Marlin Keesler was like many parents — raising a family while working long hours at a demanding job. Keesler’s family life was further complicated by Asperger’s Syndrome, the autism-spectrum disorder that not one, but both of his children have. Though he and his wife tried their best, the Keeslers sensed they were losing their children and their family was unraveling. They knew they had to do something or face some very harsh consequences.

An unconventional idea came to Marlin when he met runners from the “50 State Marathon Club,” a group whose goal is to run a marathon in every state in the country. He would make marathons the vehicle that would help him reconnect with his family. On your show, Marlin will share his journey, including what the marathon travel experiences taught his kids, when he discusses:

• What the signs were and why missing them led to dissension and turmoil within the home.

• How parents working long hours impact kids and why absent dads are causing all kinds of societal problems.

• Why his family’s marathon trips turned things around in a way nothing else could.

• Why his method could benefit families struggling with all kinds of problems.

CREDENTIALS: Marlin Keesler, to date, has run a total of 1,572 miles in 60 marathons. When he’s not running, Keesler is speaking about his inspirational family adventure. His family’s journey is chronicled in his book OUR LIFE ON THE RUN: A Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States — A Family Quest.

AVAILABILITY: Illinois, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone
CONTACT: Marlin Keesler, (630) 736-7391 (IL); marlin@ourlifeontherun.com; www.ourlifeontherun.com