Maniac questionnaire

Name: Tom Saunders

Maniac # 615

State you live in: WA

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 47

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): Marathon

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Capitol City Marathon in 1985...Celebrated turning 40!!

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? Since 1985 when I joined the Olympia training group for the marathon. To do something special for being 40......

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? Always seeing the Maniacs at different marathons and the comrade they shared!!

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

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Bill Rogers...always admired his accomplishments

What was you most memorable marathon and why? The first one in 1985 and the Yakima River Canyon marathon in 2006 when I ran 3:48 which was the same as 1985...

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

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

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? Anyday now your knees are going to quit on you....

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? The 1st Prague Marathon about 3 months after the walls came down!!

Where do you keep your finisher medals? Bathroom on a peg

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? Yes as part of my daily runs...the ones I don't like go to Goodwill.

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

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Maniac Yellow

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Bagel/Cliff Bar & afterwards Pizza

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? whatever the marthon has

Which race would you never run again and why? Anything by Bob Green!!!!

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

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? 6 miles Monday thru Friday and long training run on Saturday. Any cross training? No

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

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Saucony Shadow 6000...used the same ones for 15 years...basic shoe that works well for me both train/race

What are your short-term running goals? continue with 6 - 8 marathons a year

What are your long-term running goals? to run as long as possible

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Hiking with my better half!!

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