Running was a punishment. Something you did at the end of a practice or after someone (never me...) talked back at a coach. I remember running a 5K for lacrosse practice, I hated every step. A Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning? "What am I doing here" is all I could think. You could not pay me to run a mile, let alone almost 30. 

Fast forward a handful of years, I’m faced with a tough reality - it's the start of a global pandemic. With all the time in the world, but nowhere to go, and nothing to do, the pandemic helped me realize that pizza, beer, and late nights for 4 years in college isn't exactly healthy living. Combine that with being cooped up around the clock? 

With absolutely everything closed, nowhere to go, and nothing to do - like many others, I said I might as well try something crazy. I walked out my front door on a beautiful spring day, in April 2020, ran a couple of miles, and really enjoyed it. A handful of runs later, I fell in love with the sport - what I had despised became the vehicle for exploring as many parts of Chicago as I could muster. 

With all the time in the world but nothing to do, I remember thinking I need to do something...anything, and I probably can't hurt to lose some weight. Running became the answer for both. It was then that I decided to train for a Half Marathon. There were no races in 2020 so may as well run it... you guessed it... in a Chicago Park. 

A handful of months later, I crossed that off the bucket list but then shortly after, I set my sights on doubling the Half, tackling all 26 miles. 

Fast forward a few months, I've got 25.9 miles running on Lake Shore Drive, I'm dripping in sweat and am approaching my apartment. I cross the 26.2 threshold, my finish line was nonexistent. My phone alerted me I had finished my first Marathon. I threw up my arms, shouted, and probably almost collapsed. All of this was in front of a Chipotle, on Belmont Avenue - not exactly the race day atmosphere I was envisioning. Plus, if I'm being honest, I probably scared everyone on the block as I crossed my imaginary finish line. 

Since the start of Covid, I’ve run 2 Marathons, over 1,300 miles, and ran through 5 pairs of running shoes. In that process, I've overcome injuries, dealt with self-doubt, I've wanted to quit more times than I can count. In that process, I've gained so much. 

I learned running isn't about what you lose. It's about what you gain - for me that has been confidence, strength, mindfulness, goal-setting abilities, unbelievable feelings of success and accomplishment, but also so much more. 

The Chicago Parks (and the Chicago Park Foundation) helped me realize a lot of this. 

One particularly moving sign I saw in my last marathon read "One day you won't be able to do this: that day is not today". With that, I’m proud to share I’ll be running the 2022 Chicago Marathon for the Chicago Park District. Hopefully, I can give back to the parks and the city that has given so much to me.

While training for my first two marathons, I can't tell you how many times I saw a sign that said "Run for the Parks! Scan QR Code Here"! 

I'd scan it, and every time I would think you really should do this - but I didn't - and I should have. I was too nervous about simply finishing, but not this year! Today (June 6th) marks 18 weeks until race day, and this year I'm doing it. 

If you feel inclined to support me, the parks, or any combination of both - I can't thank you enough. If you’re able to donate - every penny is greatly appreciated, and if you’ve made it this far I should probably thank you for reading? Thanks for reading! 

edit* ... it's been pointed out that this platform only accepts dollars, the pennies would have been appreciated if I could take them...