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.
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It's inspiring to read about other people racing for a cure. I'm training for a marathon in order to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in memory of a co-worker who recently passed away. I'm up to 14 miles now (out of 26.2) and only $2,000 away from my fundraising goal. Check out http://pag
Hey Ryan,
As a teacher diagnosed at 42, I hope the Parkinson's disease in your family stops with your father. Patients are trying to organize a campaign to encourage electronic record keeping and genetic testing. Google co-finder Sergey Brin has discovered he has a familial gene mutation which may increase his chances of getting Parkinson's. His wife and others have started a genetic testing company called: 23 and Me.
Not to alarm you, many of us are the only ones in our family to have Parkinson's disease, but encouraging patients to participate in electronic data collection is the way to go for urgency in identifying causes and treatments, and in predicting who might get it. Then those who do have the gene mutation, may never have to actually suffer this cruel disease. I'm hoping that will become part of your message.
As a teacher, I am only going to lecture you on one more point.. Parkinson's is not just a movement disorder. It creeps throughout mind and body, inside and out, stiffening and slowing one down everywhere. Patients can only hope they don't look as badly as they feel.
I'm glad you opened your mouth to Mike and got yourself involved. He has a certain charm....:
Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Two words for you.....
"Keep Going"!
Ryan, thanks for sharing your pain, and a reason to be inspired & involved. Best of luck in the race and with your father. We'll give what we can.
And keep writing for HuffPo. Love your sense of humor.
Heya Ryan,
Don't know if anyone else has mentioned it, so I will. Congratulations on your
recent wedding!! Being a Vancouver Islander, it was tough not to notice, and
we invite you and your bride to Cowichan Bay if you're ever back here looking
for a quiet weekend! We got nice fishing too, and it's free...
But seriously, marriage is a marathon of it's own, with the same kind of
hard work and hopefully the same rewards. The Missus seem's like a
sweet girl, and you've got lots to be proud of for yourself, you seem to
be a kind and reasonable person in a most unkind profession.
Good luck with the marriage, and the marathon! And for God sakes,
don't bleed through your nipples in front of the wife, you could end up
on the couch for a few nights after seeing something like that!!
d.
No, d, I think Scarlett would be more likely to get a cool damp washcloth and the tube of neosporin, not boot him to the barcaloung
Good for you, Ryan! My father also suffered from Parkinson's disease before he died 10 years ago. Best wishes to you for the marathon -- we will be cheering you on from afar. And special best wishes to you and your bride: may you enjoy many years of love, health, happiness and prosperity!
Inspiratio
I'm no runner either (and just turned 40) and it's not nearly as much a sacrifice, but and I 'm running my first 5K next weekend. I'm doing it in honor of my new daughter, who I'm glad to see will grow up in a world where people still give a damn. Who knows, maybe a half marathon next year? Thanks Ryan.
Maybe you could borrow that sweet Van Wilder golf cart for miles 12-23. Good Luck!
Ryan,
There is a great script called 95 North that has Wendy Finerman (Forrest Gump) attached to produce. You could be great in the part. I also ran the NYC Marathon in 1998. Great accomplishment. Good luck.
Ryan, you sorry bastard!!!
I feel for you... after 6 months on a new job, I can finally run (non-stop) the 3 blocks between my office and the bus stop every night. It SUCKS!!
I'm glad there are people like you to do this kind of thing for people like me... sitting back and contributing online is much more fun. :)
I'm the cheapest girl alive, single-mom, barely making the rent, yadda yadda yadda... so if I can scrape up something, so can everyone else who reads your letter.
Best wishes!!!
Brenda
Minneapolis, MN
Ryan, I think this is a great article and I admire you for doing this. My Dad has PD as well so I know what you are talking about. I will gladly donate to your cause and wish you the best of luck.
And congrats on your wedding :)
very impressive and ambitious. hilarious post.
for the nipples, a tri-athete and i experimented for his benefit and came up with moleskin - that supersticky padded stuff. it's brilliant, but place it once and don't move it or peel it off or it'll fall off when you perspire. and for everything else, take lots of warm soapy bubble baths!
good luck, you have my support & donation.
A good cause has a way of bringing people together. Your footprints will not be forgotten. Thank you from all those your actions benefit.
I am more determined than ever to stay healthy. Not the Madonna way and nothing expensive. Good sense, fresh veggies, less carbs and exercise.
For Ryan, I will find a way ( no more Starbuck coffee) to make that donation.
It's been more than 10 years since I ran NY (Boston 1996 was my final Marathon), but here are a few tips to make the trip easier:
1. Put strips of trainers white tape across your nipples.
2. Slather Vasoline in between your legs.
3. Carry a fanny pack with a thin capilene creneck long sleeve shirt, in case it's cold.
4. Carry light thermax gloves in case it's cold.
5. Bring figs (yes, figs) for nutrition late in the race.
6. Start drinking water at 3 miles.
7. Put your expected split times on the back of your hand.
8. Wear a singlet or shirt with tomething easy to read, to people can cheer you on.
9. If you start getting tired, move over near the curb to pick up the vibes of the crowd.
10. Be prepared for quiet and desparation between miles 18 and 23, up York and down 5th avenue.
11. Jog the 5 hills in Central Park, from 102nd street down to CPS, so you KNOW what to expect from those hills, especially the nasty little SOB right when you turn into the park off 5th.
Good luck, and Godspeed!
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