By Rick Rodriguez
As a grade school kid, I ran around the school fields at Longwood School in Hayward, California and for some reason had aspirations to run a Marathon. And, I am not quite sure how I developed the thought of running long distances. Perhaps, it was something I did well as a kid. I never thought I'd ever do it (run a Marathon). But then in 1993, I read in the newspaper that the San Francisco Marathon was being held in 4 months. So, for some unknown reason at the time, I decided to enter the race. Thus, began my running career! Sure, I had run in 10k's and a Half-Marathon but only pondered entering a full marathon. Yet here I was, about to embrace the challenge of the marathon--the pain--and what would become one of the greatest accomplishments of my life!
The inspiration compelled me to immediately begin training. So, my very 1st training run was 3 miles and I did it at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley, California. The park was a place I would come to know well in the ensuing months. In particular, I would become very fond of the Columbine Trail and spend many of my training runs circling the Lake via this trail.
Journal Excerpt "Moments" July 18, 1993 "Another tremendous day in my life! Today, I ran my 1st marathon. It was a tremendous accomplishment considering I only trained for 16 weeks" And, I'll never do that again! I was woefully unprepared to take on the Marathon (26.2 mile) distance. However, I was determined to finish the my 1st marathon! Fortunately, aside from an out of body experience the last six miles of the race, I didn't suffer an injury.
I packed a lot of training into those 16 weeks but never got close to a fully trained marathoner. My longest training run was 17.5 miles. I must not have thought about how I was going to pull off running those last 8 plus miles. Journal Excerpt "It's funny all my life I thought I would run a marathon. I finally achieved this life milestone. I ran the San Francisco Marathon in 4:33 minutes." I learned many things about Rick Rodriguez that day. The feelings of euphoria. The emotional and physical struggle I fought to overcome pain. How powerful the mind is in overcoming the greatest obstacle of all--me! Journal excerpt "I did discover some new things about Rick Rodriguez. The main point is Rick's ability to persevere. My tremendous belief in faith. In God. My time alone meditating and thinking about my friends and family whom without I would not have overcome my doubts." Wow! Even now, 16 years later, those words ring so true and really those last six miles I drew strength from people, trees, plants, and I asked God to carry me! It seems a bit sappy but it is true. I focused on someone and I asked for them to strengthen my legs and will because with each step I took it weakened my will. I was in a struggle. I was fighting the Marathon!
Journal Excerpt" I managed a 9:40 pace up to 20 miles. I was still ok at 22 miles. Then, my training caught up to me. Beginning mile 22 to 25 miles I struggled, when doubts entered my mind, I shut them down." But not very easily, as I mentioned above, I was so completely depleted that I wanted to quit. But, that fear of failure rode on my back, and along with my thoughts and I fought with it. As I trudged up Golden Gate Park, I could hear people cheering me on and encouraging me. "Hang in there" and "You can do it" were as familiar today as they were back then! As I neared Kezar Stadium, I could hear the announcer calling out the names of runners crossing the finish line. 
This inspired me and really from nowhere I began to charge through to enter Kezar Stadium. As I crossed under the arches, Journal Excerpt "When I hit the track at Kezar Stadium tears rolled down my face. I was overcome by emotion. I was running so fast that the pain was not felt. I crossed the finish line and received a Pewter Finisher's medal. As I sat down, cried for a few more moments--I looked around and realized how beautiful life really is--Thank you God."
The funny thing is that I'm not really religious. But, certainly it's ironic that when I really need help I turn to that all knowing spirit. I went on to run 9 other marathons. This marathon experience however instilled a belief in me that I could accomplish anything! I hope it inspires you, too! Here's the link to Lake Chabot Regional Park. A great place to start! http://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake_chabot
