An Unexpected Path Towards Becoming a Runner and a New York Flyer

Liz C

I never really cared for running. My sister, Susan, got me intrigued a few years ago when she began signing up for races. She, her husband, and my gorgeous 8-year-old nephew have bibs galore peppering an entire wall of race achievements—but even still, nothing ever really motivated me to run, much less sign up for a race.  Nothing, that is, until April 15, 2013.

Although I consider myself a proud New Yorker (been here for 15 extraordinary years), I call Boston home. On April 15, 2013 at 3:03 pm, I received a text and a Facebook post from my sister that read: “Explosions at the Marathon finish line!! We are all here at my parents’ house. No idea if pipe bomb.” —my heart stopped.

My parents live less than a mile from the finish line, so they and my sister’s family always go to cheer on the runners approaching the finish. Moments later, I got another text that my beautiful cousin and her husband were also at the finish line but couldn’t be accounted for and weren’t answering their phones. Later it was confirmed that they were among those injured by the first bomb. How could something so horrifying happen at such a wonderfully celebrated event, in my childhood back yard, and with my family in harm’s way?

A Family Tradition
My Parents Crossing the Boston Marathon Finish Line with my Nephew in 2009

Both my cousin and her husband sustained severe shrapnel wounds to their legs, and my cousin’s left hand was left shattered and partially de-gloved. She’s undergone numerous surgeries to reconstruct her hand, and more surgeries lie ahead. To help with uncertain and undeniable mounting medical bills, I launched a fundraiser website on GiveForward.com. Desperate for support, I posted links to the fundraiser on Facebook and Twitter and got much reception, but something was urging me to get off of my couch and get the word out—physically. So, I turned to my local running community.

In keeping with the family tradition, this is my nephew, flag-in-hand, at the 2013 Boston Marathon. The flag was given to him by Carlos Arrendono, "The Cowboy Hero" who, about an hour after this photo was taken, saved Jeff Bauman's life.

I signed up for my first timed NYRR race (Run as One), and I ran the race on April 28, 2013 while wearing a sign on my back directing folks to my cousin’s fundraiser site. At first I didn’t enjoy the race. I found myself out of shape and gasping for air, but I got so many thumbs-up from fellow runners that all those good vibes somehow carried me to the finish line. Inspired, I decided to sign up for a few more races, again, with the sole intent to wear the fundraiser sign on my back.

My First Timed NYRR Race (Run as One) on April 28, 2013

By June, the fundraiser was in full swing. We had just hit $30,000, and I had just completed my fourth race (Achilles Hope and Possibility). While my pace was still a morbid 13:00-14:00 minutes per mile, I really started enjoying these races—especially the thrill of crossing the finish line. To ward off discouragement, I told myself that my slooooow pace gave people enough time to read the fundraiser sign on my back :)

Moreover, I suddenly realized I only had five more races to go to qualify for guaranteed entry in the 2014 NYC Marathon! “Me? Marathon? Never. Maybe? Nooooo…this is not what these races are about…oh…but that would be SO COOL!” So there in June ensued the spark of interest toward next year’s NYC Marathon.

On June 30, 2013, I posted this picture on Facebook with the following caption: “Boston was pretty strong today. We had a Boston Marathon victim, (Mery Daniel) race and finish with us today.”

By August, the fundraiser was finished. You can click HERE if you'd like to see the page with its warm thanks from my cousin. The link to my fundraiser website no longer is active, but donations to help the victims may be made via the One Fund Boston website. GiveForward.com gave us 133 amazing days, during which we raised $66,451 from 690 donations made by family, friends, and complete strangers. GiveForward and other websites were being used by other fellow Marathon victims, and we all visited each other’s fundraiser sites and gave. So many runners and fans of runners left the loveliest messages on all the different fundraiser sites, including ours. What an amazing community.  

Meanwhile, back in NYC, I’d been running with thousands of fellow runners over the course of what eventually became eight races. It felt rewarding, but something was missing. I’d yet to make any friends or acquaintances among the runners. Though fulfilling, running became an individual activity. My co-worker and friend, Mark Pendarvis, kept urging me to join a club if I was serious about training for the 2014 NYC Marathon. He told me I needed a community around me for such a demanding endeavor. He was right. To my blessing, Mark recommended the New York Flyers.

The morning of my first Half-Marathon, Grete’s Great Gallop. A huge personal accomplishment, but a little lonesome at the start and finish line, since I had yet to find a group in the running community

A few days after I joined the Flyers, I had the pleasure of meeting my first NY Flyer, Alan G. What a blast he was! He and I were among the volunteers giving out medals at this year’s ING NYC Marathon. I gave out medals to hundreds of finishers, but only a few stuck out as most memorable. One was that of an utterly gorgeous woman who approached me after she crossed the finish line. She had this gorgeous cascading hair that flowed gracefully past her shoulders. She looked like a Marathon Goddess, and of course she was wearing a red NY Flyers shirt. She was the second Flyer I’d ever met. She told me she’d completed several Marathons prior to that day, and I felt so honored to place the medal around her neck. I believe she had the name “Isabel” inscribed across her Flyer shirt. I can’t wait to meet her again. I’ve been told she’s Flyer Isabel J.

Marathon Sunday, the Day I Met my First Two NY Flyers

Now here I am a full seven months from my first real race in April, and I'm delighted to have spent Thanksgiving with my family—including my dear cousin and her husband who are both recovering amazingly well. Also, I am officially training for the 2014 NYC Marathon, although I’m no longer training alone—I am now training as a New York Flyer. In fact, the day I completed my ninth official qualifying race (Join the Voices) on November 17, 2013, I began at the start line with a fabulous crew of fellow NY Flyers, Victoria S, Dave K, and Howard C.  Starting my ninth race, which I needed to complete for guaranteed entry to the 2014 NYC Marathon, alongside these lovely Flyers was so sweet and meaningful on so many levels. I guess it’s true when people say that life’s paths can lead you to unexpectedly wonderful places.

At the Start of my 9th Qualifying Race with Three Wonderfully Amazing Flyers:
Howard C, Dave K, and Victoria S

For someone who never really cared much about running, I now can’t imagine NOT running. What started as a desperate attempt to help my cousin with her recovery from the injuries she sustained in the Boston Marathon tragedy, unexpectedly turned into my embracing running and then qualifying for the 2014 NYC Marathon. It also turned me onto a new path with the wonderful community of the New York Flyers. Next stop: The NY Flyers Holiday Party!!!!!!

-Liz C.

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Under The Influence (and Over The Top): Reflections on the Run SMART Project Marathon Training Program and the 2013 NYC Marathon

Bobby B

To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift -- Steve Prefontaine

That quote really inspires me every time I read it. In no way am I implying that I have such a gift, either for running or writing a blog post, but I feel very strongly that if you are going to do anything, you should always give it your best.

I’ve been a proud singlet-wearing member of NY Flyers since 2003, but really began running seriously way back in 1990 when I ran my first NYC Marathon (no chips or net times back then!). Since then I have run more than 150 NYRRC races, and 22 marathons or ultra-marathons including: 

• 17 marathons (14 New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Paris) and 
• 5 Knickerbocker 60k ultra-marathons.

I have always strived to give it my all for each and every one of these runs. However, over the past few years my results have more consistently not met my expectations (especially since “graduating” to “Flyers Vet" status) even while following some dedicated personal training routines.

So in May 2013, and with the NYC Marathon in mind, I was ready to do something bold and decided to join the affordable 18-week fully personalized Fall Marathon Training Program (MTP) designed by legendary coach Jack Daniels and the Run SMART Project, sometimes affectionately referred to as “Running Under the Influence of Jack Daniels” (or so says the very cool t-shirt that I bought at the pasta dinner).

I’m really glad I signed up. Here's a summary of what stood out for me:

●    PHILOSOPHY: The program’s ultimate goal makes a lot of sense to me:

Get each and every runner to the start line fully prepared, rested, and healthy to run a great race. 

It’s too bad that elite American distance runner Ryan Hall didn’t follow this mantra, trained too aggressively, and was forced to withdraw from the 2013 NYC Marathon.

●    INTRO: The program kicked off with a "Meet and Greet" at Finish Line Physical Therapy in June which provided the opportunity to hear about the program from Run SMART Founder and Head Coach Brian Rosetti, to meet his coaching staff, and to ask questions.

●    PRE-HAB NOT REHAB: The program included a free Finish Line PT peak performance/injury prevention analysis screening. From my own peak performance analysis “report card” I learned a lot about my gait (e.g. heel striker, limited hip extension with high knee lift, lazy right arm swing, tight hip flexors) and was given some specific dynamic three-dimensional stretching exercises (e.g. hip flexor stretch, calf stretch) to help me strengthen these muscles and improve my running form. 

I even bought a The Grid foam roller and followed these Self Myofascial Release techniques which helped me keep loose both before and after runs. Finish Line PT also provided some very good strength training workouts:  (Workout A / Workout B)

●    SIZE MATTERS: The program was capped at 80 runners to maximize personal attention. My Run SMART coach (Steve Mucchetti), leader of the Lennon team (each one of the running groups was named after one of the Fab Four) offered additional advice, support and guidance throughout the training and was readily available to answer my questions and address my concerns. A big shout out to Steve and best of luck to him in his move out to London!

●    PERSONALIZED TRAINING SCHEDULE: The program included an individualized 18-week training schedule designed by Dr. Jack Daniels and every runner was given a precise pace for each and every one of his/her workouts and runs based on running history. An easy-to-use online training calendar was provided to log and manage this training. 

One key value listed in the calendar and computed for each runner is something called VDOT. According to Jack Daniels it is a better value from which to assess fitness and determine training paces. With the result of a recent competition, a runner can find his or her VDOT value and determine an "equivalent performance" at a different race distance.  For example, my current VDOT of 40.2 predicated an estimated 4:15 NYC Marathon finish.

●    WORKOUTS: Probably the single most valuable aspect of the program for me was the in-person group coaching led by Run SMART coaches every Wednesday evening in Central Park at 7pm. Workouts consisted of repetitions, intervals, and thresholds, mostly on a rotating bases. There also were three MTP organized long runs, including two in Central Park and the famous NY Flyers Three Bridges Long Training Run.

●    NUTRITION: World-class distance runner and coach Alicia Shay provided two very helpful live Google Hangout marathon nutrition Q/A sessions at the beginning and end of training (please click HERE to view the video for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2).

●    JACK DANIELS: Listening to guest speaker Jack Daniels at the NY Flyers Pre-Marathon Pasta Party was a truly inspirational event. At 80 years and looking as fit as can be, his charisma was contagious and I pocketed a few of his pearls of wisdom for the approaching marathon just a few days later. 

Jack Daniels Holding Court at the
NY Flyers 2013 Pre-Marathon Pasta Party

Some of his classic quotes included these:

If you want to do something special, do it in the last 4-5 miles. When you run any race of any distance, run with your head for at least two thirds of the race, and run with your heart for last third.  Don’t get carried away early.

Focus on the task at hand, e.g. you should never have to breath harder than a 2x2 breathing rhythm = 2 steps bringing in, 2 steps breathing out.

There are 3 kinds of people in the world: 1. Those who are dumber than they look, 2. Those who are not as dumb as they look, 3. Those who are exactly as dumb as they look. You might be an optimist and say that you are smarter than you look but that’s really the same as saying that you are not as dumb as you look.

You need to practice drinking. Avoid losing 3% of your body weight.

Long runs shouldn’t be more than 25% of your total week. Instead, consider “bunching” weekend runs (e.g. 10mi on Sat night, 12mi on Sun morning).

30 minutes is big time. Your body function improves tremendously with 30 minutes of exercise. 60 minutes is more but only a very little more.

In the end, the proof is in the pudding. As my old NYU accounting professor was fond of saying, "figures don’t lie, liars figure." So, what results can validate this 18-week training investment?

Well, for this year’s NYC Marathon, I did not meet the 4:15 time goal that my VDOT would have predicted. Instead, I came in at 4:36, a difference of just over 20 minutes, a reasonable portion of which I’ll blame on the ~15mph headwind that brutally greeted runners for a majority of the race.

Still, I am very satisfied with this result. This NYC marathon finish time represents my best in the last 5 years and my 6th fastest marathon ever. I should have mentioned much earlier, too, that I’m a middle-of-the-pack runner.

As a footnote, I felt so good after the marathon that I also ran my 5th Knickerbocker 60k only 2 weeks later and posted a PR of 7:16, almost 20 minutes faster than my previous best set back in 2009 (I guess those 20 minutes were owed to me from the NYC marathon just a few weeks prior).

So, did the Run Smart MTP contribute to my improved performance over recent years? Well, all I know is that I ran Under the Influence (and Over the Top). I ran SMART. I truly gave it my best.

-Bobby B

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Am I Real New Yorker Yet?

Cassandra G

Never in my life have the first 16 miles of a run gone by in the blink of an eye. Never in my life have I thought to myself  "Oh man, only 10 miles left?" with a tinge of disappointment. That all changed for me on Nov. 3, 2013 — my first NYC marathon. Of course, that disappointment of only having 10 miles left was quickly replaced by a remarkably strong desire to just get to the finish line already, but we'll get to that later. 

It all started back in May. I had only just gotten into running again, despite having completed two marathons (Pittsburgh and Buffalo) about three years ago. I didn't know any other runners when I moved to NYC, which led me to temporarily abandon the sport (don't worry, I promise that will never happen again). 

As a transplant, I'm chipping away at my "real New Yorker" points, and word on the street is that running the marathon is like a good 10 points. When the most recent spring arrived, I decided to lace up my shoes once again and get back out there. It was only a matter of days before I decided to enter the marathon lottery, believing fate would get me in if it were meant to be. I was heartbroken to learn that I didn't win a spot, but I didn't stop there — oh no, the ball was already in motion and I wasn't giving up that easily. By now, I had already decided that I will run the NYC Marathon, so, you know, that was that. 

I started exploring charity options and I was pleased to see the USO listed. I come from a long line of veterans, including my grandfather, father and both big brothers. I reached out the night I was rejected from the lottery, and by morning they called to say I was accepted off the waiting list and would have a spot in the marathon with them. It was an honor to run for an organization that benefits our troops, and I set up my personal fundraising page with information and photos to highlight why running for the USO resonates so deeply with me. I'm proud to say my generous family, friends and coworkers helped me reach my initial fundraising goal well before race day.

My Two Big Brothers and My Father

One thing I did differently this time around to prepare for my marathon was to join a structured training program. I enrolled in the New York Flyers Marathon Training Program (MTP) for the training plans, group speedwork sessions, and coaching provided by the Run S.M.A.R.T. Project. Signing up for MTP instantly proved to be worth it, both because of the workouts, which I was definitely not disciplined enough to do on my own, and because of the amazing people I met, whom I know will be training partners and friends for years to come. Joining the NY Flyers was a decision that continues to keep me involved in the running community and around a generally-sane, even-keeled group of people who remind me that there is more to life than work — there is running, after all. 

Flyers MTP at Our Last Group Work-Out
Before the NYC Marathon

Four months and a good 40-degree temperature drop later, it was race weekend —  the biggest indicator being the arrival of my little Italian ma, armed with granola bars and holy water. It was time to do this thing — and I felt ready. 

Coincidentally, my first New York City Marathon also meant my first trip to Staten Island. Two birds with one stone, right there.  On race day morning, I felt excited and bolted out the door with a smile on my face!

My Flyers MTP training pals —  Amanda Y. and Kimberly T. —  and I decided to run together, which meant them coming all the way back to me in corral 68 and running on the bottom part of the bridge (pleased to report that we were not struck by any falling urine, which was a big, big concern of mine). Suddenly, after hours of anticipation, we were off, dodging jackets, hats and scarves that littered the ground.

Mile 16

I knew my mom, aunt and cousin would be waiting for me at Mile 16. Perhaps that is why the first 16 miles seemed to fly by. Or maybe it was the live bands playing on the corners in Brooklyn and Queens, or the gospel choir on the steps of a church, or the hilarious signs like "If a marathon were easy, it would be called your mom," or the dozens of people reading my name on my shirt and yelling "Go Cassie!," and even the ones who yelled "Go Casey!" (hey, I got the point). 

When I saw my family at Mile 16, it was the highlight of the day, the moment I had been waiting for. Running over for a quick hug is definitely what got me through till Mile 19 without so much as a glance at my watch. Mile 19. 

HUGS!!

That's where it alllllll started to change. Suddenly, this marathon thing was hard. I actually was in pain. I really kind of wanted to just stop. 

But I didn't. 

The trudge (that's right, it was a trudge) down Fifth Avenue to Central Park was really the most grueling part of the day. It felt like this race would never end. People were walking left and right, seemingly letting the pain get the best of them. Don't get me wrong —  it's not that I didn't want to walk, too. I just knew that if I started walking, I might not be able to start running again. So onward I trudged. 

Finally, Mile 25. Knowing my family would by now also be at the finish line (I got them grandstand tickets) put a little extra pep in my step right at the last minute. As I rounded the bend past Columbus Circle, I was overcome with joy. I knew any second I would spot my family. And any second after that I would cross the finish line. Suddenly, I saw them cheering for me on the sidelines and the tears hit —  yep, I totally cried. Ain't no shame in my game. With a final burst of energy, I sprinted towards the finish line, so happy to be finished and see this incredible experience come to a glorious close. 

Minutes later, a heavenly angel placed a warm, armhole-less poncho over my shoulders, rubbed my back and said, "See now, isn't that better?" Yes, dear woman, angel of God, it was better. With a medal around my neck and an orange poncho on my back, I shuffled the 10 blocks to meet my family and went straight for a New York slice of pizza. 

Then I walked another 15 blocks home. If that doesn't make me a real New Yorker, I don't know what will. 

-Cassandra G.

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Dynamic Duos: Generational Running

Gary and Mandy S

1998: Dad and the Kids Take on Boston

Gary writes: Of the hundreds of races that I have done over the past 35 years, the 1998 Boston Marathon is still my favorite, when I ran with my college-age son Ben and daughter Mandy, then a high school senior. It brought together those nearest to me with doing what I love...to run. Luckily, it was only the beginning, with my daughter Mandy and I now active members of the NY Flyers Club.

Monday, April 21st, 1998 was a glorious morning in Hopkinton. While I was officially qualified and entered, Ben and Mandy were running as bandits, a long-standing celebrated tradition of unofficial runners. Unlike the NYC Marathon, where those without official bibs are barred from getting near the starting line and are physically escorted off the course near the finish line, Boston bandits are celebrated. Politely asked to line up behind all official participants, these running loyalists and beginners are permitted to trek the entire course and ultimately cross the finish line, where they can fully delight in receiving both a medal and Boston’s famous Clam Chowder.

As a trio, we stood together at the back of the pack bubbling with anticipation. Much to our surprise and delight, beside us stood Peter Solomon, the new swimming coach at Middlebury College, where Mandy had been accepted to attend in the coming fall. Although an outstanding cross country runner in New Jersey, winning Bergen County and All State honors, Mandy’s sport of dedication was swimming, which she had pursued competitively since age 8.

Mandy writes: After 15 years of swimming and running upwards of 4 hours a day, I was bound for Middlebury, a choice based on seeking out a top education, Division III competitive swimming and running programs (DIII allows an athlete to play multiple sports), but one where I would enjoy every moment of the school, sports and those a part of it.  “You’re going to have the most unbelievable time.”  And so I did. But not without him in the stands not missing one swim (and briefly cross country) meet – despite the 4 hour drive each way even during the work week (and that stat just counts the time for home meets).

CRACK! The gun goes off and my feet start pumping. My friend Lauren by my side and we are running through the big scary streets of New York City. I feel big. I feel adult! For a 10 year old. And everyone around us is cheering for us – racing the Wall Street Run – a whole 3.14 miles weaving us through the tall downtown streets, landing us at the beautiful serene Battery Park. “How was it?” “Did you have fun?” Asks my dad, the man who never once blinked at the idea of us conquering Manhattan’s streets tonight. “I’m so proud of how far you went!” A mentor challenging me to try new adventurous things, but eager for me to enjoy the ride along the way.

BEEP!...2 minutes and 30 seconds later, I’m done with the 200 meter IM swim race, tears streaming down my face, hysterical to say the least. It was so much training and I’m tired. It's 4 years after racing the Wall Street Run, and I tried to swim my fastest, but I’ve failed…”But you swam the 2nd lap faster than any other time you ever had!” my father says. Slowly my breathing calms and my tears dry. It’s not the first time he’s helped me see the light with his insights, a trick I try to employ to this day with everything I do (and is particularly helpful with road races). In what otherwise has felt like an outright depleting moment, he points out the positive parts of my efforts. Sometimes you just have to search a little harder to see the good, but the good is right there. It helps to have a dad-economist, as he has joyfully taken down every split to have just the right thing to say when my spirits are down
My perpetual cheerleader.  Home in time to coach all my soccer/softball/basketball teams, attendance at EVERY swim and cross-country/track meet, and more…this is a man who lives for his family. Sports have undoubtedly brought me a sense of confidence growing up, scaling new heights, and adventures, but more than that, they have allowed one of my most prized friendships to blossom.

Gary writes: But on that day, Boston Marathon 1998, college for Mandy was still in the future and Boston was 26.2 miles to the east — 20 miles further than Mandy had ever run. The gun went off and we started off at a steady pace of eight minutes per mile, with Ben soon speeding ahead, as big brothers do! While I expected us to slow, it soon became wildly apparent that we were not going to run faster or slower – not today at least. Flat…up Heartbreak Hill…down to the finish – we never deviated more or less than 5 seconds from that eight minute pace. I had never run so steadily! Mandy just settled into a rhythm and never varied, an earned behavior from hours in the pool. Together, we finished the Boston Marathon in 3:30 – medals on our necks, chowder in hand, and happy grins on our faces.

2011: Dad and Daughter Take On NYC

Gary writes: Flash forward 13 years to 2011. With college long ago complete, which included 4 years of Division III swimming and All American Honors in butterfly, Mandy had settled in Manhattan, working for a small beauty/fashion/lifestyle PR firm in Soho. No time to swim, but she did enjoy the casual run in Central Park.

In the meantime, I just felt like runnin’….for the past 35 years, my tireless devotion to the sport has kept me young, happy and healthy. I have joyously completed over 70 marathons, including the NYC Marathon 34 times, and 6 Ironmen competitions. However, I had felt myself slipping and I needed a push and inspiration. There was too much lazy LSD (long slow distance) and not enough speed work. If you don’t use it, you lose it! And I was gradually slowing.

In the fall of 2010, I joined the NY Flyers, an organization I felt had a good mix of abilities, had tremendous support and spirit, and was based in Manhattan where I work. To reinvigorate my stride, I signed up for Toby’s Tuesday night Flyers speed workouts, which it turns out were just what I needed! His interval sets enabled me to race faster than I had for years. It helped that I was motivated to break some men's 60+ age-group NY Flyers records. In fact, I enjoyed it even more when my fellow runners Walt L, Francisco R, and Steve K broke several of these records again because it gave me incentive to push myself harder. I also welcomed the challenge and honor of helping our Flyers team score points in NYRR team races.

So it was with even greater pleasure in the summer of 2011 when Mandy announced she was eager to break her athletic spirit out of retirement and signed up for the NYC Marathon and the NY Flyers. In July, she joined me for the Tuesday night classes, and throughout the summer and fall, we ran several NYRR races, including two half marathons in October. I knew something had clicked for her when I could not keep up with her in these Tuesday workouts.

Mandy writes: So it is with unequivocal pleasure that we are reunited in New York City as teammates with the NY Flyers, where we spend our regular Tuesday nights catching up on the latest in life (while being pushed along the newest treacherous workout course by Toby and Joe) or Saturdays and Sundays hitting up the latest race in Central Park.  Our regular training runs resume whenever possible outside of this side by side - a time to reflect, unwind and enjoy each other.

Gary writes: On the morning of November 6th, we set out for Fort Wadsworth for the start of the NYC Marathon. With a better starting corral number, I wished Mandy well as she lined up near the back of the group. I thought constantly about her during the race and hoped that she was enjoying herself – something I believe and always told my kids was most important. A good time would just be a bonus. When I got to the First Avenue 17 mile mark, my wife Meg yelled from the crowd that Mandy was five minutes ahead of me and my tears welled with pride. She must have gone by me in Brooklyn near the 12 mile mark, but I never saw her pass. It was just the push I needed to speed up, figuring maybe I could catch her, but little did I know that she was pulling away from me. Mandy was repeating what she had done in 1998, only at a much faster pace. Instead of eight minutes per mile she was now consistently doing 7:20’s. She ran both halves of the marathon at about 1:37 and finished in 3:14. So much for needing Dad as a pacer.


Gary and Mandy
Striking a Pose after 2011 ING NYC Marathon

Mandy writes: “How was it?” I’ve enjoyed our ride the whole way.  “Did you have fun?”  The best time of my life.  “I’m so proud of how far you went.”  I’m grateful for our journey…now as teammates, running partners and friends.

Gary writes: Running is an important part of my life, but running with my family is heaven. My long stated goal is to run 50 NYC marathons, which means keeping at it until I am at least 79. I just read about a British man who completed a marathon at age 100, so there’s always the opportunity to extend my goals. Wouldn’t it be cool to run a marathon with my grandchildren?...

-Mandy S and Gary S

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One Man's Marathon: A True Story

Steven L

Friends - it's finally over and I thought the best way to describe what went on this past Sunday should be a Jack Bauer-like recap. So much evolved I wasn't sure what to leave out.

Saturday, November 5th, 9:00 pm (Mount Kisco, NY) - I am busy getting organized and cutting off the sleeves of my Race to Stop MS T-shirt because there is no chance I am going to miss a Hans and Franz moment in front of 2 million spectators.

Sunday, November 6th, 5:40 am (Mount Kisco, NY) - I finished my bagel and peanut butter breakfast and I have popped my first 2 Imodium of the day. There will be no Greta Weitz moments for me today. I am dressed and ready to drive to the bus when the first crisis arises -- I cannot find my car keys. Sheepishly I woke Jill and told her my dilemma. After commenting "this is so typical of you" she said "don't worry, I'll drive you to the bus." Although time was now short I did have to patiently wait for Jill to brush her teeth before we left for the bus. All I wanted to say was "why do you have to brush your teeth in order to drive me three miles to the bus?" I am pacing, I am stressing and I am desperately trying to keep my mouth shut.

8:10 am (somewhere in Staten Island, NY) - After taking a route through New Jersey to get to Staten Island the bus gets caught up in a massive traffic jam. Some runners jump off the bus at the first opportunity. My 3 new bus friends and I decide to stick it out a little longer to see if the traffic will clear. After about 10 minutes more we decide the situation is getting worse so we ask the bus driver to let us off. Unfortunately he is now in the left lane and he refuses to open the door for safety reasons. At this point the remaining 7 or 8 runners are all screaming at the driver and insisting that he open the door. Finally when one of the female runners starts to cry -- that was the lubricant we needed. The doors swing open, we all bolt off and we started our trek to Fort Wadsworth (the initial staging area). I am not relaxed.

9:00 am ( Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY) - I arrive at the staging area where the runners with green numbers assemble. It is incredibly well organized and somewhat serene. There are UPS trucks lined up taking your numbered bag, and Dunkin Donuts is serving bagels and coffee. It's a little like Ellis Island, however, given the number of languages being spoken. I pop two more Imodium and wait to be called to the corral.

9:30 am (Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY) - The Wave 2 runners, of which I am one, are herded into a fenced-in corral adjacent to the Verrazano Bridge. I feel like a caged animal waiting to get slaughtered by the 26.2 miles ahead of me. We are stuck in this corral for more than 40 minutes but we do hear repetitive announcements that urinating on the bridge is unsanitary (really now) and may result in your disqualification. My plan was to run with the 4 hour Timex pace group and also with one of my running buddies, AJ. Regrettably in the mass of running humanity I can't find either of them. I am totally on my own. My anxiety level is peaking.

9:45 am (Verrazano Bridge, Staten Island, NY) - The gates open and the Wave 2 Green Corral runners make their way to the lower level of the Verrazano Bridge. As we are assembling, I realize that I have to pee for what is probably the 10th time this morning. Anticipating this, I carried with me onto the bridge an open mouth plastic quart container. The loudspeaker starts to play God Bless America and I make my move. I found a spot between 2 buses parked on the bridge, lowered my shorts and tried to do what should have come naturally. Well, talk about performance anxiety. We were already up to "through the night with the light from above" before things started flowing. By the time we were at "my home sweet home" the deed was done and I was ready to go. The gun went off, everyone cheered and I headed off into the abyss. About half way over the bridge a woman named Jill, who is from Pittsburgh, who I met in the corrals says hello. She was an experienced marathoner and she too said she is trying to break 4 hours. This was the guardian angel I needed. I start calling her JFP. She laughs and we start running together.

10:40 am (Mile 6, 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) - JFP is telling me her life story which includes the fact that her husband, who she is in the process of divorcing, has some horrible auto-immune disease (not ALS but something else I can't remember) and that she is a breast cancer survivor. All this is a little depressing and more information than I needed but she was all I had. The crowds were incredible, the weather was perfect and I was feeling strong so some sad life commentary was not going to bring me down.

11:25 am (Mile 11, Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) - A young woman tapped me on the back and said "thank you for running to support a cure for MS." She told me that she has MS and that she became an endurance athlete to keep her body strong. In a moment of weakness, I sensed my eyes swelling up with tears as she put her headphones back on and took off into the pack. I was super stoked and incredibly touched.

12:10 pm (Mile 15, Queensboro Bridge , Queens, NY) - This is where the race really begins as the runners have to climb the long and steep embankment of the lower level of the bridge in eerie silence. In order to pump myself up and to break the monotony of the sound of the pounding feet I decided to yell out "we are strong people!", "we are rocking this!" and also "look away from the walkers!" The runners near me cheered -- not sure how the walkers felt -- but after all, they were already walking.

12:30 pm (Mile 17, 75th Street and 1st Avenue, Manhattan) - The electricity from the crowds on 1st Avenue and my elation that the Queensboro Bridge is past is invigorating. JFP is desperately looking for her BF who told her that he was going to look for her on east side of 1st Avenue in the 70s. A huge out-of-towner mistake. This was simply not working for me. I thanked her and wished her luck and moved on alone.

12:50 pm (nearing Mile 19, 113th Street and 1st Avenue, Manhattan) - I am excited to finally see my enormous and enthusiastic cheering section in East Harlem . My wife Jill made one of the best signs on the course that I could clearly see from blocks away. My friend, Kenny D, who we nicknamed El Bloomito for his Mayor Bloomberg-like Spanish prowess he employed on our trip to Barcelona, had the funniest sign on the course -- "Steve L - Runno Like El Windo." I cracked up. I am feeling good and running strong.

1:00 pm (nearing Mile 20, Willis Avenue Bridge, Manhattan) - I am about 90 seconds behind schedule when I decide to pick up the pace. Almost immediately I get a painful stitch in my right side. The wheels are starting to come off. 3:59 is in serious jeopardy.

1:08 pm (nearing Mile 21, 138th Street, Bronx, NY) - I am passing the police station that was prominent in the movie, Fort Apache-The Bronx. The pain from the side stitch is starting to subside but I realize that my entire lower body is now aching. I pull out from my shorts 2 Advil gel caps wrapped in tin foil. My fine motor skills are not great on a good day - after 21 miles of running they are probably the equivalent of a relatively uncoordinated 3-year-old. It takes me three blocks to unwrap the tin foil and get my hands on the Advil. I pop the first one in my mouth and I almost choke swallowing it. For the next pill I decide I will accumulate as much saliva in my mouth as I can and then swallow the pill. After a couple of minutes and with the Advil juice starting to leak from the capsule I decide it is just not worth it and I spit the pill onto the street. I have capitulated on my 3:59 goal and I have moved on to Plan B - 4:14.

1:30 pm (Mile 23, 100th Street and 5th Avenue, Manhattan) - This is the Waterloo or graveyard of the race. Starting at 110th Street on 5th Avenue there is a moderate but relentless incline that lasts for an entire mile. Having past my cheering section again at 113th Street and 5th Avenue I told them that "everything f…ing hurts." This hill only exacerbated the pain. This time I watched in horror as runner after runner broke down and began walking or simply collapsed. There was no sarcasm emanating from my mouth this time around. The course is humbling me.

1:41 pm (Mile 24 - East Drive, Central Park, Manhattan) - I have entered Central Park at Engineer's Gate and I have only 2.2 miles to go. I have run these miles scores of times so I know exactly what to expect. Out of nowhere both my quadriceps start to severely cramp. These are not the type of cramps that you can just rub and they will go away -- these are the potential lock down and collapse type cramps. I am like WTF - this cannot be happening. I thought about collapsing or going to the medical tent for fluids and a massage. That seemed weak and lame. I told myself, after all, it was my idea to run a marathon and this is what happens so deal with it. Instead I begged and pleaded with my body not to fail me now. A "DNF" next to my name was not an option. I prayed to God.

2:15 pm (Mile 26 - Columbus Circle, Manhattan) - Somehow (it must be my clean living) my quads never locked down on me and all I have is 800 meters to go. The band is playing Born to Run and at this stage even if I collapse I can crawl to the finish. I had this elaborate Jersey Shore-ish finish line dance I wanted to do but that was before my body broke down on me. I have no desire to screw around.

2:18 pm (Mile 26.2 - Across from Tavern on the Green - Central Park, New York) - My eyes well up for the second time as I cross the finish line with no fanfare. My watch says 4:11. I never walked. I am so f….ing relieved it is over. I immediately think of a victorious but beaten and bloody Apollo Creed telling Rocky Balboa in Rocky I -- "there ain't going to be no rematch." The finishers are more catatonic than jubilant as they walk to get their medals and their bags that they left at the staging area 6 hours earlier. I get my bag and immediately call in for a Jets score. They are up 13-0. All is good.

3:15 pm (Amor Cubano, 113th Street and 3rd Avenue) - My post-race party is rocking and I am a celebrity when I walk in the door. I immediately put down a chilled tequila shot with a Corona chaser. I couldn't be happier. Jill and my friends congratulate me as I continue to put down multiple more shots. The bartender wants to take pictures with me. The Jets win. The perfect ending to a pretty adventurous and eventful day.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Since beginning the process back in June I have run 500+ miles in all types of conditions in order to survive this race. I raised almost $4,000 for MS and I met an incredible number of truly awesome people along the way including some very dedicated coaches who somehow convinced a bunch of novice runners that they can do this. Even though the race was more difficult than I could have imagined I would not trade the entire experience for anything. Thank you to all of my supporters for your tremendous support in so many ways.

-Steven L

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Dear to My Heart: NYC Marathon Takes on New Meaning with MTP

Coach Kari
(with Coach Todd in Background)

Up until this past Sunday, the 2005 NYC Marathon has always had the most meaning to me personally. It was the year I completed my first marathon and the day when my love for the sport of running began.  Okay, maybe not immediately after the race, but within a few hours. I remember looking at my mom as she began walking down the stairs into the subway post race as if she had just lost her mind and I remember sitting in the back of my car eating a full bag of cornbread from The Corner Bakery on the Upper East Side.

Of all the marathons I have run to date, I still have the most memories from NYC. I remember feeling like my world was over at the base of the Queensboro Bridge just to hear the roar of Manhattan once I finally made it over, screaming into my step-sister’s camera at mile 18 “I’M DYING” and faking my way through seeing my family at mile 23 just to begin my “I’ll walk/run at that tree” game through the park. I remember most the moment I finished and realized I had just found strength in myself I never knew existed.

Well, on Nov 6, 2011, it was the strength and sheer determination I witnessed in my friends and the NY Flyers Marahon Training Program (MTP) athletes that has made the 2011 NYC Marathon not only the most memorable but the most dear to my heart. This is the first year I cheered as a coach, which was distinctly unlike my experience any year before. Coach is a title I didn’t always know I wanted or deserved, but over the past 19 weeks in working with the amazing athletes of the NY Flyers MTP it has become a title I strive every day to live up to.

As I was leaving my apartment on race morning I had to stop for a moment to check the weather and make sure my favorite Flyer workout accessory wasn’t needed…my umbrella. It was then that I realized it was the PERFECT race day, it was the kind of day that PR’s get set – slightly cloudy with highs in the mid- to upper-50s. Wow, if anyone earned a perfect race day it was the NY Flyers MTP group who ran grueling speed workouts week after week in the rain.


So Many Rainy Runs for MTP that They Became a Blur

Coach Evelyn, Coach Todd and I decided to meet in Brooklyn and head over to mile 10 to watch the first wave of runners come through before trucking back into Manhattan and stationing ourselves at the corner where you enter 5th Avenue, just past mile 22. I saw a handful of MTP athletes at mile 10 – Bill H, Allison B, Coach Will, Mona S, plus more, and of course they all looked GREAT! At that point I think everyone was out too fast…blame it on the excitement and the weather since I knew it was not that they just weren’t following the race plan :)

Then on to Manhattan…. I have always said that mile 22 is where is the race begins as in it’s where it gets tough so I thought my very loud voice could be of good use at this point. The first Flyer I saw fly by was Bill H. I can’t miss his lean, tall build anywhere and he was working hard for that awesome 3:26 finish time. I got so excited in fact that I found myself with my hand over my mouth after screaming out for him to “#$%!ing fight for it!!” I had better stick to words like “great,” “strong” and plain ole “fight” to spare the children around me.


Bill H
Looking  #$%!ing  Strong!

Of course my $3.00 app had failed me and drained my phone so at this point my eyes were glued to the road awaiting who I thought would be the next runner. Dave S came next and looked strong, well on his way to finishing his first marathon in 3:21 – holy smokes! The next stream of runners were fast and furious and with each one I became more and more excited and emotional. Now I always say when the going gets tough in a race you should SMILE…easier said than done, but every Flyer I saw along the course did just that and it was so awesome to see. If you didn’t see me let’s just say I was intensely into this race, so much in fact I had a reporter ask me to do an interview about spectating the marathon and I looked at her and said “I’m watching for my athletes…no time!”


Another One of My Kids
-Bob C-
Complete with Smile :)

We all go into races with goals and expectations and when it all falls into place we end up just where we wanted to be and many of our Flyers did that just that. Sometimes the day isn’t perfect but we fight to the finish and that medal is our proof of our battle (well sometimes it’s our toes, feet, legs and other blistered/chafed areas). The marathon is a humbling distance and sometimes it wins and other days you win… it is just that challenge and uncertainty that seems to keep me coming back for more.

I was so proud watching so many of our MTP Flyers run the 2011 NYC Marathon, and it gives me great honor to be able to associate myself with this group. Congrats to all our runners…you guys are absolute ROCKSTARS in my book! Till next year…

- Kari S, NY Flyers MTP Coach, Coachkarismith@gmail.com

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