Maniac questionnaire

April 24, 2006

Name Steve “El Pinguino” Frederickson

Maniac #105

State you live in: Washington

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 87 marathon/72 ultras

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) 80 yard hurdles

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Big Sky Marathon, April 1965. I set up the “race” to protest the fact that NCAA runners could not participate in AAU sponsored events (I was running track and cross-country at the University of Montana at the time). The course was probably a bit short, since we measured it in a car, but it was tough. Missoula sits at 5200 feet. We ran on dirt roads around the back of Sentinel Mountain. There were a couple of long climbs and descents, and only one aid station. The final six miles were done on an unfinished section of I-90. There were four of us in the race. My time was 2 hours and 32 minutes. It was very competitive, so I didn’t have much fun. My first organized marathon was the Tacoma Marathon in 1981. My time was 3:43.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?

I have been a runner since the track season when I was in the 7^th grade. That was in 1959. I started running to get in shape for boxing. In junior high I ran the hurdles and the 660 yard run, which was the longest race available. In high school I ran cross-country, the 880, mile and 2 mile. In college I ran cross-country (6 miles), the 880, mile, 3 mile and steeple chase and sometimes the 3^rd leg of the mile relay (we had a small team).

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?

I thought that Cheri Gillis (nee Pompeo) looked really cool in her singlet. I wanted one just like it, so I joined up.

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

Marine Corps Marathon (I’m an ex Jarhead)

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

The other Penguin, John Bingham. He’s a funny guy, and he’s really slow.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?

The so-called “Last Marathon” in Antarctica in 1995. Location, location, location!

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

Rocky Racoon 100 for a 100 miler. Very runnable and no crew or pacers are needed to do well.

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

Tossup between Antarctica and South Africa (2 Oceans Marathon in Capetown).

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 think I run that much.

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

As many as my broken-down body would allow—these days that’s about 6 per year.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?

South Downs 80 Mile World Championships in England, because my wife ran the last 20 miles with me.

Where do you keep your finisher medals?

Hanging from pegs on my wall of fame.

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

I wear all of them except the ones that make my stomach look big.

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

Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay in Vietham.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?

Maniac Yellow with short black tights.

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

Pasta for pre-race, steak for post race.

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

Gu Banana for gel. For a sport drink, Gator Aide works for me. I used to like Exceed, but it has disappeared.

Which race would you never run again and why?

The Log Train Trail Marathon in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island. Hideous course and very little aid.

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

A 3-mile race 20-mile run in September 1968. In February 1968, during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, I was shot in the leg, peppered with grenade shrapnel, and bayoneted in the neck during the hill fights around Khe Sahn. I had also broken my back the previous October when a ¾ ton truck I was driving hit a mine. Six months later I was stationed in Kansas City, MO, in charge of the indoor pistol range and undergoing physical therapy. I had a lot of nerve damage in my lower back, hip and left leg, and the rehab was slow and very painful. In those days, all Marines (except those in combat areas) had to take a physical readiness test every quarter. It included sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and a three mile run. I was trying to run again, and I got talked into racing the three mile run against another Marine who had ran track in high school. Before long there were hundreds of dollars bet on us by the other marines at the small base. At that phase in my life I was a hard-drinking, cigarette-smoking human wreck. Luckily, a poor diet kept my weight at about 135 pounds. I figured I would have to run a 17:30 or better to beat the other guy. The course consisted of six half-mile laps around a gigantic parking lot. I went out too hard and faded in the middle laps, but luckily, the other guy faded too. I passed him in the last lap and won in just over 17 minutes. I coughed up blood and vomit for the next hour. The following week, after getting inspired watching the Mexico City Olympics coverage, I decided to try a 20 mile run. It was raining and cold, and I hit the wall after 10 miles or so. Dressed only in a cotton tee-shirt and shorts, I got soaked and hypothermic. I was rescued by a friend who happened to be driving by and saw me staggering down the road in a daze.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?

I have never been a high mileage trainer. At my peak in the early 80’s I was only doing 40 miles per week. Since undergoing spinal fusion surgery in 2002, I can only handle 15 to 20 miles of running or race-walking per week. I cross-train using an elliptical trainer or biking.

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

Fred Stafford when he’s not traveling for Boeing. Fred is the toughest guy in the world.

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

Any New Balance trail shoes (4E). I train and race in same shoes.

What are your short-term running goals?

To keep running, despite the issues from spinal fusion surgery.

What are your long-term running goals?

I want to finish at least one marathon or ultra each year after I turn sixty. I will turn 60 on Sep 21 of this year (2006).

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

Orienteering

Who is your favorite "James Bond?" Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan

Sean Connery