Long Distance Flyer



Denise I

I have been asked if I am insane! Sure, I live in Kingston, NY – which is 120 miles from NYC – and yet I am a member of the NY Flyers.  Sure, the NY Flyers is a running club in NYC, where I neither live nor work.  Did I mention that I live in Kingston, and that NYC is 120 miles away?  And does that make me insane that I still choose to be a Flyer?  

For the past two years I have been a Flyer. It is truly an honor to be a part of this premier running club. Why the Flyers? A few years back I decided to run the More Marathon in Central Park. All those loops in Central Park (that is insane!). It also was one of my first marathon experiences.

The best and most important part of this experience was that the New York Flyers were paceleaders. I can honestly say that without all the support of the Flyers, I would not have made it to the finish line. It was such an exciting finish with all the support and camaraderie of the Flyers. We were talking and laughing and getting to talk about each one of our goals in finishing this marathon.

Denise I, Marlene T and Daniel M

The following weekend, I was at a local race here in Kingston, New York and mentioned what an awesome time I had in New York City to my good friend Marlene T.  Marlene has been a Flyer for many years. She said "you should join the Flyers; the group is great to run with." I also mentioned how much fun I had to another friend, Judith T. She also was a Flyer at that time.

I told Marlene and Judith that it'd be crazy to join a group in the city. I said that I won't have many opportunities to run with a group so far away. But they both talked me into joining the Flyers. The more I came down to run with you guys the more I enjoyed myself. As a native New Yorker, and being transplanted upstate, my weekly journey brought me back to the excitement of the city. At times I was down every weekend of the month.

Over the past two years I have met great friends who support each other and share their own personal experiences.  After my wonderful experience of being pace-led by Flyers at the More Marathon, I've since had the opportunity to have a blast in the rain volunteering for the Flyers at the More Half fluid station in 2010, and pace-leading in 2011.  And I've also enjoyed Flyer social events, such as the celebration following the NYC Marathon!

I have to say that a few weeks this summer were extremely difficult for me  – I had a pretty bad fall on the rail trail I run regularly. This injury left me sidelined for the past five weeks. I missed many Flyer events. I truly appreciate all the support I received from my Flyer friends. You guys are the BEST!!!! Thank you for all the encouragement you gave me to get me through this time.


I want to be a Flyer.  Now!

No, I am not insane to travel to New York City from Kingston (120 miles) at 3 or 4 am to run in Central Park and other locations with all of you.  What would be insane would be for me to not be a Flyer!

-Denise I