Maniac questionnaire

October 22^nd 2006

Name: Jen Bruce

Maniac #353

State you live in: Washington

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?

3 marathons so far, but I'm just getting started.

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

800 meter sprint in the 6th grade

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

North Olympic Discovery Marathon in 2006. I didn't know what to think, I suddenly just decided I wanted to run a marathon so I signed up for it the day before. It was hard, but I got to run with my dad and we had a good time.

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

I've been running for 6 years. I originally wanted to play volleyball, but I was cut in the final tryouts and the only other sport available to girls was cross country, so I tried out and loved it.

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

I didn't really plan on running a marathon until I was 21 but if figured if my sister could do it, so could I. Plus it gave my family excuses to take trips to race and if I could qualify for Maniacs at the same time, then why not?

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

Boston

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

My dad and sister because they're both faster than I am and I think it would be fun to run as a family.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?

Gateway to the Pacific Marathon because it was 101 degrees out and I got to finish with my sister, who slowed down for me so I had "running support".

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

Portland Marathon because although I've never run it, I've seen the course and watched my dad run it, and he runs faster every year.

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

It wasn't a marathon, but I did race twice in Australia for the Washington State Cross Country Team.

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?

Most of the time I'll find myself stuck in the middle of a football player's joke, but they never actually say anything negative. My teammates and I are the one's who discuss and define "crazy" in terms of running. I did have a coach who was upset about my sister and I taking "marathon adventures", and he wouldn't enter us in races during track season.

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

Well, I'd probably do the same number as my dad since I'd be with him at the marathons.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

North Olympic Discovery Marathon because it was my first finishers medal.

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

Hanging up in my room.( I have a "running shrine" with significant race numbers, medals, trophies, and posters of Roger Bannister and Steve Prefontaine set up above my bookshelf.)

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

I wear all of them. They're great for cross country practice or just relaxing in!

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

I think I'd host one around the Mediterranean Sea, or in Greece just for an excuse to travel there.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow

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

My favorite pre-race meal is authentic Mexican food- it's the best! My favorite post-race meal is definitely Chinese.

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

Hammer Gel and Strawberry Melon Gatorade.

Which race would you never run again and why?

I don't think there's one I wouldn't want to run. All the races I've run have been fabulous!

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

The most challenging would have to be the Gateway to the Pacific Marathon just because of the heat.

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

I usually go for 2 long, cruising runs (10 miles or so), a 7 mile tempo, hills or speed repeats and a progression run. I swim and bike at least once a week.

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

When cross country is going, my teammates are my partners. When I'm off season, it's my sister.

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

I train and race in Brooks- the type of shoe (training, flats or spikes) change depending on the type of race.

What are your short-term running goals?

Get to state with my team. Continue to bring down my times.

What are your long-term running goals?

Run for a collegiate team, more marathons, run Boston.

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

Sleep because as a high school student, I don't get near enough...Really most of my life is running. All of my closest friends are runners so that is the center of our lives. We host some amazing running parties. I have to admit though, shopping is definitely a favorite activity!

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

Main Maniac simply because it defines my life-that's what I look like after races.I don't even have to try for it. I just run and I can copy that super hero perfectly!