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A New York
Marathon Experience
Being an amputee is a challenge, a new
start to a somewhat different lifestyle.
Running, jumping, walking, or even just
standing can be a great task to perform
compared to an able-bodied individual.
The New York City Marathon never ever
occurred to me, it wasn't even a thought
at the back of my mind, until I met a
representative from the Achilles Track
Club. I was later asked to be one of nine
runners to represent South Africa at the
New York City Marathon. Not knowing what
to expect we arrived at John F. Kennedy
airport and were met by the Ambassador
from the South Africa Embassy, who had two
vehicles that transported us to the Hotel
Carter organized by Achilles.
After meeting with Adrienne Cooney, the
organizer and Dick Traums right hand lady
everything fell into place and among the
functions we attended the thought of the
marathon lingered on my conscience. I'm
still very active and participate in a lot
of sports, but marathon is a whole new
ball game, the ultimate test of strength
and endurance.
The morning was cold and windy the
start was incredible and the cannon was
loud, I had about a thousand butterflies
in my stomach! Off I went with my four
running guides and my South African flag
flying high on my back. I felt strong, on
top of the world the crowds were crazy,
little kids holding their hands out for
high fives, chanting my name as it was
written on my shirt and calling out
Achilles. The first ten kilometers were a
breeze even up to twenty was fine I was
doing fine and my runner's guides were
amazing with their help.
With about eight miles to go, I hit the
wall, both my hamstrings cramped up at the
same time. I felt as if my legs were about
to collapse on me just when I thought
nothing else could go wrong, a pin in my
prosthesis broke which allowed my foot to
swivel to my disbelief. Every mile after
that I had to stop and fix it temporarily,
with my guides at my side all the time. It
started to get dark and colder going down
5th Avenue.
We eventually reached central park with
two miles to go my legs were about to give
in but not me, that's when I realized what
Achilles is all about! It's about mental
strength and the ability to overcome
hurdles placed before you in life, some
higher than others have but all can be
accomplished. A lump grew bigger and
bigger in my throat as I neared the finish
line, camera's were flashing and the
crowds were still as wild as ever, a
slight tear rolled down my cheek as I
completed the New York Marathon. My time
was 06:53.14sec and I enjoyed every last
minute of it.
Thank you, Achilles
Charles McEwan
South Africa
For more info on the New York Marathon:
http://www.nyrrc.org
Achilles Track Club
http://www.achillestrackclub.org
Pictures supplied
by the New York Marathon Web site and The
Achilles Track Club
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