Once you start keeping a log and setting goals you get hooked then comes Boston five times

Rod Fraser, 61, just wanted to stay in shape and keep up with his kids, when he started running 25 years ago. “It was more of a recreational thing for the first few years,” said Rod. “I’d do a 5K, four or five times a week… but what I found along the way was, once you start keeping a log and setting goals, that’s how it starts — you get hooked.” In 2004, he ran his first marathon — the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon — finishing among the top 20%. Then it was on to the next one. “I’m sure everyone is different, but once I did a couple I was committed, and after a few more you become addicted.” Since then, Fraser has knocked off an impressive 35 marathons over 14 years (last year was his busiest, with five), including four appearances at the prestigious Boston Marathon, where he’ll be returning next month, along with 30,000 other qualifying participants. “It’s quite amazing,” Fraser said of what’s considered by many to be the Holy Grail of marathons. The April 16 race begins in Hopkinton, Mass and ends on Boylston Street in downtown Boston. “The whole city embraces it; everyone supports you and treats you like a rock star.”

posted Tuesday March 27th