Michael Hampton

Sprinting to the end of my first (currently only) marathon in Steamboat Springs.

City: Black Forest State: CO

Age: 42.1 years old

Marital Status: Married

What I do for work:
I make computers work.

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
I was born in Texas, and have lived in New Mexico, Mexico and now Colorado. I wanted to live in Colorado since I first visited as a boy.

When I started running and what got me started:
I first ran a mile in mid 2000. I ran my first marathon in 2003. I started running because I found that I could, that was a surprise to me.

What does running mean to me:
Running is freedom. I run to beat my last time.

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
I'm still going.

What I like about trail/mountain running:
Trail running makes me feel peaceful. I like coming across wildlife, I like getting rained on and snowed on. It makes me feel alive.

Favorite running trail and why:
Barr and the trail through Ute Valley park. Barr because it is never easy, Ute valley because it is close.

Best running experience:
Getting up at 5 am to make my long run for the week during my marathon training about a month before the race. It was a 13 mile day, and I had some friends who kept up with me for 7.5 and 10 miles, then had to fall off. After the run I had a half hour rest before a two hour martial arts class. For the first time I experienced a really good runners high, and rode it through the workout. It - rocked!

Worst running experience:
April 2003 I was on a long run and got caught in a blizzard. Two hours later I got to my car and ended up having to hold my key in my teeth so that I could unlock the door, because my hands would not grip it. It took 20 minutes to get the car started and the heater turned on.

Neatest thing found on a run:
A key to a Volvo. At the end of the run I also found the car, and later the owner.

Running pet peeves:
Trash left on the trail.

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I smoked for 25 years.

Other hobbies and interests:
Martial arts. Building play areas.

Page last modified: 5/30/2008