Although Usain Bolt's dynamic performances have dominated track and field headlines as of late, and America's obsession in recent times has been with the sprint distances, no event over the history of the sport has generated more interest and enthusiasm than the running of the mile. Having its roots set deeply in English history, the mile became official in 1850, which was the first year recording results came to be, and later, in August of 1865, the first real spectator race, which housed approximately 15,000 onlookers, was held in Manchester, England, with the world's best milers competing. The winning time was 4:17. And so it began.

Now, some 144 years later, the mile remains a strong draw, and the idea of 4:17 being the world's fastest time is almost laughable. And while so many remarkable stages exist across the world upon which this time-tested, treasured event is contested, the energy and excitement felt all along Fifth Avenue, in the heart of New York City, is ever so tough to replicate.

With some of the world's quickest milers converging upon the Big Apple to compete in the professional race, normally held at the end of the race day, fans flock to see just how fast the Kenyans or Ethiopians can go. However, the day also provides the chance for the commoner, the regular runner, to trudge up the world renowned street in their own glory.

With open divisions extending from the age of 8 all the way through 70+, the day has reserved spots for any miler who wants to take on the challenge. On September 26, 2009, this year's event will kick off at 9 am with the wheelchair and handcylce division and will conclude with the professional men at 1:05 pm. Sponsored by Continental Airlines and in conjunction with the New York Road Runners, the race is sure to have moments that exhibit incredible athleticism and endurance as well as those poignant stories that pull at the heart and make us all remember why we run.

After providing a nominal entry fee, you can fly up Fifth Avenue with all you have, run beneath the big timing clock, and dive headlong into the post-race refreshments. Whether you are a professional poised to win or a regular runner searching for that personal best, participating in the Fifth Avenue Mile will undeniably be an experience you'll always remember.

After having a few episodes of crippling pain that knocked me to my knees, I was diagnosed with gallstones. I was in my late 20's, relatively healthy and active. Yet, after having my surgery, it took me around six months to fully recuperate and feel like my old self. For this reason, I was surprised to find out that the only American female to hold the record for the 800 to 10,000 meter race, Mary Slaney, had over 18 surgeries during her career.

Mary Slaney, a slight brunette, was a popular athlete in the 1980s. From a kidney infection to chronic foot pain, she experienced a lot of ailments throughout her running career. Many of them led to surgery, which ended up causing her down time. For many people, these ailments coupled with surgeries would have caused them to hang up their Adidas. However, Slaney learned to take each episode with stride and continue on. This attitude earned her great success. Here's a laundry list of her accomplishments:

Records Held
American Record: 800 m - 1:56.90 (August 16, 1985 - )
American Record: 1,500 m - 3:57.12 (July 26, 1983 - )
American Record: 1 mi. - 4:16.71 (August 21, 1985 - )
American Record: 3,000 m - 8:25.83 (September 7, 1985 - )
American Record: 5,000 m - 15:06.53 (June 1, 1985 - )
American Record: 10,000 m - 31:35.30 (July 16, 1982 - )

Championships
1988 Olympics: 1,500 m (8th)
1988 Olympics: 3,000 m (10th)
1983 World Outdoors: 1,500 m (1st)
1983 World Outdoors: 3,000 m (1st)

Because of her long-suffering and undying fortitude, Mary Slaney was able to compete in races well into her late 30's. Today, she is retired. However, her legacy lives on. She was the little engine that could and did, regardless of the pain in her body.