When I wrote this a few months ago, I intended it to be a one-off appreciation of the New York City Marathon — the way it boils down sport, human nature and the complications of this city to something simple, pure and moving.
Turns out that was just Part One of what will be a three-post series. Last month, I registered to run the 2012 New York City Marathon. It will be my first marathon and most definitely not my last.
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But Why?
1. In the name of fun. Doing new things, running more miles, seeing more of New York City’s trails, sidewalks and parks during the next few months of training.
2. It helps a great cause. Each runner must raise at least $3,000 for the charity of his or her choice. The organization I’m affiliated with is The YAI Network, which provides a full range of health and human services to people of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities and their families.
3. Just because. Between staring at a computer screen all day to succumbing to the fast-approaching onset of domesticity, I feel like I’m emotionally and mentally aging by a year or two each week — I’ve come to grips with the fact that the fun is over. But physically, I feel younger every day. I’ve gone from 170 pounds and 22 percent body fat in high school to 170 pounds and one-fifth that body fat at present. But my midwestern masochism knows I can do better. Thus, a new challenge.
I signed up alongside two of my co-workers: Tim, who is challenging himself to run the 26.2 after quitting smoking earlier this year, and Mitch, who completed the San Francisco Marathon several years ago and is looking for a challenge on the opposite coast. Use the links above to make donations toward Tim’s and Mitch’s goal. If you’d like to donate in my name, you can make a contribution here.
