2025 Boston Marathon with Dennis Lavoie

 Podcast Episode 79- Dennis Lavoie, "Team with a Vision" Runner & 6 Star World Marathon Majors Finisher

Dennis and Mark at Tracksmith House

Most marathon partnerships are forged over months of planning, but sometimes, fate steps in with a last-minute twist... Just a week before this year’s Boston Marathon, I received a message: A very dedicated and talented runner’s regular guide was sidelined by injury; would I be able to get to Boston? Suddenly, I was given the opportunity to guide Dennis—a runner whose story I knew only in passing, but whose determination I would come to know intimately over these 26.2 storied miles.

Dennis is no ordinary runner, and no ordinary individual. He lives with Usher Syndrome Type 2, a condition that has left him profoundly deaf and legally blind, with just a sliver of vision remaining. Yet, in the past six years, he has managed to run marathons in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo—earning the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal, and becoming, as far as records show, the first person in his category (legally blind/profoundly deaf) to do so! His journey from early retirement to this elite club of fewer than 20,000 runners worldwide is nothing short of remarkable.

Dennis is a native French speaker, who grew up figuratively bridging the border between Canada and the US as his parents moved to northern Maine for work in the paper industry; to the furthest northeastern town in the continental US, Madawaska. Despite initially struggling in school due to hearing issues, once they figured it out his family did all they could to support him and help him grow as a student. He became an engineer and applied his skills in the field inherited from his father, but his vision continued to decline throughout his career due to his condition. He knew from a young age that he would eventually lose vision completely, and hence leaned into life (and running) even more passionately to enjoy and traveled to see everywhere that he could, while he could.

Our Boston weekend began with a dinner that felt like a gathering made of running legends. Dennis and I joined one of our mid-Michigan icons and running mentor Mark Bauman—who now holds the Marathon Streak World Record at Boston at an incredible 56 Boston finishes in a row!  As a primer for the 26.2+ mile day to come, we had a meal filled with stories, some advice, and laughter. Mark, as it turned out, would be the official starter at Hopkinton the next morning, a surprise that added to the sense of historical connection and camaraderie as we retired.

Race day itself was electric. We woke early and navigated our way to the para athlete buses, followed by likely the only time in my life I would have a police escort through a major highway and city. As guides in the competitive para athletes division, we also found ourselves camped out at the athletes village together, and lining up just behind the elite women. In the AWD tent we connected with incredible people and heard their stories, including paralympians and some famous guides for the record setting para athletes like Mike Wardian, who all shared recent adventures and inspiration. Time flew by and in a few hours we were processing to the start line, fully fueled and excited to punch into the roads for 26.2+ mile journey. The proximity to legends like Des Linden, Sarah Hall, and Paula Radcliffe was surreal; we exchanged a few words of encouragement, though it was probably us who needed it more. Boston marathon is unique in that, as para athletes, we started ahead of thousands of the country’s fastest runners—meaning we were passed, cheered, and swept along by a tide of speedsters for hours, a humbling and exhilarating experience.

For those unfamiliar, qualifying for Boston is a feat in itself. Runners must achieve a certified time well below the already-tough standards for their age group, and in recent years, the cut-off has been even more competitive—sometimes requiring runners to be nearly seven minutes faster than the official qualifying time. For para athletes, the standards are equally rigorous, and the field is capped, making every spot hard-earned. I was grateful to be among them, and respectful of the incredible amount of hard work everyone had put in to earn a spot there on the roads. 

Dennis’s journey to the Six Star Medal is even more daunting. Completing all six World Marathon Majors—Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo—requires not just speed, but also perseverance, resources, and a bit of luck. Very few runners ever achieve it, and Dennis did so in a relatively short running career, despite the added challenges.

The Boston course itself is legendary and beguiling, winding through small towns whose residents line the streets with unmatched enthusiasm. The crowds cheered us every step of the way, from Hopkinton to the roar of Boylston Street. Wellesley College, with its infamous “scream tunnel,” was a jolt of energy and humor—the signs this year were especially creative, and Dennis and I couldn’t help but laugh as we passed, and I read a few of the signs. 

Despite a nagging hip flexor injury, Dennis pressed on through the second half of the course, even as those infamous Newton hills took their toll. His grit was unwavering, and together we crossed the finish line—Dennis meeting his main goal to qualify for next year’s Boston and have another crack at it, a testament to his resilience.

Looking back, the experience was profound. In a marathon where tradition runs deep (longest running in the US) and every mile echoes with history, I was reminded of the power of connection—between runners, guides, mentors, and the cheering masses. I recognize Boston is more than a race; it’s a celebration of perseverance, community, and the human spirit. I am grateful to have played a small part in Dennis’s extraordinary journey, and to have witnessed firsthand how this particular marathon’s traditions leave an indelible mark on all who take part.

For more on Dennis’s story and his Six Star journey(link), see a recent Bangor Daily News article or another story from WAGM just a few weeks ago, linked here about his paving the way for other vision-impaired runners!

- Article by Mark R. Lane-Holbert, Team with a Vision & Achilles International Guide Runner

Running Poetry: The Day After the Marathon

 The Day After the Marathon

Yesterday, the road stretched infinite,
26.2 miles— 42 kilometers—etched into memory.
Today, the ache is like a multi-tiered symphony's finale,
Each stanza echoes of the journey, a water stop downbeat or meaningful crowd call-out upbeat.

We honed our skillful instruments in rehearsal. Do you recall?

Not just the race, but the many months that allowed us to show up and play.

The training score began as a season of hope, 
A winter’s resolve into summer’s fire.
Each mile carved into the calendar overture,
A rhythm of pavement and trail,
Cadence hypnotic, meditative—a heartbeat outside the body.

Some days, the world aligned to our composition. 
Remember how Nature whispered encouragement—
The rustle of leaves, the kiss of sunlight,
Feet gliding weightless over earth’s embrace.
Other days were battles:
Rain-soaked humid mornings and winds that howled defiantly,
Tiresome, monotonous miles companions on endless roads.

But Friendships also rhapsody in shared struggle—
Strangers turned comrades through sweat and (s)miles.
Stories exchanged between intervals,
Dreams and fears confessed at mile markers.
Together we built a mosaic of resilience,
Each shard a testament to strength found in unity.

Injury strummed at some of these movements—
A sharp or lingering protest from an achilles or hamstring.
Recovery became its own opus within the training score:
Physical therapy meant strength discovered in weakness, foam rollers and healing salves of all kinds.
Learning to listen to a body's subtle tones oft ignored.

The rhythm of training pulled us back each time—
Addictive as it drained us dry.

Invigorating as it pulled time into tempo.
Miles became mantras; footsteps prayers.

And then came race day, the finale!
The start line buzzed with anticipation,
The air electric with possibility, as we pitch our bodies and minds in corals.
The at-once-celebration-and-trial begins with a bang!

Every mile thereafter a chapter in an epic opera:
Hills conquered as dragons slain, crowds cheering as bards singing praise.

"The Wall" pushed past by sheer resolve.

Crossing the finish was not just an end; it was lyrical self-transcendence,
Where pain met triumph, where exhaustion birthed joy!

Today, we rest — but only for now.

For the orchestral road calls again in whispers:

Another season awaits, its heroic story yet unsung.

                                                                                        by Mark Lane-Holbert

77: Marathon Training Devotional

 Introducing: "Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run: A 26.2 Week Journey for the Runner’s Soul"

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest project, Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run: A 26.2 Week Journey for the Runner’s Soul—an Online/PDF Devotional designed to inspire and guide runners of all levels on a unique, holistic path of training. It’s a journey that connects body, mind, and spirit, drawing lessons from some of the greatest role models in distance running history. With a foreword written by none other than “Coach Jeff” Galloway, 1972 U.S. Olympian and beloved running coach, this book offers something truly special for those who love the sport and seek deeper meaning in their running journey.

What to Expect / How it Works:

Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run isn’t your typical training manual, nor is it a traditional devotional. It’s something entirely unique—a blend of inspiration, practical wisdom, and personal reflection tailored for runners who want to strengthen not just their bodies, but also their hearts and minds. The online resource is not overtly religious or exclusive in any way, but does integrate the powerful, personal stories of runners—each week offering a new lens through which to view training and life.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Weekly Themes Inspired by Running Icons
   Each of the 28 weeks centers around an iconic athlete from the distance running world, focusing on a key lesson from their life or career. These aren’t just athletes—they are role models who have overcome adversity, demonstrated resilience, and used their gifts to inspire others. From world record holders to everyday heroes, their stories will motivate you to push your own limits, both in training and in life.

2. Practical & Mental Strength Exercises
   After exploring the athlete’s story, you’ll find practical exercises designed to build both physical and mental resilience. Whether it’s a mental strength drill, a body conditioning exercise, or a journaling prompt, each week’s practice is tailored to help you apply the lesson to your own running journey. The exercises encourage you to reflect deeply on how these principles can transform not only your running but other aspects of your life as well.

3. Reflection and Connection
   At the heart of each week’s practice is an opportunity for personal reflection. You’ll be invited to think about your own journey as a runner and how you can integrate the lessons you’ve learned into your training and your daily life. It’s an opportunity to connect with the runner inside you—on a deeper level.

4. "For The Long Run" – Bonus Multimedia
   As an added bonus, each week comes with “For The Long Run” suggestions—a podcast episode, video, or other multimedia resource that allows you to explore the theme even further. It’s designed for those who want to dive deeper and continue learning, long after the week’s devotional has ended. Many of these resources come from The Running Anthropologist Project, where I’ve spent years interviewing athletes, coaches, and thoughtful leaders in the running community.

Who It’s For:

Whether you’re just starting your running journey or you’ve been at it for years, Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run is for anyone looking to blend purpose with practice. It’s for runners who believe there’s more to the sport than just hitting a certain pace—it’s about discovering strength, hope, and love on the run, and allowing those values to guide you both on and off the road.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Inspiration from Legends: Each week offers insight from legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Patti Catelano Dillon, Courtney Dauwalter, Meb Keflezighi, Mike Wardian, Joan Benoit Samuelson,  Tatyana McFadden and many others, weaving their stories into practical lessons life and training.
• Holistic Approach: It’s not just about raw speed or endurance—it’s about building resilience in all areas of life, integrating faith and determination into everything you do.
• Tailored for Runners: The weekly exercises and reflections are designed specifically for runners, offering practical tips and challenges that align with your training. More like a weekly training blog than a book! Jump around, circle back to any weekly tools and have fun. 

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If you’re ready to embark on this 26.2-week journey, I invite you to dive in and explore the lessons, stories, and exercises that will help you grow as a runner and a person. I hope it brings you as much joy and inspiration as it has brought me in creating it. Google Doc/DOWNLOAD LINK HERE

Happy running, and may you find faith, hope, and love along the way!

For more information and weekly updates, visit me at RunningAnthropologist.com, or RunningAnthropologist on IG or Facebook, or your favorite podcast platform where you can also listen to interviews and insights from many of the athletes featured.

76: Paris Olympics Hot Take and New Podcast Series with Olympian Jeff Galloway

First, an announcement: Launching the "You Can Do It" Podcast Mini-Series with Jeff Galloway

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new podcast series, the "You Can Do It Podcast," in collaboration with none other than Olympian & Coach Jeff Galloway. This series is dedicated to runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned marathoners, and will take a deep dive into what makes the Galloway training method so effective and the most successful in the world for getting people to the finish line of their goal of 13.1, 26.2 and beyond! 

In each episode, we’ll be traveling (virtually) across the US to meet with local Galloway running clubs, exploring the unique culture of each city, and hearing firsthand stories from program directors, coaches, and athletes who have experienced the benefits of Galloway training. We’ll uncover what drives these communities and how they support runners in achieving their goals.

The first episode, which is already live, features me sharing a conversation about the recent Olympics and the experiences that sparked our love for running. In the following episodes, you can expect in-depth interviews, plenty of inspiration, and practical training tips to help you stay motivated through the summer and fall running seasons.

Stay tuned as we bring you at least half a dozen more episodes filled with stories, insights, and advice that will keep you moving forward, no matter where you are in your running journey! Available on Spotify, Apple, and most podcast apps. 

My Hot Take: 2024 Olympic Track & Field and Marathon Marvels

The 2024 Olympic Games delivered unforgettable moments, especially in the track and field and marathon events, where athletes showcased their perseverance, skill, and passion. For Team USA, these games were a celebration of talent and determination, with several athletes standing out and making history. Let’s delve into some of the most inspiring performances that captivated audiences worldwide.

The men’s 1500 meters was one of the most anticipated events, marked by intense competition and a fierce rivalry between British world title Josh Kerr and former record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Cole Hocker, a rising star from the USA, entered the event with notable accomplishments and kick, but few expecting him to medal. Ingebrigtsen set a blistering pace in hopes to wear out the crowd behind him, Kerr hung in. Hocker also stuck with the pack by sheer determination, faced formidable opponents in final laps and was boxed out a few times, but his incredible sprint finish in the final lap brought the crowd to its feet. Despite a race filled with tactical moves and a blazing pace, Hocker managed to secure a podium finish by pulling ahead of Kerr in literally the last seconds, demonstrating his potential to dominate in future championships. His story is one of grit and determination, as he emerged as a key figure in one of the most thrilling 1500m races in recent history.

Grant Fisher is from my home state, "The Michigan Marvel", hailing from Grand Blanc area and an engineer by training. He was the surprise early standout for Team USA that really energized all of us and fellow athletes. Everyone loves an underdog story, myself included. Competing in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, Fisher faced the challenge of elite global competition. His strategy, calculated risk and pacing were impeccable, earning him two medals—one silver and one bronze. Fisher’s performances were a testament to his incredible work ethic and ability to rise to the occasion on the world’s biggest stage. His double-medal achievement highlights the depth of American distance running talent and cements his status as one of the best in the sport.

Gabby Thomas, known for her incredible speed, added to Team USA’s medal haul with a dazzling performance in the women’s 200 meters. Thomas, who had been a favorite going into the event, lived up to the hype by capturing the gold medal. Her victory was not just a personal triumph but also an inspiring moment for many, as she became a symbol of perseverance and excellence in sprinting. Thomas's journey to Olympic gold has been filled with challenges, but her ability to overcome them and achieve greatness on the track will be remembered for years to come.

There are so many other Americans that went way beyond expectations and set records, its hard to believe. From Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone's gold medal setting the world record in 400 hurdles to Noah Lyles' defending his atmospheric personality to earn the "fastest human alive" title in the 100 final. Grant Holloway also took gold in the 110m hurdles to become both a 3 time world champion and gold medal winner, and Rai Benjamin won the men's 400 hurdles. Speaking of hurdles, Masai Russell's gold in women's 100m hurdles. I loved her quote afterwards... "I just want every young girl to understand and now that if you believe in  yourself if you can see the work and do it day in and day out there's nothing that impossible for you." Class act. 

And our relay teams also did exceedingly well winning 4x400s and 4x100s Olympic titles in men's, women's, and mixed relays, drawing upon a true depth of talent not seen in US history. Let's move on to the longest event and final event of the 17 days in Paris (and despite the time investment, of course my favorite):

The Marathon: Sifan Hassan is The Triple Medal Marvel

It started the Olympic movement in many ways, and is of course the Greek standard barer for grit. The cadence and sheer willpower to finish such a course was in itself impressive. I found myself in sheer bliss watching both the men and women, their small movements each mile along the course, and efforts to do their very best for their one shot at Olympic glory. While the USA celebrated numerous victories, the world marveled at the extraordinary performance of Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands. Hassan achieved a historic feat by winning three medals across different events, including finishing with gold in the marathon for 38+ miles racing including the heats and finals. Her versatility and endurance were on full display as she competed in the 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, and the marathon. The marathon, in particular, was a grueling test of willpower, with challenging hills and tough course conditions that pushed all competitors to their limits in Paris. I loved watching Sifan navigate every single tangent with near perfection, not running more steps than she had to, and calculated each move by staying behind enough to see the lead but not getting swept up into over-energized pushes by single athletes. She knew her one and only push would come at the end, as it always does, when it's needed. The heat of the day was another challenge to overcome for everyone, as many athletes (including Sifan) had ice in on their heads, hands and shirts as often as possible. They still kept near Olympic record pace, despite the heat and hills. Yet, Hassan emerged victorious, cementing her place as one of the greatest distance runners of all time and even having to fight off an elbow on the last stretch making the marathon a clear contact sport from the defending marathon champion!

The Men’s Marathon: Is there really that much depth of talent on the planet?

The men’s marathon was another highlight, with the athletes facing a course known for its punishing hills and tough conditions, and this one did set an Olympic record. Tamirat Tola from Ethiopia was a late addition due to a last minute drop on the Ethiopian side. While all eyes were on Kipchoge and a few other leaders, Tola silently did the work, kept up with the world's best and earned it. Despite the challenges, the race showcased the resilience and strength of the competitors, and how far marathoning has come just in the last 4 years (for women and men). The grueling nature of the course made the record-breaking performance even more remarkable. For the USA, it was a moment of pride, as their athletes fought valiantly in one of the most demanding events of the Games, Connor Mantz and Clayton Young both securing a top-10 spot around a minute behind the winner.  Just a few years ago, such a finish behind a stacked race of Kenyan, Ethiopian runners would have been unthinkable. It seems the training and effort they both put into heat and hills paid off, including with the trials in Orlando, Florida, which I was able to witness in person this year!

By the way, these two top Americans posted religiously to YouTube about their training leading up to the Olympics, and about their faith and motivation through good and bad days. If you really want to see what it takes day in and day out "how to train like an Olympian", it's a great series to watch. 

"Games Wide Open"- The Year of Women

The 2024 Olympics will be remembered for many reasons, including "opening up" the games as the slogan represents in French, "Ouvrons Grand les Jeux". And it was indeed the first Olympics to achieve full gender parity, a milestone that has been well-earned and long awaited. The track and field and marathon events were truly special for this observer.  The athletes who competed in these events demonstrated the power of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of excellence, as well as in many cases the very best of what it is to be human and share the planet. And women truly did rule the world and US effort this time around, in many ways. They brought home nearly 65% of our medals and dominated off the track in basketball and soccer as well. I saw many examples of international love and comeraderie amidst the competition, respecting and supporting one another as fellow athletes, that is in fact the true goal of the Olympics. I looked to my own daughter Gretchen (now 5 years old) and how inspired she was to see women taking center stage in Paris, how energetically she supported them from a tiny screen and in Germany and Florida. She ran up and down the hall, then outside; she wanted to race! From Gabby Thomas’s golden sprint to Sifan Hassan’s historic marathon win, these Games have provided stories that will inspire future generations of athletes for decades. The legacy of the 2024 Olympics will live on, not just in the records and medals, but in the hearts and minds of young fans like my daughter who witnessed these extraordinary feats. Thinking... "just maybe, if I put in the work, I can do that some day". 

75: Why has no one heard of Mark Bauman?

 Why has no one heard of Mark Bauman?

Interview with Mark can be heard here on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or most other listening Apps!

In the bustling world of marathons, where records are made and broken every year under the gaze of cheering crowds and super shoes flamboyantly crash the course, there exists a man whose name resonates much more quietly, known to only a select few Michiganders despite his remarkable achievements: Mark Bauman. A figure shrouded in humility, he has quietly etched his name into the annals of running history, yet remains largely unknown to the running industry masses and media hype. Today, as he set the world record for the most consecutive Boston Marathon finishes at an astounding 55, it begs the question: Shouldn't everyone know about Mark Bauman?

Mark with his wife after his historic 55th Finish April 15th, 2024 in Boston

Back in 1975, Bauman ran his fastest marathon ever by covering the point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston in 2 hours, 30 minutes and 32 seconds. These days, the goal for the 74-year-old Bauman is to reach the finish line in time to record an official finish. This standard is six hours after the final runner crosses the start line, which he met again today on Boylston Street. In addition to Boston, Bauman has run every Detroit Free Press Marathon since it began in 1978. He also has run every CRIM 10-miler in Flint and Frankenmuth Volkslaufe race, ever.

A product of Flint, Michigan, he found camaraderie in the sport during his junior year at Flint Ainsworth High School. Encouraged by his brother, Bauman ventured into cross country, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion. Little did he know that this initial step would propel him into a realm of endurance and resilience that few dare to tread, and more importantly in his eyes, that he would enable healthy miles for so many others in his lifetime.

His affinity for long-distance running became evident early on, overshadowing his prowess in shorter track events. While his track times may not have dazzled, his marathon feats spoke volumes, and his ability to enjoy high mileage through cold Michigan winters also impressive; racking up roughly 120,000 miles with nearly 1,500 of those in Boston alone. Bauman's love affair with the Boston Marathon commenced in 1970, back when an earnest coach's letter was sufficient for entry, and a few years before the founding of his running shop in 1974 (which remains the longest continuously operating running specialty store in the US). Through highs and lows, injuries and setbacks, he remained steadfast in his commitment to cross the finish line at Boston year after year, embodying the spirit of perseverance synonymous with the event that spells “heartbreak” for many due to its mischievous hills throughout and especially near the end.

But Bauman's contributions extend far beyond his personal achievements. In the heart of Flint, he cultivated a community of runners, founding the Riverbend Striders and organizing races that benefited thousands over the years. As the proprietor of Bauman's Running & Walking Shop, he served as more than just a seller of shoes; he became a beacon of support and encouragement for aspiring runners, offering guidance and camaraderie to all who crossed his path. I personally benefited from this growing up. My mother was a single parent, a high school teacher and track/cross country coach by trade. Every time any athlete needed shoes, including myself, Mark could work wonders to find exactly what they needed regardless of their budget. My mom thought the world of him, and later I would travel hours just to make it to Bauman’s for my first pair of marathon trainers toeing the line at the Detroit Marathon, where I would earn my own hard-fought “BQ”, or Boston Qualifying time. 

Despite the remarkable feats and unwavering dedication to the sport, Bauman remains a humble figure, content to let his actions speak louder than words. He categorically shies away from the spotlight, preferring to channel his energy into miles with his long-time running friends and helping new friends get moving in Michigan communities. It's this spirit, coupled with his genuine belief in the goodness of running and others around him, that sets Bauman apart from the crowd. Did I mention that he recently sold his famed running store to three fellow long-time employees for $1.00USD?

As he finished his record-breaking Boston Marathon journey today in the heat of Boston running for another 6 hour finish across the hills and into Copely Square, fueled by the support of his community and the camaraderie of fellow runners and family there to witness it, it might just be time his light shines as one of the last true unsung heroes of the running world. Mark may not seek recognition or accolades, but his legacy of runners filling the streets of Michigan resonates far beyond the finish line. Indeed, his story serves as a reminder of the quiet strength and unwavering dedication that define true greatness, both in character and in running.

So, why has no one heard of Mark Bauman? Perhaps because he doesn't seek praise, content to let his actions speak for themselves. While he has recently been inducted into the Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame, and everyone in Michigan running or a part of CRIM training programs know Mark, perhaps the national spotlight and media fandom is not made for figures like him. But today, as he adds another chapter to his marathon journey, it's time to celebrate the man behind the record, whose impact transcends miles and minutes. Mark Bauman, a name now etched in the annals of marathon history, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and running community.

Article by Mark Lane-Holbert

Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame link

"We Run This Town" Bauman's Running and Walking Shop

Episode 74: New York City Marathon & Achilles International, with Blair McConnell

Episode #74 can be found most places podcasts are heard, and topics can be explored more through the links below!

Achilles Athlete Blair McConnell in Center,
Guides Anton to left and Mark to right

The TCS New York City Marathon is a race like none other, and many train for years in expectation of being able to take part, including this episode's featured guest Blair McConnell of New Zealand, who came as part of the Achilles International Delegation from his home country. Having been thwarted by the pandemic in 2020, he waited three years longer to run his ultimate destination race, and first marathon, through the 5 boroughs: starting in Staten Island and proceeding over the Verazzano Bridge into Brooklyn, then the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. In this episode, we have a few live clips from just before and just after the marathon alongside Anton McLean (his guide from Christchurch) and Mark Lane-Holbert (myself, guide from USA). However the majority of the episode is recorded with Blair a few weeks after the marathon with him back in Christchurch, adding some perspective. 

Blair was recently featured in a local Christchurch article also, you can read here. 

Achilles Tent/Prep area just before start of the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon,
Verazzano Bridge sunrise in background!

In this episode, we explore what it's like to join an Achilles Chapter and why he runs with them, how he found his guides, and several high points and considerations of traveling internationally for a marathon. We also discuss some of the challenges of being a visually impaired running in a crowded big city marathon, but alongside this the joy and thrill of immense crowds along the course, with music and languages from many different cultures represented in NYC. We also touch on the phenomenon of Park Runs, his recent accomplishment of 100 Park Runs, and his upcoming adventures. If you would like to explore Achilles International, you can visit their website.  Here, you'll find chapters around the US and the world, and find out more about both athlete and guide opportunities.

If you have a corner of running culture you are exploring or would like to, share with us on Facebook or Instagram. Until next time, Happy Running!