October 23, 2005

Name    Les Omura

Maniac #180

State you live in  HAWAII

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run?    40 / 4

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance)    !985 Hawaiian Style 8K

What was the first marathon you ever ran? 1994 Honolulu Marathon  What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?    I was ecstatic that I finished but spent the rest of the day over the toilet and in bed. Nauseous and dehydrated

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?    I was a weekend runner, training for the occasional race. But after my first marathon in '94 I was hooked and I've been running ever since. I run to remain active and to keep the weight off.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? I became a maniac because Maniacs think like I do. We breath it, live it. Or what inspired you? All the maniacs inspire me because they all enjoy life.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Boston…I've only done one but it WAS special.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?    George W. Bush ( sorry to offend 40% of you). President Bush is a runner! And the Secret Service escort would be fun too!

What was you most memorable marathon and why?    I always told people that nothing beats the emotion of completing your first marathon. But after 40 marathons I did my first Boston last year. A truly memorable journey, highlighted by the "Scream Tunnel" at Wellsley.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?    Las Vegas Marathon, old course without the wind. Downhill to flat, cool temps.

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

Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you're crazy for running as much as you do? They understand I have a "problem". What are some of their comments to you?  They often ask " How many a year?!".

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?    52…I would travel the country and run every week hitting all fifty states. I met Craig Holcomb in Alaska and he introduced me to MM.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?   Juneau Marathon- Taku ravenhead or the old Maui Marathon- humpback whale

Where do you keep your finisher medals? On a hanger in my bedroom

 Do you wear your race t-shirts? I wear most of my t-shirts. What do you do with the ones you don't wear?  I don't care for most of the white shirts. I was disappointed by the shirts from the 1997 Las Vegas Marathon and the 2003 LA Marathon…I would have expected better.

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

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?    Yellow…most of my marathons are in higher temps so I like the lighter color.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Carbo loading on pasta with Italian dressing. Pizza with my running buddies the night before. Post race meal?   Post race- burger and fries…always a McD or Burger King nearby.

What is your energy gel of choice? Power gel or whatever is available.  Sport drink of choice?  Accelerade or Gatorade is fine.

Which race would you never run again and why? I haven't found one yet. Some aren't as much fun or more difficult but if it is there…I am game!

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you've ever done and why?  Kilauea Wilderness Run. The two four mile climbs in the second half and the humidity always gets me.  Maybe I should train better.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? 30-40 mile weeks. Sometimes hills and speedwork but never enough. Some weights and biking. Since joining MM I have been inspired and bumped my mileage up to 50+.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I consider myself a social runner, enjoying running with anyone available. But I usually train on my own. I often travel to races with my buds, Johnny L. and Alfredo A.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Saucony and Mizuno though I am currently looking for a new favorite.Do you race in a different shoe? I race in an Adidas flat.

What are your short-term running goals?  Always my next marathon. Honolulu in seven weeks.

What are your long-term running goals?  I'd like to do the Tahoe Triple next year. The Quadzilla if it is available.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?  I am a bird lister.

What is your favorite Beatle song?     "In My Life"  My wife Grace's favorite too!