July 20, 2006

Name: Mary Latta (cartwheels)

Maniac # 263

State you live in: Washington

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

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): Can’t remember that far back but it was probably a mile cross county event that the little tiny town I lived in (Fallon, Nevada) used to host in the summers for fun.

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?: Crater Lake, 2004. Not really I cried at the end.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Ever since I was a wee little lass, because I had two older brothers that when I bugged them they chased me (which was often).

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?: Oh the Great and Mighty SLUG

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?: Any marathon that I could run in under four hours.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?: My son, Benjamin (who is almost 3) and my mom, Eileen, who is 76 (who by the way is going to walk the Seattle ½ marathon this year) and Boris B. my sweet golden that passed away recently, though if you would have asked him he would have said "run what’s up with this running, why run when you can walk, or even better yet, swim".

What was you most memorable marathon and why? Crater Lake 2004 because I finished it.

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

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Crater Lake (are you seeing a pattern here)

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?: "You’re crazy for running as much as you do."

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

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Crater Lake

Where do you keep your finisher medals? On a specially made marathon rack, or I give them to Benjamin to play with and he puts them on the dogs.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Most of the clothes I wear are my race t-shirts. The ones that I don’t wear are probably in the laundry.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Been there, done that, Mary’s Birthday Marathon in Bellingham, Washington (of course)

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Black all the way

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Favorite pre race: pasta and a glass of red wine, favorite post race: pasta and two or three glasses of wine.

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? GU, Hammer Gel and Ultima

Which race would you never run again and why? Haven’t yet found one that I wouldn’t run again.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Crater Lake

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? About 30 miles a week, but also swim, bike run, and play underwater hockey (yes there is such a thing)

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Holly and Jeanne. And my dog Gunnar, but he has cancer so now he just paces me while I walk. Oh and I have a new running partner "Atom Ant" a really sweet and silly smooth coat collie.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Sanconey and Brooks (race?? I just run)

What are your short-term running goals? To run and have fun while running and to do more cartwheels.

What are your long-term running goals? To run and have fun while running and to do a lot more cartwheels.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Swim, bike, play underwater hockey and spend time with the family (Vern, Benjamin, Makalee, and Gunnar)

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) My favorite would have to be Scooby Doo.