Marathon Maniacs News Letter – December 2005 / January 2006

 

                                                     

December Highlights

·         20 new members for the month of December (234 total members)

·         Gregg Walchli wins the Christmas Marathon

·         Terry Sentinella wins the "Last Chance for Stars" Marathon

·         Congratulations to our second female 10-star Titanium Maniac…Marie Bartoletti, and male 10-star Maniac Keith Panzer

·         Enjoy the newsletter's newest guest columnist…none other than "the Rev"

 

*****IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*****

If you find a discrepancy or are missing any information that should be in the scorecard (number of marathons/ultras, total count and states/countries/provinces run, please contact Main Maniac.  He will be more than happy to make the corrections.  Or if you find that Main Maniac (with cat on head) has omitted your name from a milestone (50, 100 marathon mark, placing in races, etc..)  please let him know…he wants to give credit where credit is due.

 

Also, if it's your Maniac anniversary date, please help Main Maniac out by renewing your membership. Dues collected help pay for website fees and maintenance, purchasing of more singlets and other wear and…future surprises. Keep your Maniac Seniority Number!

                                                  

Upcoming Marathon News / Discounts

 

·         Tallahassee Marathon (2/19/06): Offering a $5 discount for members

http://www.tallahasseemarathon.com/

·         Bank of America (Gasparilla Distance Classic) 2/25-26/06: Make your plans to come down to Tampa, Florida for the Marathon Maniacs first ever "reunion" marathon. And that's just the beginning of the festivities. Join us to honor Maniacs J. Ellis and Meridith Johnson, as they will be exchanging marriage vows following the marathon. Don "the Rev" Kienz will be officiating the event.  http://www.tampabayrun.com/

·         Big Island Marathon (3/19/06): Race Director Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph is happy to give any Marathon Maniac a $5 discount on any of the three races they host on March 19, 2006   http://www.hilomarathon.com

·         Knoxville Marathon (3/26/05): $5 discount off your registration. Simply enter CHA2005 for the referral code when you register on http://www.knoxvillemarathon.com/

·         Country Music Marathon (4/29/06): Receive $15 off when you register online and enter the coupon code FULL55 on http://www.cmmarathon.com/

·         New Jersey Marathon (4/30/06): Art Castellano is offering the Maniacs a $20 discount. Just indicate Marathon Maniacs on the application for proper processing. http://www.njmarathon.org/

·         Green Bay Marathon (5/21/06): Offering Maniacs a 10% discount on the entry fee.

http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/

·         Paul Bunyan Marathon (7/16/06): Special Discounts for Marathon Maniac Runners!!!
All Maniac Members will receive TWO (2) free passes to the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner ($30 dollar value) and be offered a special $75 a night room rate at our lodging sponsor, the Black Bear Inn Hotel; this is a 25%+ discount. Fifty (50) rooms will be placed on hold as this could be a "Maniac Summer Meeting in Maine" for members. As a token of our appreciation to your club The Paul Bunyan Marathon Race Committee will donate a table to promote your running club at our Expo free of charge. http://www.paulbunyanmarathon.com/

 

Be sure to check the Maniac discounts link periodically…you don't know what kind of bargains the Main Maniacs will come up with! http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/ManiacDiscounts.htm

 

Please check out the feature on the website "Meet the Members". Newest "interview" include Maniac

Michael Shilling.  Our goal is to have each and every one of you profiled.  The next question…Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan…who is your favorite "James Bond?"   

 

Be a part of the geographical equation…include yourself in the Marathon Maniacs "frappr"

http://www.frappr.com/marathonmaniacs

 

Glenn Tachiyama and Jamie Mieras have collaborated to create a 2006 wall calendar with a Northwest Ultra theme. ALL proceeds will go to the Washington Trails Association (WTA). Calendars should be ready by December 20th. Calendars can also be purchased at Seattle Running Company. If you would like to place a order contact Maniac #10 Glenn Tachiyama at gjtach@gmail.com or Jamie Mieras at j.mieras@comcast.net. You can preview the images that will be featured on the calendar at, http://www.pbase.com/gtach/calendar06 Password: dagoba

 

                                    The Marathon Maniacs…at the Races

December 3

Baton Rouge Marathon: Tom Detore, Craig Holcomb, Larry Macon, Cheryl Murdock

Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon: Jennifer Beck, Sue Fauerbach, John Hutchinson, Don "the Rev" Kienz,  Eric Kreuter, Cathy West and Steven Yee

                               

John (#199) Hutchinson with Sue Fauerbach and Don "the Rev" Kienz      Jennifer (#190) Beck

 

St. Jude Memphis Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Dave Bell, Lois Berkowitz, Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Kevin Brosi, Philip DeYoung, Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Brenton Floyd, Robert "srlopez" Lopez, Terry Sentinella, Lisa Spence, Sam Thompson, Cathy Troisi and new Maniacs Jay Seashore and Lou Karl.

Bob Dolphin's Race Report:

http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/MM/TeamDolphin/ST.JUDE%20MEMPHIS%20MARATHON2005.htm

Tecumseh Trail Marathon: Steve Monk and new Maniac Todd Baxter

Death Valley Borax Marathon: Al Harman, Kurt Lauer

      

       Al (#89) Harman                                   Palladium Maniacs                                Kurt (#61) Lauer       

 

December 4

California International Marathon: Carol Dellinger, Gary Geuss, Steve Supkoff and new Maniac Cynthia Witman. 

 

Barb Bumann's race report: December 4 marked the last of my running partner's and my quest for 12 marathons in 12 months. We succeeded beyond our wildest dreams, with me bagging 13 and Chris Marr, who signed up for Spokane in a fit of exuberance in October, upping his total to 14.  Yesterday we were more than ready for the quest to be over.

 

I struggled to recover from the NYC Marathon -- dropping my monthly running total from a year-long high of 195 in October to 140 in November. For the first time all year I actually tapered, which resulted in a heavy, sluggish feeling by the time we left for California this weekend. Even Sunday morning I was reluctant to get off the bus and just wanted to go back to the hotel, crawl back into bed and sleep some more. Not my usual energetic self at all.  None of this boded well for an especially good marathon. CM, battling a head cold that moved to his chest during the week, opted to stay at my pace instead of jackrabbiting ahead to a better time. He also handed in his sweats bag without putting any gels in his pockets -- a level of spaciness matched only by me in not packing a long-sleeve shirt to wear under my Maniac singlet. Fortunately the race shirt was coolmax so I put that on and
all was well. Chris's problem was solved by the GU offered at some of the aid stations though he said later he'd forgotten how "nasty" it is!

 

This race is billed as "the fastest course in the West," but it's not as fast as Tucson or St. George. I went out too quickly thinking that the downhill at the end would pull me along, but no downhill ever materialized! While the course shows a net elevation loss overall, the rolling hills don't stop until the last couple of miles, which are pancake flat but difficult nonetheless -- especially if you run out of gas around mile 17 or so :-).  And I wasn't the only one: We passed a fellow in a singlet on which he'd lettered "3:35 to Boston." That guy would have been lucky to break four hours.

 

The weather could not have been more perfect -- sunny, but chilly with a bit of a breeze. It felt wonderful to me, so I kept telling myself, "What are you whining about? The weather's perfect, stomach feels good -- so your
legs are a little tired. Keep turning them over!" I did, and the result was a fair one for my effort -- 3:51:06 gun time, which although results aren't posted yet I'm sure left me with a 3:50 and change chip time because it took us 30 seconds or so to reach the start.  And I did run like h - e - double toothpicks to come in under 3:51 but my
last-ditch effort was too little too late :-).  Next year I think I'll strive for quality rather than quantity. Right now
it sounds good to do something different -- like ski! Woohoo! All the resorts are open now and there's more white stuff on our horizon.

 

Las Vegas Marathon: Andre Boulais, Belinda Contreras, Michael Dutton, Al Harman, J Ellis, Deo Jaravata, Bruce Katter, Todd King, Ron Knecht, Kurt Lauer, Larry Macon, Dana Mosell, Don Pattison, Blaine Phillips, John Richeson, Rob Willis and new Maniacs Gail Phillips, Rick Smith, Bret "Fat-Boyee" Henry.

                                  

                                                                    King Turtle (#45) aka J Ellis

 

High Desert 50km Ultra: David Dassey, Andy Kumeda

Marathon of the Palm Beaches: New Maniac Harry Hoffman

Luton Marathon: Roger Biggs

Tuscon Marathon: Janet Burgess, Monte Fus, Christine Humble, Jim Morton, Keith Panzer

 

December 10

Birch Bay "Ghost" Marathon: Barefoot Jon, Jim Boyd, Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Christel Elliot, Richard "Road Kill" Haase, Stacy "Possum" Otter, Van "pigtails" Phan, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Terry Sentinella, Michael Shiach. Bob Dolphin's Race Report:

http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/MM/TeamDolphin/BIRCH%20BAY%20MARATHON.htm

Fat Ass 50km: Jack Heely, Andrew Moore

Kiawah Island Marathon: Craig Holcomb, John Hutchinson, Larry Macon, Greg Roth, Ron Westbury

Rocket City Marathon: Brenton Floyd, Greg Miller, Cheryl Murdock, Fiona Wright, Wayne Wright

SunMart Ultra: Steve Boone, Andrew Edwards, Ruth Morrow

 
December 11

Calvia Marathon: Roger Biggs

Dallas White Rock Marathon: Kevin Brosi, Philip DeYoung, Keith Panzer, Cathy West

 

Honolulu Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Sue Fauerbach, Russ Johnson, Les Omura, Tim Pate, Amanda Preble, Charles Sayles, Steven Yee and new Maniac Mike Antrim.

               

Maniacs #1 and #7 preparing for battle…the Honolulu Marathon          The Prez and Jen (#29) Yogi

 

December 17

Flat Ass: Maura Schwartz

 

December 18

Jacksonville Marathon: Brenton Floyd, John Hutchinson, Larry Macon, Cheryl Murdock and Harry Hoffman

Taipei International Expressway Marathon: Kurt Lauer

 

 

             

         Robert (#97) Hester                                Christel (#155) Elliott                       Janet (#74) Burgess

 

Christmas Marathon: Jim Boyd, Janet Burgess, Ruben Contreras, Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Christel Elliot, Sue Fauerbach, Steve "El Pinquino" Frederickson, Richard "Road Kill" Haase, Eddie Hahn, Bret "Fat-Boyee" Henry, Robert Hester, Barefoot Jon, David Jones, Lesa Overfield, tony! Phillippi, Gail Phillips, Mel Preedy, Fenny Roberts, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Jim Scheer, Michael Shiach, Rick Smith, Gregg Walchli, Steven Yee, Guy Yogi and new Maniacs Kate Merrill and Patch Dahl.

 

Bob Dolphin's Race Report:

http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/MM/TeamDolphin/CHRISTMAS%20MARATHON2005.htm

 

                                                                               

    Winner Gregg (#40) Walchli       Maniacs Ruben (#60) Contreras, Mark (#25) Looi and Guy (# 28) Yogi

 

The marathonguide.com summary…Gregg Walchli, 43 of Seattle WA, was the winner of the 2005 Christmas Marathon in 2:56:33. Walchli's victory ends a year of running for the Seattle native that included victories at the Valentine's Day Marathon, Gateway to the Pacific Marathon, Pacific Crest Marathon; and third place finishes at the Shore to Shore Marathon and the Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon - part of a 21-marathon year.

         

      Mel (#24) Preedy                Jim (#122) Boyd             Eddie (#184) Hahn           Barefoot (#209) Jon

 

Dec 31

 

                      

                            Last Chance Marathon Race Director Slug and reliable assistant Possum

Last Chance for "Stars" Marathon: Patch Dahl, Steve Duncan, Sue Fauerbach, Richard "Road Kill" Haase, Stan Nakashima, Lesa Overfield, tony! Phillippi, Van "Pig Tails" Phan, Mel Preedy, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Terry Sentinella, Michael Shiach, Steven Yee, Guy Yogi, Jen Yogi

             

Steve (#214) Duncan    Van "Pigtails(#27) Phan   Terry (#112) Sentinella     Rick "Road Kill (#115) Haase

 

The "Last Chance for Stars" Marathon offered an opportunity for Maniacs to get "promoted" to the next star level before 2006. Out of the 15 Maniacs who completed the marathon, guess how many were promoted? That's right…zero! These Maniacs just flat-out love to run marathons.

            

                tp! (#3)                      Mike (#33) Shiach    Lesa "Ms Biceps" (#49) Overfield        Stan  (#176) Nakashima

 

Recovery from the Holiday 50km: Brenton Floyd

Purge and Splurge 50km: Robert Hester, Jeff Perry, Olga "Bear" Varlamova

Trial Luna Chick Nye 50km: Harry Hoffman

 

The Maniac sage…Words to make you smile…

         Why do Rhinos have so many wrinkles?…because they're hard to iron!

 

Noteworthy Accomplishments / Promotions / Omissions / Maniac Stuff:

 

Ø       Titanium Maniacs: Marie Bartoletti and Keith Panzer for completing marathons in 30 states this year. Its worth noting that Marie had originally scheduled 24 marathons this year, but the 10-star allure prompted her to add 6 additional marathons to her itinerary. And Marie has completed the 50-state circuit in less than 2 years. Now that's a lot of travelling.

Ø       Platinum Maniac: Paula Boone for completing marathons in 23 states this year

Ø       Palladium Maniacs: Al Harman and Kurt Lauer for completing 14 marathons in 13 weeks.

Ø       Ruthenium Maniac: Terry Sentinella and Don "the Rev" Kienz for completing 13 states/provinces in 2005 and Rick Haase for completing 29 races this year.

Ø       Gold Maniacs: Todd King and Blaine Phillips for completing 12 marathons this year

Ø       150 marathon mark: Cheri Gillis (Seattle Marathon)

Ø       50 marathon mark: J Ellis (Las Vegas Marathon), Keith Whited (Marine Corps Marathon)

Ø       Marathon Streaking: Congratulations to Carol Dellinger, whom for the last 13 years has run at least 13-15 marathons a year. Quite a feat.

Ø       Volunteering effort: Bill Zager just returned from New Orleans where he was doing volunteer work. The 11
days were extremely rewarding and an experience beyond his expectations. He brought running clothes but never had a chance to run. Anyone interested in information about volunteering in New Orleans please contact him by e-mail or his cell phone (215-327-2050) billasg@Comcast.net.

Ø       Press Clippings: Diana "Slug" Robinson in the Bellingham Herald  http://www.bellinghamherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005512200357

Craig Holcomb in USA Today.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-18-marathon-man_x.htm

Ø       Thanks again to John Elliot for his valuable time and effort for linking marathonmaniacs.com with marathonguide.com, and establishing the race spreadsheet and bulletin board options.

 

The Maniacs…the final tally for 2005

 

Races

Maniac

 

Races

Maniac

79

Larry Macon

 

56

Sue Fauerbach

57

Steven Yee

 

32

Diana "Slug" Robinson

50

Craig Holcomb

 

31

Marie Bartoletti

52

Brenton Floyd

 

28

Van Phan

41

Roger Biggs

 

27

Annie Thiessen

34

Tony Phillippi

 

24

Cheryl Murdock

34

Steve Boone

 

24

Paula Boone

33

Kurt Lauer

 

20

Amy Yanni

30

Keith Panzer

 

20

Debbra Jacobs-Robinson

 

New Members for the Month of December

12/01 - Bill Barmore #215 (Gig Harbor, Washington): A leg injury has limited Bill's participation in marathons this year but recently came back to complete the Portland, Tri-Cities and Seattle Marathons to qualify for Bronze induction.  Having run 13 total marathons, he especially enjoyed his recent Seattle outing as he ran the entire distance with Maniac Christel (#155).

                                                         

          New Maniacs: Bill (#215) Barmore                                Patch (#231) Dahl

 

12/06 - Mike Antrim #216 (Loveland, Ohio): Having just completed the Honolulu Marathon qualified Mike for Gold status (12 marathons in 12 months).  His lifetime totals include 25 marathons in 11 states. And how about this number…he has completed 125 Duathlons!

 

12/10 - Jim Griffin #217 (Duncan, British Columbia, Canada): The 7th Canadian to join the Maniac family, Jim has completed 2 marathons (Port Alberni Log Train and Royal Victoria) and 1 ultra (Port Hardy Coast to Coast 50 km) in 3 months to enter as a Bronze member. A heartfelt thanks go to Maniac Susan (#75) for suggesting to Jim that he apply for Maniac membership.


12/12 - Russ McCaffery #218 (Warwick, Rhode Island): Our first member from Rhode Island, Russ may be the only Maniac who can claim that his first 4 marathons were run in 4 different countries. His streak of 3 marathons in 90 days include finishes at Sydney, Buenos Aires and Singapore. Russ only started running in January, with his only other marathon in the United States (San Diego Rock and Roll). 

 12/13 - Barefoot Rick Roeber #219 (Lee's Summit, Missouri): I witnessed the antics of Barefoot Rick up close and personal as he methodically passed me in the Gobbler Grind Marathon. A purist who never wears shoes when running, Rick runs almost every day, even through the winter snows in the Midwest. His 8 marathons this year qualifies him for Silver status.

 

12/13 - Barefoot KenBob Saxton #220 (Huntington Beach, California): Another barefoot runner in the Insane Asylum, courtesy of Maniac Barefoot Jon (#209). KenBob is the "original" barefoot runner whose early web page in 1997 brought together legions of other barefoot runners from all over the world. In 2004, KenBob completed 13 marathons to earn him Gold level status.

 

12/14 - Cynthia "Draggon" Witman #221 (Walla Walla, Washington): With only one marathon run in 2003 and 2004, Cynthia's running took off in 2005, with 8 marathon finishes.  As a Silver maniac, Cynthia may want to run more marathons but says "there are just too many other wonderful things to do also".

 

12/15 - Kent Sizer #222 (Renton, Washington): Kent has 7 marathons to date, but he's on a speed demon roll as his last three (Twin Cities, Marine Corps and Seattle) were in 3:10 and faster. Those 3 marathons in 90 days qualified him for Bronze membership in the Insane Asylum.

 

12/17 - Harry Hoffman #223 (Port Salerno, Florida): Harry completed his 100th marathon at the Mardi Gras Marathon this past year, and had a 7 state in 7 weeks marathon crusade (4-star Iridium) that ended at the Caspar Marathon in June.  He met Maniac Bob (#32) who introduced him into the 100-marathon club. His total now stands at 111.  We know Harry will never have problems with his spouse not letting him run his marathons …his wife Merry runs half-marathons.

 

12/19 - Jon Mahoney #224 (Vernon, British Columbia, Canada): Not only is Jon in the upper echelon of total marathons completed (207 including 7 ultras), he's run in 9 countries and has averaged 20 marathons a year for the past 10 years, with a high of 35 in 2000.  A few years ago, Jon did the Tahoe Triple plus another marathon for his streak of 4 in 8 days. Welcome to the 6-star Osmium club, Jon!


12/19 - Gail "Detour" Phillips #225 (Lake Oswego, Oregon): Having recently completed the Las Vegas and Christmas Marathons, as well as the Twin Cities Marathon in October qualifies Gail for Bronze membership.  Her nickname is "Detour" as one her colleagues states she sometimes gets lost in races and training runs and prefers "I took a detour" rather than saying "I got lost"! 


12/20 - Todd Baxter #226 (Columbus, Indiana): Todd's first marathon was in 2003 and since that time has completed 3 marathons in 3 months twice, with his most recent streak being completing the Tri-Cities, Mountain Home and the Tecumseh Trail Marathons.  He has completed 10 marathons in 7 states and is a Bronze member.

 
12/21 - Rick "Pole" Smith #227 (Camas, Washington): Another recent "graduate" of 3 marathons in 90 days (Marine Corps, Las Vegas and the Christmas Marathons), Rick has 7 marathons to his credit, in 4 states. He often gets together with Maniacs #225 and #228 for their runs.  His nickname is "Pole" as he once ran into a light pole on a training run.

 

12/21 - Bret "Fat-Boyee" Henry #228 (Lake Oswego, Oregon): Like Maniac #225, Bret ran the Twin Cities, Las Vegas and Christmas Marathons to qualify for Bronze Maniac induction. His 8 total marathons were run in 7 states and DC. And with a nickname "Fat-Boyee", how can we say no! With Maniacs #225 and 227, they have a their own group nickname…you've heard it before…the running SLUGS!

                                       

New Maniacs #228, 227 and 225…the SLUGS!           Yes Kate (right), its true…You're now a Maniac!

 

12/21 - Kate Merrill #229 (Astoria, Oregon): The streak of 3 marathons in 3 months continues on. A friend of Maniac Shelleena (#161) Kate recent completions of the Maine, Seattle and Christmas Marathons qualify her for Bronze induction.  She has 8 lifetime marathons (5 states) to her credit but adds…"I have big plans for 2006". Now that's what we want to hear!
  
12/22 - Jay Seashore #230 (West Hills, California): Also a member of the 50 states marathon club, Jay has run in 23 marathons and 1 ultra since 2003, including some exotic ones (Stockholm, Paris).  He as run in 9 different states this year, thus qualifying him for Silver status.


12/22 - Richard "Patch" Dahl #231 (Spanaway, Washington): "Patch" also managed to participate in the recent surge of 3 marathons in 3 months, all in the Pacific Northwest (Portland, UWR and Christmas).  He says he's excited to be part of the Maniac clan…and we're excited to have him on board!

 

12/23 - Gary Otheim #232 (East Wenatchee, Wa): Gary's running days go back at least 30 years, and his recent string of 3 marathons in 90 days (Chelan, Tri-Cities and Seattle) reaffirmed his commitment to marathoning, as he took an 11 year break from 1994-2005.  In his lifetime, Gary has completed 37 marathons.

 

12/25 - Lou Karl #233 (Strongville, Ohio): A Christmas gift from Maniac Claudia (#50), and that's all we know about Lou. Marathonguide.com says he's finished 5 marathons this year. So Lou, when you get the chance, e-mail us your stats.

 

12/25 - Debbra Jacobs-Robinson (Burbank, California): What a grand way to enter the Insane Asylum.  This year alone, Debbra has completed 19 marathons and 1 ultra in 20 states, thus joining the rarified air of 7-star Palladium status.  Since 1997, She has completed 77 races, in 45 states and DC. Way to go Debbra!


                                Rhetorical Revelations and W(Rites)…from the Rambunctious Rev

“The world is divided into three kinds of people:  those who are good with numbers,

    and those who aren’t.”   -- (?)

 

My Dear Mr. Prez,

You, Chris, and Tony have launched a refreshing marathon club, light, creative, and flexible, driven by accomplishments so remarkable you deserve your own ESPN show.  Through this club we make new (however strange) friends, spot one another thanks to the cat, and swap crazy stories.  You’ve created much happiness, and we Thank You.  And all for ten bucks a pop, too.

 

Furthermore, your graciousness towards every member, particularly in congratulating one and all with the same enthusiasm, regardless of the size of our streak or the speed of our run, keeps it fun for everyone.  Each of you have reminded us that every accomplishment in marathoning is special, and that message alone earns you Leaders For Life! {What a line…surely feeling so complimented, they’ll happily do the job for life…how smooth is that?}

I have noticed that the club can be described in two groups though, for you truly have attracted some incredibly incredible Maniacs. These people pull off unimaginable feats in running: 

Since reading that one, I’ve not yet been able to close my jaw.

               

All of that may help you understand what I mean by the second group.  We’re Marathon Maniacs too, clearly, but we sort of slipped into this Club of Legends through Bronze and Silver back doors.  Despite having figured out how to put on the yellow singlet frontwards, we really have no clue how we belong in the same sport, never mind the same fraternity.

               

We are delighted you’ve included us, and we giggle joyfully behind our “hey it was nothing” faces when you praise us, but honestly Prez, the view from here ranges from being inspired, to being awed, to, well, to hysterical laughter at the seeming impossibility of the accomplishments of those we could call the Mega-Maniacs branch.  So, I have a little proposal. It is profoundly educational and enormously entertaining to read about y’all from the perspective of somewhere further back in the accomplishment pack.  So I’d like to steal a corner of your newsletter to look at the view from back in the Mini-Maniac Pack. There are two reasons. 

One, for us Mighty Mites, we will see that we’re not alone when we sheepishly shy away from “little, common things” like signing up for two marathons in one week-end (“whateryou,nuts?”) or when we feel downright feeble (despite your graciousness) reading how some of you are using Pike’s Flippin’ Peak as a warm-up run to an Ultra. 

Two, the notes here will be a kind of cheering section to you in the Mega-Maniacs branch, reminding you how very different and extraordinary your accomplishments are from the rest of us Maniacs, never mind the rest of the planet.  Because the generalized comments here you may interpret as a kind of congratulations, they will hopefully be particularly meaningful to you coming from a fellow yellow wearer (though we do speculate amongst ourselves whether or not you folks are human, or if you just flat-out cheat…J). 

               

Oh yeah, ye genuine Superheros, you’ll have to take the occasional joke.  It is the only way we Sortaheroes maintain our sanity, mingling with ye of the Fleet Feet.  You see, it is incredibly funny in an painful, wicked sort of way to complete marathons so differently, suffering through five-hour adventures, only to realize that if we could have FINISHED the d*** distance in what we consider to be the far simpler Three-Oh-Six, we would have a) burned the same amount of calories, b) been eligible for the fancier medals and even fancier winnings, and c) gotten to the libations two hours sooner with the rest of you.  …And d), generally with leg muscles that are still work.  …And e) according to the pictures you post, with smiles(??) still on our happy (????) faces.  …And f), with our arms wrapped around pretty (or handsome) Fit people, with really nice legs.  Actually, I hate you. 

               

It is Different bein’ bronze and silver, but you’ve made it far more fun than it ever would have been without ol’ www.marathonmanics.com.  Thanks for all of it to the three of you, and we’ll check in again next month…you know, to keep the front of the pack aware of just who’s chasing ‘em and stuff. 

                                                                                All the best,

                                                                                MiniManiac #481.

                                                                (That’s about where we feel we oughta start our numbers.)

Finally, I think I'm pretty proud of my 0 in the Ultra column. It is the last evidence I have of previously being sane. All the best,
Rev

In an attempt to make the Marathon Maniacs one of the best and unique running clubs out there, we want to hear how we’re doing.  You as members know what you want and what you don’t want, so don’t hesitate to let us know.  We can’t guarantee that we can accommodate every request, but we’ll do the best we can.

 

If you have a desire to share your race experience with the rest of the Maniacs, feel free to write up a race report, submit it to us and we’ll post it in the monthly newsletter.  This is a good way to get the info you want into the letter and not just what we might write.

 

Maniac Ongoing Discounts


· $5 off marathons put on by Bob Green (his next one is the Valentine Marathon).
· 10% off any running shoes, apparel at the Bellevue, Wa Foot Zone store (ask for Jenny)
· discount on BITE sandals (contact Tony at tony@marathonmaniacs.com for details)
                       

More to come in the January / February 2006 Newsletter and to the web site soon.

The President has written…


         Main Maniac (with cat on head)
Did you all have a very Merry Maniac Christmas?