Lessons from the Fall

?In November 2006, on a vivid New York autumn day, I took on the challenge of running what would be my first - and probably only marathon. As a native NYer, there was no choice for me other than the "big one" - The ING New York City Marathon. I was working for Bear Stearns at the time. We had just been named the most "Most admired securities firm in America" by Fortune Magazine. It was a frothy time on Wall Street - a great time to hit up some of my colleagues who were about to receive their (large) bonuses and raise some money for Fred's Team (https://www.fredsteam.org/) at Sloane Kettering Hospital.

The much admired and world-famous cyclist Lance Armstrong was also there, raising money for his Live Strong organization (remember the yellow silicone bracelets that everyone seemed to wear back then?). Lance told the press he was going to break the three hour mark and of course, he would do it. Heck, he was Lance Armstrong and there was nothing he couldn't do. Even his name was heroic.

Weighing in at 220 pounds, I set a more pedestrian goal of four hours.

Other celebrities were running as well, TV Chef Bobby Flay was there, as was supermodel Kim Alexis. Fox News commentator and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee joined me in the heavyweight division. Nickelodeon Network was even there - promoting SpongeBob. There was a guy in a SpongeBob costume singing his "Best Day Ever" song on the back of a truck. It was so much fun.

And it really was - The best day ever. The memories from that day are as vivid as the day itself.

As many of you know, some difficult times did follow for me. The place where I built my career vanished almost overnight during the Great Financial Crisis of 2008. Bear Stearns had survived and thrived for 84 years - but was gone in a moment. It was a great firm to work for; a real meritocracy. We were not alone, even ING bank, the sponsor of the NYC Marathon, stumbled during that crisis and needed a bailout from the Dutch government. Frothy days turned to dark days on Wall Street.

Lance Armstrong was caught up in a massive doping scandal and is still trying to rebuild his reputation. He was stripped of almost all of his medals including , I believe, his NY Marathon medal. The same one that I found in my basement.

As for me, I finished but did not break four hours. Not even close. But I finished. I supported a good cause and I did beat Mike Huckabee's time. (sorry, Governor).

Life is fleeting. Success is fleeting. Set lofty goals but remember: Sometimes just finishing is enough.

Don't Cheat yourself or anyone, ever!

Keep moving forward and try to make each day - The best day ever.