Joe Lucarelli went to a meeting a few years ago for a friend to see what the AIDS Marathon Training Program, in conjunction with the Honolulu Marathon, was all about.
He left the meeting signed up for that marathon in paradise, even though he had no endurance-sports experience.
Years later, he now says his favorite endurance-sports memory is "[m]y training group for Honolulu."
"They all had a great sense of humor and we always had such a great time. It made training for 26.2 miles so much easier with all the laughing and joking around," he said. "My training group for [the] Chicago [Marathon] was just as much fun."
Lucarelli's running resume includes three marathons ( Honolulu, Maui and Chicago ), one half-marathon, the Hot Chocolate 15K race in Chicago and numerous 5K races.
It's even more impressive, considering Lucarelli used to weigh 300 pounds.
He dropped more than 100 pounds over a few years, through exercise and healthier eating habits.
"If you set your mind to it, you would be surprised what you can accomplish," Lucarelli said.
Lucarelli works in accounting and HR for a family-owned privately-held printing company on the northwest side of Chicago—a city he truly loves.
"The great diversity of the city and all the fun activities it offers," he said with praise for the Windy City.
His Chicago dislikes include ... potholes. "There are way too many of them," he said. "I cracked the rim on my front tire on Lake Shore Drive [earlier] this year. Last year, I hit a pothole so hard my passenger door airbag deployed."
Lucarelli said Chicago's lakefront is exceptional, and he also praised the zoos, museums, festivals, street fairs, movies in the park and more.
Northalsted Market Days also is high on Lucarelli's calendar of must-attend affairs, particularly for the "people-watching and the great entertainment," he said.
THE STATS
Age: 53
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Relationship status: Single
Job title: Controller for ABC Printing Company
Hobbies: Bike riding, exploring the city, hanging with friends, traveling
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite movie: Moonstruck
Four people ( living or dead ) you'd like to have dinner with: Ronald Reagan, Cher, Tina Turner and Elton John
Favorite pro sports team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite pro athlete: Ron Santo
Favorite pizza topping: "Cheese … I know, boring."
