Maniac questionnaire

11/26/06

Name: Mary Hanna

Maniac #299

State you live in: Washington

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? As of November 2006, I have run 11 marathons and 2 ultras.

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) In fifth or sixth grade, I ran a really long race in the elementary school track meet. I think it was 600 yards.

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? My first marathon was the Avenue of the Giants in 1981, and no, I did not have fun, but I ran the whole thing, beating the “friends” who talked me into this foolish endeavor. It took me 23 years and a lot of prodding to run another marathon.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I have been a runner most of my life. I don’t remember why I started.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? My running buddies inspired me.

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

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? I really enjoy my regular running buddies, but if I could pick a deceased non-runner, it would be my paternal grandmother. She died before I was born, but it sounds like she was a fascinating woman. She had a PhD back when most women didn’t even go to college, and I was named after her.

What was you most memorable marathon and why? With only eleven marathons, they are all memorable in their own way, but Seafair ’05 was the toughest for me, closely followed by Seafair ’06.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Newport, OR, is where I got my PR, and that time is almost 3 minutes faster than my next fastest. It has nice weather and a good course. It is a small race (750 runner limit) that is well organized in a beautiful setting.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Twin Cities (about 1600 miles)

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? They just don’t understand.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? Five or six is enough for me.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? It’s my 2005 Green River Marathon finisher’s medal. I believe that Jim Boyd made them. It has Van’s picture on it. My second favorite is my Twin Cities medal with the fun little spinny thing in the middle.

Where do you keep your finisher medals? I keep them on a hook in my bedroom.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I run in the tech shirts, and I collect the others.

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

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? I like how visible the masses of Maniacs are wearing their yellow. It’s not my favorite color, but it is noticeable.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pre race – oatmeal (Roman Meal), post race – a hot meal and chocolate stout with friends

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Gel – Gu, drink – Gatorade Endurance

Which race would you never run again and why? I can’t think of one.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? My most challenging combination of races happened the day Van “Pigtails” Phan (#27) and I ran Nookachamps, then drove down the road to run the Bridle Trails 50K. It was my first ultra, and the conditions were nasty, very cold and wet. They had about a 38% finishers rate for the 50K that year.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? My weekly mileage is usually in the fifties. On most Mondays, I run with Van (often trails and long), Tuesdays I go to the track, Wednesdays I run with a noon group, and Saturdays I meet a group for a long run. The other days I am on my own. My cross training is mostly swimming (3-4 days/week).

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I have a lot of wonderful human training partners who push, support, and encourage me, but I only have one canine partner, Emily.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I train in Brooks Adrenalines. I race roads (5K through marathon) in Brooks Racer STs, and I race cross country in Brooks Z1 spikes.

What are your short-term running goals? I would like to run faster.

What are your long-term running goals? I would like to be able to run well into my old age.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? I run half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, trail runs, relays, and other events.

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