Ralph E Smith    Publisher

The Guardian Chronicle The New York City Marathon                  by Shephard Elliott III Nov 11, 2003 Strategic Planning & Programs, Analyst New York City Department of Correction Like most casual runners, I had dreamed of running the New York City Marathon. My problem was that I was never serious enough to commit to the type of disciplined training that prepares one for a marathon. Running 2 or 3 miles, three days a week is fun, but running 26.2 miles in less than 4 hours is not a joke. However, last year the running bug bit me while watching a race in Central Park. What a race! I knew then that I wanted to be one of those runners. So, I committed to taking on the marathon challenge and joined the New York Road Runners Club. In November of 2002, I ran my first marathon, and completed it in 3 hours 46 minutes 39 seconds. This was a great personal accomplishment for me, and now I firmly believe that "What can be conceived, can be achieved." This year’s marathon was particularly challenging, because I injured my back two days before the marathon. I thought that I would have to drop out of the race. I couldn’t believe this happened to me. Man, I was not a happy camper. You see, the marathon training consisted of an eighteen week specialized running regiment, which I followed diligently. Six days a week I was up at 4:00 am to stretch my muscles, do abdominal exercises, hill strengthening training once a week, speed work twice a week, and run an average of 10 miles per day. I would run between 15 and 22 miles on Saturdays alone. I had successfully completed this eighteen week training period, to get only two days before the marathon and sustain a back injury from performing a very simple task. Holdup- wait- one- minute, let me be clear about this point: after going through the four month training, I was determined to complete what I started even if I had to lie down and roll for 26.2 miles. Despite the back pain, I persevered and completed the race in 4 hours and 48 seconds, which was only thirty minutes over the time I had planned to finish. My goal for next year is to complete the marathon in 3 hours 15 minutes. I also hope to run marathons in Boston and Washington DC. Let me tell you, crossing the finish line after running 26.2 miles is an exhilarating life time experience. Congratulations to all the marathon runners out there! And, to all those who dream of one day running the marathon I say, "You can do it". Shephard Elliott III Strategic Planning & Programs, Analyst

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