Maniac Questionnaire
1/14/07
Name: Phil Min
Maniac # :454
State you live in: Alabama
How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 43
What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) 5K
What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you
run it? Did you have fun that day? I ran
the 2000 Tupelo Marathon by mistake. I was supposed to run the 14.2 mile run. I
was running alongside a lady from Canada who was struggling with the humidity.
I decided to turn with her at the split point and try to help her finish. It
was a very hot day, but I had a great time!
How long have you been a runner and why did you start
running? I ran in my early twenties,
nothing longer than a 10K. I started again in 2000 and ran four ‘thons by the
end of the year.
Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
I was inspired to run a marathon by a
young lady who was a fellow student in one of my doctoral classes. She came to
class on a Monday wearing her marathon medal from the previous weekend. I think
the idea really captured my imagination and set me on the path to losing 70
pounds and being able to run long distances for fun. I guess there was a Maniac
inside of me all along!
Of all the races out there in this world, which one would
you most like to run? The next one I have
planned.
If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My wife, Leigh Ann. We have run a half together, but not a full. I think it would be a blast!
What was your most memorable marathon and why? 2004 Mercedes Marathon. I won the Mercedes
M-Class SUV they gave away in the drawing at the awards ceremony! It was my
twentieth marathon and my hometown race. I also got interviewed by Amby
Burfoot.. That’s the only time Runner’s World would talk to a back of the
packer like me.
If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they
could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Jacksonville, Baton Rouge,
Columbus, or Chicago.
What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Bangor, ME
Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing
that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? Yes! What are some of their
comments to you? That’s not good for you!
You are going to have a heart attack doing that. Don’t you have to go somewhere
and lie down after doing one of those? I would do one but I hurt my (Fill in
the blank) and am afraid to exercise at all. I saw on TV where running
marathons was not healthy for you. All
of these comments accompanied with negative body language.
If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? 12-15
From what race did you receive your favorite finishers
medal? Tie between Goat Milk Marathon in
Mississippi and Flying Monkey in Nashville. Both are tough races with unique medals. The Tupelo folks do a great job
as well.
Where do you keep your finisher medals? On a tie rack on the outside of a closet door. I create a lot of racket
when we open it.
Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I had the first twenty made into a beautiful quilt that we use as a wall hanging. I am wearing some of the others presently, but I now have enough to make another quilt.
Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Varies according to my mood phase of mania; high or low.
What is your favorite pre race meal? Soup or baked potato Post race meal? Chinese Buffet
What is your energy gel of choice? Power Gel Sport Drink of choice? Ultima. It tastes like medicine, but gives good results.
Which race would you never run again and why? Really, none of them. I have found if I had
a bad experience, I usually did not plan or ask enough questions. MostR
Directors deliver on what they promise, but you have to read between the lines!
What was the most challenging race or combination of races
you’ve ever done and why? I did 4 ‘thons
in 29 days in the Fall of 06. Chickamauga Battlefield, Flying Monkey, Baton
Rouge Beach, and Rocket City. I got a small knot in my gastroc at Baton Rouge
Beach, and apparently made it worse by holding my foot to the gas pedal for 6
hours on the way home (no cruise control). The next week I could run, but could
not walk without pain. I ran Rocket City with a friend the next week and
struggled through it. I think it was then that I knew I was a Maniac!
What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles
do you run? Any cross training? Run 5-6
days, mostly with a group. Hills on Tuesdays, sorta long on Wednesday (8-10)
and long on Saturday (15-21). I usually
run between 42-52 miles per week. No cross training right now, but I like to
spin when I can.
Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? I have been running with a great group of
people from the Birmingham Track Club. Most of them started in the “Couch to 5K
Program” and have extended themselves to half and full marathons. They are a
very fun and inspiring group.
What kind of shoes do you train in? Brooks Beast or New Balance 1010 Do you race in a different shoe? No
What are your short-term running goals? Try not to get injured!
What are your long-term running goals? Lose weight and run a little faster in my ‘thons.
Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than
run marathons? Read and listen to music.
Who
is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on
head)
Actually, my hero is a Flying Monkey!