Mark McCaslin
RAN 1st MARATHON IN 1988 (CHICAGO) AND THEN DIDN'T RUN AGAIN FOR 20 YEARS
COMPLETED OVER 56 MARATHONS & ULTRA MARATHONS SINCE 2008
COMPLETED EIGHT 100 MILE RACES SINCE 2010
AGE: 44
HOMETOWN: Waterford, MI
SPORT: Ultra Running
YEARS TRAINING & COMPETING: 12
PERSONALITY: Ambitious. Funny, Perseverance
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION?
I started running again on a regular basis in 2008 just after moving to Michigan. We began a running club at work and the miles started to add up. The idea of running a marathon again (last was 1988) seemed impossible and I knew it would take an extreme amount of work. I ran a few 5k’s and 10k’s and a few relays. Eventually, I ran a half marathon trail race and got hooked on running longer distances again. I blindly signed up for a 50K (31.1 miles) which went real well, and many more marathons and 50k races were in the near future. Once 50K’s were not enough to push my limits I started running marathons in preparation for for 50 mile races. After I conquered 50 milers, races of 100 miles and over became my new passion and I have completed eight so far (and failed at many also). My current motivation is to get ready for the Hurt 100 miler in Hawaii in January, and then run my first 200 mile race in the Green Mountains of Vermont May 2014.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I think my biggest running accomplishment is signing up two weeks before and completing the Bear 100 miler (starting in Logan Utah and finishing in Fish Haven Idaho), an incredible point to point race with 11 major climbs. I finished in 33 hours and this was by far was the hardest race to that point in my life.
WHO IS YOUR HERO?
I had many friends who at one point were overweight and out of shape. They sought information to change their lifestyle and push forward, and I helped and encouraged their efforts. Then they simply DID IT!! It was just amazing to watch and be part of their transformation and see them pass the pasion forward to others.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT YOUR SPORT?
Ultra Running is a life-long sport. Very few individuals attempt to do what we do. I enjoy meeting new friends and seeing old ones at every race I run.
WHY IS TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET IMPORTANT TO YOU?
My feet have to feel good to do what I do, so foot care before, during, and after the event is a necessity. During each of these phases my feet have different needs and require different care. I learned early in my ultra running days just how important it is to take care of my feet.
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