Monday, December 2, 2024
Oceanside’s Eric Neufeld, a physical education teacher and seasoned endurance athlete, completed the 2024 New York City Marathon on Nov. 3rd, marking his sixth time crossing the finish line of one of the world’s most iconic races.
Unlike his previous marathons, where he meticulously set pace goals and pushed himself to beat his personal bests, this year’s race was different for Neufeld. Injuries, including a painful case of plantar fasciitis and tendonitis in his foot, forced him to change his approach.
“This year I just went in looking to enjoy the day,” Neufeld explained. “I didn’t focus on a specific pace. I just wanted to take in the experience, the sights, and the energy of the crowd.”
For a runner used to targeting competitive times, such as his 2023 finish of 3 hours, 24 minutes, this was a significant mental shift. Neufeld completed the race in 3 hours and 33 minutes.
In early August, just weeks after completing the Lake Placid Ironman and a Half Ironman at Jones Beach, Neufeld developed plantar fasciitis, a notoriously painful condition that affects the heel and arch of the foot. His tendonitis, which flared up in his other foot, compounded the problem.
“Every night for a couple of weeks, I was icing both feet,” he said. “Training wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but I decided to run without any stress or pressure to hit a specific time.”
Neufeld described the physical pain as manageable during the race itself, with the first few miles being the toughest until his body loosened up.
“I felt it more toward the end of the race, but it didn’t limit me,” he said, reflecting on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course.
For Neufeld, the New York City Marathon has always been more than just a race. Neufeld’s family also plays a central role in his race day experience. His wife Monika and their children, along with Monika’s parents, watched from Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where Monika grew up cheering on marathon runners.
“The crowds are amazing,” Neufeld said. “ It’s just different from any other race I’ve done.”
His parents stationed themselves in Manhattan, near the base of the 59th Street Bridge, catching sight of him both there and later near Central Park.
“They always tell me how proud they are,” Neufeld said. “My dad, always sarcastically, says, ‘So, this is your last one, right?’ But they all know I’ll keep running.”
Neufeld’s passion for running and fitness is deeply ingrained in his life. As a physical education teacher working in Queens, he tries to set an example for both his students and his own children.
“My dad would work out before and after work,” Neufeld recalled. “Fitness was always part of his personality, and it became part of mine too.”
At 39, nearing 40, Neufeld has certainly noticed the toll of time on his body. He admits that injuries now take longer to heal, and he can’t always train through them as he once did. But despite the setbacks, his motivation remains strong.
“It’s part of my routine, my lifestyle. On the days I don’t exercise, I just feel off,” he said. “It keeps me energized and focused. I want to set an example for my kids and my students—that fitness is essential for living a healthy life.”
Even during his “off-season,” Neufeld stays active. His typical training week includes swimming, cycling, gym sessions, and, of course, running. Though he’s taking a short break to heal, he plans to slowly build up his running again by Thanksgiving, ensuring that fitness remains central to his life.
Although he’s taking time to recover, it’s clear that this won’t be Neufeld’s last marathon. For Neufeld, it’s not just about the race day results—it’s about embracing the journey, facing the challenges, and crossing the finish line with a sense of pride.
And as his father jokingly asks if it will be his last race, Neufeld’s answer is likely a firm, “Not yet.”
