Maniac questionnaire
November 3, 2005
Name Christel Elliott
Maniac #155
State you live in Washington
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 8 (as of 11/3/05)
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Sound to Narrows, 2003
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Mt. Si Ultramarathon (50K), Issaquah, WA. I had soooo much fun—incredible!
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I ran more than a mile for the first time in 2002. I’ve had periods of no running since, but never again…
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
TONY PHILLIPPI inspired me. He’s amazing—as a runner and a person. J
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you
most like to run? Not sure—I just like trying new Ultras all the time.
I’d like to run a marathon on another continent, just ‘cause I’d like to travel
there!
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone
either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? One of my
siblings/family members, because if they were running a marathon, it’d mean
they were in good shape and healthy. That’d be the ultimate running experience
for me.
What was you most memorable marathon and why? I’d have
to say Mt. Si—my first marathon and first Ultra. It was an incredible feeling
to push my body to such an extreme and still feel great. I was on top of the
world!
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? I’d suggest they ask someone more knowledgeable for advice, like Tony. J
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? I flew to Arizona for the Phoenix Rock & Roll half marathon (before my marathoning days).
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? They probably all do!!!
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how
many marathons would you run in one year? I’d like to run a marathon
every weekend, but on TRAILS!
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers
medal? Rock & Roll AZ
Where do you keep your finisher medals? Most recent
hangs from my review mirror (to remind me I can get through anything), others
are scattered—drawers, car console, shelves.
Do you wear your
race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear my
race t-shirts to bed and as an extra layer when it’s cold. I rotate them, so
there aren’t any I don’t wear.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow
What is your favorite pre race meal? Bagel, banana,
mocha Post race meal? Taco del Mar burrito!
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? I
try to abstain from energy gels, and none of them are “of choice” to me. I like
the pick-me-up of ones with caffeine! I stick to the basics with sports
drink—red Gatorade.
Which race would you never run again and why? Never
say never!
What was the most challenging race or combination of races
you’ve ever done and why? Seems like the Hallow’s Eve trail marathon
might have been the most difficult, but maybe that’s because it’s so
fresh….tough terrain! Rocks, roots, mud holes, great elevation gain over a
short distance. I’m a trail marathon rookie though. I’m sure the hardest is yet
to come.
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles
do you run? Any cross training? My training right now is pretty much a
joke. I’m lucky to run 3 times/week. Occasionally (more like rarely), I’ll run
4. Sometimes only 2. I’m working to improve that though. As of late, my only
long runs are marathons.
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I
fly solo most of the time.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a
different shoe? The flavor of the month. Race in the same…
What are your short-term running goals? Don’t stop.
What are your long-term running goals? Don’t stop.
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than
run marathons? Play volleyball, spend time with my son. That’s about all
I have time for these days…
Star
Wars or Star Trek? Darth Vader or Captain Kirk? Star Wars, Darth Vader.