Ralph E Smith Publisher
Shephard Elliott III 26 Mile Story
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The NYC Marathon by Helen Ciano "A member of the NYC Correction Department Who Completed the 26 Miles Nov 11, 2003
Special Story for the Guardian Chronicle.Com:
Ralph E Smith from the Guardian Chronicle who I've known for several years asked me to write about my journeys in running the marathon.
Usually in the past he would just take pictures, but this time he wants a story. Well let me start from the beginning, I guess from the beginning is the only way to explain my experiences and love for the sport. One cool summer night probably around August 1968, A few of my friends and I went to the movies. We saw a movie called 2001 A Space Odyssey. It wasn't the movie that we actually spoke about that night, but what we would be doing in the year 2001.
Well in the year 2001, I ran the NYC marathon. Who knew, But all through the race I thought about that night, and finally had the answer. It was a grand and spectacular experience all though the training was hard, getting up at 4:30 every morning running 5 to 7 miles before going to work and on weekend's 15- 20 miles. It was worth it because I would finish the race in good time and walked away uninjured, took the train home and went to work the next day. I also ran in 2002. It was a great race. It was the same thing, walked away again, took the train home, and went to work the next day. I want you to know I had no trouble running the race I was very comfortable.
But this year was a little different. My son David is in the Marines. He works out of Arlington, Virginia. He asked me if I would like to run the marine marathon. I thought why not, I ran NYC twice, but then I realized I would not be able to run New York, being the races were a week apart. So I went to Washington DC Sunday October 26TH 2003 with my family. My husband, Ray, My two daughters, Gabrielle and Brigette. We had a great time again a beautiful day. I ran the race in great time, 4hrs and 29 min. and 17 sec. I was having a little bit of trouble at mile 15 when my legs started to get heavy, and I felt like I was running backwards. The only thing on my mind was to finish and join my family. So I started praying to the dear Lord, take me to the finish line, for I am strong and the both of us can do it.
You also need to help my fellow runners. I remember one guy at mile 23 cry out " I want my mommy". I am never shy to speak to the Lord for I know he hears me we keep in touch night and day and he knows what is in my heart. Well you know my legs started to move forward this time to the finish line, where my family was waiting. I stretched walked back to my son's base, and then went to the post party and danced for three hours. I felt great by Wednesday I made up my mind to run the NYC marathon. Everyone said, "No way, it is too soon", but I knew I would be fine. I did two recovery runs Tuesday, (3 miles) and Wednesday, (4 miles).
When I woke up that Sunday morning November 2nd 2003, I spoke to the Lord in prayer and told him I would be running through the five boroughs, I want you to come with me as you did In the past, and let us have a nice warm day, and we did. While I was running I thought about how fortunate I am for having a great family, a great job at DOC, who I both love, my co-workers who support me, who put up with me in my moods, but I can say that I am happy with myself, my life, I feel better than a millioniar for noone can take away these great feelings, I feel. Will I finish the race in 4 hrs 39 minutes and 24 seconds? And walked away very quickly to find my husband, and my two best friends. Who for three years have waited for me at the finish line and again took the train home and went to work the next day and ofcourse wore my medals proudly. I wonna thank God, Myself, my family, my friends, my co-workers for making this story possible.