Michael Wardian, 37, runs long distances. Michael’s been running competitively for 16 years and has run more than 100 marathons since his first in 1996. He lives in Arlington, VA with his wife Janet and their two sons. Among the titles he holds is Guinness World Record for the Fastest-Marathon as a superhero (Spider Man) which he set at the 2011 Lower Potomac Marathon, but he also holds bronze medals for the U.S. in two 50ks. He looks forward to the day when he’ll be able to run with his whole family at his side. Right now, however, the main thing on his mind is the Olympic Trials January 14 in Houston. (Interview by Laura Dayton)

1. You’ll be running against some of America’s best at the trials. Does this type of competition intimidate you?  Not in the least. You can be running with the best in the world and at the end of the race it’s only about you and your journey and how you handled the circumstances of the day. That’s what I love about running, it’s so individual. You really get a chance to see what you’re made of.

2. I know you take your running very seriously, almost as a mission. Can you tell us more about that?  I love racing and running. Part of my excitement on becoming part of the Ujena Fit Club is that it will help me get more involved in projects and to help get people outside and moving. I am always pushing the boundaries and exploring my limits, and I hope that others will see what I am doing and be inspired to do more than they think they can.

I remember some years ago someone telling me that you can’t fun three marathons in a month. I thought, ‘maybe you can’t, but maybe I can.’ I did the Chicago, the Marine and the New York in one month, then two weeks later I did a 50 miler.

Have a good race on Saturday Michael. We are excited to have you part of our Ujena Fit Club.
Bob Anderson 1/12/12 1:37 pm

Good Luck on Saturday!
Lisa Anderson-Wall 1/12/12 5:13 pm

Thank you so much...
michael wardian 1/13/12 8:53 am

Good luck on Saturday and take it all in. What an honor to be running in the Olympic Trials.
Justin Wall 1/13/12 12:01 pm

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3. Wow! Impressive. Do you ever think your age is a disadvantage?  I don’t think about it. I run 100-120 miles per week. I see people in the 70s on the 50 mile runs. That’s the type of person I want to be.

4. You’re starting to get quite a fan base nationally. Are you supported at home in Arlington?  Most definitely. It surprises me when I’m out and people I don’t know say hi or give a thumbs up or say ‘Hey, he’s a world champ.’ Arlington is a really tight community, and we support our locals. It another reason I love the racing and it makes my wife feel good about it. She’s my number one fan and she’s already done a couple 5ks. So I’ve impressed at least one person to get out there and run!

5. Do any of your races really stand out in your mind?  I don’t think anyone ever forgets their first marathon. Second to that, it would have to be the bronze medals at the 2009 and 2010 50k World Championships in Gibraltar, the silver at the Gibraltar 2009 100k. In truth, I don’t know. Every race has its own challenges, its uniqueness and I think all are unforgettable.

6. What were some of your first thoughts when you qualified for the trials? Did you know immediately that you would do them?  I called my wife and screamed, I knew I would run. It was my goal for 4 years.

7. Since qualifying have you suffered any injuries or setbacks?  I have had some setbacks but everyone does, I will run my best on Saturday.

8. Have you changed anything, training or diet wise, in preparation for the Trials?  I haven't really changed anything, I added some hills and some speed but diet wise, just really watching my intake and trying to eat enough.

9. You have had several good sponsors. Has anyone new approached you for the Trials:  I have great sponsors in Marathonguide.com, The North Face and PowerBar, Gold's Gym. I have some interest from new sponsors so that is nice.

10. For those just starting into running, what kind of expectations should they have about sponsors and contracts, and do you have any advice you would give them?  I would say getting sponsors is really tough but be yourself and be a good person and if you do I think the sponsor stuff will work out.

For additional information -
UjENA FIT Club Profile link: Michael Wardian