Well, the early reports coming out of NYC said the damage overall was light and the city would soon return to normal. As we've all seen over the past few days, that has not been the case. Residents remain stranded, without electricity, and the city's transportation infrastructure is crippled.
I am still doing 26.2 for the pets, still running as a member of Team Animal League, and still running every single inch of the miles I've dedicated to furry and human loved ones. But now that will happen next year as I have decided to defer my NYC marathon to 2013.
There has been a massive outcry from NYC residents who are outraged the marathon is continuing as planned. Regardless of your stance on the organizer's decision, this race will be clouded with controversy and riddled with difficulty for the participants. Ultimately, that is not the experience I want to be a part of.
I want my 26.2 for pets to be a celebration of the animals and people who have meant so much to us. It's difficult to celebrate in a city that is still reeling from a natural disaster. This is not the experience I want, or that they deserve.
Furthermore, I want to enjoy NYC for all I has to offer, and right now that isn't possible. Getting into and out of the city is a logistical nightmare as even cabs are stranded by lack of gas. This is hard enough for a New Yorker, but I have no clue how to navigate a half-operational transit system our nationa's largest city where some people are waiting 4 hours in line for a bus.
In the end, I think this is the wise decision to make for the people of NY and for everyone who has supported me.
You can be absolutely confident I'll be back next year. NYC will be back, as well, and I can't wait to run its streets.
As to the donations to North Shore Animal League America, they could not have been better timed. NSALA is right now taking in pets who have lost their homes and owners in the storm. They are sheltering many pets whose owners have had to evacuate. So the money you gave has already been a huge help in assisting with the recovery efforts.
Keep checking back for updates as I will continue posting updates about training, racing, and preparing to run 26.2 for the pets in NYC 2013!
