Maniac questionnaire
November 12, 2005
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Name Eddie Hahn
Maniac # 184
State you live in: Washington (Work at Fort Lewis through May 2006, then return to Oregon)
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 52
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)
I managed to run 30 ¼ mile laps for a “jog-a-thon” when I was 12 years old to raise money for the High Schools sports programs. None of the sponsors, which donated based on a per lap basis, believed I would go that far!
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?
Portland, Oregon, September 23rd, 1984 (age 18) (3:08:55). I ran it as a tune up of sorts for joining the US Marine Corps the following week. (I assumed if I could run a marathon I could finish Marines Basic)… I had cut a tendon during training two months before and ended up taking the immediate two or three weeks preceding the race off at the advice of a coach. I would say the race was fun… (Although I really hurt between miles 20-26).. I managed a full sprint the last 150 meters, so I probably didn’t run evenly.
I found out from my parents by mail mid-way through basic training that I got 3rd in my age group. At the time I hadn’t heard much about ultra running, so I considered it the ultimate test of accomplishment, and it was 5 years before anyone could talk me into doing another one.
How long have you been running, and why did you start?
I have been running about 26 years (since age 14). I started because a friend from Junior High invited me to a barbeque and a trip to the Oregon coast for perspective cross country runners. I continued because of the influence of famous runners that lived or trained in Oregon like Steve Prefontaine, Mary Decker, Alberto Salazar and Rudy Chapa. Since I have been in the military (now Army, 20 years) and fitness is a big part of the routine, why not continue to do something I enjoy while getting paid for it?
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
Steven, Tony and other corps guys from the group were a big influence. They were so generous and kind, I really bonded with them at the Leavenworth Marathon. Bob Dolphin and his wife were a huge influence; they always have so many positive things to say about the group. The clincher was when I recently learned you didn’t need “100” marathons to join the group, and had been confusing qualifications with the 100 marathon North America Group.
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
So many all the famous races less than the marathon distance that I haven’t done such as : Peach Tree, Lilac Bloomsday, Boilermaker, and Bay to Breakers
If you could run a marathon/ultra with any runner (living or deceased) who would you run it with and why?
Steve Prefontaine, because he died before he ever got a chance to run a marathon. I speculate that had he lived eventually would have done at least one near the close of the first running boom. He lived and trained in Eugene Oregon 22 miles from my hometown of Monroe, and I have gained more inspiration from his legacy than any other runner, despite the fact that he is more popular for his track running.
What was you most memorable marathon and why?
Fulda, Germany, August 1991. I didn’t drink any fluids for the first 14 miles and was in 6th place up to that point. (I finished around 38th)…I was so focused on running hard and staying in the front I failed to hydrate. I was deceived by the cloudy cool conditions. When the sun broke and it climbed into the 70s, I realized I wasn’t hydrated and it was too late. I had heat cramps. No matter how much water I drank after that I couldn’t get enough. Some good Samaritan, who will forever remain anonymous walked and jogged with me between about 20 and 24 miles, until he knew I got a groove and was going to finish (after medics offered to pull me out for looking peaked. ) It was the closest I ever came to quitting a marathon.
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?
Northern Central Trail, Sparks, Maryland. Pancake Flat out and back on a mostly wood/bark trail.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race?
By car I have driven 1,200 miles each direction over a 4 day “week end” several times.
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?
I think they have grown to accept the fact that I am terminal.
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 12
From what race did you receive your favorite finisher’s medal? Newport, Oregon
Where do you keep your finisher medals?
Next to my Steve Prefontaine Classic Posters (each year at the Classic they use a different image of Pre for the posters, it’s a mini collage)…
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?
Yes, primarily the long sleeve marathon ones since I have too many short sleeves from lesser distances to wear on a practical basis. So far the extra’s just stay in the closet. I promised my most recent marathon race shirt to an Army friend that lost a leg in OIF III.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
Dual answers…
Baker California to Kelso, California. My mom and step dad have property there, my Grandmother’s ash’s are spread nearby, and it’s the perfect distance to incorporate a point to point marathon
Eugene, Oregon because the only marathon they host now is geared to walkers, yet Eugene is world reknown for it’s runner’s!
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Fettuccini Alfredo
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Gel no Preference, drink traditional Gatorade..
Which race would you never run again and why?
Elma, Washington Very disorganized, little support, ugly T Shirt that didn’t match that promised, no finisher’s award of any kind, in fact no real proof that I even ran other than witnesses and pictures, since the t shirt says 5K 10K and marathon…
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?
Prescott Arizona because I drove straight through 1200 miles from Eugene Oregon to get there, had almost zero advance training, and it takes place above 5,000 feet and runs straight to the top of a mountain peek (also my slowest time(so far)….
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? One marathon trains me for the next not much in between. Just came back from a 1 year tour in Iraq and missed a lot of training, though I did get in one 12 mile run. I have done several triathlons in the past…
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? No. I have moved to frequently.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Nike for both..Pre was a spokesperson..Bowerman created them….supporting my hometown legends/memories
What are your short-term running goals? Seattle, Christmas Marathon and Millersylvania Park Marathons
What are your long-term running goals? I am pacing myself to run the US States at some point in my life. So far I am at half (25 and DC). Since most of them were accomplished as a single person and now I am married with a (daughter) I am more maniac focused, much easier to do regional events than flying or driving all over the states…
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
Collect coins, currency and beers. Ride motorcycles and visit the desert of Northern Nevada. Occasional writing. (Wrote an article for Marathon and Beyond that will be published waiting on the date from Publisher)….
Star
Wars or Star Trek? Darth Vader or Captain Kirk?
Star Trek without a doubt. Captain Kirk all the way.