New York City Firefighter Matthew Long was part of the 2009 Ironman Lake Placid Triathalon which took place on Sunday July 26. That means Matt swam 2.4 miles in Mirror Lake, biked 112 miles through the Adirondack Mountains, and ran the 26.2 miles through those same mountains. Matt entered this Ironman, his second, with his group, the I Will Foundation, with fellow Bay Ridge-ite Jonathan Rohl who entered for the first time. Matt’s first Ironman was in 2005, before his near-death injury when he was struck by a bus in Manhattan during the illegal NYC transit strike. At the time of that injury, Matt was given a one percent chance of survival. Since that time, and after many pints of blood, numerous surgeries and strenuous physical therapy, Matt has run a NYC Marathon in 2008 and now, competed in an Ironman Triathalon. This is an amazing story of heart, and determination, and hope. Matthew Long is an inspiration to all who know him, and especially those who don’t, who he has touched through his wonderful foundation with his courage, and his incredible strength of character. Congratulations to you Matt, and your I Will Foundation, and to all who competed in this most arduous event. For more information check www.iwillfoundation.com
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