Autism advocacy is very important to my family as we have a direct connection and need for it!
Matthew who is my 12 year old is one of the coolest kids I know. Talks about pizza, Halloween, Scouts and fireworks constantly. He has a huge heart and would do anything for anybody. He's my inspiration for running 26.2 which I would have never thought possible 2 years ago!
Being able to raise money for something that directly impacts Matthew and the rest of us is an honor. I'm VERY glad I found this organization to run for in the 2024 Chicago Marathon! I'll put my heart and soul into it!
WHY RUN FOR AUTISM? 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.
This organization doesn't mess around. Here are some of the things they use for the money I raise and these are important:
$1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism. $3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college. $40,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.
OCT 11
We made it! Went to the expo and picked up my bib yesterday. The last 20+ weeks of training has been amazing but I'm absolutely humbled by the support of everyone reading this!
SEP 8
20 Miles! 2 weeks until the taper starts! Longest run of my life. Starting to feel confident about finishing this thing!
AUG 10
Halfway home! My run today marks the halfway point between when I started my mara training and the big race day! Week 9 of 18 compete! It's gets serious from here on out but I'm ready for the challenge!
JUL 1
Just started week 4 of the "official" training program I'm doing. It's a great program though CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association). 4 workouts per week. Wednesdays are speed work at a track and Saturdays are the long runs at Waterfall Glen!
JUN 11
Ran the Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday! Was a warm day but a fun race though some of Chicago's parks on the west side!
MAY 6
Wow! Well I really want to hit that 20 mile mark prior to the race and got a step closer this weekend. Went out at did 17. Ran along the BNSF train route all the way to Lagrange and back. Def not easy but felt pretty good!
APR 7
Hit a personal best in the 10k and 10 mile distances today! Was at the Chicago Lakefront 10 miler. Was a great course along the lakefront which ended running up a hill .
World Autism day (and month)!
MAR 24
Ran the Shamrock Shuffle with Dad today! Over 21k people and was a fast course . Beat my time from last year by over 7 min. Spring is here and miles are going up !
FEB 17
Had a real fun time running the "Miles Per Hour" race at the Chicago auto show! Got to do it with Bob Packo and Fred Mazurski which made it extra fun. Winter training is going well. Getting the miles in and prepping for when the fun really starts!
JAN 30
16.3 Miles! Longest run to date. Wanted to see if I could get within 10 miles of the full marathon distance and mission accomplished! Now time to work on the speed!
JAN 17
Well it's not Florida but tossed on a hat and gloves and got a 10k in on my lunch break . Felt good and not as cold as one would expect!
DEC 31
Had to end the year strong and I have extra motivation from all of you! It was really hard but PRd my 10k time and hit an average pace under 9 min a mile! Have a happy and safe new years eve all!
DEC 25
Merry Christmas all! Hope everyone enjoys this special day! I still can't get over how humbled I am because of everyone's help with this fundraising and supporting my running! I wanted to get one in today but Santa had other plans! Merry Xmas all!
DEC 21
Had the day off so helped clean. Needed to get a run in do did my favorite loop st Waterfall Glen! My buddy Bob and I hit new PRs for the 9.3 mile loop!
DEC 15
Was really happy with this pace. Pretty much the fastest I've ran for that long. Want this pace for the 26.2. lots of work ahead but doable!
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