Maniac questionnaire

July 22, 2006

Name: Anne Scarazzo

Maniac: #330

State you live in: Pennsylvania

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 5/0 (as of 7/21/06)

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Broad Street Run—Philly 2005---10 miles

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? The 2005 Steamtown Marathon in Scranton Pennsylvania. I LOVED IT!! It hooked me on marathons!!!!

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I started running in February of 2005, so a year and a half. I never thought I could do it, but was inspired by my husband who ran his first marathon the year before. I bought “Marathon Training for Dummies” (no joke—that is true) and I was on my way! I ran my first marathon in October 2005 (Steamtown in Scranton, PA) and I loved every minute of it!!! I ran 2 marathons in 2005, and plan to do 11 this year (hopefully 12)!!!

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I met a woman at the Pocono Marathon in May of 2006. Unfortunately, I can not remember her name. We started talking before the race, and she was so nice & kind to me. She was a very experienced runner, yet she took the time to talk to me and gave me some good tips. It was obvious that she was also passionate about running. She told me about the Maniacs, and what a great philosophy they had. It was more about the running than having a perfect chip time. I went home that night, visited the web site, signed up for two more marathons (so I could do 3 in 3 months), and I was on my way to the Bronze Level J I hope to be Gold by the end of the year1

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? I will always love Steamtown---my first marathon in my home state---it will always hold a special place in my heart!! I would choose it over Boston!

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? No question, my husband Bob! We ran the Philly Marathon together in 2005. He beat me, but I walked better the week after (ha ha). He always accompanies me to races, usually with his road bike in tow (Bob is an avid road & mountain bike guy) and pops up at different places along the course. He is always waiting at the finish cheering me on with a backpack filled with water, pretzels, Gatorade & whatever else I need. He gives up a lot of biking weekends to be my running support, always with a big smile. He is just a sweetie---how lucky am I J !!

What was you most memorable marathon and why? Steamtown wins again! My first marathon, proving to myself I could go the distance, the crowd support was tremendous, the race was well organized---what else can I say! I also loved the Pocono Marathon, which was held this past May in Stroudsburg, PA. The conditions were perfect, and I walked away with a PR of 4:05!

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? The Pocono Marathon in Stroudsburg, PA. I shaved a whopping 33 minutes off my time (finished with a PR of 4:05)

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? From Philly to Bangor, ME for the Paul Bunyan Marathon. We plan to further that in September by going to the New Mexico Marathon.

Do any of your non-running friends or family members think that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? What are some of their comments to you? YES! Where do I start on this one! Some of my favorites are: “Are you crazy?” “How long is this marathon (after you have explained politely 20 times that all marathons are 26.2 miles)?” “”Why would you ever want to do that?” “Are you sure it is 26.2 miles?” “Isn’t it boring?” “You are going to hurt yourself!” “Your knees will be shot!” I COULD GO ON & ON J

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? As many as I could---at least one a week!!!

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? This one is tough…..I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!!

Where do you keep your finisher medals? On my desk, by my computer….I am looking at them now (ha ha)! They are very inspirational!

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear them all like badgers of honor! The long sleeve ones are my favorites!

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? A tough question. The location does not matter---I just like a variety of races. Signing up for races gets you to go to new places---kind of like a little adventure. Flat, hilly, in-between—it is cool to do new races in different places. If it was not for the Paul Bunyan Marathon, I would never have gone to Bangor ME!

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow! They can see us coming (ha ha)!! J

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pre race is Salmon & a baked potato the night before, and Oatmeal on race day. Post race is an egg white veggie omelet & dry rye toast

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Espresso Love GU & Lemonade Gatorade

Which race would you never run again and why? I have not found one I did not like!

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Paul Bunyan was tough with the hills & humidity, but still a great race.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I try and run every day except Wednesdays. Sundays & Thursdays are 20 miles run days, with varying levels in between. I strive for 60-80 miles a week depending on how races are scheduled. I do circuit training in between as cross training.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? No---I train by myself. I run and my hubby bikes, then we meet up afterward & exchange war stories J

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I am a shoe snob! After a lot of trial & error & black toe nails, I found nirvana in the ASICS GEL KAYANO XI---THE BEST J

What are your short-term running goals? 11 marathons this year (2006)

What are your long-term running goals? To do at least 12 per year for the next couple of years.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? There are other ways to have fun besides running marathons???? J

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