I started running when I was nine years old after watching the 1972 Olympics. As a young man, it helped my self-esteem, soothed my brain, and alleviated fears of life challenges.

 

Competition was a natural outgrowth of my running. I tried track and field before landing to the magical world of long distance running. I ran 13 New York City Marathons, three Boston Marathons, and two Chicago Marathons plus participated in more than 300 races across the United States and Europe. In my running, I experienced joy, pain, and friendship. Joy for my performance at NYC marathon. Pain when I was witness the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Friendship any time I approach a marathon start with friends coming from all around the world. 

 

Running has become a life style, a meditation form, and a joyful moment to spend with friends and people with the same passion. Running nurtures a sense of spirituality, respect of nature, and self accomplishment. It enhances a sense of happiness, which I try to transmit to people around me.

 

I still have many plans for future races and marathons, perhaps trying ultra-distances races: 60 miles, 100 miles. Running is an avenue to explore the human capacity to focus and endure, while experiencing joy. To me, this is the utmost secret of running.