Steve Rink
Age: 45
Resides in:  Cave Creek, AZ
Family: Wife (Marie), daughter Katie (6), son Conner (3)
Occupation: Superintendent/Principal/Teacher/Coach, currently stat at home Daddy.
Sport: Running
Hobbies/Interests: Triathlons, duathlons, aquathlons, running, tennis, golf, hiking...anything that requires movement!
Sponsors: Arizona Road Racers/Triscottsdale-Gage Racing
Competing in your sport since: Running since 1978
How did you get into the sport? A local 5k in Gardner, IL
Other sports: Basketball, baseball, track, cross-country
What keeps you motivated? Colleen de Reuck (46) once said, "As long as you have the passion/fire burning inside you, you find a way to keep running at a level you desire."  I agree with Colleen, fire still burns intensely. I love competing/training/social aspect of running so much.
Who inspires you most? Top age group athletes like Sue Meno, Carlos Mendoza, Rance Myers, Jim Prescott, Paul Ruckel, the list is endless.
Love most about your sport: The feeling after a workout...it lasts all day and into the next day/workout. The best drug in the world are your endorphins you get from running!
Accomplishments: I try to win my age group or place in every event I participate in, if I don't...I get over to the person that beat me and introduce myself, I love the social aspect of races.. Weekly training: 15-20 hrs. a week. MWF easy running, Tues./Thurs. threshold/tempo workouts, Sunday...sacred day of the "long run", 14-23 miles.
Future fitness goals:  Break 3:00 at Boston Marathon, break 3:00 at Tucson Marathon in December.
How do you fit everything in with a family?  I usually train in early mornings, I feel guilty if I have to leave them for a run.
Do you include family in your fitness routines? Yes, starting to as they get older, Katie did her first ARR Turkey Trot last November, she keeps asking to do more.  She will.
Have your kids started to find their own fitness/favorite sports to play. Both my kids have been swimming at Hubbard Swim School since birth. Katie starts on the Hubbard Swim Team this summer. She also enjoys running, dance and tennis. Conner will do most anything but I think he is a too young for organized sports. He starts football, soccer, etc. in the fall when he turns 4.
How do you encourage them: Try to be a good role model.  They've been to one or two races so far they love the atmosphere, such positive energy at all the running events.
How long have you been a stay at home dad. 6 years, since right after Katie was born in 2004.
Best and worst parts: Best is seeing my babies grow up daily before my eyes, I feel very fortunate. Worst part is that you truly don't get a "break." -- I have so much respect for stay at home Mommy's/Daddy's, always will.
Favorite event:  La Luz Trail Run, Albuquerque, NM
Most memorable competing Every time I toe the line at the Boston Marathon, it is a special/holy place for this running geek.
Funniest moment: We were about 1/2 mile from the top of the finish at Sandia Peak  (La Luz Trail Run), lungs burning, dizzy, etc. and a gentleman by the name of Charlie Otero starts screaming at the top of his lungs, "We are almost there partner, Praise Jesus, Praise Jesus until we finished. I got the biggest and most sincere hug from Charlie when we finished...It was his sincere encouragement that taught me a life long lesson...encourage everyone because everyone deserves it!
Can’t live without equipment: My running shorts w/pockets, holds my gels.
Favorite quote: "If it is to be, it is up to me."   Dr. Seuss
If you could go to dinner with anyone: Dick Beardsley, he has overcome so much in his life and is so positive and happy.  
Book you are reading: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Favorite movie:  Running Brave
Best advice received:  My Dad was much like Harvey Mackay...they both gave/give this advice, "If you are unhappy with what you are doing, do something that makes you happy."  
Advice for others to keep motivated: Please do not worry about time or place, worry about the finish line and the journey you are on while getting to the finish line.
Must have nutrition: My morning run/ride...clif shot bloks on the ride, espresso gu gel on the run.

—by Sue Berliner