This week’s Ambassador Award goes to Mike Swanson. Mike was the Race Director of Team Ortho Foundation’s Get Lucky! 7K and is the Associate Race Director for the upcoming Minneapolis Marathon on June 6th. We at Team Ortho Foundation are very lucky to have such a loyal and dedicated volunteer as part of our staff.

TO: How did you first become active in Team Ortho?
MS: In 2007, Erik Lindstrom (currently the race director of the Minneapolis Duathlon) asked me to help out with the first downtown half and I've been participating in Team Ortho events and volunteering my time ever since.

TO: Why did you first start running?
MS: I started running because my doctor advised me to lose weight. At first, I couldn’t even run one mile but after four months, I was able to run three. Ten months later I ran my first marathon with my brother and a buddy from high school. Today, I've run 123 full marathons and as of April 2007, became a member of the 50 States Club which means I have run a full marathon in all 50 states.

TO: What is it about Team Ortho that makes you want to volunteer your time to our foundation?
MS: It’s the exciting atmosphere. Runners are always enthusiastic about the races, running and getting other people involved.

TO: What was your favorite part about being the race director of Get Lucky!
MS: Watching the happy faces at the finish line and then seeing the thousands of Get Lucky sweatshirts being worn downtown and at Kieran's after the race.

TO What advice can you give to people who are toying with the idea of participating or to people who want to start running?
MS: My advice is to always have a race that you're signed up for. This will keep you motivated and give you a goal to work towards. Remember, it’s not all about winning races but about being an active participant and meeting great people along the way!