Help me kick [my own] ass.
Join me on my Trail To Boston by following my training for the 127th Boston Marathon through the absolute worst months to be a runner in New England & supporting my cause with a donation to The American Liver Foundation.
FOR CLARITY & CHARITY
Running is my way of connecting with the outdoors, clearing my mind, strengthening my body and dedicating time to be grateful. Every day I see the sun rise is typically a good one.
How it Started
A Legacy of Runners.
Grandpa O’Toole. Legend. This guy ran the 10,000 meters in the 1948 London Olympics.
He grew up in Brooklyn, an only child with a single mother in a one bedroom apartment.
He went on to raise 15 children working as a buyer at JC Penny for over 40 years. My Dad was the oldest.
Larry was a track star and broke a number of race records in New York through high school. He had 5 children of his own — Karen, Chip, Lawrence, Me and Matthew (oldest to youngest).
We spent a lot of time outdoors playing just about every sport we could. If I could go back, I’d probably take swim team off the table.
The Beginning of Distance Running
2009 Boston Marathon #fail
In 2008, just after graduation, I witnessed my brother, Chip, run Boston for The American Liver Foundation — continuing the legacy and while living in the city at the time, watching Chip and feeling all the Boston feels, I knew I had to run it.
Chip and I ran 2009 together for The American Liver Foundation. We trained hard and had fun doing it, never taking it too seriously while secretly competing.
Chip did great. I did not. I woke up in an ambulance at mile 23. I had blacked out at Cleveland Circle and fumbling around for a bit down Beacon from dehydration. I felt humiliated and so proud of Chip at the same time.
Redemption
Chicago 2009
That summer, tail between my legs, I double-downed on training as I prepared to run Chicago that October to redeem myself. This time, I trained solo — it was all on me.
I remember days where I would run a half marathon before work just to get the long run out of the way. Crazy how much more energy I had back then.
I flew out to Chicago alone. Stayed in a hotel alone. Had a pre-race dinner alone and made my way to the start line that morning alone. I ran with no music, started slow and made sure to stop, forget about my time, and drink plenty of fluids.
I came in at 3:10:56, qualifying for Boston by 3 seconds.
Boston 2010
Revenge
6 months later, I returned to the scene of the crime to get my revenge on the Boston Marathon. My girlfriend, now wife, Andrea ran it with me, repeating the same training regiment as the year before.
Technically, since the 2010 race was on April 19th and the 2009 race was on April 20th, I ran 3 marathons in 1 calendar year.
Not quite sure what my finishing time was. 3:30? Don’t care!
How It’s Going
Running for Good.
Over the last 12 years, I’ve participated in more races that I can remember from 5k’s to 200 mile Reach The Beach Relays and half marathons. A lot has changed since my last Boston; getting married, three kids, two houses, a few jobs… but running has always been consistent throughout and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
