Run Across Illinois: Ultrarunners Using Their Special Powers for Good

As my summer of ultras continues, I find myself wearing a bigger and brighter grin.  With inspiration being as bountiful as the sun, I shouldn’t be surprised that I found yet another motivating group of inspiring people doing extraordinary things for the betterment of the universe.

The particular corner of the universe I am most interested in is my home: the city of Chicago.  And when I found out that, due to budgetary cuts and limited public resources, most of Chicago’s elementary schools do not have recess (YES, you read that sentence correctly), I found myself getting angry at the passiveness of my peers who deem activity to be of little importance to the development of our youth.

NO RECESS?!?!  HUH!?!?!

But there is something I can do about it.  Enter, Chicago Run and the Chicago area ultrarunning community.  Chicago Run’s mission is to work with elementary schools implementing running programs for kids, getting them to embrace activity while preparing for 5Ks, 8Ks and even a virtual marathon where participants accumulate mileage through fitness breaks 3-5 times a week.  Considering America’s childhood obesity problem — one that seems to be magnified in low-income urban areas such as inner city Chicago — this program couldn’t be more poignant.

To raise awareness for this program and to better fight the battle against childhood obesity, eight inspiring individuals have decided to run across Illinois.  I have signed up to help.  In fact, a growing number of runners has stepped up to aid in this thrilling project where on Friday, August 17, 2012, those eight rock stars will depart the Mississippi River at East Dubuque, running along the Illinois/Wisconsin border for ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIVE MILES, all the way east to Lake Michigan.  While my legs are not yet seasoned for the 165-mile journey, I am thrilled to be participating as crew and pacer.

To make it even more special, the running team (lovingly named “TEAM LOL”) has allowed me access to document the entire three-day adventure in written form.  However that may develop — be it as multiple blog entries, a magazine article, a full length book — it is my hope and desire that I can put together something of real interest, something that could affect the lives of others in a positive way for years to come.

Check back for more updates, and in the meantime, feel free to participate in the cause by donating to our mission with Chicago Run.  Our donations page can be found *HERE* and I guarantee you a small donation will be waaaaay simpler (and cleaner!) than packing up multiple vans to follow eight runners across 165 miles of searing Illinois pavement.  Scott, Chuck, Kathy, Brian, Juan, Tony, Kamil and Mike, as well as the multiple crew and pacing teams and Chicago Run, will all be humbled by your generosity.

Making a difference isn’t easy, but it’s damn satisfying.

Go run!