Who Said New Yorkers aren't Friendly

NYC this weekend was my 10th marathon, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this whole experience, namely the volunteer and fan support





Since I'm a diehard Washingtonian, I'm partial to the MCM and the National Marathons.  But I have to admit, that NYC has now become my favorite.

Yes, DC, you are still the most runner-friendly city in the world, but the Marathon experience in NYC is like no other.  Nothing compares to it.  If you are a marathoner (what is that?), you should try it before you croak.

The fan support was almost continuous (with the exception of the bridges, of course).  And with people cheering, I felt almost no pain.  No cold, only hospitality.

NYC Marathon

NYC -- an amazing place; The Marathon -- an amazing race

NYC is an incredible place to visit and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of all 5 buroughs and to meet the warm and exciting people from the city and all around the world.

And today, I got to see all that by running through all 5 beautiful buroughs back-to-back. It was one of the most incredible moments this year, of my life, and it was the greatest marathon I've ever experienced, by far.

New Yorkers love the marathon like they love the Yankees, the Giants and the Jets, and they came out in droves to cheer and holler for all of us, locals or not.

And the band support was incredible -- all 120 of them including the Japanese Taiko drummers and a dance marathon with all the runners dancing to the beat of Y-M-C-A in beautiful Brooklyn.

I didn't get a best time, not even close, as I soaked in the crowd, but I scored a medal -- Bronze for my 10th Marathon.

I'm so glad No. 10 was NY -- Nothing comes close to the appeal.  And if I could only do one marathon, this would be it!

I made many friends here, and yes, I'll surely be back.  In fact, I've already registered for next year.

"Something" NYC

Refreshing Central Park

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There's nothing like running in Central Park.  A place where you run unfettered and free from life's worries.  A place where running no longer seems a chore but a story -- full of dreams and relished childhood memories given a new lease of life and ready to roam free like the wild ones do.

Bike New York

Today, I did it -- biked all 5 boroughs of New York, yes all 42 miles with 30,000 cyclists riding car free through the highways, byways and city streets of this Awesome city.

It's a relatively ride (lots of stop and go) through Manhattan, The Bronz, Queens, Brooklyn and yes, Staten Island.

Yes the gorgeous, monumental views of NYC appearing over my handlebars.

 -- Incredible experience.  Jim met me the night before as I spent the night sleeping in my car in Staten Island.  And the finish festival was fantastic at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.  Then I drove to Brooklyn to have dinner at Medgar Evers College -- doing the prep work for my Boss to speak there tomorrow -- What a wonderful experience and an inspiring message he delivered.  Great weekend -- met with family -- saw NY City from my 18-speed hybrid, and participated in a great event laced with a wonderful message of inclusion and inspiration.