'It all just came from a crazy idea' Illinois native runner sets out on 400 mile journey up the state

ASSUMPTION, Ill. (WAND) — When asking Chase Bandolik how long he has been a runner, you might be surprised. "I actually used to play football, up through college!" Bandolik replied.

It wasn't until a few years ago, did the Illinois native decide it was time for a new athletic challenge.

"I'm no different than anyone else. I am a very, very average athlete..." Bandolik says.

The 28-year old, born and raised in Mount Prospect, Illinois, has been slowly training in distance and marathon races. Although he doesn't listen to music on his runs, Bandolik uses the quiet time to reflect and find peace.

Since March 29th, however, Bandolik has set off on a different kind of run; one, he has never tried before.

"I got kind of addicted to that feeling of putting something out there that's very challenging, and just finding a way to get it done..." he said. "It all just came from a crazy goal, and then finding a way to make it happen."

Every journey begins with a first step. Bandolik's first step took place all the way down in Cairo, Illinois.

For roughly twelve hours each day, from sunrise to sunset, Bandolik sets off to complete a leg in his state-wide journey. "I'm running from the bottom of Illinois, all the way to the top!" Bandolik says with a smile.

With support from his girlfriend, friends, family, and online followers, he is making his way up the state.

"It's challenging most days!" he shared, with recent severe weather, storms, and heavy winds, over the last few days, sweeping Illinois. However, in these times of doubt, he knows exactly the person to turn to.

"My mom!" Bandolik said. "I feel like I've gotten a lot of my pain tolerance and ability to push through from her."

As a single mother raising five children, Bandolik watched his mother's strength every day, making ends meet.

"She would give us her last dollars. She'd go without sleeping. She'd sometimes go almost three nights without sleeping while working three jobs."

As his mom gives him a big hug and a cheer from the side of the road, he knows this run is all for her.

"Every dollar I make from this run, it's all going to her." Bandolik shared. "I've seen how hard she's worked and how much she's giving back to us. Now, I'm using what I have."

Although Bandolik never made it pro football, he's using his two feet and tenacity to pay it all back to his mother; a way to say thank you, I love you, and I owe it all to you.

"There are a lot of days you don't feel like putting your shoes on. You don't feel like lacing it up..." Bandolik said. "I think it just goes to show you, that if you work hard and set your mind to something, you can find a way to get it done. No matter who you are."

To cheer on and support Chase Bandolik through his run, click here. To help donate, click here.