by Dennis Harvell Legends of Endurance: The Kings of the Blue Wall The Gladiators of St. Mary’s In the shadows of the elevated trains, a different kind of sovereignty is established every afternoon on the handball courts of St. Mary’s Park. These aren’t just weekend hobbyists; they are the “Handball Kings,” men in their 60s… Continue reading Legends of Endurance: The Kings of the Blue Wall
Tag: The Concrete Pulse
Legends of Endurance: The Boardwalk Battalion
by Dennis Harvell Legends of Endurance The Boardwalk Battalion: The Ritual of the Riviera Long before the coolers are packed and the salsa starts pumping, the Orchard Beach boardwalk belongs to the “Early Bird Battalion.” These are the Bronx seniors who treat this mile-long crescent of imported white sand like a high-stakes training ground. While… Continue reading Legends of Endurance: The Boardwalk Battalion
Legends of Endurance: Gisela Perez – The Marathon Matriarch
by Dennis Harvell Legends of Endurance Gisela Perez: The Marathon Matriarch Gisela Perez, affectionately known as “Coach G,” is a testament to the long-game of Bronx endurance. A veteran of over 40 marathons and a staggering 100-plus half-marathons, Gisela didn’t just find a hobby in running; she found a calling. Based in Concourse Village, she… Continue reading Legends of Endurance: Gisela Perez – The Marathon Matriarch
Legends of Endurance: Jacinto Bonilla – The Iron Grandfather
by Dennis Harvell Legends of Endurance Jacinto Bonilla: The Iron Grandfather Jacinto Bonilla is the living embodiment of the Bronx’s grit, proving that strength is a lifetime pursuit. A lifelong martial artist and fitness enthusiast, Jacinto found his ultimate calling in CrossFit at an age when most people are slowing down. Now in his 80s,… Continue reading Legends of Endurance: Jacinto Bonilla – The Iron Grandfather
Legends of Endurance: Ida Keeling – The Centenarian Cyclone
by Dennis Harvell Legends of Endurance Ida Keeling: The Centenarian Cyclone Ida Keeling didn’t start running until she was 67 years old, proving that the “Pulse” of the Bronx can be found at any age. After the tragic loss of two of her sons left her in a deep depression, her daughter, a track coach,… Continue reading Legends of Endurance: Ida Keeling – The Centenarian Cyclone