2025 was my fourth consecutive year of running. I’ve now completed five marathons, eight half marathons races, one virtual half marathon and over 30 total races. Running a marathon takes courage and endless hours of training. Discipline and consistency is needed to achieve your goals. When you develop those skills, it will not only make you a long distance runner, but it can also change your entire life. No matter how much I’ve learned, marathons do not get easier based off the nature of the challenge. However, I’ve become more consistent after learning from previous training blocks and understand my body better than ever. I know when to crank it up and when to not overdue it.
What keeps me moving, pushing, and setting that early morning alarm? Running is a personal journey. Sometimes I need quiet space in this noisy world. Every step is a reminder that the hardest battles are won from within. Work ethic eliminates fear. I perform my best when I set goals. While I set goals and push myself during workouts, I’m always trying to remember to run with joy because that’s what it’s all about. But it’s important to give myself extra motivation. My main running goals of 2025 were to complete another marathon, and finish another sub 20 minute 5K.
Race 1 – Frozen Oaks 5K
The 6th annual Dundee Township Park District “Frozen Oaks 5K” was without a doubt, one of the most brutal 5Ks that I’ve ever run. My younger brother Brian joined me for the icy suburban showdown. He finishing strong in 19th place. Together we faced a winding gauntlet of sharp turns and punishing climbs laid out across the frozen terrain of the Randall Oaks Golf Course. The record amount of participants weaved up and down the golf cart path which was surrounded by fairways and sandy bunkers. A couple steep hills really burned up my legs. However, even with a painful side cramp…I was able to stay toe to toe with the lead runner for the first two miles. For a moment I thought I might overtake him. But in the final stretch…he surged ahead. I crossed the finish line just behind claiming second place. I was really happy with my performance in the cold temperature. After the race, Brian and I thawed out in the warmth of the banquet hall where the award ceremony brought a sense of celebration to our exhaustion. I ate a hearty bowl of chili with a grin then cracked open my first beer of the year…a well earned reward after surviving Dry January… and one hell of a race.
Race 2 – Carmel, Indiana Half Marathon (virtual)
My second “race” of the year was supposed to be the Carmel, Indiana half marathon. I woke up early in my hotel room to wind howling and a relentless thunderstorm rolled in just hours before the starting gun was set to fire. For the first time in my running career, a race was cancelled due to bad weather. Race organizers released a statement:
“The safety of our runners, volunteers, community partners and staff is our top priority,” race officials stated. “We can not risk having runners and volunteers out on course during either of those time periods, with no way to ensure that everyone can safely seek shelter if the need arises.”
It was the right call. No doubt about it. The storm was serious. The kind of weather you don’t try to out run. But runners adapt. A virtual option was offered, I committed. So the next day on Easter Sunday I ran 13.1 miles along Chicago’s lakefront. I pushed the pace trying to inject some race day fire into what felt like a glorified long run. But something was missing. I missed the nervous energy that takes over my body five minutes before the horn blows to begin the race. I missed the electricity of the crowd and strangers screaming your name like they’ve known you for years. I missed fighting for a water cup at an aid station. You just can not replicate the race day atmosphere independently. I emailed my results and they were verified. A medal arrived in the mail a couple weeks later. A symbol of a race that never was, and yet, somehow… still happened. My first ever virtual race completed.
Race 3 – Ravenswood Run
‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ – 2,500 runners hit the streets on Chicago’s North Side for the 29th annual Ravenswood 5K and kids race. The event was a fundraiser for the Ravenswood Community Services’ Food Pantry and Community Kitchen. They provide essential needs like meals and groceries to people in the neighborhood. The course was stacked with serious runners, and hundreds posted blistering times on a morning that felt tailor made for racing: sunny skies, light breeze, and a perfect 54 degrees. After the stormy disappointment of last weekend’s canceled half marathon, this felt like a gift from the running gods. Adorned with a yellow and red Might Mouse patch, I showed up with a quiet fire determined to break the 20-minute barrier once again. My legs were ready and heart was in it. The crowd, the cause, the competition…everything about this race reminded me why I love the sport. Goal achieved – sub 20.
Race 4 – North Shore Classic
The North Shore Classic started in 1981 and a race I was excited to run. The weather was absolutely perfect with sunshine and mid 50 degree temperature. The 13.1 miles was very tough for me. My achilles has been a constant pain even with three weeks of rest. I’d taken time off to heal properly, but as I toed the line..I knew I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted. I adjusted my expectations, slowed the pace, and focused on simply enduring the 13.1 miles ahead. The half marathon course started in uptown Highland Park, IL running through tree lined street neighborhoods. Around mile 2 we ran past the outdoor music festival Ravinia. The path was a mixture of flat streets and rolling hills. Mile 7 featured the most brutal hills. A steep decline down to Lake Michigan and a steep incline back up the monster hill. Around mile 10 we ran through the old 1800s Army post called Fort Sheridan. There was a shared sense of strength and resilience in the air.
In 2023, the race name included the phrase “Highland Park Strong,” due to the July 4th, 2022 parade mass shooting. Seven people were killed, and dozens were injured. I was sent to the Chicago suburb that day to cover the shooting and manhunt for WGN-TV. The main reason I had this race circled for the past couple years but was unable to participate in. Finally returning..not to cover a tragedy, but to stand with the community. It was a run for strength, for healing, and for hope. I still believe in the power of people coming together. And this race proved it.
“We have redesigned a new logo that encompasses the strength of our community, incorporating a strong local landmark to tie us together, and featuring the signature seven leaves in remembrance of the victims. This symbol will serve as a reminder of the lasting impact on our hearts and our commitment to moving forward while honoring those we have lost.”
Race 5 – San Juan Run 5K
¡WEPA! The 3rd Annual San Juan Run 5K started in front of Humboldt Park’s signature landmark, a 60 foot Puerto Rican Flag. The Humboldt Park neighborhood has the largest Puerto Rican population in the city. Chicago is the center of Puerto Rican culture throughout the Midwest. In 2020 I spent four days on the island covering the aftermath of earthquakes for WGN-TV. The people of Puerto Rico are known for their resilience and it was evident on the trip. They have an ability to overcome adversity, economic challenges and natural disasters, all while maintaining a strong sense of culture. I had a blast running through the 200+ acre park that bears the same name as the neighborhood. The weather was very hot and sunny, but I managed to cross the Parranda (finish line) 7th overall.
Race 6 – Race to Wrigley 5K
As my father‑in‑law Rick Muck likes to say, “Walking into Wrigley Field is like walking into heaven.” Chicago Cubs Charities organizes many fundraisers every year, and the Race to Wrigley 5K is always a standout. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the sold out event. The race began just outside Rizzo’s Bar and Inn at Clark and Waveland. At 8AM sharp, Clark the Cub waved off thousands of runners clad in powder blue. We carved through Lakeview’s streets, but the real moment of truth came in the final mile. The course veered us into the Friendly Confines. The crowd noise, ivy, and green grass surrounded me. My pace surged. If you hadn’t studied the course ahead, you might not expect there was still about a quarter mile to go after exiting the stadium. My watch told me my sub-20 goal was hanging by a thread. I clenched my fists, drove forward, and in those final desperate strides crossed the line with three seconds to spare. A home run finish with all the proceeds going to Advocate Children’s Hospital.
Race 7 – Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon was my 5th time running 26.2 miles. This was the largest field of runners in the race’s 43 year history. Marathons are more than just running. It’s about setting a goal that scares you and chasing it anyway. They teach you how to suffer and how to show up on the hard days. You don’t cross that finish line the same person who started. You cross it stronger.
Why Milwaukee? I had the opportunity to live and work in The Cream City for two years, during which I developed a deep appreciation for its vibrant character. My favorite assignment as a news photographer was covering the Rolling Stones play Summerfest in 2015. Summerfest is the world’s largest outdoor music festival. The finish line was set right outside of the festival grounds. I especially enjoyed night runs along the Lower East Side, tracing the lakefront past the iconic Art Museum. This route became a personal favorite. Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and the 32nd largest city in the United States. It’s only about a 90-minute drive from Chicago. 10 years ago, I left Milwaukee and moved back to Chicago, but the city’s scenic beauty and those evening runs left a lasting impression. With the exception of a couple of quick work visits, this is my first time back in a decade.
TRAINING
The first half of the 18-week training block was a struggle. The temperature was hot outside until late August. My favorite training run of the year was with my younger brother Brian. He was preparing for his very first marathon, the Fox Valley Marathon, which I had completed in 2023. The longest run of his entire life was 16 miles up to that point. We charted a 20 mile out and back route on the Illinois Prairie Path starting at his house in Glen Ellyn. The path stretches roughly 61 miles through Cook, DuPage, and Kane Counties in northeastern Illinois. Originally the right-of-way for the Chicago Aurora & Elgin electric railroad, it became the first rail-to-trail conversion in the United States during the 1960s. Its surface is primarily crushed limestone. It was a refreshing change of scenery from my usual long runs through the streets of Chicago. I especially appreciated the shade from the tall trees lining both sides of the path. We didn’t have much time for bathroom or water breaks since Brian needed to get back in time to take his daughter to her soccer game. We spent just over three hours on the trail heading southwest through Wheaton and Warrenville, turning around near the Top Golf in Naperville. Brian was deep in the pain cave as he pushed through the final miles and entered uncharted (mileage) territory. We got back to his house just in time. It was a milestone 20-miler for the Doellman brothers..a run neither of us will forget.
RACE WEEKEND
It was a wild and bustling weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The city played host to games 1 and 2 of the National League Division Series. The Chicago Cubs were in town facing off against the Brewers, and excitement rippled through the streets. My wife and I caught glimpses of the game on a TV while exploring the lively Milwaukee Public Market. After grabbing a bite to eat, we made our way to the Baird Center to pick up my race bib at the marathon expo. We were lucky enough to bump into race director Scott Stauske. He greeted us with a warm smile and a thick Wisconsin accent. We struck up a conversation about this year’s shirt and medal which he designed. I told him both the shirt and medal were top-notch. Later that evening, we checked into our hotel and prepared for one of my favorite pre-race traditions: the carb-load dinner. We dined at a small, family-owned Sicilian restaurant nestled near Cathedral Square Park in downtown called Safina. A charming Greek Revival-style house constructed in 1858. The pasta was delicious and rich. The company even better, and everything felt aligned for race day.
Sunday morning arrived with clear skies and a warm sun already climbing high. I woke up feeling strong. My legs fresh and my mind focused. But the weather was a concern. Forecasts had warned of unseasonable heat. Race time temperatures were about fifteen degrees above average for that time of year. The day prior saw a near record high of 87. But that didn’t stop just under 1,000 runners from participating in the full marathon this year. I started the marathon feeling confident. The first 13 miles flew by. Even crossing the Hoan Bridge didn’t seem too bad. No other race is allowed to cross the almost 2-mile long Hoan Bridge due to logistical and safety concerns. Crossing it twice made this a unique feature of the marathon. First time around mile 7 and again at mile 23. A lively crowd of spectators had gathered on the bridge that were armed with booming music and Super Soakers. I later learned they were the Buena Tierra Run Club, a local running group with Latino roots. It was a refreshing and welcome surprise due to the elevation gain of crossing the 120-foot tall structure. The first time I crossed the bridge I felt unstoppable. But then warning signs started creeping in. Subtle twinges in my legs hinted at trouble ahead. Around mile 15 the cramps arrived in full force. A sudden seizing cramp in my hamstring locked my leg completely. I was forced to stop in my tracks. The pain was sharp and unlike anything I’d experienced in a race before. Desperate for relief, I hobbled to a patch of shade and collapsed onto the grass. I stretched my legs, trying to coax the muscles back to life. I took a salt capsule in hopes of easing the cramps. After a few minutes, I managed to stand and began walking slowly. The cramp had faded. Encouraged, I picked up my pace and began running again. But relief was short-lived. Within half a mile, the cramp returned just as intense. Frustration set in. I called my wife to let her know what was happening. I warning her not to expect me at the finish line anytime soon. For the first time ever, I seriously considered quitting a race. But I didn’t. Over the next ten miles, I battled through waves of pain, alternating between walking and running as my legs dictated. The sun showed no mercy, and even the gentle breeze rolling in from the lake offered little relief. Over 40% of the course was along Lake Michigan. I packed ice into my hat, ran through hoses, and downed four more salt capsules to keep myself moving. After four hours and twelve minutes, I finally crossed the finish line. It wasn’t my fastest race (in fact it my slowest marathon to date), but one of the most physical and mentally demanding challenges I’ve ever faced. And I finished it. I didn’t quit. I endured. Marathon #5 in the books.
Race 8 – Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 10K
While Thanksgiving has long inspired both seasoned runners and non-runners to participate in their local 5K, the latest numbers further underscore the momentum of the current running boom. RunSignup reports that more than 1.1 million participants took part in Turkey Trot events last year..nearly quadrupling in the past eight years. I chose the 49th Annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot (which had a record turnout) because it was scheduled for the Sunday before Thanksgiving rather than the holiday itself. Race day couldn’t have been more perfect. I bumped into my friend Cliff, and we ran the opening stretch together. After taking a month off post-marathon to properly recover, my plan was just to keep things easy. I wanted to run at a conversational pace and enjoy the atmosphere. That is, until a guy in a full turkey costume cruised past me. I couldn’t let that happen. I kicked it up a notch and made sure the gobbler didn’t pass me again, finishing 7th in my age group. A perfect way to close out the last race of the year.
BOOKS I READ THIS YEAR
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by Kevin Doellman