By Lee Malone

Lee wanted to try and find Laurent at the marathon with the intent of getting a quick interview but as it turned out people are not so easy to find there, so he was very resourceful in tracking him down and was paid off with this email straight from the man himself.

@##=#<1,L>@##=#New York was beyond my wildest dreams!

It was extremely generous of you to encourage me in my first adventure in New York. I thank you very sincerely.

The ‘adventure’ started six months ago, as a kind of challenge. Two couples who we were friends with, and Sylvie and I, decided to take part in the greatest marathon in the world. Today, we landed in Paris with a head full of memories. Sporting memories, of course. Our times were 2h55 for me and 5h38 for Sylvie. And tourist memories in this imposing and astonishing city! And yet, I was physically nervous, despite the good preparations for this trip.

A tough bout of tendonitis bothered me during the race. I felt the pain from the beginning. Then, the concentration helped and after a good ten kilometers the pain disappeared. The New York marathon has a reputation of being difficult, very difficult. I was exhausted for about the last 12 kilometers. Thanks to my friend, Momo Ferchichi, I was able to discover my last resources. Imagining the last 12 kilometers, it seemed like the distance that separates my house from Montauban. The end of the race was interminable with the heat and then….the last steep bridge, very steep and which still didn’t finish the race. Finally the line appeared and…deliverance.

The moments of worry and doubt were forgotten. The unpleasant thoughts which told me that this marathon would be my first and last!

With memories of being close to all these athletes, the following day walking in New York. All the sore people, who like me had a lot of pain just walking. I won my bet. No, i won’t be starting a new career, far from that. My objective was simply to enjoy the race. I’ll tell you, with a little seriousness, one can go from one discipline to another. Thanks to everyone for their support. Hope to see you… on the road.

Ja Ja