NYC Marathon Recap

For those few of you who may have missed the news, I joke, here we go.

OK, I will admit I can sit and watch an entire marathon, as I just did. Most may think it’s like watching paint dry or like a four-hour one-to-nothing baseball game, but I won’t go there. I watched the entire New York City marathon this past Sunday, and it was captivating.

As some of you may have read, my last marathon was a struggle, which created doubts for future ones. But, doubt no more, I absolutely cannot wait for my next marathon after watching the NYC trek. I am so grateful the stimulation to try again came flooding back so soon after my problematic jog.

To catch you up on a few things you may have missed in the NYC Marathon:

1. The winners, both the woman and man, looked anything but smooth as runners. Neither looked like running came naturally, and from the start, I thought they were struggling with no chance of even finishing, let alone winning. But, boy, was I wrong? It gives hope to everyone that gets self-conscious about how they look. It is not how one does it; achievers just do it and find a way.

2. The elite runners could not hang with me. I jest, but there is the truth behind it. You see, they spend about two hours plus a little change out on the course. Who couldn’t stay focused for that long, I ask? As for me, it’s five hours plus. Even longer than a baseball game, that is a significant challenge to focus on the task at hand. I and others who spend half their day out on the course are indeed the elite ones! Ha

3. Molly Seidel, the American who won a bronze medal in the Summer Olympics, finished fourth and set an American record for the NYC marathon. Impressive enough, but the crazy news is she did it with two broken ribs. Need I say more? It’s why I do not complain (too much) when I have a blister or slight cramp out on the course; there is always someone worse off than me.

The next time one goes to take on a project, remember the lessons of sport:

1. There are no naturals, but all have different gifts. Ultimately, winning comes from hard work and dedication.

2. Staying with the process, no matter how long, is the key to achievement.

3. Any complex undertaking involves some pain, mental, physical, or both; but the end is worth it when you give all you got.

Finally, reading and watching “The Best” like NYC marathon winners Albert Korir and Peres Jepchirchir are the inspiration I needed to get the Eye of the Tiger back to do it again. “Game On!”

The Success Trail, in which I proudly say the 5-Star reviews keep coming, is now available.