by Gina Scarpa

We're halfway through this season of The Challenge and what better way to celebrate the midway point than to check in with Challenge veteran and RealityWanted friend Mark Long. Mark has been successful at not only staying on television consistently over the years, but staying in top shape as well! We talked to him today in an exclusive interview to find out what he's been up to since Battle of the Exes, get his thoughts on this season, and talk about the new product he's developed, Pocket Protein.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What have you been up to since we last saw you on The Challenge?
A. Mark: I have been plugging away in Los Angeles, trying to land the perfect hosting gig. I actually work with TV Guide Network a lot and I am a host for their Countdown series. I always have found hosting to be a great fit for me because I don't really like playing a character. I would rather play myself and be me! Oh, and I just launched my first product, Pocket Protein!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are you watching Battle of the Seasons and is there anyone you're rooting for?
A. Mark: Of course I am watching! Not a lot of people know this, but Eric Nies and I actually hosted the first Battle Of The Seasons years ago! I am neutral this season, just enjoying the competitions and the "in house" drama. I do think with having all the new faces and personalities this time, it is lining up for a legendary showdown of new faces versus the veterans. And I would love to dust off the cleats and come teach those youngins a lesson!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you stay in touch with people from The Challenges?
A. Mark: I stay in touch with Johnny Bananas, Kenny, Evan, Leroy, Diem, CJ and a few others. It really is like a fraternity and some of these friendships I hope to have for a lifetime.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you get involved with Pocket Protein? Tell us more about it.
A. Mark: Myself and 3 buddies (Dr. Lyttleton Stewart, Dr. Gio Valiante, and Mike Kauffman) all went to the University of Florida two decades ago. We got together a few years ago and were talking about turning 40, tricks to being healthy, and just simple nutrition. There are basically 3 groups: fats, carbs, and protein with protein, of course, being "The Good Guy". But we all found it interesting that when you leave you house in the morning for work, travel, errands, etc, PROTEIN always seems to be the hardest to come by. Not everyone has time to go to a restaurant and get a chicken sandwich and we don't always have a blender, microwave, or refrigerated. So the idea of Pocket Protein came to life and we immediately went into the lab and went to work!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You are in great shape, especially given your age! Don't take that the wrong way! How do you do it?
A. Mark: I think it's all about consistency and diet. Some people start a health program or diet for a few months and then slack off and go back to bad habits. I just enjoy being healthy and going to the gym everyday. It is like my therapy. If I can get some exercise in before 10am everyday, I usually have a very productive day. I was raised in a house full of athletes, so I was exposed to sports and training at an early age, and it was always looked at as fun, so I just continued these habits throughout my life. Plus I feel I HAVE to stay in tip top shape because you never know when you are gonna get "the call" and have to throw on the tennis shoes or speedo and go do work!

If you wanna find out how to apply Pocket Protein to your own lifestyle, visit pocketprotein.com and follow us on Twitter @pocketprotein

(Image courtesy of Mark Long)

Follow Gina @ginascarpa