I was really looking forward to finishing the New York City Marathon this year. Really.In 2013 I finished my 19th New York City Marathon while being a pace team leader. I really thought I was gonna be running the New York City Marathon once a year for the rest of my life. Then in May 2014 a terrible disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome literally knocked me off my feet. I spent 135 days in the hospital and skipped the 2014 race. In 2015 I had just regained my ability to walk so I skipped the race again. But I got all set to finish in 2016. I was going to get an early start and friends from the Achilles running club will be to walk with me.
In the past two years, four months, and four weeks I've had a lot of hard times. I spent too many hours staring at hospital ceilings, looking at wheelchairs or just not being with my family.Every time I got frustrated I always went to the same place and time. On the day after the first Monday in November I would be able to stand with my teammates and say, "Yea, I also finished the marathon yesterday." But that's not can happen this year, because last week I stepped into a hole and broke one of the little bones in my foot.
For the 2016 New York City Marathon I was registered as an Athlete With a Disability. That meant I was gonna got an early start and a crew of guides to help me get to the finish line. Next year I'm just gonna be a mediocre back of the pack marathoner. That will be totally fine with me
This evening I was asked to be on a panel of people who were experienced with the New York City Marathon. I got to talk about being in the middle of the pack. There's one thing I meant to say that I couldn't bring myself to say........... I wanted to remind everyone that there are at least a few people that are living vicariously through them when they run the New York City Marathon.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us last night. I am one of those living vicariously through my PPTC teammates when they run the New York City Marathon this year. I will be overseas during the marathon and wearing my PPTC singlet rooting for each and everyone running. 2017 will be my 1st NYC Marathon and I hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I'm running with Achilles this year but next year will be my first NYC Marathon. Michael, your journey to the back of the pack marathoner is like someone without any medical condition going from running a marathon in 5 hours to running in 2 hours.
DeleteMr. or Mrs. Unknown
DeleteI wish I knew who you are so I can give you a hug
It's me Sam. I don't know how how to use this thingy and thought I posted as Sam Smullen. Anyway, you can still give me a hug.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story, it is very inspiring. This year I am running the NYC Marathon as an Achilles guide and next year will be running my first NYC marathon. Hope to meet and run with you one day.
ReplyDeleteNext year, will meet at Fort Wadsworth. Along with 55,000 of our other closest friends.
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