I started my journey toward getting my back repaired in the Spring of 2008. I had fallen in 1999 and broke some small bones that hold the vertebrae together. This over the years had caused my L4 and L5 to shift out of place. I was having chronic severe pain and was barely able to walk a hundred feet without having to sit down. I also weighed 425lbs, which was not helping my back or my health. 
Over the next year or so, I walked over 1,000 miles and lost 140 lbs. I had spinal fusion surgery on October 15, 2009, and it was the best thing to ever happen to me. I made a decision the afternoon after my surgery that I would walk the Little Rock Half Marathon on March 7th, 2010. Well I did that with ease and decided two days later that I wanted to run. I ran the Hogeye Half Marathon on April 11th, 2010, barely a month later, in 2 hours and 38 minutes. That was the beginning of my running journey. I completed another half marathon that October and my first full marathon at the Dallas White Rock Marathon December 5th, 2010.
I have now completed 12 marathonsand 10 half marathons. I hope to be close to 20 or so by years end. Number 13 and 14 will be this month in April 2012.
Favorite Quote:
For everyone who thought I couldn’t do it. For everyone who thought I shouldn’t do it. For everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible.’ See you at the finish line.
~Christopher Reeve
WM: What is your fondest Marathon Moment?
MC: Finishing my first marathon on December 5, 2010, at the Dallas White Rock Marathon.
WM: WhyMarathon?
MC: I spent years being unhealthy and unable to do anything. My back surgery and weight loss have turned me into a new person. I feel great and I want to inspire others to do the same! My longest run to date has been 40 miles.
Meet the Ambassador – FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK HERE
You can follow along with Mark’s Journey at his blog here. http://catomeister.blogspot.com
Marathon Maniac #4570
Half Fanatic #1549
Little Rock Roadrunners Club
Cabot Country Cruisers
Saline County Striders
Hi, I am a member of Team Challenge LI which is a half marathon training program designed to raise money for Crohn’s disease and colitis. These are inflammatory bowel diseases which affect over 1.4 million Americans, including myself. I am a vegetarian runner and I take very good care of myself, yet I still have painful symptoms! Would you please consider making a donation. Thank you.
http://www.active.com/donate/virginia12li/IBrocin
Active.com Donations
Just an update, I have now completed 15 marathons and 10 half marathons. Feeling great and staying on the road!