May 2007 Athlete Profile- Mark Foster

Mark Foster is the real deal, in my opinion. He trains with passion, races his heart out, and does so with a great attitude. Get to know Mark and you’ll find it’s clearly evident that he’s making the most of his time spent here on earth. He’s a talented guy who contributes in his unique and hilarious way to the message board – something I always appreciate.



Athlete Of The Month Profile

1. Name  Mark Gifford Foster AKA  Big Mark, Larger sized, Markus, Fat man, Pole, Diesel, Waffle, the list goes on…..    

2. How long have you been training for and racing in swimming? If it is truly swimming you are asking about it has been for, Um, gulp, 23 years. We started swimming for Baseball in College to keep our arms strong through the winter. It was a lot of fun and I kept it up ever since.

If the question is how long have I been T&R in Multisport? it has been eighteen years. And at the beginning I am not sure it was called training? It was just going for a ride swim or run then a race here and there. Remember Chucks?    

3. What is your favorite aspect of the sport? Definitely the people, there are some amazing people that enjoy and are passionate about this sport. It is always fun to meet new people and share stories. I also like that it is your personal clock that you are trying to beat and the byproducts are good health and fitness.    

4. What do you consider your biggest athletic achievement? Sounds like an easy question but it really is difficult to answer. When it comes down to it, Ironman comes top of mind. IM Florida was an amazing experience for me, it was one of those days when everything clicked. Thanks coach!  Amongst others, it was great you Big Rocks and Baker were there to share the stories and brewski’s afterwards.

5. What are your big goals?  A happy family & IM Hawaii, Boston Marathon 2008. Hit the 90+ age group.

6. What’s your favorite meal? Loaded question. Maybe my “big goals” should be to eat less. I am a big fan of the Hamburger. Although a good lobster feast is something I look forward to once a year. I never met a meal I didn’t like.

7. What’s your favorite movie? Lately Idiocracy (you will send your kids to private school after this one) ATF The Big Labowski, My wife and I always get a good laugh out of this one. 

8. Any other hobbies? Skiing Alpine and Tele( I have skied for 39 years),  Flying Airplanes (RC Models and Full scale), Hiking, Camping and of course Spelunking

9. Where is the best place you have visited? Whistler British Columbia. The place is amazing and the Canadians are a fun bunch.

10. If you could visit one place this year, where would it be? China it intrigues me.

11. What’s your favorite workout? Nothing like a long ride in Vermont and swim in the lake after.

12. Who’s your inspiration? Jim MacLaren  http://www.jimmaclaren.com/  and the person who finishes last at any Ironman.        

13. If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be? Herman “The Herminator” Maier. The guy has the strongest legs on the planet. Of course if he wasn’t available Elle MacPherson as she has some of the nicest legs on the planet.

14. What three things would you bring with you if you were to be dropped on a deserted Island (not counting family)? Gilligan, Maryann and a Luau caterer.

If this was an island off the coast of Alaska;  A ten thousand foot peak, Ski equipment, and a Biodiesel snow cat. Hmmmm could I have one more thing? A French fry maker , for the biodiesel of course.    

15. Any other words of wisdom? In the pre sellout words of Ben and Jerry “if it’s not fun then why do it?”  Seriously, don’t take things so seriously when it comes to these sports. When its fun the personal satisfaction you get will be greatest.

Thanks and hope to see you all out there having fun! It is a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful group. Oh and don’t forget to wear Sunscreen!    

TTFN  (Ta Ta For Now)   

Mark