Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – Day 420

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Good morning blog readers

Five days until the Chicago Marathon! I suspect a few of our runners are feeling that mix of excitement and nerves… I know I am—and I’m not even running.

Donations for ALS United are still coming in at an incredible pace. I’ve seen posts on Facebook and Instagram popping up everywhere—it’s all working! As of this morning, Andy’s Army has raised $54,567. That number takes my breath away. It’s truly inspiring to see so many people step up and support this cause. Thank you, everyone, for your generosity and love. ❤️

The second batch of Andy’s Army shirts was finished yesterday and is being mailed today for anyone we won’t see before the race. Fingers crossed they all make it in time!

I want to take a minute to explain the design of the shirts and why each element matters:

• Andy’s Army (top of the shirt): That’s all of you—the backbone of this entire journey. You’re the reason I get up early each morning to write. The “A” in Army is a Penrose triangle, the same symbol Alex has tattooed on his arm.

• Four Runners: Two men and two women—Nikki, Alex, Meghan, and Mike—representing the heart of this team.

• Chicago Skyline: Self explanatory.

• Sunflower: The official symbol of ALS United, for ALS awareness.

• ALS United Greater Chicago logo: A nod to the organization that’s guided me from day one. I couldn’t have done this without Angel Peggy and the rest of the team.

• Bottom of the shirt – “Running for a Cure”: The mission behind it all.

• Left sleeve – “F ALS”: My honest feelings about this disease—and yes, it’s also on our license plate.

We had 112 shirts printed for this race, and I can’t wait to see all the photos of people wearing them on Sunday. Please don’t forget to send a few my way! 📸

For those who want to track the runners on race day (Sunday, October 12, 2025), download the ChiMarathon app (with the Bank of America logo in the background).

Once installed, you can add the runners by bib number or name. I have the following in my app:

38354 – Alex Snarski
62849 – Nikki Brickhouse
63213 – Meghan Perkins (Snarski)
17775 – Mike Nyman
21859 – Ben Sheets
71938 – Emily Kozak
13217 – Eli Walker
62245 – Lisa May

If I’m missing somebody, please let me know.

Cindy and I will be staying at the Moxy Hotel, 530 N LaSalle (at LaSalle and Grand). We’re planning to cheer from around mile 12.5 (Huron and Wells) at the ALS Cheer Station. I’ll be in my wheelchair, so we won’t be zipping around the course—but we’ll do our best to see as much as we can and soak in the energy of the day.

Looking forward to race day—it’s going to be unforgettable.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone. Love you guys! ❤️

Photos today:

Vic B standing ready from his rural home in Virginia honoring my farming days.

Cindy’s cousin Donna, Joe, Jack, and Linda in Arizona.