Post Marathon New York

On the Monday morning following the race we have a leisurely start with our first activity being brunch with Dick Traum - the founder of the Achilles Trust. Our NZ Achilles team walk on mass to the restaurant, we have to walk a number of blocks and I feel not too bad pushing my way there considering the marathon I did the previous day. Unfortunately some of my Achilles team mates aren't quite as luck and are walking a bit gingerly.

Achilles Team Dinner

In the afternoon Denise and I walk up to Central Park to check out the post marathon events. I take the opportunity to engrave my finishers medal and to purchase a few more items of clothing. We then stroll around a small part of the park and then try to find a cup of tea near the Columbus Circle at the south western corner of the park. We find a nice enough place but the tea ends up being POD tea, made like pod coffee. Our Earl Grey ends up tasting rather unusual. The day is end with a team dinner which is fun and a great opportunity to have debrief of the trip so far and the marathon. I really am in awe of my team mates who have achieved so much.

Tuesday our last full day in New York and it is a chance for us to have a look around. We stock up for the day with our awesome buffet breakfast, some fruit and muffins from the buffet even manages to find its way into my backpack. We head away on foot heading south and west towards the Hudson to link up with the High Line. The high line is a raised pedestrian pathway that utilises an old elevated railway. After

Highline Walkway

walking the length of this we find a good expresso and then flag down a taxi to take us to Ground Zero and the one World Trade Centre. The taxi driver zips us downtown and as we exit the taxi we are greeted with One World Trade Centre towering above us.  We take a few photos and then head to the newly opened Ground Zero Centre. The wheelchair is again given priority treatment when we cue for tickets and entry. After entering the building you are taken down into the basement and foundations of the North Tower. As you descend the story of the tradegy is told with photos, video and the voices of those involved.  This place is informative, moving and put together magnificently. As we exit we are greeted by the memorial pools which are a truly emotional place.

One World Trade Centre

It is a beautiful day so we eat our snacks and then head towards the Hudson for views of the Statue of Liberty. After spending some time by the river we track down a bus and head back up town. This first use of public transport is interesting with the bus well setup for wheelchairs. Denise starts up a conversation with a fellow passenger who insists we go to Savannah when she hears we are heading south. We round the day off with a show on Broadway, Jersey Boys. Prior to the show we look for a bar to have a light snack. We end up finding a Cuban bar opposite the theatre with a 3 piece band playing some very cool latin tunes. The food is excellent too, we could have stayed all night. Jersey Boys was a great show with both of us having a great time, our seats were good too being only a few rows back. On the way back to the hotel we grab a slice of New York pizza which helps appease our appetites before bed.

Our last day in New York is busy and emotional as we pack to leave. Kiri and Peter are taking many of the party back to NZ, they are also taking back my racing wheel chair. After breakfast it is farewell hugs and kisses as the team leave for the airport and we take a taxi to the train station. We only just fit into the cab with my wheelchair and our bags. Again when we get to Pennsylvania Station we are given special assistance with a porter taking us and our bags to the train. Goodbye New York - I hope to return sometime.