New York

I have been lately engrossed by Netherland a book by Joseph O'Neill. It is about New York City post 9/11, about the malaise and sense of disorientation that afflicted many after the attacks. But, then, just like New York, the book is also about so many other things -- dreams, disappointments, friendships, loss. No matter how good or bad your experience during your stay here has been, the city has something that keeps you fascinated by it.

Much like one of the character of the book find refuge in cricket during that time, I found mine in running. I had been running occasionally after graduating college and entertained the idea that one day I would run a marathon, only after 2001 that I started thinking about it more seriously. I also knew that the marathon would be New York.

One of the greatest feelings of my life, running or otherwise, will always be going through the almost still silence of Queensboro Bridge and turn to First Avenue and hear this roar of people 5 deep (maybe more) cheering for you. All of a sudden a rush of adrenaline kicks in and all the body parts that were hurting are suddenly healed. I also knew that not far away, just before the Willis Bridge, my mother and sister were waiting to kiss and hug me, and to urge me on to finish the last six miles of the race.