Maniac questionnaire
Jan 31 2007
Name: Karl Rysted
Maniac #459
State you live in: Oklahoma
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 9
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) The Panera Bread 8k, Oklahoma City, OK, June, 2002.
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Baltimore’s Comcast Marathon, 2002. I had fun, especially seeing my family at the finish line (which hasn’t happened since), but my left knee was killing me. I still have the certificate on my office wall.
How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Since 2002, although I didn’t consider myself a runner for a while after that. I mostly Gallowalked and racewalked back then. In fact I almost got some hardware for racewalking once. I became a marathoner because of Team in Training. We had just lost a family friend to leukemia, a little boy named T.J., when I got their flyer in the mail. I went to the meeting and signed up for the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon. Then, for some strange reason during my training, I switched to the Baltimore Marathon. I did it for T.J. I coached for Team in Training a couple of years.
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I thought I would make it official. The folks chatting at Cool Running thought I was one already. Marilou Russell inspired me. I want to run like her when I grow up.
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? Bill Clinton. He was a runner, and I think he was one of the best Presidents in the last 50 years. I don’t know if his cardiologist would approve now or not.
What was you most memorable marathon and why? Marine Corps ’06. I had unfinished business there from ’03 and it went great this time. I had some very meaningful and fun experiences there. I’m running a mile for every American soldier killed in Iraq. See my web site, www.karlrysted.8k.com
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Dallas White Rock. It was my Half PR.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? To British Columbia, twice last year.
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? Absolutely. “You’re hard to get in touch with.” “Where are you going to punish your body this time?” And, from my family doctor, an occasional runner, “You people are just freaks.”
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? Probably 15-20.
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Vancouver.
Where do you keep your finisher medals? Hanging by the front door.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Yes, the technical ones when I’m running, and the others if they say “Finisher.” Otherwise, they tend to stack up in the drawer.
If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Never thought about that.
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow. It’s so bright; I like the way it blinds non-Maniacs.
What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Bagel and banana. Beer and any type of high-protein food.
What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Shot Blocks. Gatorade.
Which race would you never run again and why? The Redbud Half Marathon in Oklahoma City. You have to run around and around a park and keep track of the laps yourself.
What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? October ’06. Two marathons with a 5k (PR) in between. Never done 3 races that close together before.
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Alternating days of easy runs, a mid-week speedwork run, and a weekend long run. 30-45, depending on recovery, etc. Sometimes I’m better about cross training than I am right now.
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Yes, my relay teammates and others.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Asics GT-2100 or GT-2080. I’m racing in the 2100’s.
What are your short-term running goals? To break 5 hours and to run an ultra.
What are your long-term running goals? Boston. Is there any other goal? Like I tell my kids, dream big!
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Go to our daughter’s choir concerts, our son’s soccer games and OU Women’s basketball games.
Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) Spiderman.