Why I'm Running the New York City Marathon

A couple of years ago, I walked uptown to Central Park on one of those perfect November days. The air had a bite to it while the sun shone bright. It was the day of the New York Marathon and I thought it might be fun to watch the runners nearing the finish line. So, I joined the crowd about a half-mile before the race's end at Tavern On The Green. With my arms resting on the cold cordon, I saw an incredible spectacle of people pushed to the very brink of collapse. I expected exhaustion, but what I didn't expect was to see just how much these runners had to EARN their prize. It was emotional. The pain was etched into their faces so deeply, you'd swear they'd spend the next 3 weeks looking like Abe Vigoda. I saw guys coming in to finish with bleeding nipples. Why in the hell were their nipples bleeding? People were crying. People were limping, hobbling, screaming, crawling. But most importantly, people were experiencing a sublime rapture that I couldn't even hope to understand. They were touching something magical no stalk-still mortal simply watching the race could comprehend. These people had accomplished something real. At that moment, with all the energy, inspiration and passion swirling through the crisp autumnal air, I breathed in deeply and decided something: I'd never fucking do that ever, ever. What in the fuck were these idiots thinking? Bleeding nipples. Bleeding. Nipples.

Two years later, by some tragic backwards prophecy, I find myself signed up to run in the New York City Marathon. Every other day I train. I run like a bastard all morning. Not since the discovery of Junior High School has a torture been so effective. Why on earth would I willfully do this? On behalf of my Father, Jim Reynolds, who's spent the last 15 years in a life or death struggle with Parkinson's Disease.

Let it be known at the outset, I am not a runner. I am a running joke. Waking up at 4:30 am and jogging anywhere from 11 to 23 miles has been nothing short of horrifying. Although, I've never given birth to a professional basketball player through one of my tear ducts, I can't imagine a worse way to start the day. Conversely, some people have real problems. I digress...

A year and a half ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Michael J. Fox. Like so many before me, I found it impossible not to be touched by his story of overwhelming strength, passion and relentless commitment to help those afflicted with this insidious disease. The man is inspiration exemplified. Plus, he was in Back To The Future. Which was, well, awesome. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, I offered to do something big for him--I offered to compete in the New York City Marathon. Which was, well... dumb.

While I'll probably never fully understand Michael's struggle, I've had a first hand peek behind the curtain of Parkinson's. I've watched my father -- a strong and proud person who successfully raised 4 arguably insane children - slowly, cruely stripped of his independence. His golden years robbed without explanation. It quite obviously sucks. Witnessing my Dad suffer over the years galvanized my need to step up. On November 2nd, I'll join thousands of other men and women to march in lockstep solidarity toward searing psychic pain and physical humilation.

One of the reasons I chose RUNNING specifically, was because (as Murakami so eloquently put it) my competition is the most formidable foe of all; ME. The person I have to beat is the guy I was last week. The person I was yesterday. Indescribably worse, those affected by Parkinson's wage a similar war in their own bodies every single day. Unlike a marathon, their struggle won't end in a shallow pool of vomit just outside Tavern On The Green while waiting for an ambulance. They continue day in and day out, silently battling away in the most personal of struggles.

Yes. I'm asking for a donation. I don't do this with any degree of levity. I know we're in rough times and there are literally millions of causes worthy of your hard earned cash. It's my hope the story of my father combined with my own goal of becoming the first person in history to sob uncontrollably for 26.2 miles straight, may inspire you to give something too.

Please know that NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL - and certainly, no donation is too large. And If you don't give anything at all, maybe I've primed you for a future donation in someone else's name. For someone else's cause.

If you visit the site below, you'll be directed to my page on the Team Fox Website. Michael's foundation has raised over 100 million dollars in the fight against PD. On my page you can leave a personal note of support or mockery along with your donation.

In the end, no matter how much I mythologize this run, no matter how much I choose to romanticize this campaign against my own will, lungs and ambition... there's always going to be that guy who finished the marathon on a pair of prosthetic legs. And there'll always be my Dad. And Michael. And Millions of others who bounce back off the ropes against all odds. So, I promise I won't congratulate myself too much.

Finally, if you happen to be in New York on November 2nd, come down and watch. Feel free to bring a smile, automated defibrillator, or a fresh set of nipples.

Click here for my Team Fox page

On behalf of Me, my Father, and everyone struggling with Parkinson's, our endless gratitude.

Comments

[podet12]

Congratulations Ryan -- I had the pleasure of also running the marathon yesterday and happened to run right past Mr. Fox as he was cheering on his runners. It was wonderful to see the support that he and others were providing for those running to raise awareness and money for parkinson's. As your goal was accomplished yesterday, I hope that Mr. Fox will someday soon accomplish his. Best wishes to you and all of those who ran for Team Fox.

[TheLimey]

Congratualations on completing the race, it was a good day yesterday, now you can write about not being able to walk downstairs tomorrow

from runner 42893

[WelshOne]

You wrote: "Indescribably worse, those affected by Parkinson's wage a similar war in their own bodies every single day. Unlike a marathon, their struggle won't end in a shallow pool of vomit just outside Tavern On The Green while waiting for an ambulance. They continue day in and day out, silently battling away in the most personal of struggles." That is exactly right. I was diagnosed eleven years ago at 38yo and as you know from your own family's experience, my life will only continue to become more challenging as time goes on. I know that eventually I will lose the silent battle. But for now I'm doing what I can to keep myself in the fight. My children expect that of me. And I of them.

Thank you for your dedication to the MJFF efforts to find a cure. I'm more grateful than I can say.

[VictoriaMck]

Congratulations to you - I'm training for a marathon as well (#2 - couldn't get enough of the first! Sick, huh?) and know all too well the work in training - I commend you on doing this for your dad (my deepest sympathy to you) and Michael J Fox (yes, "Back to the Future" rocked!). There is no BETTER reason than giving back to another. You will have a donation from me, and you definitely have my respect! Best of luck and enjoy crossing that finish line - it's a feeling like none other!!!!!!!!!!

[PeterGay]

I used to be a runner -- in my golden years. Oh, how I remember those days [ :-)]. I ran 5 marathons along with many, many half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks plus anything in between. And, of course, I had to train for every run I participated in. It's horrible! Ah, but the feeling to run (or crawl) across the finish line... invaluable! (I was going to say "priceless" but that's been said already too much).

Anyway; the cause is a great cause and it should make the training easier, not painless but easier. Good luck Ryan, I live in New York, I will be among the crowd. So, please remember, the guy shouting "Go, Ryan GO!!!" it will be me; I have a Spanish accent -- I was born in Mexico... just in case some people wonder: I'm a US citizen now, he, he...

One other thing to remember, Ryan, whether at mile 3 or at mile 25 and a half, if you are not wearing your T-shirt (you can pin your number to your [short] shorts), you will look A-MA-ZING nonetheless. You are sexy but you are sexiER without your tank top (besides, without your top your nipples will not be in danger to bleed.)

Good luck and thanks for running,
Peter Trevino
New York

[alieninvader]

Yeah, and what does that have to do with Sarah Palin? Just kidding. I am also a horrible runner and I fantasize about running a marathon, especially for such a good cause. Best of luck to you.

[DieHardObamaSupporter]

Wow, how noble. You warmly touched my heart and at the same time made me laugh. Will be sending a donation your way in honor of your father, Mr. Fox and others suffering with this debilitating disease. Wishing you success in bringing more awareness to your cause and Good Luck with your run. Consider some bandaids for the nipples:)

Btw: Congrats to you and Scarlet on your recent nuptials.

[kevingiampa]

And If you don't give anything at all, maybe I've primed you for a future donation in someone else's name. For someone else's cause.

You did. Touching and very funny. Good luck. Back to the Future is, indeed, awesome.

[danielsadicario]

Hey Ryan,

"How to Keep Nipples From Bleeding During a Long Run or Marathon"

http://www.ehow.com/how_2152756_bleeding-during-long-run-marathon.html

good luck

[DuchessOfReddington]

removal of nipple rings should be FIRST, not last!

ha!

[Contrapuntist]

Ryan, thanks for this story. With all the negativity in the political arena, it was finally nice to read something that made both laugh and frown.

See, I too understand what it is like to see a family member whither away from Parkison's, the disease killed my grandmother. It is nice to see how you challenging yourself to against your natural will of sitting (I'm guessing here).

Thanks for a inspiring me on day when I didn't think it was possible. Cheers and happy training!!

[Kitsilano]

Hi Ryan,

Best of luck to you with the marathon. Sorry to hear about your dad. You were a great person when we went to school together, and this quality has followed you with all of the success you've had. Congrats on getting married.

Take care,

Nicole

[rektruax]

Of course Ryan's woman reads this post and says...

Ah, exactly WHO is "Nicole"?

[avicenna]

This cause is double fortunate to have you bring awareness to it and the need for the scientific research community to be supported in finding solutions to the plethora of problems we all have to struggle through. To ensure that both the money and training for research is maintained at a level to meet the needs of a progressive society, we have to implement a gov't whose policies support science education and literacy. In Canada, that would be the Liberal party (for the upcoming Oct. 14th elections) and in the US, 61 Nobel prize winners have thrown their support behind Barack Obama. Good luck, Ryan, and thank you for the inspiration.

[Eric8869]

If Ryan was running in front of me with his shirt off - I think I could actually do the marathon!

Seriously - what a great thing to do. My Grandmother died a slow agonizing death due to Parkinson's disease. It really is horrible. We need more research.

Run on Ryan!

[hulaedwyn]

Run, Ryan, Run! Your article is both hilarious and touching. I hope you'll write more for HP. I'll be donating to this great cause, and some friends and I be waving a sign for you around mile 8. And I will keep hoping Hollywood comes up for a great script for you because you deserve it!!!

[Katie Hood - Huffpost Blogger]

Ryan – Thank you so much for being part of our team and running not only for your Dad but for the many many people out there who live with PD as part of their lives! Together we’re going to beat this disease.

Katie Hood
CEO, Michael J. Fox Foundation