"Why?” The resounding question that governs each decision we make echoed through my mind as I made the choice to run the TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 3. Candidly, my subconscious screamed it at me as I stood in the starting corral, staring uphill at the peak of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. I felt like a fraud, with no certainty in my heart that I could even finish the gauntlet that was laid out before me.
Let’s take a step back to January when I decided that if the opportunity presented itself, I was going to lace up my shoes, lean forward and run 26.2 miles in a city I’d never visited — with what would become 56,000 new brothers and sisters. For me, this journey was not just about running a long distance; it was about fighting for my health and longevity. You see, at 34 years old, I was firmly entrenched in the morbidly obese category, knowing it was time to fight for my life.
Those who know me will attest that I will “full send” once a decision has been made, and I knew that this decision would require more sacrifice and discipline than anything else. I had run a half marathon while in college, and it cost me a stress fracture in my foot. How would I persevere through double the distance in a part of the country that featured far more elevation changes than the flatlands of Southern Texas?
It was time to carry the boats.
There are a few inescapable truths in life that I have encountered. The one that stays with me the most is that we can only truly control our actions and mindset. So, that is what I did to prepare for the race. I put a training plan in place and made a covenant that I would follow it.
There were many 2:30 a.m. alarms throughout scorching summer months on Saturday mornings that signified the start of a long run. There were more than a few late-night runs where I would come through the door on the wrong side of midnight in pain asking my wife to run an ice bath. While conducting our Southern Texas Section schedule and working 12-plus hour days in the Texas heat, runs were not omitted; they came early or late. Sacrifice and discipline became the governing forces of life.
I need to take a moment to thank those who were on the journey with me. Firstly, to my wife Jamie, who was so unbelievably supportive and the first to sacrifice alongside me. To Zoey, my dog, who put so many miles on her paws training with me. To the PGA of America REACH Foundation staff, who are so passionate about our great game. To the Southern Texas PGA staff, Members, Associates, Partners and Junior Golf families who supported me and always had words of encouragement. To my parents and brother, who helped shape me and instilled the values that I lean on every day. Thank you, thank you for everything.
So, back to my “why?”
My first “why?” was honor and privilege. The honor that I felt representing the 31,000-plus PGA of America Members and Associates on the national stage. The honor I felt in raising money for the PGA of America REACH Foundation and the amazing work that is conducted through PGA HOPE, PGA WORKS and PGA Jr. League Programs. The privilege that I had in getting to talk to many people about what our PGA of America Professionals do daily in growing the game and impacting so many lives.
My second “why?” was legacy and personal ac complishment. I want to be remembered as a PGA of America Member who is always available when called upon. I want to know without a doubt that I have given everything my heart and body have to give and that I left nothing in the tank.
Lastly, and potentially most importantly, I wanted to be an example for those who want or need to make a hard life choice and don’t know that they can be successful. My hope is that by finishing this race and standing with my shoulders back and a smile on my face 26.2 miles later, that at least one person will reframe the question in their mind and ask: “Why not?”
For more information, contact PGA REACH’s Alyssa Blundell at ablundell@pgahq.com.