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August 2019-Mike Bendt

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc)

A:  I grew up in Spearfish and graduated from Black Hills State.  Married for nearly 33 years. Three daughters and two grandkids.

Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?

A: I actually ran in high school and college.  Didn’t run for 20+ years while enjoying my daughters’ activities.  In late 2013 I weighed over 200 lbs. 6 months and 30 lbs later; I started running again.

Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?

A:  Definitely a group.  Unfortunately, my schedule doesn’t always align.  I do enjoy the solitude of running by myself however.

Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?  

A: Mentally – trails.  Physically – roads

Q: What is your favorite distance or race?

A: ½ marathon

Q: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?

A:  Can’t say that I’m never not motivated.  Sometimes those first couple miles make me question my decision 🙂

Q: If I didn’t run I’d ………..

A:  Probably fish more.

Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?

A:  Feeling better than I did 10 years ago.  Most importantly.. The many folks whom I’ve gotten to know over the past 5 years!

Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?

A:  Couple cups of coffee, take care of what needs to be taken care of, shower, hydrate, jog and stretch.

Q: What are your running goals for the future?  

A:  Stay healthy, BH 100 ‘Man in Black’, Boston in 2021, and more ultras thereafter.

Q: Who inspires you most?

A:  My inspiration is more intrinsic.  There are several folks that keep the BHRC relevant who I truly appreciate…  organizing group runs (Erika, Dan, & Roger), volunteers at every event (Marge), awesome photos (Mark), and the numerous race directors that keep us coming back.

Q: What advice do you have for new runners?

A:   Be patient with the process and revel in the progress!