March 29, 2003

 

THE FUTURE OF BUS

 

 

One day out of the blue, Tom Moore asked me, Richie, what happens to BUS if you die? Who would take over? You should be training someone now in case that happens.

 

My first reaction was did Tom know something that I didnt. I mean I did have a few medical episodes during recent years, but I did not think the Grim Reaper was around the corner. I became more concerned when I saw Tom in Syms trying on a dark suit. But despite my hasty demise, Tom did make a valid point.

 

I realize a decision about the future of BUS needs to be addressed, especially since I have been declining considerably. It started about five years ago. I was measuring a course by bike for the proposed 5-Bridges Race. A cab cut me off, and I took a flight over the handlebars. The bike and I got banged up. Several months passed and I had another mishap. I fell down a marble stairway on my back. I was bruised and sore, but I ignored any other warning signs. I had to coordinate the Knickerbocker 60K the next day. But the stairway did have to be repaired.

 

A few weeks later, I discovered I could not stand, walk, sit or do tricks. I learned I encountered a herniated disc. Luckily, I did not need surgery. And my immediate recovery was one of the best weeks of my life. I was on painkillers and was experiencing an altered state. I was even getting hate mail from Nancy Reagan. I did go to therapy and did exercises for a period of time and eventually got better.

 

I did very little running that year. The few times were only with Vinny Croce. Since I lived in Brooklyn and Vinny lived in East Norwich, there was a geographical problem to maintain a running program. I also feared Vinnys running partner, Larry Katz would get upset. Soon, Larry moved to New Jersey. Was I the cause? I feared there was going to be call from Springer.

 

I tried to hibernate from the triangle by getting involved with biking. One day, I was touring Ted Corbitts circuit of Manhattan with two (other) friends, and I took another flight. Did I think I was a bumblebee? The fall was also my fault. I was pointing out John Erving Chues dry cleaning store and I inadvertently grabbed the left brake. My co-riders reported that it appeared I was slowly coming out of my biking shorts, as I started to tumble. It was not an attractive sight. I heard East 80^th Street had to be quarantined for the next two weeks. When I relayed the incident to Pablo Rivera, I mentioned that I probably should start wearing a helmet. Pablos response was a seat belt would be more effective.

 

I started another fitness program the following year, but Bobbie Gallagher became terminally ill and died soon after. I didnt feel like doing anything for a long time after her death. It was Rich Czarnowski, who got me to move from the chair. Rich and I would volunteer some Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC) events together, and would even run a few. Then, we would go to breakfast after each event. At one Fourth of July race, Rich and I were blazing at 12-minute miles and were in contention for last place. The sag wagon behind us was actually a hearse. I looked to see if Tom Moore was in the front seat. During the last mile, we were able to pass a baby jogger without a parent and secure our non-last position and still ate afterwards.

 

In December 2000, Rich and I would run on a more regular basis. I was averaging about 15 miles a week, and I ran about two dozen races within the year, mostly 5Ks in Long Island. They were great fun and I was even improving. But I stopped running again in January 2002. My friend, Mary became ill and died within three months. Mary was like Bobbie; a very good person who accepted people as they were without expectations. Both of these people truly did Gods work on Earth. I did not understand why they were taken away.

 

After a 6-month hiatus, I would employ some fitness again. But I did too much, too soon and injured my knee. This time I had to stop. The after effects were not kind. I ballooned to my highest weight, and this happened AFTER Rich Czarnowski moved to Florida. I was creating a strain on my health, but there also was a vanity issue. I bought a bunch of new clothes last spring. Now, they dont fit. Even the barrel and the tent dont fit. I realized that I need a life change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am boring you with all of this to announce that I have to start being selfish and take care of my own house. My back has started to decline again, while my front needs to decline. Good friends like Ted Corbitt, Nina Kuscisk, Nick Marshall and Gloria Rodriguez have sent me back-repair books, and the books have become very useful..as paperweights. I really need to read and follow them or it will be back to (Timothy) Leary-land. I probably can no longer operate BUS as in the present. My will is there, but my physical persona is not. A future change may be needed. A few years ago, I toyed with the idea of forming a BUS coalition. I even arranged an informal gathering. But the workers at Babel had better communication. I may give the coalition idea another chance at a later date.

 

Many people referred BUS as Richies Club. I disagree. I realize that BUS is an extension of my personality, but Im just the caretaker. THIS IS YOUR CLUB! We have existed for a quarter-century, because of your participation as a competitor and volunteer and your financial support. If you think about it, considering the minimal staff, equipment and funding, we all have accomplished something very special. We are a family.

 

A lot has happened to our sport recently. The biggest impact has been the web site www.newyorkultrarunning.org

This site will be our future voice, as long as Larry Katz continues his superb work. With an increase of ultra interest from clubs like, GLIRC, Staten Island Athletic Club (SIAC) and the Taconic Road Runners Club (TRRC), a Grand Prix Series was created in 2002. It was an immediate success. Four BUS races this year are proud to be Grand Prix events.

 

Our sport has been changing, and I wanted you to know that so will BUS. I still would like to continue coordinating ultra events. But I dont know as what life form? But I will keep you posted. In the meantime, it has been a great 25 years. It couldnt have been done without you. Thank you for being a part of it.

 

 

 

2003 BUS SCHEDULE

 

Saturday, June 14 22^nd Annual Joe Kleinerman 12-Hour Run Crocheron Park Grand Prix

Sunday, July 13 Maria & Bruno Memorial (36-Mile) Run & Relay Alley Pond Park Grand Prix

Sat, Sun, Mon, Aug 30, 31 Sept 1 NY Pioneer Memorial 100-Mile Trek TBD Grand Prix

Sunday, August 31 Cirulinck-Innamorato Distance (50K) Run Prospect Park Grand Prix

Saturday, October ? Ted Corbitt 24 Hour Run Juniper Valley Park

 

NOTES:

The above events are confirmed, only when the race applications are printed. The proposed sites for the 3-Day Run are Cloves Lake Park in Staten Island, Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Kissena Park in Queens. The 24-Hour Run celebrates the 30^th Anniversary of Ted Corbitts American Record. The proposed dates are October 4, 11 or 25. That decision will be made by the Department of Parks. The Memorial Run & Relay will honor the memories of Maria Rivera and Bruno Fioretti. The distance of 36 miles was chosen, because Bruno completed 57 ultras, which translates into 57 kilometers, which is 36 miles. The relay will be coordinated as a 2-person or 3-person or 4-person event. A relay individual can run 18, 12 or 9 miles. The relay can be an event of camaraderie and also be used as a tune-up for the Vermont 100-Mile.