On Wednesday, Dec. 1 Matt Long, author and former NYC Firefighter who almost lost his life after being hit by a bus visited Runner’s Edge in Farmingdale. Long spoke about his accident and signed copies of his new book, The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter’s Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete.
Long, a 17-year veteran of the FDNY, has been a competitive athlete his entire life. As a student at Iona College, he was a member of its Division 1 Basketball program. After college Long took up endurance sports and is a finisher of multiple marathons and two Ironman triathlons. He regularly gives motivational talks across the country.
Long is the founder of the I Will Foundation, which provides training and funding to athletes recovering from traumatic injuries.
In his book, along with journalist Charles Butler, Long tells the story of his struggle and determination to fight through despair, loneliness, and intense physical and mental pain to regain the life he once had. The book chronicles his road to recovery as he teaches himself to walk again and process the psychological consequences of the accident. Told by a doctor that he’d be lucky if he could even walk without a cane, Long was determined to prove him wrong and run again. A mere three years later Long was racing across the New York City Marathon finish line. The following year he completed the Lake Placid Ironman-no small feat for even the most athletic of people, but truly incredible considering all that he had been through.
The book is available for purchase at Runner’s Edge, 242 Main Street in Farmingdale or online at: www.runnersedgeny.com
