Pay attention here kids, because I’m about to change your lives and save you a bundle of money, and no, you don’t have to switch your car insurance. I’m no Tony Robbins, but I feel like I’ve awoken my own inner giant and want to help others do the same. And you don’t have to travel to a large auditorium, scream and hold your neighbor’s hand to do it.

So today was my third running of the #UnitedNYCHalf right here in NYC. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, it’s a majestic 13.1 miles of pure bliss starting in Central Park, down 7th avenue, through Times Square, out to the West Side Highway, and ending up in the Financial District. As in the past three years it was a bit chilly today, but overall one of my most fun, if not the most fun. Every run is special, and every group race is especially special, and this was no exception. What makes it even more special for me is the knowledge that - here comes the shocking true confession - I lack natural athletic ability. Yes, my dear NYC podiatry patients, I know it’s hard to imagine, but I was the kid most likely to not be picked for the team in school, and frankly, the team captains were not wrong in deferring their selection. However, I discovered running during my first year of residency as a way to avoid becoming the patient I saw in the hospital and as a good stress relief, and since then I have run with it so to speak, completing a bunch of half marathons, one full marathon and now two #toughmudders. And it didn’t start with marathon level distances; there was a time not too long ago that one mile seemed like a marathon in itself. With perseverance and a strong desire I built up to the point of running a half marathon without training. And most of you can do the same, with a bit of training, work, and grit. Or maybe you are already running marathons on a regular basis and it’s time for an ultramarathon. Or you’re not running at all, and one mile seems like a marathon - it’s ok, get up off the couch and do it, or just walk around the block and let that be the first step.

Well, I always seem to get this way with a good endorphin rush. Believe me kids, if I can do it, so can most of you too. And if you can’t, come on in and I’ll tell you why you can. And don’t worry about the feet, we can handle those together.

See you in the office.
Ernest Isaacson