Marathoners push themselves to the edge of insanity and exhaustion, because when they look back on those 26.2 miles, the view is profoundly satisfying.
They see where they have been and what they have become.
Distance running is a pastime uniquely suited to introspection. To run is to question why. To run the New York City Marathon is to discover the answer.
A total of 749,791 people (in 2008) have crossed the finish line in Central Park since the first New York City Marathon in 1970. They all have a reason why they participate in the race, whether they run to live or they live to run.
They run with mothers and fathers, with brothers and sisters, with husbands and wives, or they run with their memories.
They come to outrun their demons and their diagnoses.
They run with members of a team, sometimes tethered to a blind runner by a shoestring.
They run on wheels if they cannot run.
They run to check it off the life list.
They run to eat cake or to chase vanity.
They run to suffer to others will not.
They run because they cannot stop running.
They run to win.
And at the end of the day, at the end of five bridges and five boroughs and 26.2 miles, they will have run because it is New York and they are not alone.
—And Excerpt from ‘>A Race Like No Other
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What is your Reason for Running?
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I am off to NYC this afternoon to start my Marathon Weekend there! I couldn’t be more excited to get to The Big Apple. I feel like the second I am there I will be able to feel the Marathon Energy – at least that is what I am hoping will happen! I have been getting updates from friends in the city all week about the course getting ready and signs going up and markers in place – makes me very excited!
I am staying with the lovely Ashley and Bo this weekend and we have some fun things planned so stay tuned!
I’ll see you in New York City!
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10 Comments
AHHH amazing post!!! SO EXCITED FOR YOU!
Good luck! My husband is running the Marshall Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia this weekend. Can't wait to hear about your race!
PS: I found your blog on the Chicago marathon's facebook page!
YAY!!! You guys are going to have an amazing time!
Good luck! I'll be watching from around mile 7. If I see you I'll cheer 🙂
Good luck!!
Good luck! Have an amazing time!!
Coming to your blog from Fit Chick in the City!
Wish you all the best as you run the NYC Marathon!
GOOD LUCK!!!! You're truly an inspiration!
GOOSEBUMPS! KICK BUTT!
Love this post! I'm so excited for you! I cannot wait to read all about it. Good luck!!!