I almost did it...

Paul Tergat of Kenya and Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa, finished first and second in the 2005 NYC marathon. History will not regard this as a particularly interesting fact. What is a very intriguing fact is that there was only one second between their two finishing times.

How amazing is that?! Well, it's never happened before for one. But what's more amazing is that it happened at all. Imagine two people running just over 26 consecutive miles and then finishing close enough together that there is only one second between them. Then, imagine that happening to the two people leading the race. It's simply inconceivable.

How difficult it must be for the guy who almost won. No medals. No first place purse. No title. Simply a nod in the newspaper for a close finish. Man, that's got to be tough.



The New York Times said that Ramaala had collapsed after his second place finish "in defeat." I 'd like to suggest that it was a victory.

Not only did he accomplish an amazing task - finishing a marathon in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 31 seconds, but he was faster than 37,010 other runners. That's astounding! When was the last time you were better than over 37,000 people at anything?

For all the preparation and hard work, the execution and sweat... I salute Hendrick Ramaala. His performance is another to be admired and used as an example for others. Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to be in a position similar to his.