Aric W. Manning- "Manners"

Aric is 38 years old, married to his wife of 5 years Melony and has 2 daughters; Sami (13), Aspen Skye (5) and 20 pets - don't ask.  Aric is a CS Manager at Smith Optics and is also the Race Director for the Northern Trail Series.  Aric was born and raised in Roy, UT and now lives in North Ogden.

Here are a few facts about Aric when we asked him about running:

Years running: Only 4, hoping for many more.

Weekly mileage: 40-60- Really don't go over 60 unless there is a big race in there.

      Favorite race distance or race:

Distance would be 50 mile or 50k, long but you can finish in a day. Looking for a couple 100's this year.

Fav Race- Buffalo Run, Squaw Peak 50 and Logan Peak. Really looking forward to Swan Crest 100 at the end of July.

PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment:

Proudest was finishing Wasatch 100 in 2008. I got to cross the finish line with my girls! It wasn't pretty but it was a finish.

Favorite training run:

Ben Lomond Peak, Lewis Peak and recently Wolf Mountain. Spend a lot of time on the BST as well.

      Why run - (motivation, inspiration):

I run both for motivation and inspiration. Keeps me motivated for my next race and I actually find inspiration from all the crazy, unique runners I come across.

Goals:

I would like to run a 100 miler under 24 hours. Maybe the Bear 100 in September. Long shot but......

Favorite music to run to:

Listen to Mother Nature mostly but if I have my iPod- Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, some Jazz and always looking for more.

Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.):

Pretty much all Pearl Izumi all the time. Love the Pi Fuel XC's

Best advice you've been given as a runner:

In Races- "Take chances." - Bfish

Training- "Suffer now or suffer even more later."

In general- "You're too fat and you will hurt your knees."

Best motivational quote:

 Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the ache in your

lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you

that yells CAN"T, but you don't listen. You just push harder.

And then you hear a voice whisper CAN. And you discover that

The person you thought you were is no match for the one

you really are.

Your role model: Too many to name. Chris Farley comes to mind though.

Favorite food:

Gonna have to say Sushi, Popcorn and Beer but not in that order.

Hobbies or interests other than running:

Soccer, Golf and Family time.

Anything else the world might want to know about you:

Just started the Northern Utah Trail Series (N.U.T.S.) here in the Ogden area. Great trails and distances for everyone. Excited to get the series off the ground.

Other than that- I am sure no one wants to know more.