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Clark is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
In March of 2019 I was on tour traveling across Texas, eating terribly and hadn’t exercised in any way for about a year. I was listening to the audio book, Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins, and about a third of the way through, I pulled over on the side of the road and signed up for a marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC to be specific. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no experience in long distance running of any kind but I knew I wanted to accomplish something and push past my perceived limits. After six months of training, I lost 30 pounds and finished the MCM in 3 hours and 45 minutes. My next race is the Rocky Racoon 50. Today I’m healthier, happier, and more optimistic than I’ve ever been. Since I’ve been running, for the first time in my life, when someone asks me how I’m doing, I deeply feel the truth in my answer: “I’m doing great”.
When I started training I had no idea what to do or how to do it. RW+ had the best articles and training plans to get me started and keep me going.
I run for many reasons. I run to think clearly, to be healthy and alone, to build confidence, and even to eat more! But ultimately, I run to be better. I run to train for life outside of running and I run to actively disagree with limitations.
I run first thing when I wake up almost everyday. I live in a beautiful wooded area with lots of hills. I run primarily roads, but when I’m near some of the trails in Nashville, I LOVE running those.
I swear by Altra shoes. I trained for and ran my first marathon in a pair of Altra Torin Plush shoes and haven’t turned away since. I’ve never had a blister on my feet and never had a toe nail go black.
Complete a 100 mile ultra marathon. That was the goal when I signed up for my first race in March 2019. Everything I do points to that ultimate goal of completing a 100 mile ultra marathon.