How running laps around the prison yard inspired a Boston Marathon Qualifier
In Tom McCall’s words, the day he was arrested was actually the day he was rescued. Tom, a military veteran, was incarcerated at 46 years old. He had a home and a successful business, but lost it all when his drug addiction finally caught up with him. Prior to his arrest, he lived in constant fear and felt like he was always running from something. But in prison, he was able to focus on his physical, mental, and spiritual health.
While incarcerated, Tom started lifting weights, rediscovered his faith, attended classes, and worked hard to better himself. When Covid hit and the prison gym closed, he decided to try out running. What began with just one mile around the prison yard, became a consistent running routine for Tom.
After his release from prison in 2022, Tom entered a recovery program at Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora, IL. He continued running short distances on his own and a few months after arriving at Wayside Cross, joined Up and Running Again. He began the formal training process for his first race.
During the 12 week Up and Running Again training program, Tom experienced a running community for the first time. He and his teammates cheered each other on as they ran more miles each week. His faith was encouraged as the team prayed before each run and shared devotionals before the Saturday runs. Halfway through the program, Up and Running Again purchased new running shoes for Tom and his fellow participants. This was the first time he’d ever visited a running store and been fitted for shoes based on his personal foot shape and gait. He felt supported and cared for.
Tom ran his first half marathon, the Fox Valley Half Marathon in St. Charles, IL, in 1 hour 36 minutes and 57 seconds. His natural born running abilities were evident from the start of his training, but it was following his half marathon finish that his Up and Running Again coach, Bruce, challenged him to train for and run a marathon. He told Tom, “I’m going to sponsor your first marathon, now go BQ.”
Tom didn’t know anything about the prestigious and exclusive Boston Marathon initially. He recalls with a smile, “When I first heard Bruce and the others talking about BQ, I had no idea what they meant. I told them that I like barbecue too.”
He soon learned about the Boston Marathon and the difficult requirements needed to qualify for the race. He started training to run faster than the necessary 3 hours and 25 minute marathon time needed for his age group to be a Boston Qualifier (BQ). His volunteer Up and Running Again training partner, Ron Preston, acted as his guide and encourager, signing up to run the same marathon with Tom.
Crossing the finish line of his first ever marathon in 3 hours 15 minutes and 6 seconds, Tom qualified for the Boston Marathon. He will be running the 129th annual Boston Marathon on April 21st. His goal for the race? To run even faster and qualify for the Boston Marathon again.
Sober for over eight years now, Tom is no longer running away from his problems, but is running toward his goals. He uses his story to encourage others, specifically veterans. He has dreams of opening a tiny home community to help veterans get off the streets and own their own property.
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is challenging for anyone. But doing it after struggling with addiction for over two decades and spending six years in prison is truly remarkable. Through his time in prison, the people he met and opportunities provided through Up and Running Again, and his new found love of running, Tom’s life has been forever changed!
