As you might have heard, the 2012 ING New York City Marathon was cancelled. For the runners, it was obviously disappointing and inconvenient. Although there has been widespread criticism of every decision from the mayor and race director's lips, I can safely say that despite how you might feel about the process of getting to the final decision, the correct one was made. As with viewing many disasters and life altering events in retrospect, there clearly were misjudgments and hasty decisions that came back to haunt the leaders during this disaster. In the biggest theater, the directors had the greater good of the people of New York City in mind but delivered a show that was spotty and ultimately received poor reviews from the critics.
As the 2012 ING New York City Marathon neared and the behemoth storm Sandy approached the east coast in the week prior to the race, my physical preparation was ending and the mental preparation for both the joy and pain presented by a marathon and specifically by the NYC marathon was underway. This was my first NYC marathon (and fifth overall) and I was told by all that this would be the running experience that I would always remember. The crowds would be deep, diverse and New York City-style "in your face." My friend and running partner who had made this trip possible and I were going to take this one on straight ahead. How could I not take take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to push my physical limits in the intense atmosphere of the legendary NYC Marathon?
And despite early indications of trouble, I made my way northward to run the race, as I believed it was the right thing to do. "Follow through and finish what you start" is a mantra that probably drives a good many marathoners and so I did. However, as the magnitude of the storm's impact grew, so did the volume of my inner voice (and all my buddies' voices via email) asking me if I was running. After New York Road Runners' CEO Mary Wittenberg, now frequently referred to by many as Marie Antoinette Wittenberg and Mayor Michael Bloomberg's pronouncement that the race was on, the finish line and celebration were definitely my focus. I was on my way but the doubts that were present from the first hints of the storm's impact remained with me and could definitely not be checked plane-side at the airport. U2's Bono's lyrics to Running to Stand Still started to transform themselves before my eyes.
As news of disaster and pain spread via channels such as social media and conversations in the airport, I had to fight my selfish instincts to plow forward and instead step back and view the bigger picture. It was becoming clear that the race was not a good idea for anyone. These reflections provided even more mixed emotions about running and "getting in the way" but I thought the local race leaders and politicians would make the right call. They might deliver a hearty, "run the race and help the area recover" or it might be a "thanks for trying but stay home." To my relief, the cancellation was mercifully announced but questions remained for citizens and runners alike. Was the pursuit to complete the race mere folly, especially in the face of the hardship and suffering in the area? Many of my friends and relatives offered empathy in response to not getting to experience my first New York City Marathon. But really, how could one respond to words like that? In the big picture, pursuits of athletic achievement and reward pale in comparison to the more important pursuit of helping those in need.
There will be a race next year. The 2013 New York City Marathon will again be a celebration of athletic achievement. New Yorkers, citizens of the running community and the world alike will survive, adapt, move on and again enjoy the special race that is the New York City Marathon.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Autumn: Running to stand still
With a web of mixed emotions, my 5th official marathon and my first NYC marathon looms this Sunday (11/5). I'll be wearing bib #28621 and I'll be updating this blog with pictures from all over New York City. I love spending time in NYC and this weekend will surely be bittersweet. Let's keep in touch. - BC
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