Maniac questionnaire

June 18, 2006

Name Karen Wiggins

Maniac #296

State you live in Washington

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 5/3

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) 2003 Whale of a run

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Leavenworth Marathon 2005. Yes.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Consistant running began in the fall of 2002 just after I quit a nasty smoking habit of 33 years. I figured I should take up a healthier addiction.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Free entry into the Lake Youngs Ultra! Just Kidding....The bulging eyes, rabid looking tongue, and spiked cat fur were huge in my decision, who wouldn't want to be part of this??? Or what inspired you?

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Way to many races to choose just one. Iceland or New Zealand would be right up there though.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? I would love to run an ultra with my husband. To experience the range of emotions that goes hand in hand, mile after mile after mile, and to finally cross the finish line together.

What was you most memorable marathon and why? BOSTON. It certainly was the most memorable but not in the way most would like to reflect on Boston. I was exhausted the 10 days leading up to the gun going off. 3 family members were in the hostipal at the same time. My mom, my dad, and my sister. My sister was critical and on life support with a heart pump and vent. I was coordinating them all between hospitals from Vancouver to Yakima, lots of driving and no sleep and lousy diet. If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Tucson.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Seattle to Boston.

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? Yes indeed. My running friends are also questioning my sanity. Thank goodness for the Maniac's, they're an understanding bunch.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? One marathon a month backed by a few ultras in between.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? The cactus from Tucson is pretty cool, but so is the whale from Vancouver, it's a tie.

Where do you keep your finisher medals? Hanging by my desk.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? They make great PJ's. What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? My husband looks better in them than me.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Hyder, Alaska. Running 26.2 along the Salmon Glacier there just doesn't get any better.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Both are just fine with me.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pre: Cereal with lots of fresh fruit & a steaming hot torrefazione latte. Post: Salmon with rice, fruit & steamed veggies.

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Strawberry Kiwi Accel Gel and Accelerade sport drink.

Which race would you never run again and why? So far, I haven't disliked one.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? The most challenging was my first back-to-back runs; the Lake Youngs Ultra and the North Olympic Discovery Marathon on consecutive days. Wanted to see what it felt like to run on tired legs. Wasn't as bad as I thought!

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Harder weeks I run about 50-60 miles, then followed by an easier week of 20-25. I try to get to the YMCA 3 times a week for upper body & back work out, but must confess it doesn't always happen.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I usually run long ones alone, but the shorter ones are run with my husband and numerous running friends.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I have gone through I think every shoe known to man to find the RIGHT one. I haven't had a black toe nail for over a month now so I'm really liking the Montrail Hardrock or Montrail Hurricane Ridge for trail runs, and Asics gel-nimbus for road running.

What are your short-term running goals? Get more experience running 50K's, then run a 50 miler.

What are your long-term running goals? Keep healthy and injury free..

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Mountaineering and rock climbing with my husband. Spending time with all our kids.

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) I know, that's a trick question. Main Maniac, of course!!!!!!!!!!