frozen in time
Kevin Doellman finishing in 2nd place at the Frozen Oaks 5K in West Dundee, IL.
2025 will be my fourth consecutive year of racing. I’ve now completed four marathons, eight half marathons races, two treadmill half marathons, 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 are 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 one the more difficult 5Ks (actually 3.3 miles) that I have ever ran. My younger brother Brian joined me for the suburban race finishing in 19th place. The tough course was full of twists and turns through the scenic 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. In the end he pulled away and I finished in second place. I was really happy with my performance in the cold temperature. After the race we sat in the banquet hall for the award ceremony. I ate a bowl of chili and drank my first beer of the year after completing dry January.
Race 2 – Carmel, Indiana Half Marathon (virtual)
My second “race” of the year was supposed to be the Carmel, Indiana half marathon. But for the first time in my running career, a race was cancelled due to bad weather.
“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.”
While I was disappointed, they made the correct decision. A completely understandable and responsible move to cancel the event. The thunderstorm was pretty nasty. A virtual option was offered. So the next day on Easter Sunday I ran 13.1 miles along Chicago’s lakefront. I tried to make it not feel like another training run by increasing my pace but it wasn’t the same. I missed the nervous energy that takes over my body five minutes before the horn blows to begin the race. I missed the crowds. 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. 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. This is not your average 5K though…hundreds of runners clocked blistering fast times. It was the most beautiful, ideal day for running outside..mid 50s and sunny! A welcomed sight after my half marathon was canceled the previous weekend. Sporting a yellow and red Mighty Mouse patch, I achieved my goal of running another sub 20 minute 5K.
Race 4 – North Shore Classic
The North Shore Classic is a beautiful race that started in 1981. 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 took the time off from training to properly heal. I pushed hard, but it made sense to slow my pace down a little. 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 coming back to celebrate the community after such a profound tragedy was incredibly important to me. I truly believe in the healing power of togetherness.
“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
Race 6 – Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
RUNNING BOOKS I’VE READ THIS YEAR
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