By: Contessa Hussong

All in. If there’s two words to sum up Blackford native Dalton Willmann’s college career, it’s just that.

A 22-year-old senior at Ball State University, Willmann never expected to run a marathon in his life, but when he committed to going back to school, he knew he needed a fresh start. He also knew he needed accountability. So, on a cold January day, Willmann signed himself up for a marathon, set to take place in March of the same year.

“I wanted to change everything up,” Willmann said, “So, I decided that, well, you know what? School is a new thing . . . . I hated school . . . . Well, I hate running too, so I’m just gonna go all in on this, too.”

It wasn’t fun at first. While he had played sports throughout high school, Willmann wasn’t used to the endurance running required. When he first started, he only managed a mile or two at a time, but believed nonetheless that he could build up to a full marathon, then only two months away.

He created an accountability network for himself by telling friends and family his running goals. He started watching videos on how to train his body to proper form. He spent his own money on the entry fee of the race. 

At the same time, though, Willman wasn’t used to looking at running in a positive light, requiring not only a physical commitment but a change in mindset, as well.

“It was almost like a punishment,” he said. “[In school,] coaches make you run for stuff. So I got out of high school and said, ‘you know, I’m never going to run again.’”

The irony of this isn’t lost on him as he prepares for yet another marathon: The Chicago Marathon, the fourth-largest race in the world, happening on October 8.

To get ready, Willmann has gone through his usual routine — an eight- to 12-mile run six days a week over a “leisurely” 14-week time period. 

His goal for the race is to cross the finish line in under two hours and 48 minutes. It’s a big improvement from where he started, his first race ending at three hours and 29 minutes. 

“There’s always just like that little bit of me [that wants to improve],” Willmann said. “It’s like, wow, that was great for one second when I crossed the finish line. But then it’s like, okay, what’s next?”

Always pushing himself to do better, Willmann has never been completely satisfied with a race. Even after his first marathon, he realized he could do better, and by the time he was on the road home, he was already planning ways to cut time.

At the same time, however, he acknowledges not every race will go in his favor, and he’s aware he’ll eventually reach his limit. Failure is always part of the journey to dive all in. 

Yet Willmann has learned not to let his disappointments stand as an obstacle in his path. 

“Instead of being defensive and trying to hold it and just getting it off my chest, … [I try] accepting it and not looking at it as a failure but looking at it as just another step on the road,” he said.” It makes it a lot easier.”

This is a perspective he’s learned to take in school, as well. A sociology major with an interest in business, Willmann’s dedication has helped him as much in the classroom as it has on the track. In reality, the two aren’t so different.

Like looking at a college course syllabus, taking on a marathon seems daunting at first. But Willmann believes both can be accomplished by focusing on just the next step ahead.

“I don’t have to get it all done at once,” he realized. “I’ve seen the power of going all in, and I’ve kind of taken that to the same way with my studies or whatever else I do.”

Now, with only a year left of school, Willmann has at last found himself in the home stretch, even as he continues to put one foot in front of the other. The pressure to succeed in both his studies and his running comes from within.

While Willmann admitted he doesn’t get too worried about practices, he still gets nervous before every race, especially after setting the bar high for himself.

With school, Willmann gets through the day just trying to deal with the daily chaos — with practice runs, Willmann is able to settle into the grind, just like any other routine. 

Race day hits differently, though.

“It definitely came with a lot of added pressure,” Willmann said. “When stuff gets hard, I start thinking about people back home that have texted me before the race or given me encouragement, because that’s the reason right there that I can’t stop.”

That support has been yet another common thread in Willmann’s life. Running through Blackford County, Willmann has often received support from locals as he passes them by. He’s also found connection in the running community, as other runners cheer each other on.

Paying back the support, Willmann always takes the time to respond to those who reach out — offering encouragement of his own.

But of course, that’s just who Willmann is at heart. Like everything else in life, he’s chosen to make the commitment of going all in, from running marathons to building connections, even as he prepares for this next phase of his life.

To cheer Willmann on from afar on October 8, you can catch a live broadcast or stream the race online at the official website of the Chicago Marathon.