Modern medicine is amazing. After only 108 days I was able to run my 53rd Marathon in Berlin Germany yesterday. All the stars were aligned. The weather was perfect and the course was flat and lined with over a million folks cheering us on the entire way. Not only did my heart perform just as I had hoped but also the rest of my body parts cooperated. That is not always the case when trying to cover 26.2 miles by foot.
It was not my fastest time but I wanted to enjoy every minute so I did the marathon exactly according to plan. Started out slow and slowed down through out the race. This was however my post surgery personal best and I think I can improve on that time in my next upcoming race. You know me, I love setting goals for myself.
In contrast the Men’s world record was shattered by over 30 seconds at a time of 2:02:57. That was nearly one third of my overall time. As a added bonus I can say I ran at the same Marathon where history was made. When I would have usually hit the wall, at mile 20, I started taking pictures and waving at all the well wishers. I felt great.
I must credit the skilled surgeons and team at the Cleveland Clinic lead by Dr Gosta Pettersson, M.D., Ph.D. We had all along planned for me to be in position to run this Marathon when my surgery was scheduled back in May for the June 12th surgery date. I followed their instructions to the “T" and I am so grateful to them for helping me achieve my goal.
Moving forward I have one more Marathon planned in Des Moines, Iowa in the middle of Oct with a half Marathon a week later in Miami. Next year is booked solid with 10 marathons on the Calendar to far off lands like Tokyo, Japan in February and Ayers Rock, Australia in July. I appreciate all the support along the way from beginning to end. Adam Pick has done a fantastic with his vision for this website where we all can connect through out the process. The well wishes have been up lifting and the ability for me to express my inner most thoughts was very therapeutic.
This, however, will be my last journal entry as a slide back into normal life as just another runner. The mini zipper scar which is quickly fading away will be my only reminder of what has transpired over the last 2 1/2 years when I my General Practitioner first mentioned to me. “ Do you know you have a heart murmur.” My life has forever changed and in my opinion for the better.
One of the things I hope will always stay with me is patients. Going from a type “A” personality, someone that had never spent a day in the hospital to where I am today has taught me that. It even played out during the race yesterday. I use to look at my watch and try to improve my times but with what I have learned, be patient and enjoy each and every moment.
Wishing you all the best.
Tony Copeland-Parker
AKA TCP
Toni
Anthony
MZ for Mini Zipper
MM for Marathon Man
