As the winner of the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon, Joan Benoit Samuelson has long been a favorite Maine daughter. We were proud to feature Samuelson in our August 2008 profile, "Joan Benoit Samuelson's Gold Mettle."

Having just hosted the 11th annual TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, we cornered the ever-moving Samuelson to answer our MH+D Questionnaire:

Name: Joan Benoit Samuelson

Occupation: Runner, Gardener, Mainer

Favorite Maine destination: An unnamed island in Casco Bay, the only place I can totally let down.

Mainers I most admire: Joshua Chamberlain, George Mitchell, Sarah Orne Jewett, Helen and Scott Nearing

Favorite Maine artist: I hate to mention just one name because there are so many wonderful artisans who inspire all of us and help to keep the Maine economy going. Mat O'Donnell is the first Maine artist from whom we purchased art. Fred and Candace Jackman's stained glass became part of our home shortly after we moved in.

Favorite Maine gallery or museum: Portland Museum of Art, Admiral Peary House on Eagle Island.

Favorite Maine restaurant: Havana (Bar Harbor), Prego

Favorite Maine holiday: Every day that I’m alive in Maine. OK, the 4th of July.

Happiest Maine memory: Making it to the top of Kathadin with Scott, Abby and Anders when they were 9 and 11. Also, skating on Flagstaff Lake and Maquoit Bay on black ice.

Worst Maine memory: Breaking my leg at Pleasant Mt (Shawnee Peak) during February Vacation while thinking I was training to make it to the Olympics in skiing. Wrong!

Native or from away? Native

Ocean or lake? Ocean

Sugarloaf or Sunday River? Sugarloaf

George Mitchell or George Bush? George Mitchell

Sail boat or power boat? For me it’s a kayak, but they all have a place in Maine.

Bib or no bib? No bib, and no gloves in the garden!

Moxie? No soda, but lots of Poland Spring water.

All Photographs by Darren Setlow