WHY IS THE BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON A SPECIAL RACE FOR YOU?
This race is special for me because of what the NPCO is doing. I didn't plan on running a marathon this fall, but after being contacted by the NPCO I couldn't pass up the opportunity to support their cause and the cause of chiropractic for everyone. I have also wanted to run the Chicago Marathon and have the goal of running a half marathon or marathon in all 50 states, so this is one I wanted to do.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST MARATHON?
No, this will be second marathon. My first marathon was Grandma's marathon in Duluth, Minnesota (June 2007). I ran 2:59:46. I am looking to better my time and run 2:55 at Chicago.

ARE YOU RUNNING FOR A CAUSE OR IN HONOR OF SOMEONE?
I am running on behalf of the NPCO as mentioned before. I also personally honor and dedicate every race I run for people with cancer, their families or cancer survivors. I am a cancer survivor myself so I like to give hope to others through my running.

HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME ANY PERSONAL CHALLENGES IN YOUR TRAINING THAT WILL MAKE FINISHING AN EVEN GREATER SUCCESS?
No, just stay as healthy as possible and train smart.

WE KNOW YOU ARE PRESIDENT OF THE PALMER RUNNING CLUB, WHAT ARE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM YOU WOULD OFFER TO YOUR FELLOW RUNNERS?
"Blame no one, expect nothing, do something." - Unknown

As for training tips, I would say:
Go to the bathroom as many times as you can before your long runs, make sure you keep adequate fluids and food in you on your long runs (I prefer gu gels). Be patient during the marathon. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement at the start and go out to fast making the last 10 miles horrible. Make a plan beforehand and stick to it. Visualize each mile and what your game plan is for each mile in the final weeks leading up to the race. Only focus one mile at a time, and don't think about how far you've come, or how far you have to go. Stay positive, stay focused throughout training. You will have your ups and downs. Eat healthy and get plenty of sleep. With 3 weeks left, eat the breakfast that you plan on eating for your marathon so your body can adapt to it.