My History of Running Races

I’m not sure that running races were on my mind when I began my running journey, but racing certainly became a big part of it.  Racing was just the next logical step after getting around the apartment complex a few times, branching out into the local neighborhoods, and then building enough endurance to actually go the distances I wanted to go.  

It’s interesting to me to see how running races have changed over the years.  Although 5Ks probably did exist back in the late 1980s, I don’t really remember them when I started running – you mostly saw 10K’s or mile distances like 4, 5, and 10.  5Ks started getting added to the 10Ks to give more options.  I used to have a coworker in the early 1990s who scoffed at 5Ks as not worth the effort.  Now it’s the 10Ks that are almost non-existent.  Half marathons weren’t really all that prevalent either.  People were full crazy, not half crazy.  I raced my first half-marathon in 2009 – 20 years after I started keeping track of my runs in a log book.  Another relic from back in the day –  you would get a card mailed to you with your results, as there wasn’t any internet back then!  A lot of races had a little tear-off along the bottom that would be taken from you as you crossed the finish line in order. Sometimes the volunteers would screw the finish order up. RFID tags started showing up, and you usually wore them on your shoes. They then moved to your bib. I’m getting sidetracked… I will have to make a post about running bibs, I guess.

As I looked through my running log, I was somewhat surprised at how few races I had run in the early part of my running journey. I was very sporadic with racing, but being a new father might have had a lot to do with that. I had several years where I didn’t run any races.  I was also surprised at how fast I was running on such a low amount of training miles. Back then, I ran every run to be faster than the run I did before. But imagine if I had knowledge about training and racing – I might have been a lot faster than I was.

I have accumulated quite a few, and I have had some successes locally.  Racing is certainly a fun part of running, and I can’t imagine why anyone would run without racing.  That’s where the fun is! I still get nervous before every one of them.

I thought it might be cool to list them all, reminisce a little, and keep track of how I raced over all these years.  With the older, pre-blogging races, I will try to recap what I remember about them.  And with the newer races, I will link the race recap post and summarize the highlights.  Any new races will be added to the end.  

WARNING! This is a really long post, even for me!

On your mark, get set, GO!

1983

RACE NUMBER 1 – 1983(?) ~ WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ROTC 10K, Macomb, IL ~ 52 Mins. (?)

My first race was a 10K that I opted to run while taking an ROTC course in college, most likely in 1983.  I wasn’t in ROTC per se, just taking a class on Military Science for what I thought would be an easy grade.  I was wrong because I ran this 10K for extra credit to raise my grade!  Hey, it was either that or try rappelling down a wall, and flashbacks to junior high school gym class and rope climbing in the gym were all I needed to push me to run a 10K.  I ran in a pair of turf shoes that were very popular at the time.  I didn’t own proper running shoes.  I’m not sure if mine were Nike or not, but they looked just like this:

I also remember walking for a little bit of it.  I seem to remember my buddy and roommate Dave also being in Military Science as well, possibly volunteering to work an aid station for extra credit (which he definitely didn’t need), or maybe he just came along to laugh at me.  I don’t remember.  I wonder how my running path would have been altered if I hadn’t chosen to run the race and just opted to pass out cups of water.  Would I be typing this today?  Hmm…  The 10K didn’t kill me, I got some badly needed extra credit, and maybe, just maybe, sparked an interest in running.  For some reason, 52 minutes sticks in my head as my finishing time.  My Swatch watch didn’t have a stopwatch on it.  Not bad for a first-ever race.

1989

RACE NUMBER 2 – 10/15/1989 ~ Prairie State Ten Mile, New Lenox, IL ~ 1:12:12 ~ Unknown finish place

I was surprised to see that my first race after becoming a dedicated runner was in my first year that I started keeping track of my runs, times, and distances.  The Prairie State Runners were a pretty big running club back in the day.  I’m not sure if they even exist anymore.  I think they were out of Morris, Illinois, but this race was in New Lenox, starting and stopping at my alma mater, Lincoln-Way High School.  The course started on the track and then headed down Schoolhouse Road, and then went through a newer subdivision called Riivendell.  The course then proceeded down Francis Road and into downtown Mokena before reversing and heading back.  I doubt that they would ever close down busy Schoolhouse or Francis Roads for a local running race today.  It was just a couple of sleepy towns back then, and on a Sunday morning, there was hardly any traffic.  My time was pretty good, averaging 7:20’s or so.  This was also the first race that I ran in which I received a t-shirt, and I remember it well.  It was all-cotton, long-sleeved, and was black with this huge skull on the front, a nod to Halloween coming soon.  I loved that shirt.  

1990

RACE NUMBER 3 – 6/23/1990 ~ Old Campground Festival 4-Mile, New Lenox, IL ~ 27:19 ~ Unknown finish place

This run was noted in my running log as an “NL 4 miler” and didn’t even mention that it was a race.  As I was going through some photos that were dated, I figured it to be this race.  The race was a fundraiser for the local United Methodist Church that Kari belonged to, and was a run through the southern parts of New Lenox.  The only thing I remember about the race is that Kari’s mom and dad volunteered and handed me a cup of water at the halfway point.  And there was this guy whom I would see at all the local road races; he always wore a black tank top. I also remember him being annoying because he ran flat-footed, and his foot strikes were noisy.

RACE NUMBER 4 – 10/14/1990 ~ Prairie State Ten Mile, New Lenox, IL ~ 1:12:46 ~ Unknown finish place

I returned to this race again, and I was a half-minute slower this time around. I noted in my running log that I was slightly ticked off about that.  I remember aspects about the previous years’ race more than this one, but once again, I got a super cool Halloween-themed t-shirt out of it.  

1991

RACE NUMBER 5 – 4/28/1991 ~ Lake County Races Moore Marathon, Lake County, IL – 3:50:05 ~ 217th overall, 30/43 age group

I was living and working in Highland Park, Illinois, and I picked the local marathon for my very first one.  The race started in Zion, ran through Waukegan, North Chicago, and the US Naval Great Lakes Training Center, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Fort Sheridan, Highwood, and finally ended in Highland Park at Ravinia.  Since it started up north, I parked at Ravinia and took the Metra train with the rest of the runners to the start.  I ran this with no family or friends there to support me.  There was a different perception about that back then. Mom probably said, “Have fun, don’t get hurt” or something like that.

I did not know about training plans in those days, and I just kind of winged it.  Looking back at my log, I see that I ran a lot of 8 and 10-mile runs leading up to it.  My long run was a whopping 11 miles.  Wow.

One thing that I remember about this race is the strange feeling of getting passed by a bunch of runners at the 10K mark in Waukegan and not realizing that all the 10K runners were finishing.  It happened again in Lake Forest, when the 1/2 marathoners once again blew by me.  I also remember distinctly the feeling I had when I was told to veer left for the marathon and then could only see one other runner way up ahead of me.  It got really lonely after that.  When I crossed the finish line, the thought of “This is it?” went through my mind. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but there was no fanfare or feeling of accomplishment at that point. I would appreciate it later. My notes say that my goal was to be under 4 hours, and I made that.  At the finish line, there were some Army guys from Fort Sheridan manning the recovery tents, and they offered me an I.V. I took it and felt better. From then on, I was under the impression that getting an I.V. was the standard procedure after finishing.  I barely knew anything back then.  

I do have the results printout, but I can’t locate the bib or my medal from this race.  

RACE NUMBER 6 – 5/19/1991 ~ VFW Armed Forces 12K, New Lenox, IL ~ 50:02 ~ 61 out of 108 overall, 6th in the M25-29 age group

This race ran down Vine Street in New Lenox and headed west on Francis Road.  We made a loop through Pilcher Park just into Joliet, and then came back to finish at the VFW.  I remember battling it out with an older guy, who made quite an impression on me.  And the hills on Vine Street were brutal as we finished up the final mile.  I think about this race a lot because I drive to work on Vine, and it always brings me back to the race.

RACE NUMBER 7 – 8/11/1991 ~ Crest Hill Lions Club 4 Mile, Crest Hill, IL ~ 25:53 ~ 47th overall

I don’t remember much about this one, but I somehow managed a 6:30 per mile pace. I was 27, and really had the racing bug at this point.

1992

RACE NUMBER 8 – 4/26/1992 ~ Lake County Races Moore Marathon, Lake County, IL ~ 3:50:20 ~ 284th place overall

I returned to the same marathon as last year for my second marathon. I was trying to recall how this race went and jotted down some memories from it, but then I read my annual wrap-up and had totally misremembered most of it. Just more reason for me to write up my race recap as soon as I can. Anyway, I was looking at my log, and I see that I didn’t train much differently than the year prior, which produced nearly the same result – 3:50. Leading up to the race, I developed a bad cold, and ended up going to a nearby urgent care. They advised me not to do the race. Ha! I ended up with some sort of medicine, and I ran the race carrying cough drops. It didn’t help that race day was cold and damp. The three photos from this race show me pretty drained and weak-looking. I went out at a 7:30 pace, but faded mid-race.

When I find a race, especially a local one, I usually stick with it for a while unless it’s a real dog. I wish the Lake County Races were still around.

RACE NUMBER 9 – 5/17/1992 ~ VFW Armed Forces 12K, New Lenox, IL ~ 49:32 ~ Unknown finish place

Back to NL to run this 12K again, running a little faster than in 1991. I think Kari and her mom came to watch me at this one, as we were engaged by this point, she was out of college, and the wedding was coming in September.

RACE NUMBER 10 – 08/09/1992 ~ Crest Hill Lions Club 4 Mile, Crest Hill, IL ~ 26:51 ~ 50th Overall

Second and last time at this race. I remember it being hot and muggy. Still no 5Ks raced by me yet.

RACE NUMBER 11 – 10/11/1992 ~ Prairie State Road Runners 10 Mile, New Lenox ~ 1:09:25 ~ 38th Overall, 4th in M25-29

I have kept most of my race bibs, and looking at the back of this one details that the day was in the 50s, windy, and sunny. I took several minutes off my personal best at this race, averaging just under 7-minute miles. This is the third and last time for me doing this race. I think the Prairie State Road Runners still exist, but they seem to have stopped hosting races in our area after that.

1993

RACE NUMBER 12 – 4/25/1993 ~ Lake County Races Moore Marathon, Lake County, IL ~ 3:42:39 ~ 196th place overall, 23rd in M25-29

I finally learned a few things about racing that I obviously didn’t apply to training. In the four months of running leading up to the race, my longest run was only 9 miles, and I had only run about 125 miles total. Apparently, I was too lazy to find a book at the library on how to train for a marathon. I winged it and got away with it because I was young, I guess. But I did better than the previous two marathons in my third attempt. 3:42 would be my PR for several years.

RACE NUMBER 13 – 7/4/1993 ~ Tinley Park Stars & Stripes 5K , Tinley Park, IL ~ 20:29 ~ 30th place overall, 2nd in M25-30

(This recap comes from a previous post, Top 5 Best Running Days Ever!, which is much better than me trying to write it again.)

Lots of firsts in this race. It was my first 5K, and it was my first time ever winning a trophy! I grew up in an era that didn’t give out participation trophies; you had to earn them. Now, I’m not against participation awards, medals, or trophies, especially when it comes to running and triathlon. I’ve got dozens of them proudly hanging on my wall. I appreciate them for what they represent to me – a reminder and reward for the effort I gave to be handed one. Those who say that anyone can have one are simply mistaken. You have to at least get off your butt and complete the task. But when I was a kid, I never earned a trophy. But on July 4, 1993, I ran a 5K in a local race and decided to hang around for the post-race award ceremony. I don’t remember much about the race other than it was hot, and my wife and in-laws were there. But my name was called as the 2nd place winner in the Male, 25-30 age group category. I was 29 years old when I earned my first-ever trophy.

1994

RACE NUMBER 14 – 5/1/1994 ~ Lake County Races Moore Marathon, Lake County, IL ~ 4:07:13 ~ 348th overall

Work was causing some issues for me, and my training suffered. Another really poor lead-up in training for this one, but I committed to it with a goal of just finishing it. Not a very memorable race for me. I would have a marathon hiatus until 1999.

RACE NUMBER 15 – 5/14/1994 ~ Lindenhurst Police & Park District 5K, Lindenhurst, IL ~ 20:03 ~ WINNER! 1st place overall!

(Another recap from Top 5 Best Running Days Ever!)

You really never know what can happen unless you show up and give it your best. The Lindenhurst Police and Park District 5K was being held for the first time in Lindenhurst, Illinois, the town in which my new bride, Kari, and I had bought our first home, and was being held along with a little festival the town was having. I found this race listed in the local weekly newspaper, as the internet hadn’t really taken the world over yet. Most local racing was listed in the local papers. Since it was being held in our town, I figured, why not run it?

When I got to the start line, I could sense that not many people had seen the race listing in the paper, with only about a dozen runners nervously pacing around. I started to wonder if I had any competition. The girl in her twenties looked pretty fast, and so did the guy in his thirties. There were a few others, but I keyed on these two for some reason. We toed the line, and off we sped, following the police chief in a police car. A weightlifter-type dude shot out to the lead like a rocket, which was somewhat surprising, as I had written him off prerace. But by a quarter-mile into the race, the girl, the guy, and I had reeled him in. My plan was to pace with them for a little while, and it wasn’t long before I realized the pace was too slow. I hit the gas around mile one and took off. As I ran, I actually overtook the chief in the pace car, and I got a little nervous because I had no idea where the course was heading. No worries, though, as he quickly got ahead and stayed there. There was a left turn about a quarter-mile from the finish, and I took one quick glance back and saw no one within a distance that could catch me. I glided downhill, turned right, and broke my first finish line tape in first place overall. Show up and race all-comers; you might find that you are the best of the field that day.

RACE NUMBER 16 – 9/18/1994 ~ Condell Distance Classic 10K, Libertyville, IL ~ 43:29 ~ 144th overall, 27th in M30-34

This race in Libertyville was very popular at the time, and seeing that I finished 27th in my age group is a strong reminder that runners back in the 1970s through the 1990s, those decades were filled with serious runners. The “hobby jogger” and “fun run” weren’t quite things yet, with mostly dedicated and fast runners competing in races. My annual running wrap-up notes that this race was a hot one.

RACE NUMBER 17 – 10/9/1994 ~ Run For The Health Of It 10K, Highland Park, IL ~ 42:28~ 81st overall, 15th in M30-34

Mailed finisher results in the form of a postcard were the norm back in the day, and this one noted that I averaged a 6:50 pace. Not too shabby. I remember this course winding through the nice residential streets of Highland Park, and it might have run past the house that was used in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Highland Park and the Northshore was used in several of those 80s movies. I used to live and work in Highland Park, so my memory of running past things there may be a little sketchy.

1995

RACE NUMBER 18 – 2/19/1995 ~ Wacky Snacky 5K, Chicago, IL ~ 20:02~ Unknown finish place

I don’t remember where I heard about this race. It may have been my sister Sue, who worked downtown, and her future hubby Steve was going to run it, so I signed up. It was a weird race in a couple of ways. First, it was a race devoted to the snack industry – 😄 – and secondly, it was completely out of the elements, being run on Lower Wacker. And it was also the first time I saw a barefoot runner in the race. But what stuck with me memory-wise was that I almost broke 2o minutes. It bothered me that I probably could have pushed a little harder to be three seconds faster, but it also gave me a goal to shoot for in future 5Ks.

RACE NUMBER 19 – 5/27/1995 ~ Run for Nicole 5 Mile, Buffalo Grove, IL ~ 26:10 ~ Race was invalidated, no official results for me

This race was supposed to be 5 miles long, and the leaders of the race got so far ahead of the chase pack that when they turned, the rest of the pack missed the turn. Failure of not knowing the course fell directly on the chasers, and we shortened the course by accident. My notes say that a cop on the course sent us the wrong way, but honestly, it should have been marked better, but whatever. I had hit my lap button at the four-mile marker and decided to make this run a four-mile race for me. I did not repeat this race again.

RACE NUMBER 20 – 6/4/1995 ~ Operation Snowball 5K, Deerfield, IL ~ 19:59 ~ 31st place overall

I ran this race with a coworker named Melissa, who ran her first race. First time under 20 minutes for a 5K – by 1 second.

RACE NUMBER 21 – 7/1/1995 ~ Run For Freedom, Antioch, IL ~ 19:31 ~ 25th place overall, 6th in M30-35

Okay, now I was dropping 5K personal bests at every race! This would be my best 5K performance of my running career. I remember some local Antioch HS XC kids being in the race, and I thought that to be a little unfair, but I passed a couple of them somehow and felt better about it. They weren’t quite in shape for fall racing yet, I suppose.

RACE NUMBER 22 – 8/12/1995 ~ Gurnee Days 10K, Gurnee, IL ~ 43:02 ~ 32nd place overall, 12th in M30-35

This race is memorable for a couple of things: it was hot! And secondly, I took a wrong turn with less than 1/2 mile to go, and had to double back. I realized the mistake quickly, but I got mad about it. Kari was very pregnant with Ben at that time, and I can remember going to lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s in Gurnee Mills Mall with her after the race and being quite upset with myself.

RACE NUMBER 23 – 9/17/1995 ~ Condell Distance Classic 10K, Libertyville, IL ~ 40:47~ 94th place overall, 19th in M30-35

I’m surprised I raced this, seeing that I was a newly minted dad, with Ben being born just a couple of weeks earlier. Kari must’ve approved it. I averaged a 6:34 pace and set a new 10K personal best for myself.

RACE NUMBER 24 – 10/8/1995 ~ Run For The Health Of It 10K, Highland Park, IL ~ 40:55~ 83rd overall, 21st in M30-34

Another trip to Highland Park to run this one again. I have no specific memories from this race.

1996

RACE NUMBER 25 – 7/6/1996 ~ Run For Freedom, Antioch, IL ~ 20:18 ~ 32nd place overall, 14th in M30-35

Comparing the results from this race to the year before shows I was a little slower and lost quite a few places. Frank Shorter was at this race and ran the 5K with us. Apparently, he was sitting next to the race director on a plane to Chicago, and the RD invited him to the race. He didn’t win, but finished up near the top.

RACE NUMBER 26 – 9/22/1996 ~ Condell Distance Classic 10K, Libertyville, IL ~ 41:14~ 107th place overall, 25th in M30-35

Third and last time running this race. I averaged a 6:39 per mile pace. One of these three Condell races (I don’t recall exactly which one), I almost got into a fight with another runner, as we were jockeying for position running around a turn. We both wanted the same line, and I wasn’t letting him have it. I’m not sure if the adrenaline pushed me out ahead of him, but nothing came of it.

NOTE: I got fired from my job on 2/20/1996 (as noted in my running log 😄), and I started testing for police eligibility lists, which required a 1.5-mile run at the time. I don’t count them as races, but they kind of were, and I dominated every one of them except one. I tested for Elmhurst PD and ran hard in my heat, only to have someone catch me at the very end. The crowd of other applicants sitting in the stands sure got an unexpected and exciting race out of us. My times were: Libertyville PD – 9:20; Elmhurst PD – 9:13; Lisle PD 9:17. These times are a little over a 6-minute per mile pace. By July, I had started a new job in Schaumburg, which would lead us to move to DuPage County, and a bunch of new races to explore.

1997

RACE NUMBER 27 – 5/18/1997 ~ Winfield Historical Society 5K, Winfield, IL ~ 20:36 ~ 16th overall, 7th place in M30-35

No memories from this race. Must not have been very special.

RACE NUMBER 28 – 8/23/1997 ~ Addison Run Around Town 5K, Addison, IL ~ 19:36 ~ 21st place overall, 7th in M30-35

I remember this race being an out-and-back, and that’s about it.

1998

RACE NUMBER 29 – 5/2/1998 ~ Gift Of Life 5K, Batavia, IL ~ 21:48~ Unknown place overall, 8th in M30-35

This race was on the Fermilab property, and I decided that I would push Ben in the stroller in the race. We started in the back and had to pass a lot of surprised people, but we still finished well.

RACE NUMBER 30 – 5/17/1998 ~ Winfield Historical Society 5K, Winfield, IL ~ 20:53 ~ Unknown place overall, 7th place in M30-35

Ben and I were back for another stroller race in Winfield, and I see that we went a little faster than in the race above.

RACE NUMBER 31 – 5/25/1998 ~ Joe Newton Run 5K, Elmhurst, IL ~ 19:35 ~ 11th place overall, 2nd place in M30-35

Joe Newton was the legendary cross-country coach at York HS in Elmhurst, and this race was in his honor. Didn’t push Ben in the stroller for this one. I took off like a shot and had a sub-6 min. opening mile, which I immediately realized I was going to be in trouble. I dialed it back and kept pace with some kid for a while, until he left me in the dust. I was busy in May 1998!

RACE NUMBER 32 – 8/29/1998 ~ Addison Run Around Town 5K, Addison, IL ~ 19:58 ~ 24th place overall, 7th in M30-35

No specific memories for this one, but I’m liking the sub-20 minute 5K finishes.

1999

RACE NUMBER 33 – 4/24/1999 ~ Lake Park Memorial Scholarship 5K, Itasca, IL ~ 20:03 ~ 24th place overall, 5th in M35-39

Stepped up an age group division, but it didn’t help me here. I don’t remember any details about this one, but I like the 20 minute 5K. I wrote my watch splits down on the back of my bib – 6:27, 6:17, 6:28.

RACE NUMBER 34 – 5/8/1999 ~ Bartlett Apple Blossom Run 5K, Bartlett, IL ~ 20:27 ~ 11th place overall, 5th in M35-39

No notes or memories for this race. Mailed finisher card says I averaged 6:35 per mile. Nice.

RACE NUMBER 35 – 5/16/1999 ~ Winfield Historical Society 5K, Winfield, IL ~ 21:38 ~ Unknown place overall, or age group finish place

I am the kind of guy who keeps/saves everything, but somehow I don’t have results for this race. Most likely due to having two toddlers running around. My run log entry shows that I pushed Ben in a stroller. I remember crossing the finish line, then going back up the course a little and letting Ben out so he could run across the finish line himself. The stroller training runs/races, and this run across the finish line, may have influenced him to be a runner too? Maybe.

RACE NUMBER 36 – 6/26/1999 ~ Carol Stream 5K, Carol Stream, IL ~ 19:52 ~ 6th place overall

This was a “first annual,” uncertified local race that I ran and apparently ran fast enough for a 6th place finish. I kind of remember it running down Lies Road and then coming back.

RACE NUMBER 37 – 10/24/1999 ~ LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL ~ 4:38:10, 17622 overall place

My first Chicago Marathon was pretty memorable. I decided to drive into the city from my home in Carol Stream, and I barely got there in time. I was sitting on Lake Shore Drive by McCormick Place, not going anywhere, and watching the clock ticking rapidly toward the start time of the race. I turned into the parking lot for Soldier Field, quickly parked, then started jogging until I got to the end of the starting field, which was already moving forward! My race pace plan was out the door at that point, and I began weaving my way through very slow runners. It was packed and never really opened up to give me space until way after the halfway mark. I still have the shirt that I wore in the race, and I still wear it often. I met Kari and the kids at Buckingham Fountain, and we walked the mile or two back to where I parked. When I got home, I threw up. Ah, memories.

2000

RACE NUMBER 38 – 04/30/2000 ~ Trustmark Jenny Spangler Marathon, Lake County, IL ~ 4:21:32, 503 overall place, 88th in M 35-39

I developed a strange nerve issue in early 2000, which caused pain when I was standing. The doctor said I had sciatica, or some related nerve pain. It prevented me from doing much training. So my training was terrible leading up to this marathon. I ran a total of 13 times from January to the race at the end of April! Somehow, I managed to get past the injury in time to run the race. The marathon was renamed to the Trustmark Jenny Spangler Marathon, in honor of Jenny Spangler, a Trustmark (an insurance company located in Lake Forest) employee, who also just happened to come out of nowhere and win the 1996 US Olympic Trials Marathon. She went on to compete for the USA in the 1996 Olympics, where she did not finish the race. My wife, Kari, worked with her at Trustmark, but not directly. This would be my last marathon for several years, as I devoted my attention to being a stay-at-home father. This was my only race in 2000.

2001/2002/2003

No racing in 2001, 2002, and 2003.

2004

RACE NUMBER 39 – 05/15/2004 ~ Meteor May 5K, Mokena, IL ~ 21:45, 503rd overall place, 27th in M 40-44

Back to racing in good ol’ Mokena. The race was nearby home, and I figured I would try racing again after being off for three years.

2005

No racing in 2005.

2006

RACE NUMBER 40 – 11/23/2006 ~ Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot 5K, Elmhurst, IL ~ 23:25, Unknown finish place

This was a turkey trot race that was more like a fun run for our group. We didn’t really race this. This was Ben’s first road race. Kari, Doug, Wendy, and Gary also participated. I remember it being really cold. It was packed with people. Super freezing cold, as well. Definitely the biggest 5K I ever ran.

2007

No racing in 2007, but I did run a non-competitive 5k, the Veterans Memorial Tollway 5K, with John & Dave DeForest. The opening of Interstate 355 in Lemont, IL, was a big deal for our area, connecting the southern suburbs where I lived with the western suburbs, making getting places much easier. The state opened the road with a ceremonial cycling event, which I also did, as well as a 5K. Infamous Governor Rod Blagojevich was in attendance. I remind my family that I biked on I-355 every time we drive on it.

2008

RACE NUMBER 41 – 05/03/2008 ~ Do The Griff 4 Miler, Frankfort, IL ~ 28:22, 12th overall place, 4th in M40-49

The local high school mascot was the Griffins, and this race benefited the local schools. The route was an out-and-back on Colorado Street, which meant that it was downhill going out and uphill coming back. It finished with a lap around the high school track.

RACE NUMBER 42 – 08/30/2008 ~ Manhattan 5K, Manhattan, IL ~ 21:03, 12th overall place, 2nd in M40-49

I ran this race with Ben, beating him, but just barely. It was run on what would now be the Wauponsee Glacier Trail, but I don’t think it was called that then.

2009

RACE NUMBER 43 – 05/03/2009 ~ Do The Griff 4 Miler, Frankfort, IL ~ 27:36, 12th overall place, 2nd in M40-49

2009 was a rebirth running year for me, and really the start of being a serious runner again. I doubled my mileage from the year before. It started here with a return to Do The Griff 4 Miler. I finished in the same overall place as last time, but moved up to second in my age group.

RACE NUMBER 44 – 05/17/2009 ~ Rockford Marathon, Rockford, IL ~ 3:43:48, 68th overall place, 9th in M45-49

The Rockford Marathon was my return to marathoning, and I think I did pretty well, seeing that I was back to winging my training. I was doing well with pace until I hit the wall at mile 23. I ran this race by myself, and upon finishing, I asked if I could get an I.V., thinking that was the norm from my experiences from my earlier marathons. That request meant my only option was an ambulance ride to the hospital. I thought that they’d just give me one like they used to do at the Lake County Races. I tried desperately not to have to take that ride, but the cramping became too painful. Once at the hospital, I got the I.V. and then snuck out when they weren’t looking, and I was feeling better. At that point, I realized I had a couple of miles of walking to do to get back to where I parked my car, which I had no idea where it was. Then the hour-and-a-half car ride was no joy either. Kari declared on that day that I would never do another marathon race without a chaperone again.

RACE NUMBER 45 – 09/17/2009 ~ Oak Brook Half Marathon, Oak Brook, IL ~ 1:39:43, 153rd overall place, 17th in M45-49

Twenty years after my official start of this running log, I ran my first half-marathon, finishing in the top 10% of the field. Course wound through tree-lined park trails, the Oak Brook Polo grounds, and village streets. One of my favorite race shirts.

RACE NUMBER 46 – 11/28/2009 ~ Schaumburg Half Marathon, Schaumburg, IL ~ 1:37:06, 48th overall place, 12th in M45-49

I caught the half-marathon racing bug, and turkey trotted through this Thanksgiving Day half-marathon. Race was run through the Busse Woods Forest Preserve, which was very scenic, and the day was pretty chilly, according to my notes.

2010

RACE NUMBER 47 – 05/16/2010 ~ Rockford Marathon, Rockford, IL ~ 3:42:548, 94th overall place, 18th in M45-49

Nearly identical finish time in this race as the previous year. Kari was with me this time, and boy, did I need it. I tried carrying my own bottle, and she would meet me, and I would top it off with more Gatorade. Interesting to look back and realize that that was my only fuel. I’d learn to fuel myself much better in the upcoming years. I also saw that my two long runs leading up to this race were 10-mile and 12.5-mile runs. Imagine if I had followed a plan and was on top of my hydration/nutrition. I might have had that Boston Marathon qualifier at a much earlier age. Kari ushered me back to the hotel, where I promptly started to go downhill. I ended up in the hotel bathtub, fighting off dehydration and trying to get my body temp down. We then we headed to Panera Bread, which helped me get myself back together. Reliving these moments sure does make me question my sanity. I swore off spring marathons after this one.

RACE NUMBER 48 – 10/02/2010 ~ Tri the Du Duathlon, Bourbonnais, IL ~ 1:32:50, 9th overall place, 3rd in M45-49

Thanks to my buddy John DeForest, this was my first entry into multi-sport racing, a duathlon consisting of a 3-mile run, a 14-mile bike, and then repeating the 3-mile run. John had his eye on doing triathlons and felt that his brother Dave and I should join in on the fun. I think Dave was all in on it, but I had to take baby steps, and this race was the first one. I overdressed for it, rode my Trek hybrid bike, and had a ball. I can’t believe I did this race a week away from the Chicago Marathon.

RACE NUMBER 49 – 10/10/2010 ~ Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL ~ 4:16:41, 11984th overall place, 1029th in M45-49

Back racing the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10, which everyone seemed to be gaga over. My notes say that it was very warm, which might explain the slow finish time. The color warning system started green but ended red. I was in the “C” corral to start the race, but I think back then there was only A through F, so six corrals total. I ended up in the medical tent and got a free I.V., which made all the difference in the world. My notes say I felt great and might have been able to jog back to the car. I would be back for several more Chicago Marathons.

photo

RACE NUMBER 50 – 10/30/2010 ~ Halloween 5K Run, New Lenox, IL ~ 19:50, 3rdh overall place, no age groups

Ben and I decided to race this race that was local to us, and the first edition of it. I got the sense that the guy didn’t know what he was doing, and probably never had directed a race before. About a dozen runners showed up, and Ben and I figured we would do pretty well. We took off from the Commons in New Lenox and headed west on the Old Plank Road Trail, with Ben in first place and me holding on to fourth. At the turnaround, the guy in second place pulled up lame, and I took over third place and managed to keep that until getting back to the finish, trying very hard but failing to outkick the second-place guy.

RACE NUMBER 51 – 11/06/2010 ~ Autobahn 5K+, Joliet, IL ~ 22:49, 8th place overall, 1st place M44-49

The Autobahn Race Track is located in Joliet, IL, and is a playground for rich folk to race fancy race cars that they own. But on this day, they hosted a 5K+ race on the track (we were told it was 3.5 miles). Sounded fun, so Ben and I headed there and did well, Ben placing 8th and me placing 10th.

RACE NUMBER 52 – 11/20/2010 ~ Drumstick Dash 5K, New Lenox, IL ~ 20:48, 6th place overall, 1st place M44-49

I wrapped up 2010 with a Thanksgiving run at Sanctuary Golf Course in New Lenox, IL, with Ben. We both did really well, with Ben finishing 2nd, and finishing 6th.

2011

RACE NUMBER 53 – 05/01/2011 ~ Palos Southwest Half Marathon, Palos Heights, IL ~ 1:40:13, 165th place overall, unknown AG

I opened the season with a half-marathon in Palos Heights, which was a highly competitive race that high-level pro runners would sometimes attend. I remember it being slightly warm, and my inexperience with the course having some hills, might have played a role in my performance. Still, 1:40 is a pretty good time for a half-marathon.

RACE NUMBER 54 – 06/11/2011 ~ Summertime Stride 5K, Mokena, IL ~ 21:08, 9th place overall, 1st in M40-49 age group

Another race ran with Ben, and this time we made the local paper! Exciting stuff. Ben came in third place. The winner was a local guy named Nate Troester, who held a lot of running records at Lincoln-Way East HS and had run at the Univ. of Illinois. He would show up at the races we were at and knew that there was no point in thinking Ben or anyone else could win.

RACE NUMBER 55 – 09/05/2011 ~ Oak Brook Half Marathon, Oak Brook, IL ~ 1:35:57, 97th place overall, 18th in M45-49 age group

I made a return to Oak Brook for the half-marathon, and for some reason, I decided to compete in the Clydesdale Male Masters A division, which is typically for larger, heavier runners, and at the pre-race weigh-in, I think I was barely over the minimum weight of 170 lbs. That would never fly in today’s races, as you would have to be over 200 to 220 lbs. Even with being a barely qualifying Clydesdale running ringer, I got smoked by another guy who was clearly bigger than me. I ended up in 2nd place in Clydesdale Masters (over 40 years of age). Much faster pace for me this year – 7:20 per mile ave.

RACE NUMBER 56 – 10/09/2011 ~ Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL ~ 3:56:04, 7712th place overall, 5919th in M45-49 age group

This is the first marathon that I used a plan to train for, and it shows in my review of my running log. Lots more running, and definitely a lot more long runs. My notes say it was an app I had on my phone, but I don’t really remember what app it was. It was a little warm that day. Both of my buddies, John and Dave, ran the race as well. You’d think we’d have a picture, but no.

RACE NUMBER 57 – 11/06/2011 ~ Hot Cider Hustle 8 Miler, Wheaton, IL ~ 57:02, 17th place overall, 3rd in M45-49 age group

Not sure how I stumbled across this race, but I was glad I did. Ran it with Ben, although now he is smoking fast, coming in third place overall. It was a nice run that started on a grassy horse training track and then onto the trails of the Danada Forest Preserve of DuPage County. Pretty hilly, but very much like what I was used to at home. I also met the guy who finished one spot ahead of me, and we would later become running acquaintances, with both of us doing triathlons and other races.

RACE NUMBER 58 – 12/31/2011 ~ Dash Into The New Year 5K, Matteson, IL ~ 1:35:57, 15th place overall, 6th in M45-49 age group

Ended the year running a 5K in Matteson, IL, on residential streets with Ben. He would finish 5th overall. I seem to remember running over a pedestrian bridge for some reason. 6:42 per mile average for me.

2012

RACE NUMBER 59 – 05/20/2012 ~ Do The Griff 4 Miler, Frankfort, IL ~ 27:31, 3rd place overall, No age group award because I was 3rd overall!

I was surprised to scroll back up and realize there wasn’t an entry for this race in 2011. I double/triple checked my log, and there’s no record of it. I guess I had run the half-marathon in May that year, or had some other reason to skip it. I’m glad Ben and I ran this race in 2012, as we would finish in 2nd and 3rd place overall, respectively. The overall winner would be another hotshot runner that we would frequently encounter in future races. He was a XC coach at some Christian high school in the area, and would win a lot of local races.

RACE NUMBER 60 – 06/09/2012 ~ Summertime Stride 5K, Mokena, IL ~ 21:20, 12th place overall, 4th place M45-49

My running log notes say that I had taken time off for a Florida vacation, then came home and raced this hot race. I couldn’t find my bib or the race results online, but notes say that I was 12th overall.

RACE NUMBER 61 – 06/20/2012 ~ Short Run On A Long Day 5K, Frankfort, IL ~ 21:00, 25th place overall, 2nd place M45-49

My first time running this event, and it was unusual because it was a weeknight run, being on or near the first day of summer. I think it is mostly run on Thursday nights now. Still very popular. It also brought out the competition from the locals. I still did pretty well in my age group.

RACE NUMBER 62 – 07/14/2012 ~ Evergreen Sprint Triathlon, Hudson, IL ~ 2:00:47, 63rd place overall, 5th place M45-49

MY FIRST TRIATHLON! John had finally convinced me to join him, his brother Dave, Dave’s son Alex, and Scott (an in-law of Dave’s) to do this sprint triathlon in the Bloomington/Normal area. I was nervous as heck driving to the race from our hotel, and then Dave made it worse by asking, “What do you think about doing an Ironman?” I knew at that very moment that my life was heading in a direction that I hadn’t really planned for. I nervously set up my transition area and watched some of the earlier waves start the swim. Upon the swim starting for me, I immediately went into heart rate zone 10 (out of 4), and ended up dog paddling and any other swim style I could manage to get to the end of it.

I was so glad to get out of the water and onto the bike. I don’t really remember much about the course, but I do remember seeing a referee out there, and that was new for me.

The run was impressive to me, seeing that I ran after the swim and bike efforts.

After the race, we waited for the awards, and I was very surprised that they went five positions deep in the age groups, affording me my first triathlon age group medal. As I was looking at this really cool medal I was just handed (it had some bike chain links around the outer edge), I told the guy who called my name that this was my first triathlon, and he made an announcement of that over the PA system. I’m smiling just thinking about that moment. All in all, my first triathlon was a huge success for me and changed my life.

RACE NUMBER 63 – 08/26/2012 ~ Chicago Triathlon Olympic Distance, Chicago, IL ~ 3:11:28, 1699th place overall, 135th place M45-49

First time doing the well-established Chicago Triathlon, which at one time was the world’s biggest triathlon, and it certainly was quite an event. Huge expo, tons of racers, and a race locale that is one of the best – Chicago. Sometimes when I am downtown, I see the lakefront and think I swam in there. Or, I am driving on Lower Wacker and think I raced my bike on this road.

Once again, I was racing with Dave, John, and Scott, and we had a ball. I think we stayed at the Hilton the night before, because you had to set up your transition very early.

Memories from this triathlon included a long run from the swim out to transition. It had to be a 1/4 mile. The most memorable part of the race was getting a flat on the bike. I was too dumb to realize that I needed to carry flat-changing tools and a spare tube. I calculated later, based on my previous bike splits, that I lost about 18 minutes or so. There were volunteers on the bike course who were there to help out, and someone gave me a tube and helped me inflate it. From there, it wasn’t long to bike-in and off onto the run.

The swim took me 38:28, my bike was 1:35:42, and the 10K run was 52:03. I don’t remember much about the run except for laughing when I saw Kari, who was wondering what had taken me so long on the run. My first Chicago Triathlon was a blast, and I would be back.

RACE NUMBER 64 – 10/07/2012 ~ Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL ~ 3:38:54, 5856th place overall, 570th place M45-49

I was in the B corral for this race, and the furthest up in the start field that I would ever be. I qualified using the race’s then qualifying standard for corral assignments. I ran a 1:35 at Oak Brook the previous fall, and apparently that was enough to get me into the B corral. I remember getting on the elevator to go to the race start, and another runner was impressed with my bib. I got the feeling that she was surprised that an old guy like me could be fast enough to be in that corral. I earned that sucker, no matter whether she thought I deserved it or not!

I don’t remember much about the race, but notes say it was a cool day, and I finally got a little faster, setting a new marathon personal best for myself.

RACE NUMBER 64 – 11/04/2012 ~ Hot Cider Hustle 8 Mile, Wheaton, IL ~ 56:27, 19th place overall, 1st place M45-49

Following a training plan for a marathon and all of the training that went into that certainly had a trickle-down effect, helping me crush this 8-mile race at a 7:03 min/mile average pace. Ben took 3rd overall.

RACE NUMBER 65 – 11/17/2012 ~ Drumstick Dash 5K, New Lenox, IL ~ 20:30, 4th place overall, 2nd place M45-49

Over the years I developed a few rivals racing locally, and one of them was a guy named Chris Stockman, who beat me at this race by 45 seconds or so. It wouldn’t be the last time. He eventually moved and I stopped losing to him. 😄

Kari had spent the past year or two getting an Executive MBA degree from Notre Dame, and afterwards she decided that she wanted to do something for herself and took up running. After all those years chasing me around and watching me have fun, I finally rubbed off on her. This was her first race, at least that I know of.

2013

RACE NUMBER 66 – 6/8/2013 ~ Summertime Stride 5K, Mokena, IL ~ 21:02, 12th place overall, 1st place M45-49

I think that this was the last time I ran this race, with Ben and Kari joining in the fun. This might not have been a great idea for me, as I raced a sprint triathlon the next day. Ben finished in 2nd place, and Kari came in at 162nd.

RACE NUMBER 67 – 6/9/2013 ~ Batavia Sprint Triathlon, Batavia, IL ~ 1:26:29, 159th place overall, 9th place M50-54

This is was a fun triathlon that I wish was still around. The swim was in a small park district swimming facility that had once been a quarry, if I remember correctly. It wasn’t an overly large swimming pool, and the back side was so shallow that my hands were scraping the sandy bottom. Most, myself included, just got up and walked that portion. Two laps around and off to transition. The water was cold, 64.5ºF and I definitely wore my wetsuit.

I got to my bike and pushed hard on the course, which was a combination of residential streets and rural roads.

Back from the bike and off on the run, we headed north on the Fox River Trail. The run was a total of four miles.

RACE NUMBER 68 – 6/19/2013 ~ Short Run On A Long Day 5K, Mokena, IL ~ 20:28, 22nd place overall, 7th place M45-49

Back to this highly competitive race in which Ben would get second place, losing to Nate Troester again, and I would lose to another rival, Pat Albert, who I would later know from the Frankfort New Lenox Running Club. Lots of club members at this race, but I hadn’t actively met any of them yet, or joined in their runs. I have a great many friends and acquiantances from that group now, including Pat. Another rival that would beat me was Jamie Parks, a guy who always pushed his wife (I believe she has MS, but not sure) in a stroller and he would smoke most of us. Always impressed by his running.

Rebecca joined in the fun with this race as well! She had been running XC in junior high, and had run a Girls on the Run event with Kari earlier in the year.

RACE NUMBER 69 – 7/13/2013 ~ Evergreen Olympic Triathlon, Hudson, IL ~ 2:41:56, 139th place overall, 9th place M50-54

We moved up to the Olympic distance for Evergreen in 2013, feeling like we were now solid triathletes. Far from it actually, but getting better.

We had a good time at the race. John missed a turn and cut off a big portion of the run and had to take a DQ, which we all got a good chuckle at.

RACE NUMBER 70 – 9/8/2013 ~ Ironman Wisconsin ~ 14:37:31, 1797th place overall, 152nd place M50-54

A blog post exists for this race. You can read it here: Ironman Wisconsin 2013 Race Report

RACE NUMBER 71 – 11/30/2013 ~ Schaumburg Half Marathon, Schaumburg, IL ~ 1:38:47, 165th place overall, 4th place M50-54

Ran this race with Ben, who had just wrapped up his first D-III college XC season at Loras College. He had been on a no-run recovery, but when I dangled the carrot in front of him, he took it. That race beat the heck out of him! He probably should have passed on it, but it made for a great first-time half-marathon experience.

2014

RACE NUMBER 72 – 03/01/2014 ~ Orland Sportsplex Indoor Duathlon, Orland Park, IL ~ 39:16, No record of finish placement

This was my first time doing an indoor duathlon, or any race, and it was interesting. I don’t have the results for it, because it was loosely timed by the Orland Park Park District staff and posted on site. It started with a 1.5 mile run on their indoor track, which I ran in 10:17. Then it was onto a stationary bike to spin as hard as you could for 30 minutes, then the distance was recorded. I don’t remember how far I went, probably somewhere around 9-10 miles. Some were cheating the system by utilizing the easiest setting and spinning like crazy, with some of them getting results that would equate to 50 mph. C’mon, man. They should have set the bikes all to the same level. But anyway, it was for fun, as I had to remind myself. The race ended with another 1.5 mile track run, which I did in 10:07. Everyone was assigned a staffer/volunteer to count your laps. I told my kid not to miscount my laps. 😀

RACE NUMBER 73 – 06/08/2014 ~ Batavia Sprint Triathlon, Batavia, IL ~ 1:24:23, 96th place overall, 3rd place M50-54

I was starting to get pretty good at triathlon, noticable by the faster times at the races as the years went by. I took a couple minutes of my time from the previous year.

RACE NUMBER 74 – 06/18/2014 ~ Short Run On A Long Day 5K, Frankfort, IL ~ 20:51, 27th place overall, 3rd place M50-54

Back to the weekday evening race in Frankfort. I must have been on my own for this one. I still didn’t know any other racers from F’NRC, but surprised to see that John Bitter and I had the exact finish time for this race. John would later become a Ironman triathlete, and we would do many local group rides together.

RACE NUMBER 75 – 06/29/2014 ~ ITU World Triathlon Olympic, Chicago, IL ~ 2:34:48, 562nd place overall, 53rd place M50-54

I wasn’t really familiar with all things triathlon, but the International Triathlon Union (ITU) rolled into Chicago, and my buddies and I were all over it. We really seemed to enjoy this race, as it was very well organized and well run. The course was varied from the Chicago Triathlon, but still downtown racing along the lakefront. I was really racing well at this point.

RACE NUMBER 76 – 07/12/2014 ~ Ironman Muncie 70.3, Muncie, IN ~ 5:46:108, 550th place overall, 27th place M50-54

Summary: First half-Ironman race, and we did well on a warm day in Indiana. John took the win, but Dave and I were chasing him down hard.

Link to the race report: 2014 Ironman Muncie 70.3 Race Report

RACE NUMBER 77 – 08/24/2014 ~ Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge, Chicago, IL ~ Supersprint 41:14, Sprint 1:39:17, Olympic 2:24:56

By now, we were so emboldened with our triathlon experience, we figured nothing could stop us, so naturally, we signed up for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge, an opportunity to race all three of the Chicago Tri weekend races. Our thinking that it would be easy was misguided. Yes, we were newly minted Ironman finishers, and had lots of experience with other races, but doing these taught us to respect the sport a little more.

First up was the Supersprint on Saturday. That was no big deal really, I walked most of the swim, and let it rip on the bike and run. First up on Sunday morning was the Olympic distance race, and Triple Challengers started in the first wave. It was a very warm and humid day, and it took a lot out of me. There was a brief recovery period, and then we made our way over to be in the last wave of the Sprint distance. It was a long day, but the three medals around our necks made up for it. The Triple Challenge felt more like a half-Iron distance race effort-wise. I never did the Triple Challenge again.

RACE NUMBER 78 – 10/12/2014 ~ Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL ~ 3:39:35, 5856th place overall, 413th place M50-54

A cool day for my 5th Chicago Marathon. I had skipped it in 2013 because I was worried about Ironman Wisconsin being so close to it. My notes say I managed the race and the post-race recovery well. Only 40 seconds slower than my 2012 time.

RACE NUMBER 79 – 11/01/2014 ~ Hot Cider Hustle 8 Mile, Wheaton, IL ~ 55:56, 18th place overall, 3rd place M50-54

Third time running this race and spanked it, averaging just under 7 minute miles for the 8-mile course.

2015

RACE NUMBER 80 – 05/04/2015 ~ SMS Titan Dash 5K, Mokena, IL ~ 20:48, 5th place overall, 3rd place M50-54

Groups started to realize that they could use road racing, and specifically 5Ks as fundraisers, and that was that this race was for the local St. Mary’s Catholic School. I remember it being poorly organized, and it was run on a Monday for some reason. I managed a good time and placed 5th overall, and my 3rd in age group means that old guys dominated this field.

RACE NUMBER 81 – 5/7/2015 ~ Leon’s World’s Fastest Triathlon – Sprint, Hammond, IN ~ 1:04:57, 82nd place overall, 11th place M50-54

Dave, John, Alex, and myself headed to Hammond to race Leon’s World’s Fastest Triathlon! Leon’s had been around a long time, and had a pretty good reputation. Hammond, Indiana isn’t all that ideal of a race locale, but it is not too far from home. The day started out okay, but thunderstorms rolled in and Leon decided to shorten the race to a sprint distance. I struggled on the swim for some reason, and then the skies opened up and poured on us for the bike and run. As soon as the race was over, the skies cleared up and it was a beautiful day. Weird how that worked out. There was about 4 inches of water on the run course that I remember running through. Dave was up ahead of me and I tried to catch him, but he outsprinted me to the finish. I joked with Leon after the race, saying that it was interesting that he made the swim the driest portion of the race.

RACE NUMBER 82 – 6/17/2015 ~ Short Run On A Long Day, Frankfort, IL ~ 20:43, 22nd place overall, 2nd place M50-54

Ben and I went back to race and Ben nabbed 2nd place overall.

RACE NUMBER 83 – 8/30/2015 ~ Chicago Triathlon Olympic ~ 2:35:28, 287th place overall, 19th place M50-54

Our little triathlon group was growing, and now Jeff and wife Jill would join in on the fun. Jill was one-and-done after this, but I sensed that she was pretty proud of finishing a triathlon. It was a good day, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves.

RACE NUMBER 84 – 9/19/2015 ~ ITU Chicago Olympic ~ 2:17:40, 61st place overall, 6th place M50-54

After having such a good time in 2014 at this race, we came back to race it again, but this time it wasn’t as good for some reason. It was held in September, rather than June, and we were all a little burned out. The organizers shortened the swim due to some rough water in the lake. I came out on top, but had to chase Dave really hard on the last lap of the 10K run to win.

RACE NUMBER 84 – 10/11/2015 ~ Bank of America Chicago Marathon ~ 3:28:19, 3921st place overall, 206th place M50-54

A sub-3:30 marathon and a new PR for me! A warm marathon for Chicago, but I managed it well. This is the first time that I qualified for the Boston Marathon. I needed a sub-3:30, and just barely got it. In the end, I would miss the Boston qualifying cut-off by 28 seconds. It just fueled me to run faster next year.

RACE NUMBER 85 – 11/28/2015 ~ Schaumburg Half-Marathon, Schaumburg, IL ~ 1:32:36, 67th place overall, 5th place M50-54

I felt strong after my marathon performance, so I planned on running a 7:15 pace for this race. There was a pace group for that pace, but I had to run a couple of 6:45 minute miles just to catch up with them. I paced with them for a while, then realized that I could run a little faster and left them. I ended up with a 7:04 per mile average pace, and a new half-marathon personal best of 1:32.

2016

NOTE: By 2016, I was now an active blogger on my little blog page here, and would write a race report/recap and post them after the race. I will offer a link and a summary for each if warranted.

RACE NUMBER 86 – 2016 Frankfort Half Marathon Race Report – A good race for me in which old guys dominated.

RACE NUMBER 87 – 2016 ET Batavia Triathlon Race Report – I did well, nabbing a 3rd place in age group.

RACE NUMBER 88 – 2016 Short Run on a Long Day Race Report – A 20:45 finish for me.

RACE NUMBER 89 – 2016 Ironman Lake Placid Race Report – One of my favorite races. Lake Placid was the most scenic of the four Ironman locations I raced.

RACE NUMBER 90 – 2016 Chicago Marathon Race Report – Finally got the Boston Marathon qualifier that made the cutoff, and a personal best that will be my lifetime best.

2017

RACE NUMBER 91 – 2017 Summertime Stride 5K Race Report – Kari and I both scored age group medals.

RACE NUMBER 92 – 2017 ET Batavia Triathlon Race Report – Another fun Batavia triathlon.

RACE NUMBER 93 – Short Run on a Long Day 2017 Race Recap – 20:45 finish time.

RACE NUMBER 94 – 2017 Manteno Sprint Triathlon Race Report – First time at Manteno and Kari joined in the fun, doing the duathlon. I got first in my age group by outkicking a couple of other guys.

RACE NUMBER 95 – Ironman Louisville 2017 Race Recap – A great race – I set my personal best here, finishing in 11:46.

RACE NUMBER 96 – Hot Cider Hustle Race Report – This race was starting to get a little weird, adding a choice to race either on Saturday or Sunday, or maybe both? I picked Sunday, which had more runners (over 1000) than Saturday did.

2018

RACE NUMBER 97 – My First Boston Marathon – Running Boston for the first time (and probably the only time) was certainly memorable, but mainly for the wrong reasons. 2018 was an epic Boston Marathon.

RACE NUMBER 98 – Race Report: 2018 Short Run on a Long Day 5K – Ben and Emily joined me for the race, and we all did well. Ben won the race outright. I knocked a kid down by accident.

RACE NUMBER 99 – Amita Health/Fit America Half Marathon Race Recap – A new half-marathon race for me. I was using it to get a better corral assignment for the Chicago Marathon in the fall, but came up short of the qualifying time. I still think about this race every time I travel west on I-90.

RACE NUMBER 100 – 2018 Manteno Sprint Triathlon Race Report – Back to Manteno for another fast sprint race. Kari and I would both earn podium spots.

RACE NUMBER 101 – 2018 Chicago Triathlon Race Report – We had a big group for this hot race. They shortened the run due to the heat for many of the slower runners.

RACE NUMBER 102 – 2018 Chicago Marathon Race Report – Ben ran his first Chicago Marathon and it was a great race for both of us.

2019

RACE NUMBER 103 – 2019 ET Batavia Triathlon Race Report – A funny recount of the race I squeezed in while training for Ironman Chattanooga.

RACE NUMBER 104 – Race Report: 2019 Short Run on a Long Day 5K – I was still doing well racing 5Ks, but my pace was really starting to slow overall.

RACE NUMBER 105 – Race Report: 2019 Manteno Triathlon – Third time at Manteno.

RACE NUMBER 106 – Lincoln-Way Foundation Half Marathon Race Report – An ill-advised running of a half-marathon with the Ironman looming.

RACE NUMBER 107 – 2019 ​Ironman Chattanooga Race Report – Never, ever raced a race that hot.

RACE NUMBER 108 – ​2019 Chicago Marathon Race Report – Ran the Chicago Marathon three weeks after Ironman Chattanooga, and snagged a BQ!

RACE NUMBER 109 – 2019 Hot Cider Hustle 8-Mile Race Report – Hustled to a 9th overall finish.

RACE NUMBER 110 – 2019 Minocqua Turkey Trot 5K – Ben and Emily both won turkeys at this Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.

2020

Well, you can guess what happened in 2020. No races in 2020.

2021

RACE NUMBER 111 – 2021 Chasing the Sun 5K Race Report – Racing was back!

RACE NUMBER 112 – The Forge Off-road Triathlon Race Report – An off-road triathlon was a fun event, and a nice return to triathlon racing.

RACE NUMBER 113 – Big Hill Bonk 2021 – Wisconsin Backyard Ultra Race Report – My first ultramarathon and first backyard ultra.

RACE NUMBER 114 – 2021 Ironman Chattanooga Race Report – Back to Chattanooga for another shot at Ironman glory.

RACE NUMBER 115 – Tunnel Hill 50 Mile Run Race Report – My first crack at running 100 miles ended with a drop out at 50 miles.

2022

RACE NUMBER 116 – Paleozoic Trail Runs – Carboniferous Spring II – 25K Race Report – A fun first time trail race for me.

RACE NUMBER 117 – Big Hill Bonk 2022 – Wisconsin’s Backyard Ultra Race Report – I improved to 10 yards in the backyard ultra format.

RACE NUMBER 118 – WausaUltra Backyard Ultra Race Report – Tripped and fell at this highly technical trail race course.

RACE NUMBER 119 – Attack The Track! Race Report – A new event for me, running the anchor mile-plus of a marathon relay with F’NRC.

RACE NUMBER 120 – Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra Race Report – I needed a long training run for Tunnel Hill and found this even. It would become a favorite.

RACE NUMBER 121 – 2022 Tunnel Hill Race Report – Second try at running 100 miles.

2023

RACE NUMBER 122 – Paleozoic Trail Runs – Devonian Spring II – 25K Race Report – Back to Palos for another trail run, and another trip and fall.

RACE NUMBER 123 – 2023 WausaUltra Backyard Ultra Race Report – Kari made sure I wasn’t alone for this, and although no falling for me, she had to scoop me up when I pulled the plug.

RACE NUMBER 124 – 2023 Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra Race Report – Got the ultra distance done, but I was getting burned out on running for hours.

RACE NUMBER 125 – 2023 Tunnel Hill Race Report – Another drop at 3/4 into the run, leaving me thinking I can never run 100 miles.

2024

RACE NUMBER 126 – Paleozoic Trail Runs – Ordovician Spring II – 25K Race Report – The race that told me that I may have to consider how old I am when I sign up for races before running these types of races.

RACE NUMBER 127 – The Forge Gravel Triathlon Race Report – Back to the Forge in Lemont to race a sprint triathlon.

RACE NUMBER 128 – 2024 Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra Race Report – Managed 10 hours and 41.6 miles.

RACE NUMBER 129 – 2024 Chicago Marathon Race Report – Ran a 3:53, threw up at the hotel afterward, decided to quit marathons.

RACE NUMBER 130 – 2024 Paleozoic Trail Runs – Silurian Fall II 25K Race Report – The fall version of the Paleozoic Trail Runs had fallen on the same weekend as Tunnel Hill. This course was different from the spring location.

2025

RACE NUMBER 131 – 2025 Ironman 70.3 Rockford Race Report – The heat that day rivaled Ironman Chattanooga in 2019, but somehow took a greater toll on me.

RACE NUMBER 132 – Little Apple Gravel Race 50K – Race Report – My first time racing just a bike race, and gravel made it a lot more exciting (i.e. scary).

RACE NUMBER 133 – 2025 Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra Race Report – Another good day running in Iowa.

RACE NUMBER 134 – 2025 Paleozoic Trail Runs – Cambrian Fall III 25K Race Report – Expected to better than the previous year but came up short.