Today my friend abronxturtle ran his 12th marathon in a year in an effort to raise money for the Dream Team. A group of runners who raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. He posted this on his facebook page:
22 in. And here’s Mount Sonofabitch. 59th street bridge. – J. Kolinsky
What is remarkable to me is not that fact that he ran well over 314.4 miles this year. It was way more than that this year because he trained, ran half marathons, 5 and 10ks, and did numerous fun runs. I am not amazed that he ran 3 marathons ALONE without help, support, fan cheering or anyone to meet him at the finish line (okay, that’s a lie I am COMPLETELY AMAZED!). What is remarkable to me is he just decided to to this incredible task and so he did it.
Lots of people make New Years Resolutions and peter out around January 2. They lose momentum. Joe didn’t. He kept going. During these past 12 races he lost a tooth, sprained an ankle, ran with the Elvis’, defeated by Hurricane Sandy, ran hills like a roller coaster, bled, was bruised and batter, yet he still did it. He ran all those marathons just like he said he would. He never quit and if anyone had the right to it was him. He kept going because he told his daughter he would and he doesn’t like to let her down.
I have learned a lot from him over the years I have known him. I have learned from his mistakes and his success.
So Joe, now that you have ran 12 marathons in 12 months, what are you going to do? Oh right…going to Walt Disney World to run the Goofy. Congratulations my friend, you deserve a vacation in Walt Disney World, a medal and all the best.
You deserve to feel groovy.
Related articles
- The Hardest Mile I’ve Ever Run (backofthepacker.wordpress.com)
- Marathon #9: Another Self-Inflicted Marathon Through Central Park (backofthepacker.wordpress.com)
Musings of The Edmonton Tourist 
Run, Joe, Run! What a champ! I’m in the quitter’s boat most years. I definitely start out with lofty goals for the new year and then sputter out sometime shortly after!
Lol I sputter out too. Only this year I attempted 52 new things and achieved them! Running a 10k will be my 2012 goal…yikes. I feel like such a pansy after Joe ran 12 marathons!
Robyn, I read this while sitting in my cubicle at work. You made me tear up. Had to run to the men’s room like I was going to check my makeup. LOL. Seriously though: I truly appreciate all of your support and friendship!!!!!
I appriciate yours as well! Congratulations Turtle, You can get waterproof mascara now so you won’t have to runn to the little boys room next time 🙂