Matt Loozis completed the 32-mile Great Saunter in May 2025. The experience inspired him to write a poem, which he later turned into this song.

By Matt Loozis

I wanted a physical challenge
I wanted some fun
But what were my choices
Having turned seventy-one?

My running days over
But walking still fine
Even if huffing and puffing
When on steep incline!

I learned of the Saunter
The Great Saunter it’s called.

A once a year walk
The first Saturday in May
It’s never rescheduled
No matter the weather that day

32 miles
Circumnavigating The City
The aches I will feel
It won’t be so pretty

But my mind was made up
I felt I must do it
I told family and friends
So now I HAD to go through it!

My first order of business
Really the basics
What shoes should I wear?
For me it was Asics!

A backpack was purchased
To be filled with some stuff
Medical, edible and weather related
It bothered me some to feel overly weighted.

My walk training increased
I’d passed 20 miles twice
But after both those times
I felt the need to soak in some ice

The day has arrived
Lisa walks me to the start
3,000 folks lined up
Hoping to give their best shot

Only half usually finish
I want to be one
Then I’m off with a kiss
The walk has begun

Lady Liberty is shining
Freedom Tower is passed
Little island grows nearer
This walk is a blast

Midtown is looming
And then it goes by
So much I am passing
In a blink of the eye

Riverside Church now behind me
10 miles have just flown

But I feel a bit shaky
I take to a seat
Feeling light headed
I’m sure it’s the heat

It takes me a half hour
To get back on my feet

I had limited my fluids
I wanted to limit my pee
I realize right now
That was stupid of me

My walk is not steady
I must look a fright
I know this is true
When a women says, “Sir, are you feeling all right?

I pass the George Washington Bridge
I’m doing better
But still cursing a bit
At this hot humid weather

On the northern points of the Isle of Manhattan
It starts to get really quite hilly
If only if only
It would turn a bit chilly

After 16 miles to Inwood Park
I finally arrive
Some lunch, some rest
I feel just barely alive

Then from Inwood to Harlem
I keep increasing my fluids
But my hands are all swollen
Multiple signs of water retention
I hope this won’t lead to
Saunter prevention

I suck down some energy gel
And go trudging on forth

A bunch of local folks
Are cheering me and pushing and urging

And while this boost doesn’t get me quite surging
I get behind walkers
Not too slow or too fast
Stay close behind them
And hope that I last

Now along the FDR Drive
By the East River
A gentle breeze blows
A ray of hope it delivers

Made my way to Carl Schurz Park
Enjoying water and energy bar at the 25 mile mark
My whole bodies hurting but the temperature’s dropped
I’m now beginning to believe that I won’t be stopped

About hour of walking passes
Maybe only 4 or 5 miles to go
Then I think I hear my name called
Not sure if from above or below

Lisa has met me
And oh boy I’m glad
And for my last 4 or 5 miles
It’s a walk that we shared

And when I neared the end and crossed the line at the finish
I had a smile on so wide
It just wouldn’t diminish

This was a once in a lifetime
I’m so glad I got through

Well …
Maybe I’ll do it again
When I’m seventy-two!