A Victory for Humanity is Achilles Track Club founder Dick Traum's biography.  In it, Traum tells his experience as being the first above the knee amputee to finish the New York City Marathon.  His book is filled with other tales of his international experiences with promoting Achilles in other countries. 
When I first met Traum, I told him how much I enjoyed his book and his inspiration.  I also said, "You know, your name in German means "dream", like you are living your dream of motivating disabled athletes, and promoting a better life for them in their respective countries!"
To which he replied, "It could also mean, like, "traumatic." 
"Oh, yeah, I didn't realize that."  
So impressed was I by this man and his accomplishment that I myself signed up to be a volunteer runner guide for a disabled athlete in the 1997 marathon.  Although I began the race with Rick Asselte (who has since set up a chapter in Tanzania and raises funds to buy hand-cranked wheelchairs), we lost each other in the sea of people at the water station at mile 8.  
My partner guide, Brian Moss, found me as I was crossing one of the bridges.  So we ran together until we located some other Achilles athletes and ran with them to the finish line.  
People have told me that, "the Columbus Marathon is great!"  Or, "You have to run Boston."  And, "The Marine Corps Marathon will change your life!"  But the New York City Marathon is like no other.  That's because it is, after all, New York.  People cheer along the streets for 99% of the race.  We explore all five boroughs and are buoyed by the excitement of the crowd--both the runners and their fans.  But I love New York especially because of Achilles' presence in the race.  
If you are looking for inspiration for your own fitness goals, business plans, or general life changes, check out Achilles' website and their mission--and their athletes' accomplishments.  www.achillestrackclub.org
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