NYC Marathon 2023

I have known Rod Dixon for about 13 years, since he was Head Coach of the Los Angeles Marathon training program, the LA Road Runners.  He has always been there for me, as a mentor, coach and friend.  I recall him handing me some Gatorade, while struggling through my first 20-mile training run, in 2012.  I’ve completed numerous marathons since then. 

Over a year ago, I mentioned my interest to Rod, regarding running the New York Marathon.  It appears to be a near impossible task to qualify, or get in from the lottery.  And everyone around the entire world seems to love the New York Marathon.  Rod had the answer.  I was honored to help raise money for Rod Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON.  A great program, which I have volunteered to help with, years ago, when it was in Los Angeles. And I was excited to be a part of his team, going to New York.

I looked at the NYC marathon as a training run.  I confess, even though I have won races with the Special Olympics, this one was for fun.  And my training matched that.  Current LA Road Runner Coach, David Levine sent me a schedule.  But with all the fun groups which I enjoy running with, I pretty much enjoyed whatever they were doing.  In addition, I built on some extra volume, as the season progressed.

The city of New York is so beautiful. The course is fun. I thought that it would snow or rain during the NYC marathon.  But it was just cold and sunny.  In the Bronx, there were a lot of people cheering. Brooklyn was so crowded as well. And in Manhattan, at the finish line, there were so many people, it was like a parade.  For me, the NYC Marathon was a wonderful tour of New York, while running and walking.

After I finished, I walked in Central Park.  My thoughts, amid the crowds, drifted to my beautiful medal.   I’m glad I kept the pace, and performed well.  But now, I can tell my children and grandchildren; I ran the NYC marathon 2023.  Heck, I am from New York.  In the past, I dreamt of running the NYC marathon.  And thanks to Rod and his KiDSMARATHON, I did it!