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

[Easterkat]

Great post, Ryan. You now have a little of my money and a lot of my respect. Best of luck to you, and best wishes to your papa.

[Tinkerbellee]

I just made a donation at your site, but didn't see how/where I could leave a message like other donors did. No matter...
I think it's remarkable that you're pushing yourself to do something like this. Go for it Ryan - you CAN do it! A good friend of mine (50+) trained for and ran the NY Marathon for the first time last year, after being just a very occasional, short-distance jogger all her life. And she did it! It was not easy. But she also says it was one of the most awesome experiences of her life. I'll be rooting for you every step of the day.

[KCSunshine]

I was touched to read about your dad. Thinking of him during the tough final miles will give you strength to pull through.

A great way to honor him as you run is to wear a picture of him. http://www.races2remember.com makes personalized back bibs you can wear (just like your race number bib) during the race - they'll add a picture and tell why you are running and print them on waterproof paper.

Run strong!

[klaaspice]

"I run like a bastard all morning."

Ha ha ha ha... that's such a Canadian thing to say. Good for you Ryan! You`re making fellow Canadians proud.

[TRYKER]

That was beautiful Ryan, thanks so much. I'm proud of you already.
Be careful and take care of yourself. And good luck.

[Mulesinner]

You had me at bleeding nipples. ;-)

I just donated $100. Have a great time (perhaps an oxymoron when applied to a marathon). I hope you raise an enormous amount of money for this wonderful cause.

Cheers!

Allison

[Slaughter]

You'll be running for a few hours. Does Scarlett need an escort while you run? I can fly out from Phoenix. Here I am envious of you marrying her and then you go and do something noble like this. (My wife and I loved you in "Definitely, Maybe," too.)

[aOsO]

Good for you Ryan, best of luck.

[Jennifer]

Excellent; thanks for sharing! Good luck, and thanks for all the wonderful work you've done, too. :)

[booboo111]

GOOD LUCK, RYAN. BY THE WAY WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOUR BROTHER, THE CLOWN GOD WHEN HE ARRIVED HOME THAT EVENING? I'VE BEEN DYING TO KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Graz]

Best of luck to you and your dad, Ryan! I wish I could be back to running, but am now in the clutches of the University of Michigan Sports Med clinic for a torn meniscus. You've probably already been advised this, but to prevent the bleeding nipples, you can use those small round bandaids to cover them. Or a liberal application of vasoline can help tremendously. Vasoline also helps in the groin area to prevent chaffing. When it gets tough and you start to have those thoughts of just stopping, just remember to set a small goal, say to yourself , "I'll go to that next block", then, "Well, I'll go to that building I see in the distance" and little markers like that can help get past some of the psychological blocks that runners sometimes hit. Before long, you find yourself back in that zone.

[the34eagle]

My dad has suffered with MultiSystem Atrophy which is also known as Parkinson's Plus. He can not speak, or move most of his extremities. He also has a very tough time eating. I'm 22 and I can not remember a time when he wasn't 'sick'. Good luck Ryan, I know exactly what you are going through.

I am running the Men's Health Chicago Urbanathlon on October 18th in honor of my father as well to raise awareness for this disease. Our fathers may be trapped in their bodies but they wil be with us running every mile with us.

[clevelandchick]

Good luck with your race. Your dedication to your father is beautiful. All the best thoughts to you, your father and your family. I'll be thinking of you both, my birthday is October 18th and I'll make sure to raise a toast to your race and your father.

[UrbanAddictiondotcom]

What a great piece. Best of luck to you and your family, Ryan and of course congrats on your wedding.

[clevelandchick]

One of my good friends has Parkinsons. He's a brilliant witty man with a bit of the devil in him, that's probably why we get on so well. Before the disease got too difficult, he had his own computer consulting company, sat on I don't know how many foundations, served as director of non-profits, plus renovated a beautiful victorian with his partner and is an avid gardener and cook. The Parkinsons took all of that away, except the gardening. I think he'll die with a trowel in his hand.

After going through a myriad of medicines that worked for only a time; he finally had the very wild operation where they wired electrodes into his brain. The batteries are in his shoulders, you can see them. We call him the Bionic Man. This operation helped dramatically but there's no guarantee how long it will last or that it's a cure.

Thanks for doing this Ryan. I am tearing up right now that you would put yourself through the hell of a marathon for your father, Michael J. Fox, my friend and all of the Parkinson's victims out there. I'll donate some money and pass this onto friends and family.

[woodys]

Ryan--enjoyed your commentary on the upcoming NYC marathon. As a MJFF board member supporting Team Fox, I'll be there to cheer you on along with all the runners! I won't be running...God no, just cheering.

I want to thank you for what you are doing to both raise desperately needed to funds to find a cure for Parkinsons and for bringing increased awareness to this insidious disease! I wish you and your father good luck...I don't envy either of you, but admire you both! See you in NY--Woody S.