Twelve weeks ago I arrived at the surgery center, walking in, knowing that I wouldn’t be walking out, and, in fact, that I wouldn’t be walking at all for quite some time.
When I checked into the surgery center, I told the receptionist that I was there to begin my training for the 2020 New York City Marathon. She smiled and said, “You must be Mr. Semendinger.”
Indeed I am.
I hobbled out of the surgery center on crutches my foot wrapped and in a heavy boot. The surgery was a success.
…and with that long run, my 2019 marathon dream is over.
Today was supposed to be my last long run, a final effort, to prove to myself that I could actually do the marathon. The truth, the reality I must face, is that I can’t. Not this year.
I gave it everything I had.
And then some.
My favorite runs are the ones I spend with my dear friend Ed. Ed is a 33 time marathoner (I have just done 21 of them). He’s also an IRONMAN (something I will probably never be). Ed is a warrior and an inspiration.
He’s also a close close friend. I cherish the times we run together.
Continue reading “Progress (S-L-O-W Progress, but Progress Nonetheless)”
I have had the great pleasure and honor of sharing inspirational words with my fellow runners at the Interfaith Chapel at the start of the New York City Marathon a number of times. I find it extremely inspiring to share God’s word before the race as we all prepare for the long miles ahead. This year I participated in two services and, as such, delivered two “sermons.” I will share both of these messages here on my blog. The first message I delivered is directly below this one on the blog’s home page. I hope, these words inspire you and your faith as well.
Rejoice in Suffering:
It has been the strangest autumn of my life. Or, at least the strangest autumn of the last fifteen years – since 2002.
I’ve shared on these pages before that I’m not running a fall marathon this year.
It’s an unfamiliar feeling. And I don’t particularly like it. The beloved New York City Marathon, the race I love and adore, will go on without me.
As a runner, I was Superman. But, that was a while ago.
When I started running marathons, I thought I was invincible.
Dr. Sem's Blog 