For all the marathon runners out there this is a very special week for your sport. The sports world will tune into the five boroughs of New York City on Sunday November 5th. The media microscope will paint a mosaic picture of thirty-five thousand pavement pounding physically tortured souls proving that endurance, to them, is a lifestyle commandment.
For those who have been through this experience almost any other task in life becomes less monumental and the inner soul becomes rewarded with a sense of strength and character. To all these individuals who participate I raise a glass and toast to you and your character.
The discipline that makes you hit the roads, tracks, trails and treadmills on a daily basis is one that will never leave you throughout your life’s quest. You are strong willed and determined and those who are in contact with you will always be respectful and in awe.
It has been twenty-eight years since I have stepped foot onto the starting line of The New York City Marathon but I can still feel the exhilaration and triumph from each and every marathon I ran. I ran in the New York City Marathon when it was run in Central Park (four plus loops) and a New York City firefighter by the name of Gary Muhrcke won the first NYC race in 2hr. 31min. and 39 secs. There were only fifty-five finishers that first year of 1970.
Sunday tens of thousands of individuals will finish this race and they will have a lifetime of rewards for their efforts. Good luck to all who participate. Through my minds eye I will remember the thrill.
