Maniac questionnaire

11/28/06

Name: Laurie Cleveland

Maniac # 406

State you live in Washington

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?

Marathons = 6 Ultras = 1

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

My first race was the St. Patrick’s Day Dash 5k 10 years ago.

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? I ran my first marathon in San Antonio, Tx, 1999. It was the achievement of a life time and the beginning of my running addictionJ! I started training for my next marathon and developed the dreaded “IT band syndrome”. I worked with a therapist who convinced me that from that point forward I would never run marathons again. To stay running, and feed my addiction, I ran half-marathons and competed in triathlon. Last year, I found a therapist who believed that with the right strength program and rehab, I could run marathons again. Low and behold, with hard work and the support of my running partners, he was right! I ran my first ultra and 4 subsequent marathons this year!

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

I’ve been a runner since 1996.

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

I have crazy running friends like everyone else that constantly challenge me to become a better person and better runner. They meet me at 4:45 a.m. every morning rain or shine. They run through down pours and get lost on trails with me – what more could a person ask for? They are very much my family and I cherish the blessing of running with them. One of my running partners, Heidi Hubler, inspired me to become a “maniac” after noticing the maniac shirts at local marathons. We were enthusiastic marathoners looking for the next challenge. Becoming a maniac seemed to be the next natural step. Because of her, I’m now a maniac and several members of our group are trying to reach maniac status.

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

Boston. Sounds simple to most maniacs, but it’s a goal I’ve set for myself that I haven’t been able to reach. I think I’m going to need to talk to a coach, or dedicated marathoner, to find out where I’m going wrong.

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

My grandmother. Even though she passed away, I still find her strength inspirational.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?

Chuckanut 50k, 2006. Chuckanut was my first attempt at marathoning since dealing with my IT band issues from 1999. It felt like a personal victory. I also ran the race with some of my closest friends. It was wonderful sharing that experience together.

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

Vancouver, BC.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? 8 hours

Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? DEFINITELY!!! If I had a dollar for each comment, I’d be a rich woman!

What are some of their comments to you?

You pay to run 26.2 miles?

You run 26.2 miles because it’s “fun”?

You’re going to kill yourself.

I don’t even like to drive 26 miles!!

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

Once a month.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

San Antonio. It’s in the shape of Texas, naturally it’s big!

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

I place my marathon finisher medal, my bib and a picture from the race in shadow box frame. I hang each one of them on the wall in my extra bedroom where I keep my running gear. They serve as a constant reminder for me of how blessed I am to be a runner.

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

Yes! It’s become a tradition for me to wear my marathon finisher shirt the next day at school. The students and staff will ask me about the race. It’s a small way for me to be a good ambassador for the sport.

I wear my non-marathon shirts to the gym or underneath sweatshirts.

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

Hard to say.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Maniac Black!

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

Pre-race: pizza or spaghetti.

Post race: Scrambled eggs in a whole wheat wrap

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

Shot blocks and Gatorade Endurance.

Which race would you never run again and why? I’d run all of them again.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Portland, Tri-Cities, and Seattle. Why? It was my first attempt at 3 marathons in 8 weeks.

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

40-50 miles

I run hills, track, tempo, long, recovery .

I do yoga, the elliptical and bike.

It seems like I cross train more getting ready for triathlon season and during triathlon season.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I have several training partners: Heidi Hubler, Michael Lacombe, Kathryn Briggs, Chris, Marty, Steve Ellis, Colvin Holms, Kurt, and Brady Hubler. There’s always someone to run with J !

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

I train in 3 different shoes.

Long runs = Asics Nimbus

Tempo Runs = Asics Landreth

Track work = Brooks Racer

I run marathons in the Nimbus (nice and cushy!)

I run half marathons in the Landreth

Anything under a half-marathon I wear my Brooks racer

What are your short-term running goals? Get back to speed work.

What are your long-term running goals? Eventually qualify for the Boston marathon.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? I snowmobile in the winter and compete in triathlon during the summer.

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) No question -- Wonder Woman baby J!