Maniac questionnaire

June 7, 2006

Name Robert (Bob) English

Maniac #302

State you live in - California

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? As of 6/4/06, 5 marathons and 5 half-marathons.

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) - 200m in High School Track

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? – Los Angeles Marathon 2005. The sense of accomplishment was exhilarating!

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? - I ran track in high school, but I was primarily a sprinter and a long jumper/triple jumper. My next “phase” of running came during the military, but still my distances were generally only about 5-6 miles max and a 12 mile race one year. The first real long distance running came with the Los Angeles Marathon at age 37. Primarily, I started the marathon because I was down in the dumps from a breakup and my friend asked if I would join him in running the marathon. Of course, the downside was that it was only about 3 weeks away.

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? As I ran more marathons, I got a little mad at my performance and wanted to set some goals. I then set a goal of running 6 marathons and 6 half-marathons in one year. Somehow, I ended up with 3 back to back marathons which was enough to get me started as a maniac. I also have set a long term goal of qualifying for Boston. I was lucky enough to run into Maniac Les Omura at the Reno Marathon and he told me about the maniac organization.

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

I have 3 – Great Wall Marathon, Athens Marathon, and Boston

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

Frank Shorter – I just met him and he is a great guy and Olympic Gold Medalist…very inspiring.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?

Country Music Marathon in Nashville – Setting a huge PR for myself and running it completely alone was very memorable.

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

Ha…..none of my courses have yet seemed particularly suited for a PR.

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

Across the ocean from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

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?

They express admiration, but I think that they may suspect that I am a bit loony.

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

I think 12 would be my optimal number…..although if my ability were a bit better, I would do one every other week…so 26.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

The Country Music Marathon was a big huge heavy medal….I kinda like that.

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

I have a poster on my wall from my first marathon that put pushpins into to hang my race numbers and medals.

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

I do wear them regularly. I am thinking about making a t-shirt quilt as they start to pile up.

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

The Scottish Highlands Trail Marathon…..sounds good to me or maybe New Zealand

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?

I like the Black

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

Pre race – basic pasta Post race – A huge double burger with bacon.

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

I like powergel – tropical fruit. Sport drinks don’t matter that much, but I like Propel water.

Which race would you never run again and why?

I am always game to re-run a race.

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

Most recent set of challenges for me was CMM, Reno ½, Revlon 5K, PV ½, Saddleback ½, and San Diego RnR Marathon all on consecutive weekends. 6 events in 6 weeks.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? Typical training week is 1-3 miles hard pace each morning with a long run or race on the weekend. I am now adding swimming/biking as cross training in preparation for my first Triathlon.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?

No Partner

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

Adidas Boston Classic. I train and race in the same shoes.

What are your short-term running goals?

6 marathons, 6 half, and one Ultra this year. Break 5 hours by Las Vegas in December.

What are your long-term running goals?

Qualify for Boston, Place in an age-group, Run all 50 states and 7 continents.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?

Rock Climb, Volleyball

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

Superman