Michael Ring was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where his immune system attacks his nerves, leaving him temporarily paralyzed. After 135 days in the hospital, he relearned how to walk. Today, he prepares to run the NYC Marathon, demonstrating resilience despite significant challenges, including using ankle braces and running with guides from Achilles International. His journey from this diagnosis to preparation for the race exemplifies his determination to overcome adversity.
"I'm going to start 40 minutes before the elite men, and everyone's going to pass me, all 55,000 people. My Achilles guides are like my offensive linebackers. They'll run behind me for the first half of the race so that people don't crash into me in the second half of the race." This highlights Ring's strategic approach to the marathon and his reliance on support systems.
Despite setbacks, including a challenging first attempt at the NYC Marathon where he dropped out at mile 16, Michael Ring's journey back to marathon running after 135 days of hospital recuperation reflects an inspiring narrative of resilience and passion for running.
Reflecting on his earlier marathon experiences, Ring humorously noted his youthful naiveté: "I went out too fast and then drank a lot of water in Queens and threw up off the Queensboro Bridge." This candid, light-hearted take on past mistakes illustrates how much he has learned and grown since those days.
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