“I’ve learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement.
It’s a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.”
It took time and it took practice.
Running is kind of like that.
I am not a runner.
But I am starting to feel more like one with each heel strike to the ground.
I played club soccer (left wing for the Arlington,VA Lions).
I loved the beauty, form, and romance of it all.
I carried that thinking to all forms of movement and exercise for a long time.
I told myself and others that my body simply wasn’t built for running.
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally got moving.
More than a few things prompted me to throw on some sneakers and get going.
I lived close to the running/biking path that insets the West Side Highway, along the Hudson River.
There’s something about that stretch that just makes you want to be a part of it.
Sounds totally cheesy, but I swear it always seems like Lady Liberty is cheering you on.
I needed to clear my head.
I also needed a new goal.
Running is not easy.
It’s downright intimidating, especially if you haven’t done much of it in your life.
I used to think it was just for former high school track stars.
What the heck was I doing out there?
I must admit I gave up a few times.
But a voice in my head kept telling me “Do it for your dad.
Do it for your mom.
Do it for your sister.
Do it for yourself”.
The longest was the Annapolis 10-Mile Run on a blistering hot end-of-August day.
The event is mesmerizing.
There’s something about the New York City Marathon.
Like the pull of the path along the West Side Highway, you just want to jump in it.
Kafi Drexel is the Health & Fitness Reporter for NY1 News in New York City.
