Maniac questionnaire

January 16, 2007

Name Steve Grady

Maniac # 456

State you live in Texas

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 20

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) My first race was a 100 yard dash

a 7^th grade track meet in Ardmore, Oklahoma in 1969.

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 Dallas White Rock Marathon in December 2002.

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I began running 37 years ago and kept up running until my Junior year in college. I stopped running for several years. I got out of shape and heavy. I was having problems with

Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder. I found that running decreased the Meniere’s disease vertigo symptoms. I began running 10 years ago and lost 60 pounds. I believe running saved my life!

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I love running marathons. A running friend of mine, Thomas Okazaka aka T.O.of the Grapevine Runners and Walkers club. He is a marathon maniac and has inspired me by all the ultras and marathons he has run.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? I love all of them.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Jesus and my mother ,so we could catch up on things going on in heaven.

What was you most memorable marathon and why? My first one at the Dallas White Rock Marathon in Dallas! My wife and daughter almost had to carry me to the car after finishing!

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? The Oklahoma marathon in Tulsa Ok.

What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? About 350 miles

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? My non-running

friends think I am nuts! They ask, Why don’t you ride a bike or walk? You are almost 50 years old.”

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 15-20

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Wichita Marathon 2005

Where do you keep your finisher medals? On a rack above my computer

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear all of them.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? I would love to hold a marathon in Levelland, Texas. Levelland is a small town in west Texas. The land is flat and the people are super nice!

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Pre race meal is pasta. Post race meal is a cheese burger.

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

I like just about all the sports drinks. Gels upset my stomach on occasion.

Which race would you never run again and why?

I say I’ll never run the Waco Texas Miracle match marathon again, but I probably will.

It is one hilly marathon!

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

The Waco Miracle Match marathon because of all the hills and the 80 degree temps!

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I usually run 40 mi per week with a 16-29 mile long run on Saturdays.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I prefer to run alone,but like to join inwith others from time to time.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I run in either the

Mizuno Alchemy or New Balance 857. I also like the Brooks Adrenaline.

What are your short-term running goals? To finish out this marathon season running injury free.

What are your long-term running goals? To run a 50 mile ultra next year along with 5-6 other marathons.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? I like to fish for crappie and catfish at the Lake Lewisville Texas fishing barge.

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

Mike Leach, head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raider football team, is my super hero.