As you know, Superstorm Sandy tried to ruin the marathon. Even though New York City is still a disaster zone, the marathon is going to happen. I told myself that no matter what if they were going to hold the marathon then I was going to run. Then today, I started thinking of all the things that were working against me. My only friends going had to back out due to issues with their hotel. That meant I didn't feel comfortable taking ALL my kids. Not that I don't trust George because I absolutely do. However, THREE kids to one adult in New York City is not a good ratio, especially under the circumstances. So I decided to leave Ella and Jack back with my mom. Rather, THEY decided. They decided they rather stay home and go trick or treating on Saturday than go to the marathon. Understandable.
Even still, I started thinking about the safety of all of us. Would there be a place for us to get food? Even though our hotel is up and running a LOT of other places are NOT. Would the amount of people trying to get food at the open and available restaurants prove to be too much? What if I can't get a cab? What if I can't get to the island for the start? What if... What if... What if...
I seriously started to contemplate NOT going. I asked myself if it was worth it. All of this just for running. It didn't seem worth it to me. I wanted my "once in a lifetime" event. I wanted ALL my kids there to cheer for me. I wanted my friends that had to stay home in Pittsburgh. I wanted it to be the experience I had dreamed of.
Then suddenly I had an epiphany. No matter how difficult the situation is in New York, I will NEVER ,EVER regret going and running the Marathon. I know that. Whatever happens I will always be able to say, "That was the year I ran the NYC marathon after superstorm Sandy" I'd have my own special story. I mean, how many people can say they ran the NYC Marathon and how many people can say they ran it 5 days after a natural disaster?
My personal feelings are that the marathon should have been cancelled. I feel as though even if one resource has been pulled away form relief efforts to help in the efforts of the marathon then those resources have been used inappropriately. After I thought about it however, I realized that my staying away wasn't going to change anything. The marathon was still going to go on whether I was there or not. I struggled asking myself if by going I was condoning what was going on. I'm not sure, but I do know that NYC is the type of city that feels like, "the show must go on". If the powers that be decided the marathon was happening then by God I was going to participate.
And so there it is. Right or wrong, I'm going to New York City and I will run the Marathon on Sunday. I most certainly would have regretted staying home, of that I am certain, but I'll never regret the experience I will have on Sunday and that will be my very own "once in a lifetime".
I'm just trying to finish this little contest in the top 25. If you could take the time to click the link and then the thumbs up next to my blog name I'd be forever grateful. Here's the link... click here!
I know these contest don't really matter in the grand scheme of things, but the Type A in me can't finish in 27th place. Today is the LAST DAY to vote. Thanks friends!
I know these contest don't really matter in the grand scheme of things, but the Type A in me can't finish in 27th place. Today is the LAST DAY to vote. Thanks friends!
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