Name
Steve Mackel
Where do you live?
I live in South Pasadena but I run all over the world
Tell us more about yourself
I am a Master ChiRunning Instructor which I started teaching in 2005. At the same time I started the Sole Runners Full and Half Marathon Training Program. I have coached thousands of athletes running all distances of races. Below is a link to my bio:
http://marathontraining.tv/coach-steve-mackel
How how did you get into running?
I’ve always been athletic but I really got in to running in my late 30’s. I was doing 5k/10ks and adventure races. I decided to run a marathon before I turned 40. I ran the LA Marathon in 2002 which was my first marathon. Since then I’ve run around 50 marathons, a bunch of 50s and a 50 miler. I'm also am an Ironman.
What's your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run is in the mountains, by water and on trails. My two favorite races that I compete in almost every year are the Catalina Marathon and Mt Baldy Run 2 the Top.
What's your biggest running challenge this year?
My biggest running challenge this year was at the Mt Charleston Marathon. I had never qualified for Boston. Plus, I wanted to finish with enough cushion that I knew I would not only qualify but make it easily into the race. This past April I finally qualified with a 6:03 minute cushion. I learned a lot training for that race.
What's your favorite running music (Pandora station, Spotify Radio Station, etc)?
I don’t run with music. I don’t believe that it is super safe. I also like to hear what’s going on around me and listen to what I sound like. I get people that run with music and I say whatever it takes to get you out there. But, as a coach I think safety first.
Tell us about a running product you can't live without
A running product I can’t live without is Phiten Calf Sleeves. I used to get calf cramps until I started using Phiten Calf Sleeves years ago. I like them a lot better than compression socks. I would feel naked racing without them.
More info/Social Media
I believe this will be my 10th Catalina Marathon. My fastest time was a 4:05 and I hoping to go sub 4:30 this year. I am 56 years old and a competitive age grouper. I have made lots of videos of the race and many people recognize me out there. Below are some links to some of my Catalina videos: