Runner Spotlight: The Bearded Runner’s Journey to the Chicago Marathon

In mid-to-late 2022, I found the Boston Bulldog run club because I wanted to run the Boston Marathon. What I didn’t know was they are a run club that helps support those directly and indirectly impacted by alcohol and substance abuse. Looking from the outside in, I knew that I had a drinking problem, which got worse throughout the pandemic. So, it was meant to be that I found them when I did. I joined my first Boston Bulldog round up in Quincy on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, and just a couple weeks later I was selected to run the 2023 Boston Marathon for the Bulldogs. That’s when I knew I had to make a change, and that change was sobriety.  

Sunday, October 2, 2022 was my first day of sobriety and since then, I have run 6 marathons. 3x Bostons, 1x NYC, 1x Chicago (soon to be 2x), and 1x London, countless 5k’s and 10k’s, and 1x 50-mile Trail Ultramarathon. 

Quick Strides With The Bearded Runner 

Question: What’s your go‑to pump‑up song before a run? 

Answer: Thunderstruck by AC/DC 

Question: If you could run any race in the world (location + distance), which one would you choose and why? 

Answer: Badwater 135. After running my first 50 miler trail ultramarathon, I told myself I wouldn’t do another Ultra. BUT if it was an all road Ultra, I would and Badwater is it. PLUS, it’s a badass Ultramarathon. 

Question: What’s a mantra or phrase you repeat to yourself when things get tough? 

Answer: This is ok, this is fine, and the pain is temporary.  

Question: Favorite post-run ritual: snack, drink, stretch, nap, or something totally unique? 

Answer: Crisp, Ice Cold, Diet Coke!!! So Diet Coke, PLEASE sponsor me! LOL 

Question: What's your must-have running gear?  

Answer: Shokz headphones and my Garmin Heart Rate Monitor 

Question: What’s your Favorite Balega Running Sock? 

Answer: Blister Resist

Chasing a Goal in Chicago 

Question: This is your second time running the Chicago Marathon. What are you hoping to get out of it this time around? 

Answer: I am training to run it sub 3 hours and Boston Qualify. All these 4 years of running, stacking the bricks, building up my fitness. I am going to put my fitness to the ultimate test. And I also want to show people, that if you Just Show Up, amazing things can happen! 

Advice for First-Time Marathon Runners 

Question: If you could give one piece of advice to someone training for their first marathon, what would it be? 

Answer: Enjoy the journey of your training block and use race day as YOUR celebration run from all the hard work you put into it. 

From his first 5K to six marathons and a 50-mile ultramarathon, Dan's story is proof that meaningful change happens one step at a time. We are proud to be part of his journey and will be cheering him on as he takes on Chicago.   

Good luck, Dan!  
 

We’ll be onsite at the Chicago Marathon Expo October 8-10! Stop by Booth #457 to say hi and see our latest gear.