Maniac questionnaire
Name Steve Rudmann Maniac # 652

State you live in: Montana

How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? 10 marathons, zero ultras, so far

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

I think I may have run a 5 or 10 K, at my parents' persistance, sometime in the early 80's. But, truly my first RACE, where I actually had my own running shoes, tights, and top, was for the 2007 Yakima River Canyon Marathon. It was Bob Dolphin's 400th marathon and I met lots of Maniacs. I was hooked.

What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day?
I had a wonderful day at the 2007 Yakima River Canyon Marathon. I ran most of the marathon with fellow Maniac Janet Burgess and all I wanted to do was finish. I watched the scenery the entire way, and soaked in what I knew was going to be a one-of-a-kind experience; finishing that first marathon!!!!

How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?
I started running when I moved to a tiny (read 900 people) town in the middle of nowhere Montana. There are no health clubs, and there is a long winter. Running was just about the only thing to stay in shape. I started running because I wanted to be in shape for the short backpacking season. When I ran my first 10 miler, I thought, "If I can run 10 now, I can run 26.2 if I keep going"

Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you?
Well, I confess, when I signed up for my first marathon, I also signed up for 3 others, and I hadn't even run more than one 13 mile long run. I was a maniac before I became a Maniac. I made it official later in that first year. The inspiration is too complex to fully describe, which is why I like it so much. I am inspired by first-timers, by people running long into thier Golden Years, the connection between runners, all the great running stories. Marathoning is a lot like the hike I did of the Appalachian Trail in 1993. Marathoning is a journey.

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run?
Boston, right now, but that's just because I want to go to the "Big Show". I am such a "newbie", that I like them all.

If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
My entire family. My Brother, Mom and Stepdad, tried to get me to run with them when they were running in the 80's. I would love to run one with them all, as well as my non-runner family members. I like Ryan Hall too, but he is a little faster than me.

What was you most memorable marathon and why?
The Two-Bear Marathon in Whitefish, Montana. It was my first partial-trail marathon with lots of elevation change. It was the first marathon my parents came to see. I was afraid of the race because I hadn't run trail. I realized, later, that running single track actually made you forget about the miles, and it seemed a natural partnership with hiking. I PR'd that course, and had a great time hanging around with my parents and the great volunteers.

If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest?
I'd tell them to go to Marathonguide.com and read their article on best Boston Qualifiers. Most of the races I have been to have not been particularly good PR courses.

What was the furthest youʼve ever traveled for a race?
Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I would like to do all 50 states, and I have a friend who lives there.

Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that youʼre crazy for running as much as you do? What are some of their comments to you?
In my small town, it's not so much that people think your crazy, people are just starving for some unusual stories. In the beginning, I would get one of the usual' "So how long was THIS marathon", and I would just smile and say that they all are 26.2.

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year?
12 to 24, I think, would be my max. Now, I am limited financially to about 8.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal?
Two Bear Marathon in Whitefish, Montana has very large Granite "medals"

Where do you keep your finisher medals?
My wife didn't like them on the mantel, so they have moved upstairs to where I can have my own proper shrine.

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you donʼt wear?
I wear most of them, but I got one from the Running With Horses Marathon in Green River, Wyoming that was so hideous that I haven't even worn it once. Once I accumilate too many (whatever that is), I will probably donate them, or recycle them. I'm not there yet.

If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it?
I would love to have one in my town of White Sulphur Springs, Montana. I have mapped out the course, but I am not a race director yet.

Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black?
Maniac Red so far, but Maniac Yellow/Black singlet has already been ordered.

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal?
The day before a race I eat a huge breakfast of pancakes and then only eat bagels and apples for the rest of the day. I have never had to use the bathroom during a race, so I am sticking to this strategy. On long runs, when I don't use my pre-race plan, I always need to make a pit-stop. I never eat at the pre-race dinners. It's too much food too late for me.
Post race, I like to eat everything that the race provides, and then I like a good steak dinner.

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice?
I can eat anything when I run, so I have used Clif, Gu, and Hammer gels. I like Gu for cold races because they are less viscous than cliff. I train with Accelerade, but most races don't use this. Luckily, I am fine with just about anything.

Which race would you never run again and why?
Never say Never!!!!

What was the most challenging race or combination of races youʼve ever done and why?
My first (and only) back to back weekend race. I started the second race like I was going to PR. Lesson learned at about the 15 mile mark.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training?
I run only 25-35 miles. I have a right IT band that gets mad if I push speed and distance, so I am going with speed for now.

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it?
My training partners are my fellow Maniacs. No one in my town runs marathons except me.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe?
I am a shoe whore. I run in Brooks Glycerin 5's, Brooks Cascadia's, Asics Landreth 3's, and Saucony Trigon Ride. I also have others that are still in there boxes; waiting

What are your short-term running goals?
Boston Qualify and have fun

What are your long-term running goals?
Run as long as I can.

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons?
Backpacking is my favorite, some skiing as well.

Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head).
Ryan Hall is my favorite super hero. I loved watching him run the Olympic trials. I have his picture on the refrigerator.