[Sportsandrec] We did it, we ran the NYC Marathon

[Gaston Bedard]

Thank you everyone.
I began my running comeback as a def blind runner in December 2008, it took
me 4 years of training before running a 5 km with a sighted guide.
I am totally blind, deaf and 64 years young.
The NYC Marathon was my 3rd full marathon as a deaf blind runner.
You may consider joining Achilles, I'd be happy to connect you with the
folks at Achilles.
Email: gasbedard at videotron.ca.

I ran NYC with 3 sighted guides.
Here below, you will find Laurence's experiences in NYC.
 Gaston

Hi Team Gaston;

At the  start a very special moment happened as Achilles athletes left the
waiting area we were greeted by ovations from other runners waiting for the
next wave. We were placed at the end of wave 1. A stirring rendition of the
Star Spangled Banner and a very loud Howitzer that even made Gaston jump.
Nervous anticipation peeked and soon we were crossing the Verrazano bridge. 
The first 5km were a quiet comfortable run. At 5km we were caught by the 2nd
wave and the merging of the course. 
We are now fully surrounded by 51,000 runners on the biggest marathon ever.
But the fun had really just begun. It truly is a big street party and
Achilles athletes received lots of encouragement not only from the 1 million
spectators but from other runners who wished us the best. 
Wearing the bright Achilles tech shirt and my Canada Buff made me easy to
spot and 2 long time runners from the Running Room Brian Bax and Christine
Murray. Very cool to see friends amongst the crowd. 

Those long hot summer runs were forgotten as we had a pretty good headwind
most of the way. My strongest memory is of First Avenue. After 3 boroughs
and the Queensboro Bridge, Manhattan is finally here. But we are far from
finished. The biggest and loudest crowd roars and we are picked up. 

Thanks for the great memories and what a great team. Addy, Michel, Mark and
of course Gaston. 
Thanks for a weekend I will never forget. 

Laurence 

-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Gaston Bedard via SportsandRec
Sent: November-17-16 5:12 PM
To: 'Ron Burzese'
Cc: Gaston Bedard; 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List'
Subject: [Sportsandrec] We did it, we ran the NYC Marathon


Hello folks,

We did it, we ran and completed the NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 6,
2016.
We ran and participated as members of Achilles International based in New
York City.

it was an awesome amazing experience the 5 of us will never forget.
We met some wonderful people and athletes from all over the world.

The folks at Achilles International were very friendly, helpful, and it was
thanks to them that it worked out so well.

I had a wonderful time chatting with Dick Traun, founder and president of
Achilles International at the reception dinner on Friday evening.

Dick Traun is the first amputee to complete the NYC Marathon, which he did
in 1976.
Dick inspired Terry Fox to pursue his Marathon of Hope across Canada.

My son Marc was an excellent facilitator, and great help getting me through
to the finish in Central Park.

It was an awesome father son adventure, great team work, an experience we
will never forget.

I gave my son Marc 3 big hugs, during the NYC Marathon, at 13 km, 24 km then
at 34 km.
Marc was also at the Achilles International family reunion tent, at the
finish.

My 3 guides, Addie, Michel and Laurence did a great job guiding me to the
finish.
The 4 of us wore the Achilles International singlet, with logo and colours.

It felt so wonderful crossing the finish line, the 4 of us holding hands
with arms held up high.
I do like to say, 'When you have good people around you, it's amazing what
you can do'.
My guides are very special people.

I have more to share, a lot happend in those 4 days in New York.

Gaston



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