“One Step At A Time”

My Name is Mark and I am the founder of the Locomotive Half Marathon and 5K. I have run almost 500 races, 50 of them half marathons, and 7 of them full marathons. I have a 3:18 PR in the marathon which, though is not Boston fast, is not so bad, either. But my life has not always been so active…

Flash back to 23 years ago. I was 15 years old, and I weighed over 300 lbs. I could not even walk up a flight of stairs without being completely out of breath. The doctors told me if I did not drastically change my ways I would die. But that did not phase me.  Then one day, I took a look around and did some thinking. My parents ran for exercise (well, they did until the day my Mom beat my Dad at running, then it was only my Mom that ran!) and I thought, “Maybe I could run down to the end of the road. And though I was out of breath, I did it. Then it was one block. Then two. Then three.

The next thing I knew, I was jogging (though slowly) around the track at school. I started to see a change in me both physically and mentally. I was not tormenting myself in my own head for being a failure. I gained strength, confidence, and resolve, so much so that it has carried into every other aspect of my life. I became proud of who I was instead of ashamed. I started running races, and not only completed them, but I did fairly well in them. I knew it wouldn’t be too long before I would enter – and finish – my first marathon.

Running has taken me away from some of the darkest moments in my life and helped me face some of the biggest challenges. I have learned that with a good run going and a clear head, there is nothing I can’t do. This is why I run. And this is why I founded this race.

Everything we face in life can be overcome if we take this approach. It all starts with a single step in the right direction. And once you make that step, anything is possible. I hope that my story encourages you to take that first step in whatever you may be up against. And if it involves wanting to run a half marathon for the first time, I hope you join us. If you are not confident you can do it, call me or email me. I believe in the power of positive thought and I will do whatever I can to help get you on your way to achieving your dreams.

I hope to see you soon!!!

Mark Vescio

Founder, Locomotive Half Marathon and 5K

runningmanwest@bellsouth.net

678-895-2631