Morning Bloggers! A marathon in concept is so simple. 26 miles, 385 yards and although at times it may seem like it will never come, there is a finish line. However, the marathon is anything but simple and in this new blog I will discuss some of the many challenges surrounding this year's New York City Marathon.
Let me start by saying that I love to run. If you have read my posts in the past, I hope that is obvious. However, I hate drama and their is some SERIOUS drama surrounding New York this year.
In case anyone didn't notice, a hurricane blew through the area throughout the day on Monday. In reality, we were spared from the worse of the storm. The damage done in New Jersey and New York was extreme at best. The pictures and stories I have heard and seen have reminded me that life is precious and you have to appreciate every day. I'm also reminded of the strength of this nation to come together after a tragedy of this size. In times like these, it doesn't matter that the Yankees play in New York and the Giants in New Jersey. We are all humans and are driven to help those in need.
In the wake of this hurricane is the NYC marathon. An event that has taken place over the past 42 years. Each marathon develops it's own character and although I have never run New York, I have heard of the beauty of the course and the tremendous support of the people of New York. In times such as these, New York has shown how resilient it can be. Just look at 9/11. Marathons are a wonderful time for not just the runners but for the fans. It gives runners and spectators the chance to come together to celebrate a huge accomplishment and for a city or town to show its pride. On top of that, marathons help drive up the economy. Even small town marathons have a major impact on the region, never mind one the size of New York.
In recent days, I have followed updates on the New York City Marathon webpage and various facebook pages. I have watched anxiously to see if they would even put on the event. I woke up Wednesday morning with the impression that this hurricane had come at the worse possible time and that I would not get the chance to run. I even when to the extremes to search out other marathons happening in the next few weeks so that I could make the most of my training. My worries were put to rest Wednesday afternoon when the NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, announced the marathon would go on as planned. New York resiliency at its finest. The marathon was on but the drama was just beginning.
People began flooding the various NYC marathon facebook pages with posts of anger and discuss with the Mayor's decision. People went to the extent to write what felt like novels on these pages. So many people writing that they would not run on principle so as not to drain the city even further of resources (I would like to think everyone involved with the marathon thought of this at great length). The notes of disapproval spread and people even began making judgements on those who decided they would run. I have read more than a few posts calling runners "elitist" and saying that it's "shameful" we decided to run. So many posts from people I never and hopefully will never meet.
I would like to simply just ignore all this hate. A marathon is a time of celebrations as I mentioned before but I'm truly concerned. People have shown in the past how far they can carry threats and yes I do consider these posts threats. It only takes one insane person to decide they are going to prove a point on marathon Sunday.
I will run on Sunday and I have the utmost respect for those who decided not to but let's remember we are all human beings. We differ in opinions and that's okay but at the end of the day we are still human. I believe that by going down to run New York, I am helping to rebuild in a small way. Myself and four other people will be traveling to the city that never sleeps and giving to the economy. We will spend close to $1,500 in a city that clearly needs help and I have contributed to the Red Cross fund. Is it wrong for me to run? I don't believe so. Marathoners sacrifice so much of themselves for one day. Five months worth of training, thousands of miles and one day to celebrate it all.
I just hope that everyone keeps things in perspective Sunday and that we all remember how precious life truly is.
Thanks for reading.
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