I started running with friends at work in the Spring 2007, just to try to get a regular activity to stay in shape.  We have a lot of fun running at work, and it was easy to ramp up slowly until I could (kind of) keep pace with everyone, and stay regular with training.  Then I went to the Twin Cities 1 Mile race in May 2007, my first organized race, and I was totally hooked on the race atmosphere.

My next race was the Twin Cities 10 Mile in October 2007, and I loved that even more.  I felt like I could keep going, so I tried the Team Ortho Monster Half Marathon also in October that loved that even more.  After the 10 Mile, I was still saying I would never run a marathon.  But after the Half, I was thinking… just maybe?

In 2008, I completed 2 marathons – Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN and Twin Cities Marathon.  For Twin Cities, I ran 4.8 miles to the start for my first unofficial 50k. 

In 2009, I completed the Superior Trail 50 mile race, a grueling bona-fide ultra on the Superior Trail along Lake Superior.  I am learning more and more about myself and my running with each race, and each finish leaves me wondering what else I can do.  On the horizon is my first 100 miler, and some winter ultras.

This blog is a place to organize thoughts as I experiment with new training methods and gear, and push my endurance farther than I ever thought I would when I started those simple lunch runs at work.  I still feel like I’m a “new” runner… hopefully I’ll keep that open and fresh attitude the farther I run.

I am also a contributing writer for Silent Sports magazine, and a published photographer.

Contact me at scottemark at yahoo dot com