In a sport where the average winner is in their mid-twenties, the thrill of victory belonged to two unlikely candidates at yesterday's ING New York City Marathon.

Meb Keflezighi, 34, became the first American man to win what others refer to as one of the world's greatest races since 1982, when Alberto Salazar had three consecutive victories. Keflezighi crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 2:09:15. It was both Keflezighi's first marathon win, and his personal-best record.

Among those who Keflezighi defeated were up-and-coming favorite, Ryan Hall, and four-time Boston Marathon champ, Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot. "A lot of people were writing him off, saying he was too old," Ryan Hall said about Keflezighi in a press conference after the race. "But if there was one other guy who I wanted to see win this race, it was Meb. He's like an older brother to me."

Barbara Barker shares on Newsday.com that she went out and bought a pair of running shoes last year after Paula Radcliffe won the New York City Marathon. Remember Paula? The British woman who 10 months after giving birth ran her fit little heart out and clocked a time better than all other racers. Well, Barbara might want to get shopping again this year -- because Paula has done it again.

Sunday marked Paula's third New York win and while her other two (in 2003 and 2007) were close victories, this one was not. Paula, a two-time Olympian whose injuries kept her from winning both times, pulled away at mile 22 and won the race in two hours, 23 minutes, and 55 seconds.

Two words: I'm inspired. How about you?

For more Radcliffe inspiration, click here.

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Many athletes can fondly recall the time they snagged that impossible pass in football, hit the pin on a crucial golf hole or sank the go-ahead three-pointer in hoops. When I think back on some of my finer moments in competitive sports, I remember my mind was entirely detached during 'the moment.' When I dove horizontal to snag that uncatchable line drive, all I recall is a quick movement toward the ball. Next thing I knew it was in my glove and I was rolling on the ground. That's when I realized I had been totally horizontal.

But when I'm jogging, I think all the time. I think about how much longer I have to go, how out of breathe I'm getting, how much my sides ache and how long and nasty that hill looks ahead. No wonder my times have always sucked. But I keep coming back as jogging is a convenient workout and the pain is always replaced by the endorphin high.

The technique of leaving your mind behind while challenging your physical body to reach its near-maximum performance is called disassociation. Paula Radcliffe, winner of the 2007 NYC Marathon, utilizes the technique when she's struggling in a race. She counts to 100 three times, and before she knows it, another mile is behind her. She heads inward, focusing only on her breathing and stride. Many ordinary and elite athletes have disassociation strategies, whether it's concentrating only on a cyclist's shadow in front of you or counting numbers in your head. Sky's the limit on this personal out of body, into mind experience. In the end, the experts say those who get their mind out of the way by disassociating can shatter their personal best or regularly come mighty close on a regular basis. Now I've got to figure out a disassociation strategy for jogging (a.k.a. the sport I hate). I think it starts with a lower-case "i" -- time for an iPod.

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The New York Marathon was held this past weekend and British runner Paula Radcliffe took the top spot in the race, completing the 26.2-mile race in two hours, 23 minutes and nine seconds. But the amazing aspect of this story, I think, is that Radcliffe gave birth to her daughter Isla a mere 10 months ago. And the 27-hour labor even lead to a stress fracture in her sacrum. Wow. That is one fit mama.

Of her win so soon after giving birth, Radcliffe says, Generally, the happier I am, the better I run. Certainly I'm a lot happier with Isla in our lives. I think your body is just a little bit stronger after pregnancy."

Good for her for not letting pregnancy get in the way of her fitness goals. What do you think?

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