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π³ππ²πΊπΌπ°π½ πππ½ π²π»ππ±@dyckmanrunclub My name is Bob Marks, I grew up in Inwood in the Dyckman Houses until age 13. The neighborhood was different thenβmostly Irish and Jewish, with three movie theaters and probably no running clubs or runners. For me and most of the boys, there was baseball and all its variations: stickball, punchball and softball. The girls were mostly jumping rope. My family moved to Kingsbridge in the Bronx, but I still went to G.W H.S, up the hill from my old building. I went to Lehman College and continued playing baseball until my first son was born. Married with two sons, we moved to Mohegan Lake in Northern Westchester. I got more into basketball and coached my sons in soccer and basketball. After a 33-year career in the Federal Government, I started a second career at The Buckley School, coaching soccer, baseball and basketball. I now work part-time coaching JV Baseball and 6th Grade Basketball. When my boys grew up, I moved back to the city, near my old neighborhood, in Hudson Heights. I never did much running outside of sports, but I saw the NYRR Shamrocks, Salsa & Blues race go right past my block. The next year, 2011, that was my first race. I never realized it would lead to five marathons, more than a dozen half marathons and over 100 races. A few years back, I was taking a breather during a run at Inspiration Point when I came across the Dyckman Run Club. I spoke with someone, Elvin, who encouraged me to check out the club. COVID and neck surgery put that idea on the back burner. Then, a year ago, I stopped at the DRC booth during Summer Streets. I decided to give it a tryβand it was one of the best decisions of my life. Now I look forward to seeing my new friends at DRC every week that I can. I have never met so many nice, supportive and welcoming people. I love what this community represents: people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities coming together through an activity that promotes physical, social and spiritual health. My advice? Just start. Listen to your body, keep going, and make sure any pain isnβt something serious. And if you want to run with the nicest group in the world, run with the Dyckman Run Club. β€οΈππ» All roads lead to Dyckman 10.3. π
Comments
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@soydelacapital2 Wow! I just loved the story!!!!!! #inspire
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@miriam.echeniquerealty That is a wonderful story, Bob. We share a similar beginning and experience in discovering DRC; it has certainly been the best decision we have ever made. It is a great pleasure to run and chat with you.π
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@runningwith_coco What a story!!! We love having you and running with you
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@luislewis27ny So great meeting you Bob and running together!! Baseball coach!!! Cool!!! (I played CF growing up)
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@abigail.r.gross πππ
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@ronaldtroy1968 You're such an inspiration Bob. It's so great sharing the DRC space with you. Thanks for teaching us about the neighborhood and running with pride. π
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@pae.she Itβs been a pleasure getting to know Bob these last couple Thursdays. Thank you for sharing your story! β€οΈ
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@alex_miles_to_go The OG BOB Marks π itβs always a pleasure sharing miles and stories
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@j_ennyg Bob, thank you for sharing such a meaningful piece of Inwood history! β€οΈ Your story is a beautiful reminder that the love for running and community has no limits. Itβs never about how old you are β itβs about the miles, the memories, and the joy you bring along the way. Honored to have you as part of our family and the Dyckman 5K! ππΌπ₯ #AllRoadsLeadToDyckman
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@pauchav I always learn new things about our own neighborhood from Bob. Walking and running with him is always a treat.
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@vampire_weakend The GOAT πππ
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@gsav1972 Amazing story. Truly!π₯ππ