911 from Tokyo

By Michael R

The phone display showed a strange caller-ID.  I assumed it was just another marketing pitch so I picked up primed to demand being taken off their calling list.  

Instead, there was a familiar “Hi Michael” from friend and teammate, Pei A. (also Flyers treasurer).

I was surprised.  “I thought you were in Japan, Pei, for the Tokyo Marathon in five days?”  

She replied, “I am, but I don’t have one of those cool new Flyers caps for the race!”  

I understood, immediately, that this was a Flyers gear 911 call.  Sizing up Pei’s predicament and perceiving the urgency I leapt into action: “Hang tight.  I’ll grab one and be in Tokyo tomorrow.  See you soon.”  

Three hours later I was boarding at JFK and heading for Narita.  I packed my running shoes, just in case.

We met soon after I landed and the cap handoff took place with the same precision of a baton hand-off in an ekiden relay race.  Pei and I had practiced this last December at the NYCRUNS Ekiden in Central Park.  She was now ready for any weather eventuality.  Mission accomplished.  

Special Delivery: Flyers Hat

Then Pei surprised me and told me there were still some marathon slots available.  Was I interested?  Without hesitating I said “Sure.”  I still had two days to train.

 

Trying to Recruit Training Partners in Tokyo

That night I developed my own RUN S.M.A.R.M. marathon training program (with the help of coach Johnny Walker).  The schedule was intense.  I had one day to build mileage and one day to taper. I stuck to the rigorous plan and felt ready on race day.

Looking for Pei at the Start Corral.
Pei? Pei?? Anyone See A Petit Woman Wearing a Flyers Hat?

Even though Pei and I were assigned to the same start corral, the crowd was thick and we didn’t see each other.  The race started and I assumed we’d just meet that night for dinner, as planned.  It was a perfect marathon day with a temperature of about 4 degrees Celsius and an overcast sky (actually a bit too warm for the Flyer cap!).  

The event was flawlessly organized and friendly, enthusiastic crowds lined every meter of this 42.2-kilometer foot-tour of Tokyo.  That was another thing they do differently in Japan, by the way.  Instead of a normal 26.2-mile marathon, this one was 42.2 kilometers.  Go figure.

I was sticking rigorously to my RUN S.M.A.R.M. race plan and stopped at kilometer 22.5 (mile 14) to grab some fluids.  Then I heard someone calling “Michael!”  I turned and there was Pei, with a huge smile, coming toward me.  

It felt like a miracle that she found me among the 37,000 runners.  We resolved to toss the race plans and that the rest of the marathon was going to be nothing but fun and we’d cross the finish line together without missing one photo opportunity along the way.

One additional pleasure of running with Pei was that her husband, Zoltan, had planned to be at many spots along the course to cheer her on.  So, we had a personal, mobile cheering squad!  

With Zoltan As He Recovered from a Long Day of Cheering

It seemed like he was there at every turn and even though I’d never met him before, we were on a first-name basis by mile 20.  Pei and I stopped frequently to take pictures at every landmark and even to mingle with the spectators along the way.

When we met at that fluids station we each reset our race goals and were determined to have fun and cross the finish line with our arms held high, together.  

This turned out to be a huge lesson in running, resetting priorities, friendship and life, in general.  The Tokyo marathon was a great, world-class event made even greater by the experience of running it with a friend.  

Finish Line Hug

Heavy Medal

We met all of our goals and had a fun marathon, together, even if it was only 42.2 kilometers. And now, we're enjoying these pictures of an amazing experience!

-Michael R

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Blame Tim! The (Almost) Storied History Of Why I’m Not A Flyer

Steve Lastoe, NYCRUNS

I was thrilled when NY Flyers Blogmaster Dave K asked me to write this piece for the Flyer’s Blog because I don’t get a chance to write as much as I used to…and I have a massive axe to grind against a certain Flyer. Let's call him "Tim." If it weren’t for Tim, I would have been a Flyer for more than a decade and a half now. I’m really glad I finally have the chance to tell the Flyers what happened.

Unfortunately, writing and running share a common attribute: use it or lose it. Since NYCRUNS became a full time job a couple of years back, I haven’t had enough time for either, so if you were expecting Dickensesque prose, this is probably not the place. However, I’m not going to let that stop me from telling you about how horribly Tim has treated me over the years. Of course, I’m sure you realize how much the Flyers have suffered as a result.

Tim was the first Flyer I knew, although I don’t think I heard the term ‘Flyer’ until about eight years later. He kept it that hidden! This was back in the mid 1990s, pretty much at the dawn of the modern age when men (and the occasional woman) ran in hob-nailed boots and races were largely hand-timed. It was a different era, I assure you. One thing that never changed though was Tim’s desire to keep the Flyers for himself. Jerk.

Tim was a co-worker back then and he was Captain of our Corporate Challenge team. He also was a subject of some office speculation because he was the guy running ultras in Alaska…in winter. This was an era when the guy in the next cube was more likely to join you for a cigarette than to run a marathon. I happened to smoke about 30 cigarettes a day back then, so for some reason Tim thought I would be a great addition to the Corporate Challenge team. While I believe I ran a respectable race, Tim never asked me to join the Flyers. To tell you the truth, I felt as used up as one of those cigarettes, and in retrospect had Tim asked me to become a Flyer, I probably would have quit smoking much sooner.

That pack and a half a day habit would decrease over the next half dozen years or so and eventually I took up running on a regular basis. Somewhere in there I picked up an issue of Runner’s World and saw that the centerfold was about Tim and his gigantic collection of shoes. He was preening! I also read something about how he was leading group runs on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in NYRR Magazine (or whatever it’s called). This was probably around the time I heard about the NY Flyers for the first time. 

One time I saw Tim at a race, but he blew me off. It would have been a great time to ask me to join the Flyers, if you ask me. That said, at the time I was living and working in Brooklyn so a Manhattan-oriented club made little sense for me. I also fell in with a disreputable bunch called The Hash House Harriers, a group most often known as “A Drinking Club With A Running Problem.” The Hash is a great running group. Essentially, you follow a trail of chalk arrows though the city and it ends at a bar. If you like to drink beer and run and possess a juvenile sense of humor – this is worth some of your time. I hashed a lot for the next five years or so and raced for The Hudson Dusters, the running club arm of the New York City Hash. That said, I occasionally looked for more of a traditional club at this time.

Regardless, it was still not meant to be for the Flyers and me, though the Flyers had the chance. After the 2005 Fairfield Half Marathon, a bunch of Flyers were kind enough to offer me a beer in the parking lot, but most likely under instructions from Tim, did not ask me to join. To be honest, I was a little shocked that Tim had this much power, but I was just getting used to the arcane power structure of running clubs.

Not long after, I left Brooklyn and moved to the West Village. You will be pleased to know I gave up smoking and cut back on my drinking significantly. The latter decision plagues me to this day as I now have the tolerance of an otter. In 2009, the recession more or less decimated my consulting “business” and for some reason I thought it would be a great idea to launch a local running website, which would rather quickly evolve into the NYCRUNS you know today.

A big part of my early “work” on that site was getting to know the local running clubs. I joined a small group of Flyers for their West Village Monday night run one time and really enjoyed it. Around the same time, I ran into Tim in the bathroom at The Armory Track. It was nice seeing him after nearly 15 years, but I’ll note that he did not ask me to join the Flyers, despite the fact that I now had some “cache” in local running. The group run on Monday was never really convenient for me either, and I suspect Tim had something to do with that, too.

Some more time passed and finally I was really ready to find a more traditional club than The Hudson Dusters. There were several choices – the Flyers among them. While I couldn’t overlook the fact that the Flyers had spurned me for years, I knew I was moving back to Brooklyn soon and that Prospect Park Track Club was the place for me. Since then, Tim has been really friendly to me. Isn’t that weird?

So, it was never meant to be. If you were hoping the Flyers would have an aging, fattening, slowing, ego-driven race director on the team, I’m sorry it didn’t happen. Blame Tim.

-Steve Lastoe, Founder and Race Director, NYCRUNS

Blogmaster's Note: Steve Lastoe founded NYCRUNS in 2009 as a resource for local runners seeking information about races and running clubs. In 2011, NYCRUNS began offering race timing and management services while launching several races of its own. NYCRUNS is now the largest running event management company in the NY Metropolitan Area. For information about NYCRUNS, including for a calendar of upcoming races, visit NYCRUNS.COM. --Dave K, NY Flyers Blogmaster

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Girls On The Run

Dave K

For those who may like learning about and/or who are looking to volunteer with a great organization that works with kids and focuses on running, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit program that empowers girls through an experience-based curriculum that "...integrates running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident."  The NYC Chapter (GOTR NYC) serves 350,000 girls, and provides 12 weeks of training by meeting twice per week in small teams of 8-20 girls.

GOTR NYC is open to 3rd - 8th graders, and aims to teach life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The 24-lesson curriculum is delivered by certified GOTR NYC coaches and includes three parts: 

• Self-understanding 
• Valuing teamwork, and 
• Understanding how to connect with and shape the world at large. 

The program is designed to combine running with lessons that inspire the girls to recognize and honor their individual strengths and talents, and to celebrate their inner selves. The culminating activity of the season is the opportunity for the girls to participate in a non-competitive 5K running event. 

For most of the girls, this is the first time that they have ever attempted a physical goal of this magnitude, and completion of the 5K provides an incredible feeling of strength and a real sense of accomplishment.  In addition to running, the curriculum focuses on topics such as  eating disorders, internet safety, cyber bullying, and tobacco and alcohol use.

The spring program just got underway, and it may still be possible to register girls at one of the participating schools.  If you or someone you know has a 3rd grade - 8th grade girl who may be interested in joining the program, please click HERE for the list of school locations and to register.

For Flyers interested in volunteering, although coaching spots are filled for this spring, there are year-round opportunities to get involved.  GOTR NYC accepts general volunteer applications on a rolling basis, so anyone can apply at any point.  Just click HERE for information about volunteer opportunities and click HERE for the volunteer application. 

Volunteer opportunities are numerous, and include participating as a Running Buddy at the 5K in June.  It's a great opportunity to see the program in action, and they're always looking for running buddies (i.e., adult "cheerleaders" who run along with the girls during the race) as well as general volunteers (e.g., to help out with field set-up, check-in table, water stations, etc).  GOTR NYC also sponsors a SoleMates Program for those interested in fundraising and gaining guaranteed entry into various races.

Some NY Flyers have been GOTR NYC coaches and volunteers, including Deanna C, Joyce S, and former Flyer Janine S -- and so you might contact them for first-hand information.  Or just reach out to GOTR NYC directly for more information or to answer any questions.

And here's what my runner friend Polina has to say about her experience volunteering with GOTR NYC:

"I was a coach for 2 years (4 seasons) with GOTR. I got interested in becoming a coach after volunteering as a running buddy for their end-of-season 5K, and worked with 6^th-8^th graders (Girls on Track). 

It's extremely rewarding to work with this age group. Being a girl can be confusing at this stage of life, while GOTR training sessions are a great medium for helping the girls to address and manage challenges at school and at home. 

A teacher at the school where I was assigned told me that she saw a lot of positive changes in the girls who enroll in the program. Some girls who were often afraid to speak up, or stand up for themselves in class, become more confident and assertive. Other girls are served by the program by making connections outside of their tight social circle and learn the benefits of being good team players.  The GOTR curriculum makes it easy for all the girls to share their experience and learn from each other. 

My favorite part of being a coach was to watch the girls’ progress throughout the program.  They discovered strength, confidence and power they didn’t know they had in them.  I loved watching their faces shine with joy and accomplishment at the post-5K party!  You don’t have to be a fast runner or have previous experience to be a great GOTR coach and a role model. My advice is to make time and commit to your assignment.  The young ladies will teach you everything you need to know :)"

-Dave K, Flyers Blogmaster

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NY Flyers 2014 Winter Marathon Training Program

Kevin L

“... at all times you should be able to answer the question 'What is the purpose of this workout?'”

- Dr. Jack Daniels, Daniels Running Formula

After training hard for last year's NYC Marathon, I took 2 weeks off from running and then ran fairly low weekly mileage for the remainder of 2013. When the announcement for the Flyers Winter Marathon Training Program (WMTP) appeared on the NY Flyer's website, it looked like just what I needed to get back into serious running. I spoke with a few Flyers who had participated in past training programs, and they recommended it highly, so I signed up. Until then, I had been a self-coached runner who participated in speedwork sessions and followed training schedules out of books. I felt excited but a little uncertain about what to expect from a custom training program.

The 15-week Flyers WMTP started up on January 12th and runs through April 26, 2014.  It's coached by Brian Rosetti, who competed for St. Joseph's College where he was a 10-time Atlantic 10 Conference Champion. After college, Brian trained for two years at ZAP fitness in North Carolina. He later went on to launch the Run SMART Project, which provides custom training programs and coaching to runners of all levels based on the research and training principles of Dr. Jack Daniels. These principles include manipulating variables -- such as workload, intensity, recovery, and frequency -- to stress the runner in a controlled fashion and increase fitness. Daniels considers recovery to be an integral part of the training process, as opposed to something separate from the training process.

Immediately after I signed up, Coach Rosetti sent me an email asking me to set up my profile on the Run SMART Project training website application. I entered information such as recent race times, upcoming races, current and maximum weekly mileage, goal race distance (marathon, half marathon, etc), and preferred rest day. The web application used this information to compute a score, called VDOT, which is an estimate of how much oxygen the runner can utilize to create energy during intense exercise. VDOT is then used to determine all the various paces of the training runs. A few days later, I received my custom 15-week training program designed by Jack Daniels and the Run SMART Project.

Many of the 17 Flyers participating in the Winter MTP participated in the larger summer MTP, and are training now for spring marathons, although some members are training for a half marathon or simply trying to get into excellent running shape. A few of us, myself included, have a secondary goal of getting down to race weight after perhaps over-indulging during the holidays. Coach Rosetti sometimes refers to our group as “winter warriors,” an apt description for this dedicated group of runners who have braved many cold Tuesday night workouts.

Each runner's training program is different, but in general it consists of 6 days of running per week with  2 quality sessions, 4 easy runs, and 1 rest day. Mileage is built up gradually, and the schedule includes cutback weeks to recover from mileage increases. Races are integrated into the schedule. Based on the advice in running books, I have always alternated hard and easy days and had a tendency to develop foot, knee, and hip injuries. The wisdom of having just 2 quality sessions soon became apparent to me; I was running these quality sessions at a much higher level of intensity than before. The easy runs in between allowed me to build mileage and be prepared for the next quality session.

Every Sunday, Coach Rosetti sends us an email explaining the purpose of that week's Tuesday night group speed workout along with a link to an applicable video for that workout featuring Jack Daniels lecturing on the topic. I find that I am much more motivated to complete a hard workout when I understand the purpose and benefits of it--that is part of the Daniels training philosophy. Broadly speaking, the training consists of 5 different types of runs (with lots of variations):

1. Easy: conversational-level runs done at 65-79% effort. According to Jack Daniels, this underrated type of run actually has many physiological benefits such as strengthening the heart muscle and increasing the number and size of mitochondria in the cells.
2. Threshold: comfortably hard runs done at 88-92% effort. Purpose: to improve endurance.
3. Interval: hard runs done at 98% effort for intervals of 1 to 5 minutes with short rests. Purpose: to maximize aerobic power.
4. Repetition: typically 200 to 400 meters at current 1-mile race pace with longer rests. Purpose: to improve speed and economy.
5. Marathon Pace: extended run at current or goal marathon pace. Purpose: to get used to running at this pace.

Each Tuesday, we meet at the Time Warner Center, which is convenient to Central Park and allows us to store our belongings at the New York Running Company. Coach Rosetti reviews the workout and gives us our exact goal paces before proceeding to Central Park, where we begin with a 1-to-2 mile warm-up run.

Meeting Indoors to Discuss the Evening's Run
Before Heading Outside for the Warm-Up and Workout

We then divide into smaller groups by pace for the threshold run, intervals, or repetitions. Coach Rosetti always has the course measured out ahead of time and places orange cones at various points in the park as distance markers. He closely monitors each runner during the workout, often running along-side us, offering words of encouragement, and analyzing our running form. If he sees someone struggling or not being challenged enough, he immediately adjusts the workout for that individual. At the end, we regroup for a cool-down run back to the Time Warner Center. I should also mention that the program includes 3 group long runs.

The Winter MTP includes many fringe benefits such as a visit to Finish Line Physical Therapy. There we met Caroline Varriale, a physical therapist with a special interest and expertise in working with runners. She demonstrated a series of strength, balance, and flexibility exercises designed for runners. These body-weight exercises include many interesting variations on plank, squat, lunge, and one-legged balance exercises. When done twice a week for 15 minutes, these exercises help improve speed, running form, and resilience to injury.

Additional educational material included a document on nutrition for runners by elite distance runner, coach and nutritionist Alicia Shay. She provided tips for pre-exercise fueling, hydration/fueling immediately after the workout, and a diet focused on vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

We also were provided with a series of dynamic stretching videos from Finish Line Physical Therapy. These stretches are meant to be done before and after each run (or at least after each run):

1. Standing or Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch (click to view video)

• 5 Reps of each motion
• Forward and back
• Side to side
• Rotation
• Focus on staying vertical, arms high and straight at the elbows
• To isolate the stretch at the hip, squeeze your glutes as you shift your hip forward

2. Standing Adductor Stretch (click to view video)

• 5 Reps of each motion
• Forward and back
• Side to side
• Rotation
• Always lift up the hip that is on the coffee table or chair to increase the stretch in the inner leg of your opposite leg. For instance, if your right foot is propped up, lift up your right hip to increase the stretch in your left inner leg.

3. Dynamic Quad Stretch (click to view video)

• 5 Reps of each motion
• Forward and back
• Side to side
• Focus on staying vertical, arms high and straight at the elbows
• To isolate the stretch at the hip, squeeze your glutes as you shift your hip forward

4. Dynamic Hamstring Stretch (click to view video)

• 5-10 Reps of each motion
• Forward and back
• Side to side
• Rotation

5. Dynamic Calf Stretch (click to view video)

• 5-10 Reps of each motion
• Forward and back
• Side to side
• Rotation - make sure to rotate entire body, including head
• Remember to keep right foot pointing straight forward throughout the sequence with the right heel on the ground during all of the repetitions. Your hips should stay forward so that the calves remain in a good stretch.

As of this writing, we are now into Week 8 of the Winter MTP -- just past the halfway point. I feel that my fitness has improved significantly in a fairly short period of time with zero injuries.

The most surprising thing about this program for me has been discovering how much there is to learn about training smart. It is rewarding to learn these training principles, apply them to my running, and see positive results.

Perhaps the best part has been the opportunity to train with Brian Rosetti and fellow NY Flyers, who have impressed me with their friendliness, knowledge, and dedication. I look forward to seeing some great race results from this group of runners.

-Kevin L

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NY Flyer Profile -- Steve K

Steve K

Runners, as a breed, look ahead, not behind, especially when in a race (unless of course you count the erstwhile NYRR Backwards Mile). There is always the next mile marker, the top of the hill you are climbing, and the Finish Line. For me, that philosophy was never truer than after one of the shortest, but sweetest walks of my entire life, an out-and-back, between one end of a hospital room and the other.

Six days earlier, on February. 17, 2009, I had somehow fallen down a flight of stairs at a bar. (For those asking, no, I wasn't drunk; I simply was not looking where I was going.) I incurred various injuries, including one to my pelvis that, at first, made it impossible for me to walk, even with assistance...and that issue was actually minor compared to the damage I had done to my right elbow and shoulder, necessitating two surgeries.

So, on this particular Monday, I surprised myself, when, with the aid of my therapist, and a walker, I somehow managed to walk a bit, which, to me, felt like somewhat of a miracle. Filled with emotion, I scratched out a page in my journal about my little triumph, closing by writing:

"I will remember this day as I run my first race back."

There I was, my body broken, but I was looking ahead. I knew I had a very long, and likely arduous road to recovery, but, for me, it was natural to think ahead to returning to the races....whenever that might be.

Thinking of such times reminds me how much running is a part of me, and my love for the sport extends far beyond the numerous races I've run, whether non-competitively, or against a time goal. Some of my most enjoyable runs have been just runs. Late last year, when starting my offseason, I took a short, slow, 2.1-mile run along the woodland trails of Mohonk Mountain House. I climbed a gradual hill, eventually taking me up over 100 feet. My reward for my efforts was beholding the beautiful sight of the distant Catskill Mountains, followed by a dramatic view of the lake far below me. I returned to the inn feeling so happy and relaxed, and rewarded myself with a tuna salad sandwich for lunch. It was one of my best runs of a year that had included four half marathons.

2011 Awards Party -
Frequent Flyer Award

Being a member of the Flyers has enhanced my running, and my life, for 10 years. I count people I have met through the Flyers as some of my best friends. I will never forget how my teammates supported me during my recovery from my accident, and eventual return to running. There have been the group runs, speedwork, etc, but it's much more than that. I've enjoyed numerous social events, including the recent Flyers Annual Awards Gala, as well as often being a Flyers pace-leader in the twice-yearly NYRR Long Training Runs. In addition, I'm proud to say that I have volunteered at the Flyers' PowerGel station at the last nine NYC Marathons.

Now, don't take this personally, but it is my hope this year, that I will not be able to fulfill my customary position because I hope to be running by the station during my first-ever marathon. Even this early in the year, I find myself afflicted with a serious case of NYC Marathon fever, and have often been visualizing my splits for what I hope will be the race of my dreams. Should all go well, I can only imagine how it will feel to run into Central Park during Mile 24...

                                                       

                NYC Marathon Mile 24

I was never much of an athlete when in school. I did have my "one shining moment" scoring something like 20 points in a 3-on-3 basketball game in Phys. Ed, but I was hardly athletic. I can't say for sure what exactly sparked my interest in running outdoors, well into adulthood, in 1998; however, once I started, I was hooked. For a while, I was content to run one or two miles, usually along the esplanade in Carl Shurz Park, but, in 2000, I heard about a race that, as a longtime Mets fan, I could not pass up: the NYRR Run to Home Plate, a 5K that would finish on the playing field at good old Shea Stadium. I would complete this race (unofficially) in 29:17, beating my goal of under-30:00, giving me one my most memorable moments at the Mets' former home.

Little did I realize at the time that I was embarking on a career that has now seen me cross the Finish Line more than 300 times. I fell in love with competing against myself, and the clock, and, in my younger days, enjoyed the thrill of striving for, and maybe even attaining a PR. Early on, as I extended my longest race distance ever from 5 miles to 10K; from 7 miles to 15K and then to the Half-Marathon, I found that, when trained properly, I had the endurance to perform well in these long distance races. I also discovered that I possessed some element of speed, and, raced a mile in 6:32.5 at a track meet, the NYRR Thursday Night at the Races at Van Cortlandt Park on July 3, 2003. That was the good news...the bad news was that I finished last!

I have had good races, bad races, and ones for the blooper reel. I've missed goals by a little (once falling 13 seconds short of a PR in my final race of 2002, the Holiday 4-mile Run), and resoundingly, including the 2007 NYC Half. Thankfully, enjoying a belated birthday dinner that night, which included some vino and banana flambé, that helped soothe my disappointment!

As to my version of the Football Follies...one fine summer morning in 2012, in a 5K, in Riverside Park, I missed the turnaround point, and ended up adding maybe 3/4 mile, giving me a blazing time of 21:59 for "Mile Two." It's a good thing I was not taking this race seriously! Speaking of which, while I love to race, I run many races without a serious goal. Along those lines, I have even been known to go for a run without timing it at all.

2014: Running Just to Run
Along Bridle Path During Joe Klienerman 10K

Now, if I were making a compilation for ESPN'sSportsCenter of my top 10 races, which would be #1? I'll actually nominate not my best performance athletically, but my most thrilling finish: the 2006 Joe Kleinerman 10K, my next-to-last race of the season. In order to achieve my season-long competitive goal, I needed to attain my goal in this race, and then return six days later and do the same in the season finale, the Hot Chocolate 10-miler.

Racing against a goal of under 9:00/mi, I started poorly, and while I gained back some time, found myself maybe 1:06 behind with 1.2 miles to go. My race was in serious trouble, and I felt that my season, even after all the great races I had enjoyed that year, was hanging in the balance.

So, I went for it, and my legs responded. I was, to pardon the pun, flying. When I hit Mile Six (around East 100th Street), I checked my watch, and found that somehow, I had nailed an 8:00 split, and just like that vaulted to within a mere 7 seconds off pace.

Seeing how close I was galvanized me, and I felt perhaps the biggest rush of adrenaline that I've ever experienced in a race. I surged into my finishing kick, throwing caution to the winds. Nothing was going to stop me now. By the time I made the final turn, I knew I had it. Caught up in the moment, I actually yelled out, "Do you believe in miracles...YES!!!"  Exuberant, I crossed the Finish Line in a time of 55:30, 8:57/mi, achieving my goal after all had seemed lost.

I will never be able to win a race, set a world record (unless it's for napping after a race), or qualify for the Olympics. Thinking back to that incredible morning, however, I can't imagine that the rush I experienced is much different from that of our elite athletes. I am grateful that organizations such as NYRR, NYCRUNS, et al, give all of us the opportunity to compete at whatever level matches our capabilities. I still think back to that race, including when I'm on a run, and pass through the homestretch of that 10K.

Fifth Avenue Mile 2011

For the record, in less dramatic fashion, I would nail my goal in the 10-mile season finale (finishing in 9:06/mi), but that race would not have meant as much without my comeback six days earlier. I would celebrate the culmination of this great season with steak at Hacienda de Argentina, making all my efforts even more worthwhile.

Now, what of my first race back from my 2009 tumble down the stairs? It would take me almost a year to actually return to the starting line. It was the 2010 Gridiron 4-miler, and while my time was modest, well over 11:00/mi, nothing was going to wipe the smile off my face.

As I ran on that glorious February morning, I did indeed think back to that first walk in the hospital, and savored the return to the sport that I love.

-Steve K.

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