Crazy Group of Runners and a Maniacs Survey.

7 miles to kick off Friday eve this morning. I am so ready for the weekend, no doubt! Bring on pool time, hydrating lots and kicking it with friends.

Of course I had to rep the Marathon Maniacs with my fancy headband. Yes, I am a part of that crazy group of runners and I love it.

Most of you know I qualified for this group back in 2014 when I completed my 3 back to back 26.2s within the span of about 2 months! It was a good time.

Speaking of which, they had me complete a fun Maniacs questionnaire not too long ago that I thought I would share with you all. Let’s get straight to it.

–State or Country you live in? Texas

–How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?
I have been serious about running for a little over 7 years now. I dabbled in track and field in high school but was never really that good. Then after graduating college I decided to join a running club and train for my first half marathon. Training for the half was my stepping stone to eventually running full marathons.

–Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Who or what inspired you?
I have a few running buddies that have been Maniacs for a while. I always thought they were completely nuts and did not understand who in their right mind would want to run full marathons more than once a year. Now I am one of those people!

–What do you like best about being a Maniac? I have found my people.

–Do you also run half marathons? If so, are you a Half Fanatic too? Yes…I love the half distance but there is just something about 26.2 that changes you inside and out.

Stuff About Races

–What was the first race you ever completed? (Any distance) Dallas Running Club Half Marathon in 2009

-What was your first marathon? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? What is the thing you remember MOST about this race? The Chicago Marathon in 2010. I remember loving the diversity and beauty of the city. Definitely would love to go back to Chi-town and run that one again.

–Have you ever run an ultra-marathon (50K and up)? What is the longest race you’ve run? Which ultra do you remember best and why? I ran a virtual 50k (31 miles) back in March a couple of days after completing a half marathon. It was no doubt one of the toughest runs I’ve ever done!

–Which marathon or ultra would you never run again and why? Galveston Marathon…I had a pretty decent time performance wise (3:56) but the weather that time of year is extremely unpredictable. The year I ran, it was storming and 30 degrees with 40 mph winds. I would probably go back though just to run the half.

–Which one has been your favorite? Marine Corps Marathon

–What was the most challenging marathon/ultra or combination of marathons/ultras you’ve ever done and why? Cowtown Marathon…it’s very hilly and again the weather at times is very unpredictable. Gotta love Texas!

–Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Big Sur Marathon in California

–If you could run a marathon/ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Dean Karnazes…because he’s awesome.

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

–What was your most memorable race (any distance) and why? Marine Corps Marathon Oct 2011- Of course because I PR’d and I just love the support of the Marines.

–If someone asked you to pick a marathon for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? Either Chicago or the Houston Marathon, for sure. Both are fast and flat.

–What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a marathon or ultra? Erie, Pennsylvania. We were right up near Canada!

–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? Yes…they have all just accepted my crazy.

–If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons/ultras would you run in one year? Probably once a month. I teach spin classes and love to do other types of workouts as well so it’s nice to have a balance but I love running the marathon distance.

Stuff About Stuff

–Is receiving a medal important to you? From what marathon or ultra did you receive your favorite finisher’s medal? Yes, I have a pretty nice collection now. The one I just received from Cowtown is probably my favorite because it has a spur and belt buckle attached to it.

–Where do you keep your finisher medals? On my bedroom wall.

–Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear?
Would you rather receive a cotton shirt or a technical fiber shirt? Either one. The cotton ones are usually great pajamas.

Stuff About Training

–What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I typically run anywhere from 40-50 miles a week. Teach spin classes 3-4 times a week and strength training/yoga about twice a week.

–What training advice would you give to some one who wants to run their first marathon? How about their first double (2 in 2 days)? Or their first 50-miler? Trust your training and listen to your body. Rest when you need it as opposed to strictly following a schedule. Cross train to maintain a balance and avoid injury.

–Do you have a training partner(s)? If so, who? I have trained with/coached with Luke’s Locker in Plano, TX for the past few years. Now I mostly train and run solo. It’s a form of moving meditation for me and since I spend a ton of time teaching group fitness classes I now look forward to the peaceful running time on my own.

–What about eating? Pasta dinner the night before? Breakfast before the race? Favorite post-race food and drink? A nice carbo load meal (I love quinoa pasta or a thin crust pizza) 2 days prior to the marathon. The night before I eat something carby but a little bit lighter so it doesn’t weigh down on you the next morning. I love to eat the honey stinger waffles the morning of the race.

–Do you eat gels during races? What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Cherry sports beans or Gu with caffiene. I usually drink whatever is on the course during the race…alternating electrolyte drink with water.

–What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Asics or Newtons.

–What are your short-term running goals? PR in any race distance, but overall just to run a strong, hard race where I give it my all.

–What are your long-term running goals? Become overall stronger, more fit and balanced as a runner. Also to continue my pursuit in ultra running! I plan on running another 50k in spring of 2016.

Stuff About Other Stuff

–Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run? Teach spin class, go to yoga, travel, enjoy a nice glass of wine or two!

Tell me some running stuff about you! Shoes you train in…short term/long term running goals? What do you like to do for fun other than RUN?!