Marine Corps this year. Other than that, my goal is just to keep running.

What are your long-term running goals?

50 states, baby!! And to place in my age group. In order to do this, I will have to outlive everyone in it.

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

I’m a full-time student and a part-time wage slave in retail hell, so that takes up some time. I’m a voracious reader. I like watching movies. I’ve been known to lie around and watch football for 9 hours on Sunday afternoons. I’m originally from Detroit, so I’m a hockey freak. I really really enjoy sleeping.

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

I’m gonna go with Mr. Incredible.