Mark Howard is a devoted husband, father of three young children, and educator at Salem High School. All of which are roles that likely keep him very busy in general. On top of those accomplishments, he can also call himself an Ironman as he has completed one full 141-mile Ironman competition. He is a marathon runner as he has three full 26.2-mile marathons under his belt along with a host of half marathons (13.1 miles) and various 5k/10k races.
This wasn’t always Mark’s lifestyle though. He has accomplished those feats in just three short years. In 2020 he weighed in at 250 pounds and couldn’t even run a mile. He came to the realization that if he didn’t make some serious changes, he wasn’t going to be around to watch his children grow up. Mark made a choice and a commitment to change his life.
To get started, he sought guidance from others. Mark says, “Having experienced people to train with makes all the difference.” He also quickly learned that working out brings him a sense of accomplishment and joy. He loves the challenge of pushing his limits. It helps him stay fit, focused, and serves as a stress reliever. He finds competing in races and events extremely rewarding.
Fitness has had a profound impact on Mark’s life. It has taught him discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting. He has found it to be a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships. Overall, it has enhanced his physical and mental well-being, making him feel more energetic and positive in daily life.
Mark typically works out five to six days each week for an average of 12-15 hours per week. Normally he allows for one day of rest and recovery. Although, he is currently participating in a challenge called “75 Hard”, along with his wife, Ellie, which doesn’t allow for off days.
He incorporates both cardio and strength into his training. He especially enjoys the feeling of freedom and endurance that comes with running and participating in triathlons. However, he understands the importance of strength training for preventing injuries and improving overall performance and incorporates both regularly into his routine.
Today exercise and fitness are fundamental aspects of his life, and he plans to continue to make them a priority along with eating a healthy diet. Proper nutrition is essential for optimal performance and recovery and crucial to supporting an active lifestyle.
Mark loves participating in physical activities with his family whenever possible. They enjoy going for runs together, cycling on weekends, and even participating in fun runs or charity events. These activities and events are a great way to bond, stay healthy, and set a positive example for their three children.
“Motivation is overrated, discipline wins out every time,” says Mark. However, setting new goals for himself helps. Whether that is aiming for a faster marathon time or conquering longer distances in triathlons, having something to work towards drives him to stay consistent and committed to his training.
Mark finds it incredibly fulfilling to help others embark on their fitness journey. Whether it is offering training advice, sharing his own experiences, or simply providing encouragement, seeing someone improve and achieve their fitness goals is very rewarding.
Fitness has gifted Mark so much both physically and mentally. It has taught him to be resilient, embrace challenges, and celebrate every small victory. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a way of life that he is grateful for each day. There is no doubt that Mark can serve as an inspiration to others to discover the joy and fulfillment that an active lifestyle can bring. Chances are high that you will find Mark working out most afternoons/early evenings throughout the week at Healthy Dent County with his workout buddies. He often works out with Jeff Frizzell, Justin Deason, Bryon Capps, and David Ingram. What seems to have started off as mere acquaintances has turned into lifelong friendships among this crew. I think it is safe to say that the decision he made three years ago to lead a healthier lifestyle has brought him much more than simply being fit.
