Mark Dottore’s Ultra-Running: Mindset & Backyard Ultra Win

Mark Dottore, an ultra-endurance athlete from Minnesota, has gained significant recognition for his remarkable achievements in the sport, particularly his qualification for Team USA at Big's Backyard Ultra. His journey into ultra-running is not just a tale of athletic prowess but a profound story of mindset, personal transformation, and a commitment to inspiring others.

From Team Sports to Ultra-Running: An Unexpected Path

Dottore's athletic background is far from typical for an ultra-runner. In high school and college, he excelled in football and lacrosse, earning All-American honors in lacrosse and All-State in football. He played Division III football and lacrosse in college, but track and field or cross country were never part of his athletic pursuits.

His entry into running was sparked during his senior year of college lacrosse. After a disappointing road trip, he found himself in a negative headspace. His brother sent him a podcast featuring David Goggins, an ultra-endurance athlete known for his extreme feats and mental toughness. Goggins' story of pushing through immense pain and transforming his life resonated deeply with Dottore, who was at the time struggling with alcohol and searching for direction. This encounter led him to his first run at 2 AM, marking the beginning of his running journey.

While Goggins initially inspired him, Dottore later found a different kind of inspiration in James Lawrence, known as the "Iron Cowboy." Lawrence's documentary, "50-50-50," which chronicled his feat of completing 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 states in 50 days, offered Dottore a vision of transforming pain into purpose, not just inwardly but also by bringing others along. Lawrence's emphasis on family and community, a contrast to Goggins' more solitary narrative, deeply appealed to Dottore, who desired a life where he could achieve great things while also fostering strong relationships.

Confronting Pain and Finding Purpose

Dottore openly discusses the pain that fueled his transformation. For much of his life, he sought acceptance from others, aligning his actions with what he perceived would make him liked. This led to a constant feeling of disconnection and a chaotic college experience marked by excessive drinking and reckless behavior. He realized he needed to stop blaming external factors and look inward. This introspection led to journaling and running, which became tools for processing emotions and moving towards a different life.

He describes how football, while providing an outlet for aggression, ultimately bottled up his emotions. Running, however, offered a different experience. The physical act of moving forward allowed him to process emotional challenges in real-time, providing a sense of release and a new cycle of healing. Journaling became crucial for self-awareness, allowing him to document his internal journey and observe his evolving self-talk, moving from self-criticism to grace and forgiveness.

The Drive for More: Ambition and Impact

Dottore acknowledges his ambitious nature, which drives him to push boundaries in running beyond just a daily mental health practice. He was drawn to the deeper understanding of self and positive impact on others that he observed in athletes like Ricky Gates and James Lawrence. He sought to find that same depth and purpose in his own life, believing that achieving big things could lead to a grander scale of self-discovery and influence.

His early ultra-running career, though not widely publicized at the time, was intense. In 2020, just a year after starting running, he completed two 50Ks and a 50-miler within a two-week period. However, many of his most transformative experiences happened "off UltraSignup," through charity runs for the "Love Like Lori Legacy" nonprofit, founded in memory of his friend's mother who passed from pancreatic cancer. These runs, covering distances of 160, 266, and 500 miles, raised over $100,000 and taught him the profound meaning of running.

During these charity runs, Dottore realized that everyone carries pain—emotional, spiritual, or physical. He learned that by walking together, sharing vulnerabilities, and confronting pain rather than burying it, people can find light and move towards healing. This shared vulnerability, he believes, is the connective tissue that addresses spiritual and emotional dilemmas.

The Backyard Ultra Phenomenon and a Different Perspective on Winning

Dottore's recent successes at the BPN Backyard Ultra and Midstate Mile have brought him into the spotlight. The BPN Backyard Ultra, a race where competitors run a 4.2-mile loop every hour until only one remains, saw Dottore emerge victorious after 73 hours and 306 miles. Shortly after, he competed in the Midstate Mile, a similar format but with a 1-mile loop every 20 minutes and significant elevation gain.

He contrasts his approach to these races with the "willing to die" mentality expressed by some competitors. Dottore firmly rejects this, stating that while he takes the sport seriously, he does not derive all his value from running to the point of being willing to die for an outcome. His perspective is grounded by the unwavering support of his wife, Lucy, who reminds him that his worth is not tied to his athletic achievements. This foundation allows him to pursue his goals with a different intention, one rooted in self-discovery rather than earning love or identity.

He reflects on his college sports experience, where the focus on winning national championships led to a feeling of worthlessness if victory wasn't achieved. Now, he prioritizes building emotional and spiritual connections, recognizing that these translate into resilience when faced with hardship.

Mindset: Crafting Your Own Story

Dottore is a strong advocate for mindset and personal development. He believes that regardless of circumstances, everyone has the choice to craft the story they want to live. In ultra-races, he experiences competing narratives: one that says "you're not good enough," and another that affirms "every step I take is evidence that who I say I am is who I actually am." He emphasizes that taking action, even small steps, creates the evidence for the desired narrative.

He aligns with the idea that "mood follows action," encouraging people to take steps forward despite how they feel. He highlights that the journey of change is built on consistent, small actions, not just grand gestures.

Faith, Purpose, and Inspiring Others

Dottore's faith plays a significant role in his resilience. After a period of chasing happiness through achievement, he realized that external validation did not bring wholeness. Inspired by Sally McRae's words about finding strength in her faith during races, he began to explore his own spiritual path. This allowed him to separate his identity from running, recognizing that his strength comes from a deeper foundation.

He finds immense inspiration in individuals like Mike Egan, a veteran in a wheelchair who competed in the BPN race. Egan's relentless will to not let his circumstance define him embodies Dottore's belief that true empowerment comes from creating one's own story, regardless of external limitations.

Dottore sees himself as a "change agent masquerading as an ultra-runner." He uses his platform to inspire others to take action in their own lives. He believes that everyone has the capacity to impact others, even through small acts. His "running plunge" events, where non-runners are encouraged to run 5 miles, demonstrate this in real-time, as participants transform and bring friends into the experience.

He emphasizes that the "mountain top is one step." His own journey, which took seven years of consistent effort, started with a single run. He encourages people to take that first step, no matter how small, because it builds momentum and leads to a life of greater potential.

The Holy Trinity of Change

Dottore's story beautifully embodies what he calls the "holy trinity of change":

1. Doing (Action): Taking consistent, contrary actions to move life forward.
2. Undoing (Introspection): Untangling past narratives and self-limiting beliefs.
3. Being (Presence): Being present and conscious to enjoy the experience and serve others.

He believes that this holistic approach allows him to be a better human, not just an ego-obsessed athlete. His wife, Lucy, plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded and focused on what truly matters, reminding him that his value is inherent, not earned through performance.

Dottore's message to those feeling stuck is to become aware of the disconnect caused by a lack of action. The only way to move forward is by taking the next possible step, appreciating the progress, and recognizing that each small action contributes to becoming the person one aspires to be. He believes that by facing one's fears and taking ownership of their story, individuals can inspire a ripple effect of positive change in their own lives and in the lives of those around them.