Sunday, November 05, 2006

STILL THE TORTOISE--I ran in the marathon in 5 hours, 18 seconds, coming in 29,684 out of 38,000

Over the years I have participated in many long distance charity bike rides. I've ridden from northern Westchester to Vermont and from Hartsdale to Washington DC. I almost always finish at the back of the pack. I have been given the name "THE TORTOISE" to highlight the fact that I'm slow but finish the event.
Today I tried the NY Marathon for the first time. In fact, this was the first time I ever ran more than 13.2 miles. I completed the race in 5 hours and 18 seconds. This will never appear in my resume! I finished 29,684 out of 38,648.
My brother in law - Michael Trenk - who persuaded me to give the race a try did much better. He came in 1032 out of 38,000 - completing the race in 3hours, two minutes and 51 seconds. He was about two minutes behind Lance Armstrong.
I also was a bit of klutz during the race. Close to the Central Park finish line - I missed a step and fell. I received some cuts. Fortunately, I have an excuse for my slow run so I don't feel that bad. I was not injured.
The race was a tremendous experience - a true life highlight. Participants enjoy the diversity of NYC -- we ran 26.2 miles through every borough in NYC. There was music from different neighborhood groups throughout the race. And, tremendous cheering from the spectactors throughout the run. I met runners from all over the world - from Japan, Latin America, Europe. I even spoke to a blind Japanese runner from Tokyo who was holding someone's hand while he ran. There were amputees running, a numer of disabled marathon runners. It was a great event. I encourage everyone who has a chance to participate in the run next year to do so.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Just think of it though, you finished a marathon quicker than the length of some the most recent Town Board meetings.

Now let’s get the other Town Board members running and maybe we will get them focused on what it means to achieve a goal.

We are very proud of you on your accomplishment.

Anonymous said...

Cool! Maybe the rec department would want to sponsor a springtime Greenburgh Marathon (or half-marathon) throughout the various neighborhoods of Greenburgh. It could be a fundraiser of some sort. I dunno. Just a thought that popped into my head.

Anonymous said...

Marathon running should be approached with care. Dont rush into it as the chance of serious injury is very high and you may never be able to run again especially if you are nearing 40. At minimum I would suggest a 2 year training period. Resist the push of running groups to get you to the marathon finish line. Cross training is also a good idea. Again, take you time.

Anonymous said...

oops - take your time.

Anonymous said...

Congrat's Paul. I think you beat Governor Huckabee who also ran the marathon. It's nice that the chief executive of Greenburgh was able to beat the governor of a state!

Anonymous said...

I admire anyone who gives it a try. I would never make it! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for wearing the anti Indian Point tee shirt during your race.