Originally I started running in high school when a new teacher started a x-country team. I then had a chance to run one year with the University of Manitoba. After 10 years of too much work, with occasional painful run with my super motivating step mother I needed a change. Two and a half years ago I cleaned up my eating habits, which I now follow a plant-based diet. Started running more frequently. Signed up for a 15km race, and I was hooked again. The more I ran, the better I felt. Eating better and staying active has become very addictive.
2. What is your running background? How many races have you done?
Since my return I have done over nine half marathons, a few legs in Sinister 7, 42km and a 102km trail race.
3. You recently ran your first 100K race. How did it go?
I feel pretty lucky, from start to finish I felt pretty great. The course was a perfect intro to ultras. My support crew was amazing, always ready and super encouraging. (Mark ran the Iron Horse Ultra 100 in St. Paul, Alta)
4. What was the most challenging part of the race? Most rewarding?
The Iron Horse Ultra 100 recently changed Leg 3. I found it to be the toughest section of any race I have done. I could see the top of the climb a few times but it kept going, but once I had I knew I was over halfway through the race and the best was yet to come.
5. What was the most challenging part of the training?
The speed work. It was regularly replaced by just doing a 15-20km run.
6. What propelled you into trail/ultra running?
I have always loved the trail but I became hooked after Sinister 7. I found a team that needed an extra runner and from the first email it was like family. They are the perfect example of what the trail community is about They even supported me on my first ultra. Best crew ever. Trail running is way more relaxing. Let’s be honest, how often do road runners have a reason to stop and take pictures.
7. What has running taught you about yourself?
Every time I run, I can’t stop telling myself how lucky I am. The runner’s high is an understatement. The longer runs are great for clearing my thoughts and I like to say, the more I run, the more patient I become.
8. Do you have any current running goals?
100-120-miler or a multi-day race.
9. What’s next on your list?
Nothing in stone yet but Fat Ass 50, January 1st. Great way to start the year.
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Happy trails!
I dabbled in trail running this summer and am considering running a Ragnar Trail next year! I can't blame Mark for getting hooked, it is a lot of fun!
Agreed! I wish I could fast forward to next spring and skip over winter!