Chicago Marathon 2002: 3:07:35
Boston Marathon 2003: 3:41:38
Chicago 1/4 marathon 2004: 44:56
Chicago Distance Classic 2004: 1:34.51
Goal for Chicago Marathon 2004: under 3:10
For those of you that read this website. This website will try
and help you understand the pain that my brother and I will go through until October
and possibly longer.
This is not a competition but a log to help us see were we started and what we
had to do to go through to reach our goal. Enjoy and feel our pain
Scroll down for Tom's updates
Week 16
6/23 ran 5 miles, the threat of storms make you run faster
6/24 ran 6 miles, some wisdom for all: beer tastes better after a run than before
6/26 ran 6.5 miles, running today felt good,
it helps when you have the radio tuned
to the ball game and you here
WHITE SOX WIN!!
GO SOX sox 6 cubs 3
Week 15
06/29 ran 6 miles, Now I remeber why I have a mp3 player
I ran with a radio and spent the whole time listening to
commericals. Dan, I like the link to the forest it looks
like a fun run. Is it good when you heart hurts when you
start running and then it goes away in a couple minutes?
07/01 ran 6 miles , Dan, I had a nightmare that I didn't qualify for the
boston. I even woke a in a cold sweat, I ran
these 6 miles very fast. Did you notice that I am
writing bigger and in bold that is so dad can read
my horrible english!
07/03 ran 9 miles, Having 5 donuts and burger king the day before
a big run is not a good idea
tomorrow pyro day, rain hold off!
Week 14
Total bust I will not be running this week at all. I will be sitting
on the couch icing my foot. It all started on 07/04. Went down
to the old kankakee river for the fourth to see my friends, since all I
do is run, played some volleyball and somebody actually tried to
block ME. Seriously why do you even try. Well the dumb ass went
into the net and landed directly on my foot. It doesn't hurt, it is
just very swollen, black and blue, and ugly. If this doesn't get better
by the end of the week. This might be it for me!!
My fireworks were the best light show ever.
07/09 Thursday still sitting around with ice
on my foot, the swelling went down
I even canceled golf this week and next week!
Dan I still don't like the way you updated your web site:)
7/11 I worked till 10 last night and had brats and beer when I got
home, slept outside on my deck in my new hammock,
thank you family. I woke up around 11am .
Oh wait this is suppose to be about running sorry.
I iced my foot when I woke up and it looks good
it is not black and blue any more it just hurts a little bit
on the top of the foot. I am going to try and run tomorrow.
Week 13
7/12 Dan, I was just joking. I really didn't hurt my foot
10 miles is really far and I didn't want to do it
Just kidding. I was checking to see if
would scroll down.
Ran 6 miles and felt good!?
I don't think I 'm back yet
7/17 Alright , I'm back ! Just finished 10 miles and the only
thing that hurt was my knees but those always hurt.
I will try and post pictures of my bad foot later.
Week 12
7/21 Ran 6 miles at night due to the 89 degree temp and 99% humidity
While running through downtown Naperville I saw a
animal on the side walk. I thought it was one of those plastic cows
the city has around the downtown area, the ones
I usually hurdle, until I got closer and saw it was deer
watching me run towards it. Weird seeing one of those in a
busy area. Does anyone know if deer meat is heathly for you
because I now have a freezer full of it!
7/22 There are good days to run six miles and then there are bad days.
After 6 miles I spent the whole night moving branches to the road
after a big storm and I am not talking small branches.
Definite bad day to run
7/24 Ran 12 miles today, it was a perfect day to run, overcast,
69 degrees and a slight breeze. Just a great fall day. Fall?
Week 11
7/27 6 miles today , and got the foot pictures also
Warning hairy legs and ugly feet below
2nd day after volleyball injury major swellng and bruising,
I would recommend go see a doctor
This was after one week, bruising down and
a little bump by my ankle on the top of my foot
ran 6 miles on this bad foot and it feels ok
Who listens to pharmacists anyways!
7/29 Ran 6 miles, felt good to stretch my legs
before I run the Chicago Distance Classic on Sunday
it is a half marathon. If anybody is wondering Dan
is in Pittsburgh running for the next week or so and does
not have internet access. So he should have some
stories about running in Pittsburgh.
If a black cat runs in front of you about a 1/2 a block
away is it considered bad luck? What is the proper
distance for bad luck to come down on you?
8/1 What a long day, Picked mom and dad up from the
airport at 4:20am, didn't leave airport till 5:15
dropped them off at my house, I didn't even
help them put the luggage into dad's truck, SORRY
Drove back to Chicago ran a 1/2 marathon race.
I didn't run as well as I wanted, drove back home
changed and went to a wedding at 11am, I drove back
home and went to bed. Congratulations Rob and Lucy
I looked up the results from the race
If nobody believes me, my bib number is 426
and look it up yourself ,
overall 251 out of 4162
time 1:34:51
pace 7:15
I need to work on that pace a little bit
that is cutting in close to 3:10 for a marathon
Week 10
8/5 Since I didn't have to go to work today due
to jury duty, I got out earlier than expected
and ran 9.43 miles, ok I walk to the car the last
0.03mile, sorry. Dan you still out there or are you
lost in Ohio?
8/7 ran 6 , See everybody I told you dan was in pitt
you cannot make up those big words up. Pictures
from the race are in. The only problem is you have
to search for them. www.asiorders.com
go to chicago distance classic to the lost and
found section, I will give you a hit there are three
pictures of me at the finish line and I am
wearing a hat, black shorts and no shirt.
If you couldn't find me lets see if these links work
http://www.asiorders.com/lost_runners.asp?EVENTID=4718
http://www.brightroom.com/go.asp?475466 this picture was from the 10k
8/8 ran 12 miles, Off to work I go.
Week 9
8/11 ran 6 miles after work at 10pm
8/12 ran 9 miles before work at 2pm
All I do is run if I'm not working
and we are only half way done.
"Ramblings of a Old Man" that is a better title
for dad's section that you are adding. HeHe. .
8/15 ran 15.4 miles while listening to the sox game, I finished
in the seventh inning. Dan, dad worked for 30 plus years
for you, I don't consider him unemployed. He does not have
to work anymore, he earned that
Dad can I borrow the corvette this weekend?
For a pulled muscle
Heating pad for 15 minutes
then wrap the muscle with a ace bandage
Week 8
8/18 ran 9 miles, Dan rest and stretch, I know you or I
never stretched before but I think it is time. while I am
at work I stretch. It may look funny but it helps. My hammy
is a little tweaked, but as long as I stretch before and After
a run it is ok. It is time to stretch, It doesn't have
to be long just a little bit helps. get better I need you
to run the whole way with me!
8/19 ran 8 miles, Dan, you can rest, you ran in college and you are
use to recovering from injuries and picking up were you
left off. Me,If I stop and the beer kicks in and
it is all over.
8/21 ran 16 miles (barely) I hate runs when my body tells me that
I am not superman. Yet, thats why I am training .
I am writing this at 9:30pm at night
on a Saturday. I was going out but after what happen on
the run I just feel like crap and I am going to bed after
writing this. I have
not done this after a run since Boston. (Caution hurling
involved) I was running my last loop and felt something
coming up. I had this same feeling 12 other times! But
nothing came up. When I dragged my self to the
end and finished somehow it all came up right there
on the trail. Oh yeah the fun and enjoyment of training
for a marathon. I better not plan anymore things when
I have to run for the last seven weeks because the mileage
keeps going up. Don't ask me how I drove home!
Week 7
8/25 ran 0 miles today, I woke up early to go run when I look
outside and see Rain. I really wanted to go out and
stretch my legs today. I am going to try and run
tomorrow morning, and then 16 on Friday. Normally
the mileage would be 12 miles this week. But I
feel and want to run 16 miles this week. Want
to run 16? Some body must be getting worried!
8/27 ran 16.5 miles, Alright I took the whole week off tuff.
finished the run and then had a 2 hour cool down
cutting grass. Dan, see the things you miss when
you don't live with mom and dad anymore.
Week 6
8/31 ran 11miles, Ran strong today. I think I was inspired.
When watching the marathon runners in the olympics
I noticed something that many people missed. The
Brazil runner was winning the race by over a minute
then he was sideswiped by the crazy guy.
I was rooting for american runner
to win but in a way you wanted the brasil runner win it,
What shocked me was.. Did anybody
see how the brazil runner finished? His arms spread
out and he swayed back and forth on the track and
had a huge smile on his face. He was happy, he ran
a great race and even though he did not finish first he
enjoyed the race.
That is the feeling I want to have when I cross the finish line.
Proud of myself for running a solid race no matter what time
I finish in and don't forget to have fun doing it.
9/3 ran 9 miles .
9/4 ran 19.8 . Today was a struggle to get out of bed. I had to work
in the afternoon so I decided to wake up early and run.
I actually had a dream that it was raining and I was
debating on running. It seemed very real. I decided
in my dream to go run in the rain.
To my surprise it was sunny and
humid out. I ran . My brain doesn't even want to run
but heart, pride, and stupidity is how I live my life.
Dan, I need a good hill work out. I will try and run
in palos at the sled hill. that is always a good workout.
Week 5
9/9 ran 6 miles plus a hill work out.I went to Palos and ran the tobaggon
hill steps, they are about a 100 meters up. trust me
I ran them 10 times and it felt like I ran extra miles.
But the positive thing is that the run did not hurt.
Going into the run I thought I was going to hurt and
was not going to make it up ten times but I did.
I almost ready,
Oh, by the way if anybody has seen me in the last two weeks
you would notice that I shaved my head
9/10 ran 9 miles
9/11 ran 14 miles, I am tired, three days in a row of solid fast running
Week 4
9/13 ran 11miles, Hot and humid is not a fun run. I could have ran
early in the day, but sportscenter is very addicting
Dan have fun running in a hurricane!
9/16 ran 9 miles , and finished off last keg until after the race.
9/18 ran 20 miles and then I went to work.
Yes, right after the run I called the girl that was
suppose to work 2-10 so she can come in and work
8-4 and I would work the 2-10. Well I finished 20 miles
and while I was sitting in my car. I had a feeling I should
get home. I hobble in the door and saw I have 3 messages
Oh no. I even gave the overnighter the phone number for
the girl. He called her, the supervisor called her. nobody
could get a hold of her. They called another guy to
come inand work. So he worked till noon
and then I came in. The girl came in
and said she overslept and put her phone on
vibrate. Ahhh!
I worked my eight hours and now I am going
to bed because I have to work tomorrow morning
and I don't want to over sleep.
Week 3
9/23 ran 8 miles, Dan is still out there people, he is just lazy and
doesn't want to update his side. The old man even has
ramblings that Dan has not put up yet. He said the site
should be updated thursday.
Since there are only three weeks left I am not running
with my radio anymore. Just me running listening to the
huffing and puffing and probably over analyzing my
life.
09/24 ran 9 miles
09/25 ran 12 miles, GAMEDAY
Week 2
9/28 ran 6 miles, it has been really nice the last few weeks
I have a feeling that it is going to be
rainy and cold on race day. Which means
I get to jump in puddles while I run, Yeah
marathon map.pdf,
alright there is the map for the race,
here is a list of good spots to see Dan and I
Yes Dan is still running
1. On Lasalle between miles 3 and 2
2.then walk from 1. to see us between
miles 12 and 13
3. On archer ave between miles 21 and 22
then walk a block and see us an mile 25
4. Go to The Cell (us cellular park) around
33rd st, then cross dan ryan and see us at
mile 23
If you didn't notice I didn't mention any of the
north side streets, You can go there but I really
need the encouragement toward the end of the race.
Dan and I are going for our numbers the friday
before the race. I will post our numbers and you
should be able to follow us online while we are
running.
I will also post pictures after the race.
I am starting to get pumped for this race.
It is so close.
9/30 ran 7 miles, why do you water grass at night
in the fall? Your grass is going to die soon
because winter is around the corner.
Most important, runners do not like
getting hit by your bleeping sprinklers
when it is 45 degrees out
10/1 ran 9 miles. I ran my long run on friday because
I am going to the Purdue vs Notre Dame game
saturday. Purdue has not won
at Notre Dame since 1974,
I figure since I am going we have a chance.
One less Irish person
GO PURDUE!
Week 1
10/5 ran 6 miles in the cold night, my beard really keeps my
face warm. Maybe I will keep it all winter.
I actually got my bib# for the race it is
969, Dan (yes still running ) is 925
the numbers only means who signed up first
There is only one problem. We are positioned to
start the race in the competitive field. There are four
sections , elite, competitive, preferred, and open,
Dan and I both picked preferred. The competitive people
are the ones who run like sub 6 minutes and lower miles.
If I actually wanted to I could sprint and lead the whole
marathon for about a half mile but then I wouldn't make
it the whole way. I have to tell myself it is a marathon not
a sprint.
all most time
10/7 ran the last 3 miles,IT'S TIME,
If anybody who wants to
run marathon here is the crap I had to deal with
ran over 425 miles since I started this adventure
3 kegs down,
my hamstring hurts
my feet hurt every morning
I have not been to the weight room in over 2 months
lost 15 pounds
no cigars in over a month
golf game went to crap
I can barely hit the softball out of the infield
my tolerance went to crap (need 6 kegs)
social life is crap
one shaved head
one beard
I'm tired at work
a package of AAA batteries
3 baseball hats
2 pairs of running shoes
Is it all worth it?
Come watch Dan and I run 26.2 miles at the
Chicago Marathon Oct. 10 2004
When I cross the finish line it was all worth it!
OCTOBER 10
RACE DAY
What a day there are two stories to tell here.
First the my truck, my parents drove us to the race
in my truck. Since they had two hours before the race
they went to breakfast in the old neighborhood
what they did not expect was the $%##@$ who ran
the red light and hit my truck with mom and dad in it.
They are ok, thats the good part. My truck is not good
$%# hit the truck right in the gas tank, spun the truck around
and crushed it ,
Then the guy drove away, Luckily there were men striking
at the factory right there,God Bless the Union, and they
and mom got the guys licenses number, The cops did catch
the sob and arrested him. So we will go from there.
Now parents wreck 1 of Tom's cars, and Tom already
wrecked one of Mom and Dad's cars in high school
I call it even.
Now the race,
I will start from the beginning, We woke up at 5:30am
and got to the race around 7am, As Danny and I were
walking to the starting line I look down and saw my shorts
were on backwards. I look around and saw nowhere
to change, I had spandex on underneath, so I drop
my pants behind a park semi and switched them around
Then it was really cool as we were walking toward
the starting line, Since we were competitive we we allowed
to get through gate and barriers past everybody. I felt
like a bad ass. While running the first few miles, all of
the sudden we get hit by GU. GU is instant energy
complex sugars for runners when the muscles need
food. Somebody dropped the GU and somebody else
stepped on it shooting it at us, Great covered in GU.
But we continued on. As we were running the crowds were
great Dan and I were running threw the streets
and you could see the EL above us and people were
on the steps of a big building, I'm not sure which one
but it was like stadium seating 10 high looking down
on us. That was really cool. About mile 10 I looked over
and saw Dan with the painful look on his face or cramp
in leg. So Dan said go ahead he needed to stretch it and
he will catch up. So great 16 miles without Dan,
I was going good until mile15 and all of the sudden
my back hurt which means my kidneys are mad at me
for running and need more fluids. I started to breath
very heavy trying to keep pace, but I only could stand the
pain every mile in a half, So I pushed my body to at least
every water stop and had to walk until my kidneys stop
hurting, It wasn't long but enough were I lost the good
pace I was at in the beginning. So I pushed along yelling
at my self to push it. So I finished good, not great
but decent and I am satisfied with my results.
Tom's time Dan's time
10 k 00:43:58 00:43:57
20 k 01:05:36 01:05:36
half way 01:33:09 01:36:39
25 k 01:52:04 01:59:17
30 k 02:17:24 02:31:12
35 k 02:43:04 03:06:08
40 k 03:10:43 03:43:50
Finish
03:21:58 03:59:03
Mile Pace
7:42 9:07
What a run. Dan has given me permission to
kick his as if he mentions running another
marathon again
