Runner Diaries

The 2010 Runner Diaries are up and running! Want to catch up with last year's online diarists? Click here to find out what the group has been up to since crossing the finish line of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon last fall.

Abbey, 28, San Francisco, CA – Abbey lived in Chicago for five years, where she progressed from running two miles to 12 as she chased the spectacular views of the world-famous skyline on the lakefront path. “I have running to thank for falling in love with Chicago and Chicago to thank for falling in love with running,” she says. After completing six half marathons, Abbey is ready to take on her first full marathon back in the Windy City. A big focus of her marathon training will be on nutrition, and she’ll fuel her running with her passion for clean, healthy eating and cooking. Updated August 10

Andrew, 23, Milwaukee, WI – As a high school tennis ace, Andrew was at the top of his game, winning team and individual state championships his senior year. Knowing that he will likely never play in the Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, he has set his sights on conquering his first marathon in Chicago, which he describes as “an extraordinary accomplishment that anyone can do.” Andrew is also a bit of an Internet sensation, having gained viral fame by way of his Best Man speech at his brother’s wedding. Tune in as he plans to integrate his Web savvy into his weekly diaries. Updated September 2

Christa, 35, Portage, MI – Christa is a mother of four (ages 9, 7, 4 and 2), and after running her first marathon last year in Chicago, her friends wondered how she found the time to accomplish such a goal. Christa’s  response was not so much an answer, but a challenge—a “Fitness Challenge” to be exact, which she proposed to her MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group. “I told them I believe in them and if they put their mind and body into it, they can do it,” she says. More than 20 people have joined the Fitness Challenge and plan to participate in running and triathlon events of all distances; a few will be joining Christa on the streets of Chicago in October. Updated August 30

Dan, 37, Greenville, SC – Five years ago, Dan tipped the scales at 350 pounds. He could barely walk, let alone run a marathon. Tired of being “a prisoner in his own body,” he purchased some running shoes, stumbled upon a couch-to-5k training program, and started running. “It hurt,” he says, but he ran his first 5k in 2006. Having lost more than 100 pounds and having kept it off for more than three years, he completed his first marathon – Marine Corps – last fall in 4:51. Dan now coaches beginning runners at his local Fleet Feet running store, helping others achieve the same life-changing success that he has experienced. Updated August 30

JaCinda, 32, Royal Oak, MI – For JaCinda, the marathon is more than a goal, it’s a way to get things done. By way of running her first marathon last year, which is accomplishment enough for most people, JaCinda attributed her marathon training to helping pay off her credit cards, expand her social network, and even pass her doctoral exams. She was able to meet new people through her marathon training, but besides that, “Long runs made my legs too tired to go out, so I had to stay home and study!” JaCinda is a fun and creative writer, and she's aiming to complete her second Chicago Marathon, which she’ll be running with three close friends. Updated July 21

Mark, 52, Scottsdale, AZ – You may recognize Mark if you’ve ever been stuck in traffic on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway, because Mark’s likeness was painted on the Chicago Marathon “mural wall” as part of last year’s “Leave Your Mark” campaign. Mark started running in his 40s, and, remarkably, he has since completed more than 50 marathons. He is aiming to join the ranks of the 50-50 club by running a marathon in each state, yet the Chicago Marathon holds a special place in his heart as this October will mark his 12th consecutive Chicago and 58th total marathon. Updated August 31

Mie Mie, 35, San Diego, CA – Mie Mie is a Chicago-native who currently resides in Southern California and will be returning to her hometown for her third Chicago Marathon. She hopes this will be the year she hits her Boston qualifying time, but she’ll have to overcome a few obstacles in the process, including surgery to repair tendons in both her ankles in July of last year. A veteran of seven marathons, Mie Mie knows what it takes to get to the finish line, and she has the right attitude: “I have a smile to inspire, a heart of desire, and a passion that will never tire,” she says. Updated August 3

Robert, 31, Aurora, IL – Robert grew up in Kenya, the hotbed of world class distance running. While not a world-class athlete himself, he says that “Africa is woven tightly into the fabric of his life.” Wanting to get back in shape and help kids in the country where he grew up, Robert ran the 2009 Chicago Marathon as part of Team World Vision. He’s back for more in 2010, again running for Team World Vision, and this time he’ll be running alongside his wife. Watch for some great photos from Robert, as the professional photographer will be traveling the the world while he embarks on another marathon training adventure. Updated August 3

Kristine, 40, Chicago – This fall will mark Kristine’s 10th marathon and 7th in her hometown of Chicago. But first things first, she’s aiming to conquer her first ultra marathon in August, and not just any ultra, but the TransRockies 116-mile, six-day event in Colorado. “It’s a new challenge,” she says. “It’s good to be scared sometimes, it makes us all a little better.” Kristine, a mother of two, is at her best when she’s challenging herself and encouraging others. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Last year, she ran the Chicago Marathon with a T-shirt that read: “737 days cancer free. You can do anything. Enjoy this day.” Updated August 31