NOVEMBER 2010 NEWSLETTER Volume 7, Number 8

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS New York City Marathon

2-3

First Call Veteran’s Day

3-4

Half Fanatics

4

Rock N Roll San Antonio

6

Malibu Marathon

7

Route 66 Marathon

8-10

Social Networking

10

Flying Monkey Marathon

11

Quadzilla

12

Quadzilla Report

13

Wattle Waddle

14

Wishbone Run

15-16

Ghost of Seattle

17-18

Seattle Marathon

19-22

New Maniacs

23

Maniac Couples

24

Maniac Poll

24

Promotions

25

Report from InSane AsyLum

25

Discounts

26

Space Coast Marathon

27

Coming Up in December

27

Note from the Editor

28

Rhetorical Revelations from “The Rev”

29

The Quadzilla! The Big City! The Flying Monkey! The Historical Highway! The Lone Star State! The Sunny California Coast!

November 2010 Newsletter Magda Cardoso

The Main Maniacs with Gene Simmons aka Maniac Karl

Marathon Mitch

Pat Gleason

Tory Klementsen

Russ Johnson Narongdej "Jay" Jaroensabphayanont

Mary Hanna Kay LaBanca

Robin Flynn

Kathy Kass

2

November 2010 Newsletter Jim Laubsted

Lee Condron

Kino

Rebecca Sudduth

New York City Marathon (11/7/10): Linda Ambard, Trent Apple, Magda Cardoso, Dana Casanave, Max Christensen, Jonathan Clark, Charles "chuck-c" Clutter, Frank Colella, Ewell Condron, Lee Condron, Martha "Ginger26.2" Corazzini, Ryan Cross, Warren D'Rozario, Todd Daniels, Alexis Davidson, Aprelle Deuell, Richard Ervais, Walter "Maniac Man" Evans, Traci Falbo, Chris Ferrone, Robin "The Opera Singer" Flynn, Mat Gerowitz, Bruce Gilbert, Ryan Gillia, Pat Gleason, Michael Gonzalez, Roger Greene, C Earl Grider, Tim Guscott, Mary "mph" Hanna, Jack "JJ Mac" Heely, Sharon Hendricks, Tom Hosner, Jason Howard, Dean Hutchinson, Narongdej "Jay" Jaroensabphayanont, Gene Jochen, Russ "Breakable" Johnson, Kathy Kass, Dennis Kato, Patrick Keller, Cherry Kent, Paul Keyes, Don "The Rev " Kienz, Valerie Kilcoin, Hideki "Kino" Kinoshita, Tory "Teechur" Klementsen, Kathy Koetje-Simin, Paige "quacky running chick" Kurtz, Kay LaBanca, John Lafayette, Peter Lamb, Jim Laubsted, John 'Oksie' Lazaro, Karl Leitz, Shawn Loy, Sara Malcolm, Jim Mann, Patrick McDonnell, Frank Muller, Mark Niblo, Josh 'Novtrack' Novack, Karen Osborn, Vic Paganuzzi, George Pemberton, Maria Pemberton, tony (tp!) phillippi, Janis Posey, Kathy "Rad Queen" Pryor, Larry Rich, Emma Riconda, Susie Ro, Katie Robinson, Zander Ross, Chris "sweetpea" Scott, Renee "Run Girl Run" Shaw, Lori Sherwood, Lisa "Runner Girl" Short, Crystal Simmons, Laura Skladzinski, Tom Slocum, Kamika Smith, Chip Southern, Julie "the Seeker" Stark, Rebecca Sudduth, Ben Tam, Adrian Telling, Rick Thiounn, Dona Trejo, George Unruh, Jeff Urbanke, Dolores Valencia, CJ **Hollywood** Warren, Ryan Whitney, Carole Williams, Tom "Tater" Williams, Li-Chym Wu, Richard Yanoski, Jr., Prez Steven Yee Josh Novack

Mat Gerowitz

Jack Heely

Sharon Hendricks

Dana Casanave

Laura Skladzinski

3

November 2010 Newsletter

Betsy Rogers, Katie Robinson and Marie Zornes

Ted Eckert

Katie Robinson

First Call Veterans Day Marathon/50k (11/13): Shawn Aebi, Keven Babbitt, Jim Boyd, Tracy Brown, Adrian Call, Francesca Carmichael, Peter Corduan, Jim Duggan, Terri "Maverick" Gray, Rick "Road Kill" Haase, Matt "Pooky" Hagen, Gail "Detour" Phillips Henry, Jill Hudson, Jae-Byung Jung, Andy Lin, Jeff Loen, McLovin, Mike Mahanay, King Arthur Martineau, Rich Menzel, Ruthie Meraz, Gary Otheim, Josh Owen, Monte Pascual, Brian Pendleton, Van "pigtails" Phan, Nic Plemel, Cheri Pompeo (Gillis), Mel Preedy, Mike Pruyne, Marilyn "Mare" Pyke, Katie Robinson, Bob Satko, Scott Sebelsky, Scott Spangler, David"Marathon Diet"Spooner, Brian Starkey, Takao Suzuki, Linda Walter, Marie Zornes

David Spooner and Takao Suzuki

Jae-Byung Jung

Francesca Carmichael

Sue Maybee Jill Hudson

Van Phan

4

November 2010 Newsletter After a marathon, it looks like Marie is ready for a nap! 

Just days before her 50th birthday, Gail Henry ran her 50th marathon! Congrats!

The day after her birthday, Betsy Rogers celebrates by running a marathon!

Mel Preedy Bob Satko

Marathon Maniacs running half marathons…YES, it’s true!

Robert Lopez

Adrian Call

Linda Walter

Stan Nakashima

Bryan Miller

Peter Corduan

James Duggan

Tired of running marathons and ultras (HA!!)? Need to back down on that weekly mileage and concentrate on getting faster? Then join the Half Fanatics (halffanatics.com). There are currently over 500 members in the Fanatic Asylum, and I’m sure you’ll recognize a few names in the group. So jump on the bandwagon now, get your qualifying races in and join this new, zany group! www.halffanatics.com

Marie Zornes

Marilyn Pyke

Terri Gray

Mike Mahanay

5

November 2010 Newsletter Dave Mari

Steve Wisner

Johnathon Ward

Rock N Roll San Antonio Marathon (11/14): Jarrett Banks, Cheryl Baumann, Pony Express, Alexander "Neomedic" Chin, Rich Colfack, Christine Dibbs, Tamie Digman, Susan Glesne, C Earl Grider, Dan Hausser, Ethan Hopkin, "Da Do Run" Ron Kalich, Dagmar Knudsen, Danny Lyon, Dave Mari, Mike Marlowe, Michael Miller, Kevin Moore, Nemo, Heather Nerhood, Andrew Olsen, Les "Maniacles" Omura, Joe Paredes, Martin, Sherry Ricker, Ray "Crazy Ray" Rowehl, Sonja Schnautz, Robert "Shacky" Shackelford, Lisa "Runner Girl" Short, Frank Sizemore, Chad Spilman, John Teyhen, Ed Thompson, Mark Ulrich, Ryan Whitney, Steve Wisn

Lisa Hernandez, Adrienne Pinina Layo

Christine Dibbs

Kathy Thompson, Emil Cheng, Christine Dibbs

AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TURN IN THEIR PHOTOS AT A LATER TIME (I will ALWAYS accept your photos!!!) – [email protected]

Steve Wisner

6

November 2010 Newsletter

Malibu International Marathon (11/14): Marcia "Granny hips" Amos, Lisa "The Dancing Machine" Anderson, John Bozung, Quicksilver Runner, Marathon Mitch, Casey Chernesky, Sara Croft, David Dassey, Guillermo "Wil" Godinez, Eddie Hahn, "Cadillac" Steve Hernandez, Julie Honse, Ed Indvik, DEO, Sue Lee, Jon "Coconutboy" Mahoney, Sherry "MMM" Mahoney, Kirby "Flag Guy" Mills, Jessica "Wabbitz" Montoya, Rocco Morales, Dana Mosell, Brad Nelson, Satiro de Oliveira, Lesa Overfield, Jeanette Quintana, Joseph "Jo Jo Starbucks" Reilly, Galina Richardson, Silver Rivas, Nadia Ruiz, Erik Schnautz, Cat. Schwartz, Ward Sullivan, Joseph "The Marathon Show" Taricani, Li-Chym Wu, Ely Yaron, Janet Yoest

The Wabbitz and the Junkie!

Jon Mahoney

Yolanda Holder Jessica Montoya and Steve Hernandez

DEO and Chuck Engle

Marathon Mitch and Yolanda Holder

Joe Taricani and Kirby Mills

Marathon Mitch and Casey Chernesky

7

November 2010 Newsletter

Jody Reed, Greg Goebel, Elaine Green, Kevin Brosi, Mary Lenari

Aaron Braunstein

Lia Moldovan

Chris Posey

Dave Mari with Sock-Monkey Boone

Pascal Radley

8

November 2010 Newsletter

The Route 66 Marathon had a “Maniac Corner” area setup. It was a special area for members of the Marathon Maniacs and 50 States Marathon Club to connect and hangout. What a great idea!

Cassy Russell

Greg earned his 10th star by running his 30th state in 2010

Lyle Robertson

Tom Robinson

Cassy Kerr Russell, Dawn Moody, Stacy Fissel Route 66 Marathon (11/21): David Bernstein, Gailmarie Berquist, Jill Bidwell, Annette Blanton, Arland "Arkansas" Blanton, Sally "me and my dad" Boles, Gayle Boulais, Aaron Braunstein, Kevin Brosi, Doug "It's Cheaper Than Therapy" Clark, Lee Condron, Connie Corbett, Alan Countryman, Rebecca Diange, Paul Fournier, Frank Gainer, Kelley Garcia, Greg "Huck Phils" Goebel, Carol Goslin, Elaine Green, Judith "JudyDenver" Henderson, Steve Hughes, Harold "me and my daughter" Jackson, Lien James, Brian "Jesus Freak" Joachims, Dagmar Knudsen, Al Kohli, Mary Lenari, Marco Lopez, Sue "Italian Stallion" Mantyla, Dave Mari, Nick Matthews, Lia Mayfield, Dawn Moody, Gregg Mrkvicka, Frank Muller, Terry Nelson, Thomas "T.O." Okazaki, Keith "Kip" Panzer, Neil "nice guys finish first" Paulson, Jay Pettit, Patty Powell, Pascal Radley, Larry Rahmeier, "The Lone Runner" Rob Rayder, Jody Reed, Matthew Richter, "Lyle, Lyle Crocodile" Robertson, har, Ken Saveth, Sonja Schnautz, Charlie "Buzz" Scott, Bill "AF Col" Sherman, Chad Spilman, Johnny "The Animal" Spriggs, Tim "Timinator" Taft, Jeff "Tongger" Tong, Melissa "Spock" Vetricek

9

November 2010 Newsletter

The Greg and Dave Show! Jay Pettit and Jill Bidwell

Nick Matthews

Thomas Okazaki

C Earl Grider

Kelley Garcia

Deanna Alvarez

From Facebook to Twitter, the Maniacs have a presence in the world of social networking. Whatever social network your prefer I’m sure the Maniacs are there, so check them out! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8904689204 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1843119/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/marathonmaniacs Twitter: http://www.marathonfreak.com/mmtweet.pdf Dailymile: http://www.dailymile.com/groups/1403-marathon-maniacs RunningAhead: http://www.runningahead.com/groups/MMs

Larry Rahmeier

10

November 2010 Newsletter

Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon (11/21/10): Trent Apple, Dave Bell, Diane "Just A Rookie" Bolton, Golfer Norm, Morgan 'Baby Cougar' Cummings, Bjoerg, Chuck "Marathon Junkie" Engle, Traci Falbo, Paul Friese, Graham Gallemore, Matt "Pooky" Hagen, Boonsom "Lipstick Lady" Hartman, Joshua Holmes, Cathie Johnson, Troy Johnson, Hideki "Kino" Kinoshita, Gary 'Cougar Bait' Krugger, McLovin, The GITM, Letty Marino, JEM, Phil Min, Janis Posey, EatDrinkRunWoman, Monkey Trent, Karin Sandoval, Holly Schultz, Heather Shoemaker, Cristy Snellgroves, Scott Stader, Rick Thiounn, Jeff Venable, Raye Winsor, Annette "mom's gone again" Wulffe

Holly Schultz, Cathy Johnson, Troy Johnson, Graham Gallemore, Kino

Morgan Cummings

Diane Bolton

Bjørg Helene Edberg

Graham Gallemore

Rick Thiounn

Chuck Engle

Kino, Elysa Barron, Morgan Cummings, Gary Krugger, Rick Thiounn, Ted Hobart

Cristy Skinner Snellgroves, Dave Bell

Rick Thiounn, Philip Min, Kino

Kino and Trent Rosenbloom

11

November 2010 Newsletter Betsy Rogers

Lorie Alexander

Quadzilla (kwäd-ˈzɪla) – Running four independent marathons in four consecutive days. Francesca Carmichael

2010 Seattle Quadzilla: 11/25 – Wattle Waddle (Maple Valley, WA) 11/26 – Wishbone Run (Gig Harbor, WA) 11/27 – Ghost of Seattle (Seattle, WA) 11/28 – Seattle Marathon (Seattle, WA) Congratulations to the following runners that ran the Quadzilla this year: Jill Hudson -Lorie Alexander -Jenny Appel -Marc Brewer -Tracy Brown -Francesca Carmichael -Mark Dahlby -Brad Hefta-Gaub -Rob Hester -Jill Hudson -Pedro Infante -Johnny Landeza -Robert Lopez -Larry Macon -Gary Marr -Ralph McCauley -Rich Menzel -Phil Nimmo -Monte Pascual -Van Phan -Susie Ro -Betsy Rogers -Richard Stewart Steve Walters -Merita Trohimovich -Steve Walters -Melissa Williams -Rebecca Yi

Larry Macon and Melissa Williams

Ralph McCauley

Robert Lopez

Johnny Landeza

Gary Marr

Johnny Landeza

Gary Marr

Rebecca Yi

Phil Nimmo

Susie Ro Richard Stewart

Monte Pascual Jenny Appel

Merita Trohimovich

Marc Brewer

Rob Hester

Van Phan

Tracy Brown

Rich Menzel

Mark Dahlby

Brad Hefta-Gaub

12

November 2010 Newsletter 2010 Seattle Quadzilla by Betsy Rogers It seemed like a good idea in August: work off the Thanksgiving excess by running not one, two, nor three, but four marathons in four days. Pass the pecan pie! For the past two years Seattle has offered a Thanksgiving triple: the Wishbone Run in Gig Harbor Friday, the Ghost of Seattle (the original Seattle Marathon course) on Saturday, then the Seattle Marathon on Sunday. I ran the triple in 2009, so it made sense to just run the Seattle Marathon this year. While chatting a with a couple of Maniacs after some race, the talk turned toward the Seattle triple and how easy it would be to offer yet another race for a quadzilla. I’ve coveted the title for some time and jumped at the chance to add it to my marathon streak. My husband Matt, #1078, and I had talked about organizing a race some day, so we decided to go for it. We had no idea how many people would be interested in running, but we jokingly put a cap on the race at 102 runners – the number of people who traveled on the Mayflower. We picked the Cedar River Trail as we’d be having Thanksgiving dinner at Matt’s dad’s house just minutes away in Covington. The course would be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. sharp; this would give us enough time to clean up and get to dinner. We offered half and full marathon options, as well as an unsanctioned 50K (as long as they could run the distance within the timeframe, they were welcome to do so). The website went live the beginning of September and we immediately started getting entrants – many of whom signed up for the quad. (It wasn’t a requirement). While it would be a mostly self-sufficient race, we decided to offer some fun aid station sustenance: hot spiced cider and mashed sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallows, along with more traditional ultra fare. Come race week we were faced with yet another issue: SNOW! Seattle is incapable of dealing with the stuff, and we were concerned we would have to cancel. Once it stopped snowing it turned brutally cold, making the roads especially treacherous due to the ice. But we were heartened to see the temperatures would warm up for race day, although the forecast still called for snow that morning. Day 1 (Wattle Waddle): Sure enough we awoke to snow flurries Thanksgiving morning. When we arrived the parking lot was already almost full, so we quickly set up the aid tables and briefed the runners on the course. While there was still snow cover, footing was rather good (although it was a tad slippery on the bridges). Since I’d have to stay to the bitter end any way I decided to take it VERY easy and carry a camera. While we had several cancellations and no-shows due to the weather, we still had about 80 runners. Larry Macon made his annual trek (he ran the triple in 2008 and 2009 and was the first to sign up for the quad), and Johnny Landeza traveled from Hawaii to brave the cold. Another early entrant, Steve Walters (newsletter editor extraordinaire), would be running his 100th marathon at Seattle but proudly wore bib #97 for the Wattle. Meanwhile, calendar dude Robert “McLovin” Lopez proved he too took leave of his senses by running his second quadzilla. While there wasn’t much slipping and sliding in the snow, it certainly took its toll over 26.2 miles. Practically everyone I spoke with said it made for a tough race, and we all looked to the days ahead with trepidation. Still, none of us was ready to call it quits. Day 2 (Wishbone Run): The alarm went off far too early, but I somehow managed to drag my butt (and Matt’s) out of bed. As with the day before, breakfast was yogurt with granola and strong black coffee. We arrived at race director Bill Barmore’s house just after 6:30 a.m. to find several runners milling about, including several familiar faces. Those of us on day #2 compared notes – how creaky we were feeling, whether or not we took an ice bath after race 1 (I had not), how fast (or slow) we’d be running Wishbone. The course comprised four loops of 6.85 miles laid out in a figure-8. In addition to the aid station at the start, there was a self-serve station where the trails crossed. While not a particularly technical trail, I knew it would offer a greater challenge than the day before and I planned on once again taking it easy. I immediately felt the effects of running on hard-packed snow the day before; my legs ached in places that normally felt fine. The eventual winner, Kevin Douglas, lapped me halfway through my second lap. Lap three was the worst; I was ready to be done and I ached all over. I walked all the inclines and slowed my pace considerably. But on the bright side I caught up to soon-to-be world record holder Yolanda Holder who would go on to run her 101st marathon in a year at Vegas on Dec. 5. Upon finishing lap 3 I decided to try one of Bill’s famous huckleberry pancakes, hoping they’d provide a good nutrition boost. Just as I was finishing my third lap I saw Jill Hudson, #535, heading out for her fourth. I could tell by the look on her face she too was ready for it to end. After a quick break I took off for my fourth and final lap. There was something about knowing it would be my last, as the pain dissipated and I was able to pick up the pace. I ran most of the inclines, save for the largest hills, and managed to squeak in in under 6 hours. Day 3 (Ghost of Seattle Marathon): I opted to take the 7 a.m. early start, but since the race was only a few miles away we got to sleep in. Despite getting there early the parking lot was already full, but fortunately we found a parking spot a couple blocks away. I checked in and headed down to the start line to find many of the other “quaders.” I counted down the seconds and we took off promptly at 7 a.m. We truly lucked out with the weather as it was clear and cold; however, that meant a few icy spots. Just as I was taking a walk break at mile 5 I slipped and hit my left knee on the pavement. Fortunately it was “only a flesh wound” and I was able to continue on. At mile 6 Lisa Reid, #1538, caught up to me; since she was running her first double she decided to go at my slow pace. The miles flew by as we chatted and waved to the other runners (the double out & back let us see everyone numerous times). Both McLovin and Steve Walters looked remarkably strong, and many of the other quaders looked like they were having a much better race than the previous ones. Alas, the Ghost did claim one quader, Sharon Hendricks, who had to pull out due to IT band issues. A funny thing happened to me about mile 22: I felt REALLY good and decided I was going to pick up the pace. I finished in just under 5:15. Day 4 (Seattle Marathon): The end is near! We headed down to Seattle Center about 7:15 to meet up with Steve and collect the quad, triple and double medals he had made (Matt handed them out at the finish line). We then met up with several other Maniacs near the gear check. Although I was tired, I felt even better than I had the day before. It was a festive atmosphere and the thought of earning that quadzilla medal fueled my excitement. While I toyed with wearing a customized “slow moving vehicle” sign on my back, I figured that might come off as rude, especially if I passed any one. So I settled on wearing my bib numbers from the previous three races. We lucked out once again with the weather: clear and cool. I waved and shouted out to numerous Maniacs on the I-90 bridge (one of the out & backs). I felt great, but as we started heading into Seward Park my quads started asking for a walk break so I succumbed at mile 10. Still, I was making great time. The stretch along Lake Washington was very familiar as I had just run it the day before, and I began leap-frogging with a couple of other quaders, Francesca Carmichael (#985) and Tracy Brown (#1064). As I approached Galer Street – a short, but very steep hill at about mile 20 – I shouted out “I ain’t afraid of you Galer! Show me what you got.” The spectators loved it! As I entered the stadium I had one final push and sprinted to a 4:34:40 finish and into Matt’s arms. I burst into tears as he draped my Seattle Marathon and quadzilla medals around my neck. In the recovery area I caught up with several of the quaders; while we were all wasted we couldn’t get the huge grins off our faces. We did it!

13

November 2010 Newsletter Melissa Williams with Steve Walters are ready to trek through the snow! Francesca Carmichael, Robert Lopez, Johnny Landeza and Gary Marr

Melissa Williams getting a postrace stretch in.

Day One of the Seattle Quadzilla!

Margaret Gorog and Brian Pendleton Tory Klementsen and Megan Reuther

RD Matt Hagen with Monte Pascual

Can Larry Macon see where he is running?

Johnny Landeza and Terry Sentinella Adrian Call along with son and newly qualified Maniac Taylor!

Wattle Waddle (11/25): Jenny Appel, Keven Babbitt, Marc Brewer, Tracy Brown, Adrian Call, Francesca Carmichael, Richard Cockrell, Mark Dahlby, Jim Duggan, BJ Farish, Matt Glew, Margaret Gorog, Sharon "Run That Sh*t" Hendricks, Rob "Rattler" Hester, Jill Hudson, Dean Kayler, Tory "Teechur" Klementsen, Johnny "Shaka" Landeza, Jeff Loen, McLovin, Gary "The Red Rabbit" Marr, Larissa Martin Ralph, Rich Menzel, Phil Nimmo, Josh Owen, Monte Pascual, Brian Pendleton, Van "pigtails" Phan, Megan Reuther, S, EatDrinkRunWoman, Marilou Russell, Bob Satko, Terry Sentinella, Brian Starkey, Richard "Obiwan" Stewart, Thomas Tan, Merita Trohimovich, Steve "Marathon Freak" Walters, Dan Whitaker, Casey Wilkin, Melissa M. Williams Francesca Carmichael

Larry Macon along with Ray Shaw and Jane Herzog

Barry Hopkins and Lorie Alexander

14

November 2010 Newsletter Wishbone Run (11/26): Jenny Appel, Keven Babbitt, Bret Bellevue, Marc Brewer, Tracy Brown, Francesca Carmichael, Mark Dahlby, Vivian "vvn" Doorn, BJ Farish, Kathleen Farrell, Reed Glesne, Susan Glesne, Sharon "Run That Sh*t" Hendricks, Rob "Rattler" Hester, Rich Hieb, Jill Hudson, Laura Johnson, Dean Kayler, Johnny "Shaka" Landeza, McLovin, Kristin Malek, Gary "The Red Rabbit" Marr, Rich Menzel, Phil Nimmo, Josh Owen, Monte Pascual, Van "pigtails" Phan, Nic Plemel, Michael Rasmussen, Megan Reuther, S, EatDrinkRunWoman, Bob Satko, Terry Sentinella, Richard "Obiwan" Stewart, Joseph Tompkins, Shawna Tompkins, Merita Trohimovich, Steve "Marathon Freak" Walters, Karen Wiggins, Casey Wilkin, Melissa M. Williams

Bob Satko, Cody Hill and BJ Farish

Day Two of the Seattle Quadzilla

Marc Brewer is looking to knockout of the Wishbone!

Coming all the way from England, Roger Biggs ran the Turkey Triple!

It’s the timing Matt!

Betsy Rogers It’s two down, two to go for McLovin!

Tracy Brown

Sam Felsenfeld running for Operation Jack

Melissa Williams and Van Phan Jenny Appel and Rob Hester

Laura Johnson

Tony Seabolt did a great job of marking the course!

Richard Stewart

15

November 2010 Newsletter Brad Hefta-Gauty

Wishbone winner Kevin Douglas

Josh Owen

Gary Marr

Larry Macon

Nic Plemel

Michael Grehan

Rich Menzel

Watering the trees?

Johnny Landeza

Mark Dahlby

Joe Tompkins Linda Barton

Shawna Tompkins

Terry Sentinella

Pedro Infante

Sharon Hendricks

16

November 2010 Newsletter Roger Chou won the Ghost of Seattle with a time of 3:20:37!

All smiles before the race!

Lisa Reid

Rob Hester takes a soke in a very cold Lake Washington!

Day Three of the Seattle Quadzilla

Rikki Bogue and tp! Rikki ran a BQ!

#3 of the Quad! Ghost of Seattle Marathon/50k (11/27): John Anderson, Jenny Appel, Michelle Barnes, Margaret Barrett, Bret Bellevue, Roger Biggs, Glen Birkvold, Marc Brewer, Tracy Brown, Francesca Carmichael, James "Gimme my Medal" Copley, Tony C, Jodi "JoJo" Cullen, Mark Dahlby, Lisa Davis, Vivian "vvn" Doorn, Steve Duncan, Michael Dutton, Steph Eldore, BJ Farish, Scott Flett, Lynn Gibson, Susan Glesne, Carol Goslin, Terri "Maverick" Gray, Elaine Green, Matt "Pooky" Hagen, Sharon "Run That Sh*t" Hendricks, Rob "Rattler" Hester, Jill Hudson, Steve Jensen, Laura Johnson, Patti "pk" Krebsbach, Johnny "Shaka" Landeza, McLovin, Jon "Coconutboy" Mahoney, Gary "The Red Rabbit" Marr, Tracy Marshall, Jeff "Maroon Duck" McKay, Rich Menzel, Cyndie Merten, Phil Nimmo, Bob 'BobO" OBrien, Gary Otheim, Josh Owen, Monte Pascual, Van "pigtails" Phan, Mike Pruyne, Michael Rasmussen, Lisa "Lovely Feet" Reid, Linda Rinker, S, Robert Roach, Katie Robinson, EatDrinkRunWoman, Bob Satko, Cat. Schwartz, Terry Sentinella, Scott Spangler, Julie "the Seeker" Stark, Brian Starkey, Richard "Obiwan" Stewart, Steve Stoyles, Linda Walter, Steve "Marathon Freak" Walters, Casey Wilkin, Melissa M. Williams, Jon Yoon

Melissa Williams

Maniacs!!

Marc Brewer

Larry Macon and the Prez!

17

November 2010 Newsletter Michelle Barnes

BJ Farish

Bob Satko

Sharon Henricks and Patti Krebsbach

Cyndie Merten and Yolanda Holder

Barry Hopkins

Ryan McKnight

Bret Bellevue

Cody Hill

Seattle has Maniacs!!

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November 2010 Newsletter

Day Four of the Seattle Quadzilla Seattle Marathon (11/28): Christine "Jorpeyt" Adams, Roger Adams, Shawn Aebi, John Anderson, Jenny Appel, Keven Babbitt, Patrick Barnes, Martin Bavuso, Bret Bellevue, Jessica Bienvenue, Roger Biggs, Jim Boyd, Marc Brewer, Ken Briggs, Mic, Tracy Brown, Janet Burgess, Carrie Caffrey, Francesca Carmichael, Sonia Chan, May Cheng, Ruben Contreras, Rick Cooney, James "Gimme my Medal" Copley, George Cornett, Barry Creppel Jr, Mark Dahlby, Kristopher Damiano, Cheri Damitio, Lisa Davis, Paige Denison, Bob & Lenore Dolphin, Vivian "vvn" Doorn, Ted Eckert, Steph Eldore, Robert "Dred" Eldred, David England, Jean "Mama Jean" Evansmore, Deb Evdemon, Joel Fenlason, Steve "El Pinguino" Frederickson, Andy Fritz, Karlee Furtwangler, Brian Gaffin, Hannah "Sky Queen" Glenn, Matt Glew, Carol Goslin, Elaine Green, Janet Green, Ginger Gruber, Irlan " Unstoppable Girl " Hebner, David Hamilton, Mary "mph" Hanna, Rob "Rattler" Hester, Jill Hudson, Robert Jacobsen, Narongdej "Jay" Jaroensabphayanont, Laura Johnson, Barefoot Jon, Jae-Byung Jung, Genia "Tiptoes" Kacey, Kristina Kelley, Tory "Teechur" Klementsen, Gary Kobold, Phil Kriss, Ashley "rogue wave" Kuhlmann, Kimberly "Kimpossible" Kuhlmann, "MMKuhl", Deby Kumasaka, Sonny "Tranquilrunner" LaForm, Johnny "Shaka" Landeza, Kurt Lauer, Tony Lopes, McLovin, Peter Luplow, Roger MacMillan, Jon "Coconutboy" Mahoney, Sherry "MMM" Mahoney, Kristin Malek, Gary "The Red Rabbit" Marr, Carl Marshall, Tracy Marshall, Larissa Martin Ralph, Daniel "Mur" McMurtry, Rich Menzel, Cyndie Merten, Little Leslie, Barney, Mike Moore, Kevin Murray, Al Nabors, Brad Nelson, Phil Nimmo, Bob 'BobO" OBrien, Gary Otheim, Lesa Overfield, Carla Owen, Josh Owen, Monte Pascual, Neil "nice guys finish first" Paulson, Kathy Peck, Brian Pendleton, Van "pigtails" Phan, tony (tp!) phillippi, Cheri Pompeo (Gillis), Bill Powers, Mel Preedy, Jeff Rankin, Michael Rasmussen, Lisa "Lovely Feet" Reid, Joseph "Jo Jo Starbucks" Reilly, Megan Reuther, Cliff "quack, quack" Richards, Tom Riggenbach, S, Robert Roach, Bryan Robertson, sLuGbEe, EatDrinkRunWoman, Tom Rogers, Linda "Girlie" Rowe-O'Neal, Lorelei Sadowski, Michael Shiach, David"Marathon Diet"Spooner, Julie "the Seeker" Stark, Brian Starkey, Richard "Obiwan" Stewart, Rob Stretz, Lenny Strobl, Rebecca Sudduth, Kaci Sun, Steve Supkoff, Gunhild Swanson, Jerry Thayer, Janna Theriault, Cindy Tolman, George Unruh, Steve "Marathon Freak" Walters, Jeffrey "Wardium" Ward, Tanya Warkentin, CJ **Hollywood** Warren, Jeff "Salty Banana" Webb, Olaf Weckner, Julie Whitcraft, Steve "Half Nakedman" White, Steve White, Casey Wilkin, Melissa M. Williams, Brett Wittner, Lisa Wood, Prez Steven Yee, Guy Yogi, Marie "Not Betsy" Zornes

Marc Brewer

Ken Biggs

Justin Kohrs

Jessica Morgan

Ruben Contreras

Erik Moore

David Spooner

19

November 2010 Newsletter Charles Oatman

Linda Roweoneal

Irlan Hebner and Yolanda Holder Carol Goslin

Monte Pascual Paige Denison

Jenny Appel and Rob Hester For Van Phan the Seattle Marathon was her shortest race of the Quadzilla!

Rebecca Sudduth Francesca Carmichael

Jim Boyd

Tory Klementsen

20

November 2010 Newsletter The Kuhlman clan!

Ginger Gruber, Jessica Bienvenue and Melissa Williams

Bob Dolphin

Ashley Kim

Francesca Carmichael, Betsy Rogers and Jill Hudson

Daniel

Brad Hefta-Gaub

El Presidente, Steve Yee!

Merita Trohimovich

Mel Preedy The Brits: Roger Biggs and Michael Grehan

Jessica Bienvenue

Lisa Reid, Steve Walters and Marie Zornes

Lesa Overfield

21

November 2010 Newsletter Robert Lopez

Yolanda Holder

The Programmer, Brian Pendleton

Rich Menzel Maniac volunteers and RD’s Bill Barmore and Matt Hagen

Tom Rogers

Paul Gentry

Martin Bavuso

Steve Walters David Englund

Lisa Wood

Larry Macon

Laura Johnson and Gary Otheim

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November 2010 Newsletter New Maniacs in November 2010 Gary Paradee (#2994) Tom Jarosz (#2995) Tony Stafford (#2996) Tommy Sensabaugh (#2997) Jeremy "Salty Banana" Day (#2998) Shankar Lal Patel (#2999) Michael Browning (#3000) Nancy Wright (#3001) David Dwyer (#3002) Robert Hearn (#3003) Jamie O'Connor (#3004) Susan Sansing (#3005) George Cornett (#3006) Steve Radabaugh (#3007) David Daniels (#3008) Michelle Gross (#3009) Rebecca Diange (#3010) Jennifer Van Allen (#3011) John Loeffelbein (#3012) Trauna "TJ" James (#3013) Charlie Viers (#3014) Kenny 'Kenya' Baldo (#3015) Ed Gerczak (#3016) Ria Rugg (#3017) Shanaz Lindsey (#3018) Joseph Chick (#3019) Jana Lukkonen Smith (#3020) Jeff Marek (#3021) Shawn Tegtmeier (#3022) Steve Schwalbach (#3023) Gretchen (#3024) Andrea Sweny (#3025) Ian Cockburn (#3026) Yvette Ju (#3027) Sonia Chan (#3028) Issy "Cra-Issy" Nielson (#3029) Tiffany Gates (#3030) Philip "Dash" Schaefer (#3031) Melissa Taylor (#3032) Thomas Baumgartner (#3033) Allyson Griffith (#3034) Allison Jeffery (#3035) Cindy Johnson (#3036)

Angela Kamoske (#3037) Megan Kelly (#3038) Gabrielle Popoff (#3039) Pat Lynch (#3040) Darrell Guzman (#3041) Suzanne Barthel (#3042) Amanda Newell (#3043) Guy Favatella (#3044) Joseph Carboni (#3045) Richard McNeil (#3046) Patrick McDonnell (#3047) Cheri Woldt (#3048) Erin Genova (#3049) Mary Hallet (#3050) Rachel Foreman (#3051) Mike Barlan (#3052) N'Gai Gold (#3053) Jesse "Thunder" Garrett (#3054) Andrew Harding (#3055) Maureen Smith (#3056) Rod Merrell (#3057) Carl Marshall (#3058) June Thanasophon (#3059) Amy Cox (#3060) Carl Carter (#3061) Jaclyn Molina (#3062) Adam Pruett (#3063) Pat T Wack Charron (#3064) Pretend this is Real Jen (#3065) Cornelia Cucu (#3066) Vamsi Valleri (#3067) Sheila Lewis (#3068) Marcia Gray-Wilkerson (#3069) Tamie Fleming (#3070) Gregory Milbourne (#3071) Eric Bartkowski (#3072) Carrie Baker (#3073) Guadalupe Javier Galindo (#3074) Michael Pfannenstiel (#3075) Rex Baker (#3076) Justin McIntosh (#3077) Johnny V (#3078) Rochelle Graham (#3079)

Eron Graham Sr (#3080) Shane Vetter (#3081) Tara Tosta (#3082) Annette Geringer (#3083) Ben Hernandez (#3084) Choi Chik Choy (#3085) Heather Zeigler (#3086) Jim Lepore (#3087) Eric Setash (#3088) Dean Roberts (#3089) Mary Salas (#3090) Greg Nelson (#3091) Alexis Mazzini (#3092) Richard Park (#3093) Mindy Coolman (#3094) Sherrie Klover (#3095) Stacy Fissel (#3096) Sue Mann (#3097) Paul Schmitz (#3098) Christine Charlson (#3099) Isaiah Spencer (#3100) Micah McKedy (#3101) Brian Shevory (#3102) Miranda Hafford (#3103) Joy Lockner (#3104) Nina Lawson (#3105) Bob Schluben (#3106) Alison Burke (#3107) Sarah Kent (#3108) Scott Harder (#3109) Kendall Heide (#3110) Lois Broussard (#3111) Ryan Foster (#3112) Thom Abrams (#3113) Rebecca Steven (#3114) Bill Sullivan (#3115) Cindy DeSirant (#3116) Bo Hormberg (#3117) Rinaldo Mendes (#3118) Francis Kwok (#3119) Francisco Javier Aranda (#3120) Dawn Jenci (#3121) Todd Pollock (#3122)

Cintia Bock (#3123) Sam Wachsman (#3124) Sanjay Mohanta (#3125) gohmdoree (#3126) Jessica Osorio (#3127) Taylor Call (#3128) Bettie Wailes (#3129) Charles Hayes (#3130) Johnny B Good (#3131) Bryan Sexton (#3132) Dan Ratliff (#3133) John Coffey (#3134) John Wayne (#3135) Andrea Amend (#3136) Shanaz Shamsuddin (#3137) Lynn Gibson (#3138) Chris Griffes (#3139) Bonnie Cawvey (#3140) John Pirog (#3141) Chrissy Yamada (#3142) Elizabeth Ellis (#3143) Elizabeth Black-Wills (#3144) Mike Westlake (#3145) Jaime Huling Delaye (#3146) Charles Pifer (#3147) Jay Parker (#3148) Paul Nagel (#3149) Laura Conway (#3150) pdxzzr #3151 (#3151) Dave Williams (#3152) Miranda Bachman (#3153) Dan Brunsvold (#3154) Eve Lane (#3155) Julia McLawsen (#3156) Greg McLawsen (#3157) Khairul Anuar (#3158) Ron "Sluggo" Ruhs (#3159) Bobbie Ruhs (#3160) Kristin Malek (#3161) Rob McWilliam (#3162) Charlie Quinn (#3163) Arpad "the Other Twin" Kisch (#3164)

The Marathon Show (hosted by Maniac #1817, Joe Taricani) was first broadcast in June 2010. It’s a one of a kind show that spot lights the marathon and marathon runners. Maniacs have found a safe haven with this great show. A few times a week Joe broadcast the show live online, the shows are then made available to download from iTunes (via Podcast). Each week Joe features a marathoner, and often does shout outs to marathoners from all over. Another great part of this show is the “runners chat”, in these shows Joe gets three marathoners together and does a round table discussion about many great topics. So if you have already come across the show, please do.

Check it out and tune in! http://www.themarathonshow.com

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November 2010 Newsletter Arland and Annette Blanton

Gregg Walchli and Cheri Pompeo

Emerging from the porta-potties… it’s Endorphin Dude!!

Carla and Josh Owen

Paul Ahnberg and Peggy Shashy

Each month there will be a “Maniac poll”. This poll will be posted online. Please take a few moments to answer this poll. I will post the results in the next newsletter. This month’s question: What type of timing device do you use? Please vote online between now and January 5: http://www.marathonfreak.com/maniacpoll

Last month’s question: Have you ever qualified for the Boston Marathon?

It looks like most Maniacs have qualified for the Boston Marathon! Of the 95 votes in this month’s poll, 47% say they have run a Boston Qualifying race. The other 43% have not qualified for Boston. Thanks to all that voted.

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November 2010 Newsletter

Noteworthy Accomplishments / Promotions / Omissions / Maniac Stuff: Please let me know if you reached a higher Maniac level and want the recognition in the Newsletter!

 Titanium (10 star) Maniac: Greg Goebel, Josh Owen  Platinum (8 star) Maniac: Dave Vent  Palladium (7 star) Maniac: David Johnson  Osmium (6 star) Maniac: Gary Marr, Johnny Landeza, Jenny Appel, Marc Brewer, Bob Satko, Cheri Pompeo, Mark Dahlby  Ruthenium (5 star) Maniac: Vivian Doorn  Iridium (4 star) Maniac: Jasmin Flores, Michael Miller, Julie Wells, Nicole Kramer, Sharon Hendricks, Kristina Grisham  Gold (3 star) Maniac: Jason Howard, Ed Masuoka, Mary Desch, Jason Rogers  Silver (2 star) Maniac: Kim Kuhlmann, Tara Hill, Farra Karsen, Shrikant Machhar  100 Marathons: Steve Walters

Lisa Davis

George Corneet Andy Dunn

Bob O’Brien

Patrick Barnes

The following is a statistical update on the growth of the Marathon Maniacs. It may not mean much to you, but I find it very interesting. Monthly Growth Month ► Averages ►

Jan 34.4

Feb 30.4

Mar 32.4

Apr 27.7

May 46.9

Jun 30.7

Jul 20.7

Aug 12.9

Sep 15.7

Oct 32.2

Nov 36.0

Dec 42.7

Yearly 318.1

2009

►

66

47

52

50

94

91

73

29

33

99

95

116

845

2010

►

105

81

90

67

127

111

78

38

50

131

171

-

1049

MM 662 320 201 152 125 110 102 86 81 68

Pct% 20.9% 10.1% 6.4% 4.8% 4.0% 3.5% 3.2% 2.7% 2.6% 2.2%

New Maniacs in Nov 2010 New Maniacs in 2010

171 * 1049

Total Maniacs

3164

* November 2010 breaks the record for the most new Maniacs in a single month (previous record was 131 in October 2010).

State Washington California Texas Illinois Florida Oregon Virginia New York Ohio Pennsylvania

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November 2010 Newsletter

Maniac Ongoing Discounts

Jeff “Boneman” Bollman (#1058)

In the ongoing quest to save all the Maniacs some coin, here is a list of all of the races that offer discounts/perks to Maniacs: • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon (NC) 12/11/10: www.runcharlotte.com/welcome.htm Charleston Marathon (SC) 1/5/11: www.riverfrontracefestival.com Bank Trust First Light Marathon (AL) 1/9/11: www.firstlightmarathon.com/default.htm Maui Oceanfront Marathon (HI) 1/23/11: www.mauioceanfrontmarathon.com/ Miracle Match Marathon (TX) 1/30/11: www.sw.org/web/SW/patientsAndVisitors/iwcontent/public/marathon/en_us/html/marathon.html Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon (FL) 2/5/11: www.themelbournemarathon.com/2011/ Tallahassee Marathon (FL) 2/6/11: www.tallahasseemarathon.com/ The Sedona Marathon (AZ) 2/12/11: www.sedonamarathon.com/index1.html Mercedes Marathon (AL) 2/13/11: www.mercedesmarathon.com/ Myrtle Beach Marathon (SC) 2/19/11: www.mbmarathon.com The Arizona Marathon 2/20/11: thearizonamarathon.com/ Birch Bay Marathon (WA) 2/20/11: birchbaymarathon.com/ Ft Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon (FL) 2/20/11: www.a1amarathon.com/ Lost Dutchman Marathon (AZ) 2/20/11: www.lostdutchmanmarathon.org/ The Cowtown Marathon (TX) 2/27/11: www.cowtownmarathon.org/ Little Rock Marathon (AR) 3/6/11: www.littlerockmarathon.com/ Martian Marathon (MI) 4/2/11: www.martianmarathon.com/ Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon (TN) 4/3/11: www.knoxvillemarathon.com/ Eisenhower Marathon (KS) 4/9/11: www.eisenhowermarathon.com/ Southern Indiana Classic Marathon (IN) 4/10/11: www.sicmarathon.com/ Big D Texas Marathon (TX) 4/10/11: www.texasmarathon.com/ Oz Marathon (KS) 4/16/11: www.olathe.org/cvb/sports/Marathon/index.html Tacoma City Marathon (WA) 5/1/11: www.tacomacitymarathon.com/ Eugene Marathon (OR) 5/1/11: www.eugenemarathon.com/ Cox Providence Marathon (RI) 5/1/11: www.rhoderaces.com/marathon.html Wisconsin Marathon 5/7/11: www.wisconsinmarathon.com/ Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon 5/15/11: www.pittsburghmarathon.com/ Delaware Marathon 5/15/11: delawaremarathon.org/ Vermont City Marathon 5/29/11: www.vermontcitymarathon.org/ Casper Marathon (WY) 6/5/11: www.runwyoming.com/

Details on how to obtain the discount/perk on these races are in the Discount section of the Bulletin Board on the Maniac web site. Keep an eye out, as I will continue to post new ones on the Bulletin Board as the details are finalized. If you have any questions, shoot me an email at: [email protected]

PLEASE RENEW YOUR ANNUAL MANIAC DUES (ON YOUR MANIAC BIRTHDAY) * * IT HELPS TO PAY FOR THE MAIN MANIACS CAT FOOD!! * * A REMINDER IS SENT WITH THE MONTHLY E-FLASH AND SOME OF YOU ARE PAST OVERDUE!!

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November 2010 Newsletter

Lynne Damron

Dave Poglitsch

Rev Wallace

Amos Vandeyar

Rudy Acevedo

Galen Garrison

Space Coast Marathon (11/28): Rudy Acevedo, Bethany Barnes, Dana Casanave, Laura Conway, Morgan 'Baby Cougar' Cummings, Seth Elsheimer, Janice Gagnier, Harry L. Hoffman Jr, Joyce Luloff, Dave Mari, James McCan, Linda Moody, Jim O'Donnell, Dave "Flame Brain" Poglitsch, Jim "Splinter" Schroeder, Robert "Dish" Soper, Tony Stafford, Traviss Willcox, "Dead Guy" Wayne Wright, Amy Yanni

WHAT’S COMING UP IN DECEMBER Saturday, December 4, 2010 Baton Rouge Beach Marathon Cajun Coyote Ultras Enviro-sports Death Valley Trail Marathon North Face Endurance Challenge San Francisco 50m/50k/Marathon Reggae Marathon Run Like the Wind 24h/12h/6h St Jude Memphis Marathon Tecumseh Trail Marathon Sunday, December 5, 2010 Bigfoot 50k California International Marathon Cayman Islands Marathon Dallas White Rock Marathon Marathon of the Palm Beaches OTHTC High Desert 50k Panama City International Marathon Pine Mountain 40m Rock N Roll Las Vegas Run Barbados Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Night Marathon #5 Saturday, December 11, 2010 Bartram Forest 100m/100k Birch Bay Ghost Marathon CAR National Dingaling Trail Marathon DWG Fatt Ass Hellgate 100k Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon LoVit Trail Marathon Mason-Dixon Madness 50k McDowell Mountain Frenzy 50k

Rehoboth Beach Marathon Rocket City Marathon Roxbury Marathon Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic 50m/50k Texas Trail Runs Thunder Road Marathon Sunday, December 12, 2010 ARC Double Decker Marathon Fiesta Marathon Honolulu Marathon Mangrove Marathon Maratón de Caracas Tucson Marathon Saturday, December 18, 2010 Ancient Oaks 100m Boone Winter Marathon Desert Solstice 24h Huff 50k PCTR Rodeo Beach 50k PigTails Flat Ass 50k/26.2 Pullman Winter 50k #2 Santa Marathon Seashore Nature Trail 50k Tuscobia Ultra 75m/50k Sunday, December 19, 2010 CAR Santas Trail Marathon Jacksonville Bank Marathon Run for the Ranch Marathon RUT Fat Ass 50

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Westwood Lake Solstice Marathon Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Night Marathon #6 Friday, December 24, 2010 CAR Christmas Eve Marathon Sunday, December 26, 2010 CAR Train 4 Autism Marathon - Race III CTR Coyote Ridge Trail Run Operation Jack Marathon Operation Jack Northwest Run 6.1h Savages Seven Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Across the Years 24h Day One Across the Years 72h Thursday, December 30, 2010 Across the Years 24h Day Two Across the Years 48h Friday, December 31, 2010 Across the Years 24h Day Three CAR Year End Marathon Freedom Park New Years Ultra 24h/12h/6h Highway 101 Marathon Last Chance Marathon Peanut Island 24h/12h/6h Prepare to Drink Beer - End of the Year Fat Ass Recover from the Holidays 50k Yukon Do It! Marathon

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November 2010 Newsletter Joe Taricani and Marathon Mitch

Jessica Bienvenue

Ryan McKnight

Cheri Pompeo

Cheri Damitio

Jill Hudson shows off her well deserved Quadzilla medal. Michael Rasmussen and Alan Nabors

Arthur Martineau and Gary Otheim

Pat Finney and Rick Franks

From the Editor…

Ray Shaw and Steve Walters

November was a very special month for me. After five and half years I finally reach marathon #100. Back in June or July, I started to think about which race, I wanted my 100th to be. I have always loved the Seattle Marathon and thought it would be a great time. So I planned things out just right. In August when I heard about the Quadzilla, I had to do it. I must say the Quadzilla was the best! It was so fun to see so many great Maniac friends each day. We all shared a great bond and all had a great time. Looking forward to it next year!

As you can tell a lot of pictures were taken this month and I had a blast putting together the newsletter. I must say I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t get more pictures from the NYC Marathon. With so many runners I would think I would get much more Maniac photos. Maybe next year. Seattle was a huge source of photos and I loved going through them. Please send me your race reports as I am always looking to provide some commentary. I hope you all have had a great year and I hope you are all looking forward to finishing it strong! - Steve “Marathon Freak” Walters MM#338

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November 2010 Newsletter

Rhetorical Revelations and W(Rites)… from the Rambunctious Rev {Notes to Newbies: “Mr. Prez” is Maniac #1, Steve Yee. No more delightful fellow will you ever meet. “Hollywood” is #2, currently putting up speed numbers that flabbergast mere amateurs. Mr. Dolphin, 81 in age but 475 in career marathons, escorts his elders around new courses. Rick Korecki, unheralded member #106, is the sort of friend you keep. He also gives me hope …I passed him once. And Larry Macon is an intellectual property lawyer out of Texas who runs two marathons nearly every weekend. My theory is that by Fridays he is evidently out of intellectual property.}

Mr. Prez! Steve, explain this one to me, will you? This crazy statistic: “age-graded time”. Way cool, right? I run for about 3 hours more than Hollywood’s impressive 2:55, and results sheets actually include a number that implies, “No really, Silverdome, you ran a make-believe 3:55 (!), only one hour more than Hollywood!” Odd, it felt like three hours more than Hollywood. This statistic is supposed to make me feel better? Not my hammies it doesn’t. Let me paint the picture. Young, talented Mega-Maniac buckos (and buckettes?) run their 26.2 in three hours, maybe 3:30, and barely break a sweat. (Oh, stop denying it; I hear you saying things like “this is a good little warm-up for tomorrow’s 50-miler,” in a tone clearly suggesting you simply could not find a decent 100-miler anywhere this weekend). Finishing another marathon with nary a hair out of place, you sit down comfortably (!?), chowing down, clueless about the athletic dramas yet unfolding out on the course. Out there, some poor souls…got up that same morning, each tendon in the lower extremities crying “Nooooooo, please, nooooo, we are aging, man.” Yet, the little protestors are dragged out from under the covers, all the way across the room to the shorts, down the stairs and awkwardly into and out of the car, across streets to a place called a “corral,” where they are plopped down, needing the rest, the croissant, and (oh please not) the beloved Gatorade. Too soon the sea of people began waddling forward, and we were up again, lumbering through five-plus-something hours of “Sheer Joy Indeed!” (Two years ago I promised Rick Korecki I was going to write “positive” columns. ”Sheer Joy Indeed…” that’s for him.) And there at the finish, to my “Sheer Delight Indeed,” is some Mr. Well-Intentioned Soul With A Calculator, who thinks he can bless my agony with an “Age-Graded Time”? Prez, if Mr. Wiswac had had any compassion at all, or better yet any power, he would have created what follows. But he didn’t, so I claim the intellectual property rights to it (Macon, get on this, will you?): The “Age-Graded Distance.” Now we’re talking. Let’s say we peak between ages 22 and 42. During those years, we must run the Queen’s 26.2 persnickety idea. (The story is that the ancient warrior Phil Dippydees did a heroic run that was later re-scripted by a matriarchal monarch of England who wanted to view the race nearer her driveway, and so, being Queen and all, she lengthened the race. Really.) Now, given our compassionate quest for genuine competitive fairness, and the need to make reality reflect, well, reality, starting at age 43, we will shorten the marathon distance by four-tenths of a mile to 25.8 miles; at age 44, 25.4 miles; at age 45, 25-point-blessed-0 miles! After that? No more fractional nit-picking, no sir! We drop one-half mile each year: at age 46, 24.5 miles; at 47, 24 miles, and so on. By age 55 we are sanely surviving 20 miles. Sweet! Marathoning for Humans! (Excuse me, did I just hear a chortle, Mr. Dolphin? Pipe down, will you? I’m just starting to love this idea.) As for the rest of you “pshawing” types, my clairvoyant response ahead of your scoldings: Dear Those Who Have Never Experienced both “Training Joyfully Indeed” and “The Wall at Mile 15,” It is quite possible you have also not experienced the other side of the big “Five-Five”. You see, nothing is quite so inexplicable, in our own heads, as willfully exchanging a peaceful Sunday morning’s papers, pancakes, and proper preaching for a Return to the Wailing Wall at mile 15. Or 9 even. And then to hear “You’re almost there!” when no, we are “almost not moving.” Or to hear “It’s all downhill from here!” the crueler jest, for while false about the road, it seems too true about those tendons. But if there were age-graded-distances, then, Laddies, there’d be some hope! Maybe someday somebody in their 60’s would run a hundred of these things in one year, or in their 80’s escort someone in their 90’s around some pretty course in Pennsylvania. {What’s that you say? They did? …Oh.} Alright, alright. I will try to Korecki this one more time. Once more I will sing your famous Maniac tune, “Run right through it, You can do it; Flab fall off you, Eat your tofu.” But if you insist that I believe in your tune, then I get to choose something to believe in, too… “Dear Santa…” Luvya, Rev [email protected] My Dear Maniac Friends, Permit me one sober note at year’s end. We are most fortunate to share together in this gift of life, yet methinks too often, in my younger years particularly, and regrettably in some of my older ones, I have given too much emphasis and attention to the wrong … syllables. Life is too short to be so short-sighted. Perchance we ought to listen, love, laugh, and linger a while longer in grateful joy, and serene hope. And so, this – Toward a Happy New Year in 2011 In every run forward, I will pray once skyward, that I might change inward, so to create outward a bit of that Peace that passes all understanding.

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