Maniac questionnaire

October 24, 2005

Name Olga V.

Maniac #101

State you live in OR

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 16/30

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) Mother’s Day 5k in 2001

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Mystic Places in CT in 2002. Lots of fun, even pacing, right on target, lost skin from my feet but was ready to go for more and longer.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? May of 2001 was my first run/race, my coworker dragged me with her. She was sorry she did, I beat her by 10 min and started to sign for every race I could – picture NYC, Central Park and every weekend.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I met tp! at the first race in PNW, didn’t have any friends here yet, especially ones that consider normal running races so often, and liked the sound of Maniacs. Besides, Tony is doing a great job pursuing you to join.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Not even milli-second to think – WS100.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? I love all my running partners. And I also love to run alone. It really doesn’t matter that much to me.

If only my nephew could come back…I still rather have a drink with him than run an ultra.

What was you most memorable marathon and why? WS100 in 2005. I had a plan, trained seriously, excecuted that plan to the latest detail, had a blast on the way with lots of friends and the most amazing views, and managed to place in this prime-time ultra.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? For a 100M? J Umstead in NC. Marathon? Don’t know.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? NYC to CA and OR to VA.

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? I don’t have non-running friends (though coworkers do think so) and my husband is even crazier than I am. My parents hate this, but they are too far and I don’t tell them what I do. My kids are used to it and think it’s quite normal – they’d be surprised if I didn’t disappear for at least 6 hrs on the weekend or decided to run a 10k

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? No more than 12 – so I could try and give my best to each of them.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Don’t really have a favorite.

Where do you keep your finisher medals? My younger son has it in his playroom, if he didn’t share them with friends. I don’t know.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Never – well, only few of them my husband trains in because they are functional fabrics. I give them to Salvation Army.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? I would like to say Columbia Gorge as it’s my favorite place to run, but I’d hate the crowds and mess to get into this sanctuary.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Yellow, but mine is in the closet. To see – yellow stands out, black is depressing.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Mashed potatoes. Cheese omlete.

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? E-Crank. Perpetium.

Which race would you never run again and why? NYC marathon. Too crowded and loud fro my taste. Though it’s good for first-time inspiration, as a goal.

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Wasatch 100 – serious hypothermia. Leadville 100 – pulmonary edema.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Off season – 50, in season – 70, peak – 90, all trails with one track workout a week. Gym sessions with weghts, stairmaster and spin classes as x-training (want to learn to bike this year), yoga once a week (wish had more time for this one), at least 4 hrs on trails on the weekend.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Gail Snyder is my best partner. We also have a large group of ultra-trail junkies in Portland, OR and any day they are ready to keep you company.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Montrail Masai. Brooks Cascadia for a 100, but will try Masai next year (only went 50 and 100k for now).

What are your short-term running goals? Take racing seriously.

What are your long-term running goals? Keep running and enjoying it.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Anything that has to do with trails, like reading about them, hiking with kids and friends, climbing with husband…visiting friends is very much fun too.

What is your favorite Beatle song? I don’t speak English “Back to the USSR” sounds good to me.