My Dad, Joe Coleman, fondly called “Pop Cole,” was VERY active into his 80s, oh the stories I could tell! Meeting him at the gym with his “Mad Men” briefcase holding his sneakers, our hiking trips with our black labs, his crickity, loud exercise bike in the garage that he rode every night, our competitive tennis and golf games, dancing at my wedding with me right behind him, ensuring he wouldn’t fall, same during our Thanksgiving football games. 

He taught me determination, perseverance and to never give up.  

My Dad cheered me on in the city we spent my childhood as I ran my first and only 1999 Chicago Marathon. He almost missed me a few times as he was so enamored by the crowd. I remember yelling out, "Dad, I'm over here!!" by the third pass.

I am running this year, 25 years to the date, in my Dad’s honor as he fought the battle of ALS. I knew I had to join Team Race for ALS, because I want to give hope to anyone affected by ALS. Chicago 2024 is dedicated to my Dad, Pop Cole, and our wonderfully evolving relationship. 

When he contracted ALS, the heartbreak from seeing him deteriorate, as he continued to fight it everyday was devastating.  He never lost the fight, and that grit and tenacity was modeled for me time and time again not only at the end but throughout his life. This race is a thank you and a celebration of all the life lessons he gave to me. As anyone who knew him, Pop Cole was one of a kind in the best possible way.