If you click here, you can find out about Dan Malinski or Cubicle Dad and his efforts to finish the Chicago Marathon this year. Dan read the story of my adventures in the Chicago Marathon and asked me for help.
Dan was over 300 pounds, has a history of heart disease in his family and was afraid that he would never live to see his two young daughters grow up. He wanted to get in shape and run the marathon for the American Heart Association, but like many people, didn't know how to take that first step.like
This is where all of you jumped in, the Chicago endurance community. The support for Dan was tremendous. Coach Jennifer Harrison offered up her talents, Runners High n' Tri, sponsored Dan with the gear he needed and dozens of others have offered up their advice and help. Because of this support Dan took his first step and one after that and one after that.
In two short months Dan is 35 pounds lighter and under 300 pounds for
the first time in a decade. He is getting faster and stronger and has
his goal in sight.
Friday morning, in the bitter cold, we kicked off the New Year and the new decade together, for the longest run of Dan's life, 5 miles. This was officially Day #1 of our journey together.
Dan isn't doing this because he wants to be a reality star, sell a book or sit next to Oprah and sob. He's doing it because he has to, he wants to see his daughters grow up, set an example for others and raise money for the American Heart Association and those who are less fortunate.
I am doing it because Dan asked me to.
Once I figure out exactly how to add a countdown ticker thingy onto The Pace, you will be able to keep up with our weight, and days until the marathon as well as miles ran every week. I am 241, Dan 297.
I "forgot" to mention this in my article about the marathon, but I ended up with a broken foot, two months off and now I am 14 pounds heavier than I was in October. The doctors orders "nothing, not a thing, no swimming, biking, running, nothing." So I'm a little chunky.
You can travel along virtually here on The Pace of Chicago, on Dan's Blog, or join us on a run. We are going to be hosting a few dozen run in the next 10 months, come out and join us. If you are fast, slow, learning to run or been breaking records, Team Cubicle Dad welcomes all speed and abilities.
New Years Day we were alone on a cold snowy trail. 10 months from now, it's Grant Park and 40,000 of our closest friends.
Here we go.
Filed under: Charity, coaching, Dave's Journey, News, Nutrition, Running
Tags: @sportsfront, Chicago Marathon, Cubicle Dad, Jennifer Harrison, Oprah, Runners High 'n Tri, Weight Loss
Awesome Dave!
BTW, this morning's weigh in...289.6! Woot!
Let's DO this!