11:38.3 MS Climb To The Top! 1st Towerrun

Early 2009 I found out from the Yahoo! Stariclimbing Group the 1st Annual MS Society Climb To The Top charity stairclimb would be held at Rockefeller Center. Not only was I going to run up 30 Rock because it's one of my favorite places, but because my mother and her sister Lourdes have MS, and it would benefit them and anyone with MS.

I'm coughing while typing this. What they say about stairclimbing AKA towerrunning is true: the air in the stairwells is dry. The part of me feeling the most right now is my throat. Thankfully, there were two aid stations, and the first one was put to good use. First time I've been at an aid station with carpet underneath. One guy kept going in one direction thinking it was the right way, an expletive later he was on the right track.

There were glow strips on the handrails and lower wall. Pre-run, a runner from Albany told me Coogan's Run that was going on later that day, where I live, in Washington Heights.

There were TV cameras with lights at the start; we were going at 15 second intervals. It was funny seeing a couple of guys in singlets on the second floor of Rockefeller. We were there longer than we wanted. Talking to a guy that was running his 1st 24hr in July, he said to "start slow." I had heard this and did that. In the end, there were reserves left. 23rd place, first stairclimb finish.

I made a loop around the top to see Central Park, snow, haze and all.

Two surprises: it starts on several floors higher than the 1st so you have to remember 66 flights, but 69 floors, and there are finisher medals!

Towerrunning is awesome - when you need to know how much is left, you just look. You're in a stairwell and then there's a great view up top!

They run a tight ship at Rockefeller Center. I briefly stepped away from my bag and a Rockefeller security guard comes over thinking it was a bomb. I nodded it's OK, and he nodded back.

As I left the Concourse, I spoke to a Rockefeller security guard, typical post-race chit chat. One thing that stuck, was his "have a beautiful Sunday."

Good job staff and organizers. This was very well run. On the stairwell walls were MS-related posters and encouragement. Cool to see firemen gearing up in preparation for a full suit climb.
Rockefeller Center - you've got to experience it, if not for the cool ice rink and universal appeal, the other day they were walking camels down Rockefeller Plaza because they had to! On a serious note, it was built during the Great Depression, and symbolizes how you can triumph over challenging times, including right now.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. quotes:

"I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.

I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.

I believe that thrift is essential to well ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs.

I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man’s word should be as good as his bond; that character -- not wealth or power or position -- is of supreme worth.

I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.

I believe in an all-wise and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual’s highest fulfillment, greatest happiness, and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with His will.

I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might."
Right before the start: "Man's destiny depends not on whether he can learn new lessons or make new discoveries and conquests, but on the acceptance of the lesson taught him close upon two thousand years ago."

Trans USA Run Record Holder Marshall Ulrich

NOTE: This wouldn't be complete without presenting the YouTube (God Bless Chris Douglass), Navy Seal interview, and two Marathon and Beyond cover stories on Marsh. They appear below.

Tuesday Nov 4 from 2-6PM was one of the coolest running experiences yet. Legendary ultramathoner, seven summits summiteer, and only person to complete the Triple Crown of Extreme Sports, Marshall Ulrich, broke the Grand Master's Trans-America Running record.

What a connection with the people I ran with from 165th and Riverside by the Hudson River, heading down Broadway through Times Square, then to City Hall. So much that a Facebook Group, NYC Loves Marshall, has been created.

First met Ira and Todd (Orange Runners Club President). Ira works for United Way as CIO, and Todd, Muse, the comprehensive music database used by music sellers. There was lots of running talk before Robert of VQ Orthocare showed and said Marsh was close after crossing the Washington Bridge. Sam flew from Miami just to run this last leg, impressive.It was Presidential Election Day, so Theresa informed me Starbucks was giving away free coffee. What a day - Krispy Kreme and Ben and Jerry's were also giving away. Thanks to gracious Theresa and Irene who gave me half a sandwich and cornbread. This was needed given my current and temporary financial situation.

Marsh arrived at an awesome pace. He had gotten tan and like my cross country coach, looks young. Honestly, with the Super 8 cap and upbeat stride, you'd mistake him for a kid. He wore a yellow VitaMix tank and CamelBak. Asked if he wore it because they were a sponsor. Marshall explained his mic was attached to it, for the documentary being made. I then noticed the battery pack in the reservoir.

I met his son Taylor and he was saying how amazed he was by his ability and determination, known as Marshall Law (believing the only limitations are in your mind). I asked Marshall what's the most important thing he got out of this and he said it was his family. He hadn't been on best terms with his brother, and this had brought not only him but the entire family together. Very cool.

It was awesome going through Times Square. Must had been something for Marsh running down the middle of the street. Incessant videographer and adventure racer Rick carried the camera 11 miles, stopping for water and rejoining, making strong, broad strides. Brice, from our local NYC trail running group, stopped to see us running behind Marshall, then came City Hall.

Betsy Magee, former agent for Ted Corbitt and currently Marshall's, had designed finisher tees. Worn by Betsy, Marshall, and others, it read:

TRANS CONTINENT RUN

USA 2008

MARSHALL ULRICH

WITH THE SPIRIT OF TED CORBITT

Marsh had chatted hours with Ted and they had similar humble personalities. I turn out the same here, when it comes to describing my ultrarunning experiences. Met Frank Giannino, who has the current trans continental record, still standing from 1980. You'd never known he'd done it - twice. Marsh told Frank he thought about his achievement during the run, and said it's something he could never do.

Good job Marshall.

More:

1. Times Herald-Record Article
2. Todd's Report
3. rundangerously Blog Entry
4. Running America 08 Blog Entry

Marsh alongside daughter and Betsy, wife Heather, and son Taylor:City Hall front and center:Celebration:Marshall and current trans USA run record holder Frank Giannino:
Frank and Todd Jennings:If you haven't seen or read what follows, you'll want to; it describes Marsh being the first on two occasions: 1) First solo (unsupported) and 2) First quad (580+ miles) crossing of the Badwater Ultramarathon course, from one of the lowest points in the world to the highest mountain (14,505 ft) in the continental U.S.


Navy Seal interview.

Cover of July/August 2000 Marathon & Beyond with feature story “My Most Unforgettable Ultramarathon (And What I Learned From It): Death Valley 1999” by Marshall Ulrich, Badwater Self-Contained, Unaided, Solo
Cover September/October 2006 Marathon & Beyond with feature story “Transformation of an Adventure Runner: One runner's journey from the farm to Mount Everest through joyful and scary places in his heart and soul" by Marshall Ulrich

Ted Corbitt 24 Hr - 73M Before The Rain

Success can come in an unexpected forms. My goal was 100 miles under 24 hours. Foot pain and the nature of the 24 hour run made a stop at 61 laps or 73 miles. This was an excellent 1.2 mile course for the Ted Corbitt 24 Hour run in Juniper Valley Park, Middle Village Queens, NY. Be ready to receive one of the best assembled race packets should you participate; this year's included a color cover page of Ted and the October 2008 article published from Marathon And Beyond.

Ted Corbitt was an American distance running pioneer. Talking to his son Gary, who flew from Florida to be there, he tested his limits by running several 300 mile weeks. On a Labor Day weekend, he ran three laps around Manhattan. Ted was the first president of the New York Road Runners, before the running boom. He ran for the U.S. in the '52 Olympic marathon. When honored at the 2007 Runner's World Heroes Of Running awards ceremony, Ted said:

I thank Runner's World magazine for this award...I ran and won my first race, 60 yards, in 1933. I wanted to be a sprinter, but too frequent hamstring muscle injuries resulted in too many hamstring problems and that ruled sprinting out. In time, I became addicted to running long, long, distance runs, and inspired others to do it better.

In addition to training extensive miles I spent years doing administrative stuff in the background to help our sport survive and grow. At times I refer to myself as a reluctant dragon 'cause I didn't really wanna do a lot of this stuff but it needed to be done, and I did it.

I pulled this overloaded life off because I lucked out in the choice of the wife. I had successes but mistakes and failed to master the art of tapering off between training and races, and all affected race results.

In 2001, at age 82, I walked 303 Miles in a 6 day running race. I would have loved to have run in a couple of 6 day races in an effort to join the few men who have run 600 miles in 6 days.

Thank You,
Ted Corbitt

During the day part of the run, North Juniper Park was alive with soccer, tennis, vintage baseball, handball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, rollerblading, and more dog walkers than ever seen. Aside being able to run the mildly hilly tree-lined footpath, taking views of the aforementioned (and Empire State and Chrysler buildings) was a gift. Not to mention the applause and "good jobs" received by casual onlookers. Vivid sounds remain of the ice cream truck playing its tune.

Ted passed away in December 2007 and was very good friends with race director Richie Innamorato, who generously handed me dinner and breakfast. Thank you and all Broadway Ultra Society volunteers.

As I pulled from the run, I thought this was a failure, not winning the autographed 100 mile plaque. But there was a 100K plaque as well, featuring Ted in NY Pioneer Club uniform. This was better than getting the 100 miler award, especially as it was cold and it started to rain early Sunday morning, and I had brought no foul weather gear because the forecast had predicted clear skies. Respect to those that plowed through. I may return to this special race, but have learned 100 milers are my true calling.

So, this finish was good enough. I wanted to finish my ultra year by revisiting all runs not satisfactory from last year. I did, and finished the three 100 milers. And as a last minute thing, enrolled in this great 24 Hr to improve on last year's Ultracentric 24 Hr. Other race requiring a future revisit is the Palo Duro 50 miler and that will end that.

Stanley Friedlander, Bob Oberkehr, David Luljak, Brennen Wysong good to meet you.