The NY Run experience

November 2, 2013 was a date to remember. At 8 a.m. on that day, runners from all over the globe gathered on 47th street in Manhattan to await the start of the "NY Dash to the Finish Line 5K."

ING New York Marathon is a well-known race worldwide, hosting more than a thousand runners this year. It was such a rush to see runners proudly wearing running tees indicating their country of origin and had their faces painted with their flag's colors. It was such a pretty sight to see how sports can bring people together.

The race started on time, but due to the tremendous number of runners, more than half of the people, especially those situated at the back of the crowd, were still walking to get to the starting line, approximately 10 minutes after the gun start was fired. Nevertheless, everyone had a good run.

Along the race course, I ran beside a runner who was amputated above his knee on the left leg. He was crutch-running to the finish line. Now, that's what you call 'living and loving life!' This is why I am supportive of research studies on the effectiveness of sports as an OT treatment strategy. Occupational Therapists are very client-centered and we want to do everything we can to bring meaning to the lives of our clients after their accident. Fitness is something you can never go wrong with when you make it a leisure activity. I highly encourage OTs to be fit and let us encourage our clients to do so too. It doesn't have to be running, what is important is you find meaning in what you do.

Further into the race course, something caught my attention. A lady was pushing her father in a wheelchair as they slowly made their way past the tall buildings of New York City, and together with the other runners, including myself, enter the beautiful well-raved about central park. You could feel the shift in temperature as it became cooler (thanks to the trees). The path started going uphill and downhill a lot and everyone was excited to cross the finish line.

You could feel the support from the by-standers and family members who would cheer you on and make noises, encouraging you to push and finish.

After crossing the finish line, goodies awaited us. Each runner got an apple, pretzel and water all placed in a bag. True to its name it was a Dash to the finish line and was over quickly, especially for  those who joined the 5k as their pre-race warm up run preparing for the full the next day. Finishers took time to catch up, enjoy the sun, relax and congratulate each other in Central Park.

The path we took from the United Nations led to the very spot where 45,000+ will make their dreams a reality on marathon day.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer is a multi-titled runner, cyclist and triathlete.  She is currently a professor at Cebu Doctors University–Occupational Therapy and clinical instructor at Cebu Doctors Hospital.