My Running Buddies

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have many close friends to run with. Have my "running buddies" not only helped me get through some tough runs, but more importantly, provided me with companionship, friendship, and memories that last forever. Without them, my time on the Prairie Path would have been much longer and harder. There is nothing like running with friends that listen and help you solve problems, or argue about politics, or just enjoy hearing about what's happening in our lives.

This section provides you with a bit of insight to my friends, including one of the best running partners of all time. A true GOAT, Jazzy!

Chris L.

I met Chris on the Prairie Path in Wheaton, IL. Chris and I ran several marathons together. The Indianapolis Marathon in October 2007 and the Blue Sky Marathon in Fort Collins, CO in October 2014 (pictured). Chris has been a great friend for 20+ years. For a 10 year period, we would do our weekend runs together. We shared our personal and professional problems together. Chris has been a great supporter, mentor, and friend. More recently I ran the Cheyenne Marathon in 2022. Chris lives with his family in Colorado since the mid 2010's. Brother, I definitely miss our runs together.

Back to this Fort Collins Marathon. It was a very tough race. It was the only trail marathon I would run, and it took me forever to finish. Chris and I ran the first few miles, at a crazy fast pace. This was one of my slowest races recorded. I was lucky. Chris, like many others, took a wrong turn and after 15 miles found out he was off course. I felt superbad for you brother, but you took it in stride. More recently, I crashed at his place to run the Cheyenne Marathon: Run the Legend on 9/8/2022. Another superhard marathon. Chris rooted me on. I was so appreciative that you were there brother!

Carl H.

I also met Carl on the Path, and did many runs with Carl for the first 8 years of my journey. We run together almost every day during week. Our usual run on the Path. I don't think there is a nicer and kinder human than Carl. Injuries slowed Carl down a lot, until he hung up his running career. We get together often, usually for coffee or lunch. Carl has known my journey from the beginning. He would often congratulate me every time I knocked another marathon down. I remember finishing the Kentucky Derby Frestival Marathon in 2007 and speaking to Carl on the phone.

The picture above was one of a few half marathons I completed. Carl and I drove down together to run that race. I remember the heat for sure, and running next to Carl. I love this picture. Thanks for digging it up my friend.

Carl, you are mentor, friend, and a great supporter. Thanks for being a great friend and can't wait to hear your voice after crossing the line in Anchorage!

Todd P.

I have known Todd since college when he transferred to NIU. We lived on the same floor and got to know each other really well. Todd ran marathons before I did, and was truly an inspiration to me. A great friemd, we would share many stories together on the Path. We also share many of those life changing moments, From weddings to babies being born. In fact, Todd lived next door to us in Wheaton for a couple of years. Recently, Todd and his family moved to Michigan. I miss him a lot. We get every 6 months so and catch ourselves up on our life events. Writing this brings back a lot of great memories. Hard not have a few tearsl

The picture is of us is at the March 25, 2006 National Marathon in Washington DC. I know, it is not a state (at least not yet:). It was such a cool race to do with Todd. Great long weekend. My wife and oldest son, Michael joined us. Lot of fun activities in DC. I remember chasing Michael (not yet 2) down in Mall. In November 2010, we ran the New York City Marathon together. We brought our wives with us and have a fantastic weekend in New York (the center of the universe). Hope to see you soon Todd!

Jeff P

Jeff and I first met while I was working at Berlin Packaging in 2002. He helped me lead the effort to train our Operations Team in managing exceptions in PeopleSoft. We clicked right away and realized we lived in the same town. We became friends and shared a lot of work stories together. Soon I would be running marathons and he would be going even further, running ultra marathons on trails. The picture of us is from a Cosley Zoo 5k and 10k run that takes place in Wheaton, IL in June each year.

Jeff is such a great friend. Over the years, we spend time talking about life and running. Many times spending our time relaxing with a cup of coffee. Jeff, keep up the running my friend. I am glad you are in my life brother!

Eric P

I have known Eric for 32+ years. He is my brother-in-law. I am lucky to call him a brother, and fortunate to spend time with him and his family. Eric is someone that will do anything for you. Truly cares about your well being. To see him grow up, become an adult, and marry a beautiful lady (someone I worked with and introduced...you could say Eric owes me big time and he would agree) brings me great satisfaction.

The picture above where Eric is the skinny handsome dude running with a not so handsome me, was during the Go St Louis Marathon on 4/10/2005. That year Todd ran it with us too. Eric would join Chris and I in the Indianapolis Marathon. Eric also ran the Seattle Marathon when we visited my good friend Danny W and his daughter Charlotte back in November 2005. Eric ran the whole race and would also finish the Portland Marathon years before I would venture to Oregon with my son Thomas.

The Buffaloes

The Buffalos are a group of local Wheaton and Glen Ellyn runners that I met over 15 years ago on the Path. These super nice peeps would also be a fixture at the Wheaton College Track for many years. We would run quarter mile, half mile, and mile repeats every Wednesday at 6:00am. I would attribute my faster times to this group, specifically Dan M, pictured in the yellow top. Dan would be a coach for many of us, and help me and others achieve our fastest Marathon times.

Today, I would see many of the Buffaloes on The Path, but also when I would stop for a restroom break at the Glen Ellyn Starbucks. They are a fixture there too. I hope one day too spend more time with them chatting away drinking a latte or machiatto.

My kiddos!

My 4 kiddos inspire me more than they ever will know. This picture was taken by Kary C approximately 7 years ago on the Path. My buddies have witnessed me cross the finish line numerous times. Best part of all this is to celebrate with me afterwards.

From left to right, William (aka Yum Yum) is finishing up 8th grade these days and likes to run and is pretty good at it! His twin sister, Lucie (aka Bella, Bellerina, Crabella) holds her own amongst the 4 of them. She is a hard worker and spends time kicking butt in school. I wish I had her work ethic. It is unmatched. Next, is Michael (aka Mike these days) is a Cardinal attending University of Louisville. He will like running, but doesn't know it yet. These days he takes mechanical engineering classes. My dad would be pround. I am for sure. And finally Thomas (T-Rex) is a talented Show Choir performer at Wheaton North HS. That is one of many things he rocks at.

Love them all. My advice to them is to reach for the stars. Do something ambitious and never, ever, ever give up.

Jazzy

Jazzy, also know as the good girl, buddy girl, buster brown, biscuit girl, and runner girl, was a running partner that was totally unexpccted. In late 2011, after our precious Wrigley passed on (Wrigley was suchs a good dog, but never could run with him), we adoped this adorable rescue.

One day, I took Jazzy for a walk in downtown Wheaton, and all of the sudden I started running with her. In my jeans, I found us on the Path. Before I knew it, we ran over mile together. The next day, I got up early as usual to run, and she refused to be alone. She willed her way out the door with me. I started running with her, and we did an easy 5 miles together. Such a great surprise. Jazzy would run with me for the next 7 years. I kept testing her with longer runs. One day, I had to go 20. She was with me, and run the whole way. It was amazing. I remember putting her in the backyard and I got inside, and went back to get her in the house. And guess what. She was gone. It took me another 20 minutes to find her. She was on the run again!

Today, Jazzy goes for walks with me after my runs. Her face full of gray and a few pounds heavier, she has a tough time climbing up the stairs. It's sad to see her get older. We think she is 14 years old. The memories of our runs together are priceless. I would often pretend she is running with me when I would need the extra strength to finish my marathons. I know a bit crazy, I would say, "Come on good girl, we got this."

My Fans!

There are a lot of buddies that I did not run with, but were incredible supporters of mine. I appreciate all their thoughts and support over the years. It means a lot to me. Now, as I conclude my journey I am very grateful for all those that are reading this and also contributing to the Jimmy V Foundation! I am really pumped about this.

The picture above was in the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Kerry and Michael are to the right. Michael must be in awe since he just saw me (PS he hates when I speak/write like this). Ali, the one that sparked this whole journey is to the left of Kerry. And to the very left, is Linda. She is a big fan and I am a big fan of her too. The sign she is holding is also an inspiration, the NIU Husskies Football Team. At the time, Garrett Wolfe was running up and down the field. Arguaably one of the top 5 RBs from NIU. Well, when I saw that sign, I couldn't resist jumping into my alma mater's fight song.

Which goes like this.

Huskies, come on you Huskies
And make a score or two
Huskies, you’re Northern Huskies
The team to pull us through
Forward, together forward
There’s victory in view
Come on you Huskies
Fight on you Huskies
And win for NIU!

That helped me for sure!!! GO HUSKIES!!!