Today the annual New York City marathon is held in New York, going through
the 5 boroughs of the Big Apple. Of course this brings back nostalgic memories
when I took part in the race three times, in 1985, 1986 and 1987. It all
started when a parishioner asked me if I wanted to participate in the marathon,
because he got the official number, but could not go. So, without any training
and with no idea what running 26 miles and 385 yards meant, I was on the
starting line-up with 30,000 other athletes. Of course I walked all the way to
the end, but successfully finished and received the medal, which I treasure.
Two more medals later I retired from running, and even though I did not win the
race, I always cherish the immortal words of Pierre Rene de Coubertin, the
founder of the Olympic Games...’ the important thing is not to win, but to participate.’
Orlando Pizzolato, the winner took home $100,000 and a Mercedes Benz, but I
took with me many happy and precious memories.
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