Cecilia Davis-Hayes: Lifelong Runner Takes on the NYC Marathon

Cecilia Davis-Hayes, 26, who started running in third grade, has competed in cycling races and triathlons across the country. The longest distance she has run is 29 miles in the Grand Canyon— from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back.  When did you start running, and why? And what is the longest distance you have run? 

I started running when I was in third grade when my dad, a D1 college runner himself, took my sister and me along with him to run a 5K race. I've been running ever since, with the exception of a two-year break after college cross country-burnout

I ran 29 miles this spring in the Grand Canyon-- down from the South Rim to the Colorado and back up!

Why are you running the NYC Marathon? 

It's pretty much mandatory for a serious runner living in NYC ;) I've heard the crowds are better than Boston.

What’s your goal on race day? To break the 3 hour mark. As long as my time is 2:XX, I will be happy.

Does this distance— or this particular race— have any special meaning for you?

It means a lot to race on my home turf. I compete in triathlon and cycling races all over the country, but my friends and family rarely get to come out and watch. I'll have support all along the course for this race. Furthermore, my dad is running with me, which is pretty special. We're really close in ability now, so we will push each other and hopefully finish together.

What gets you through your long training runs?  

I run on nature-- the fall colors, the spell of the air. Looking at my Garmin GPS watch to keep me honest on pacing.

Have you had any particularly special moments during your training runs? 

I got to do my longest run, a 20-miler, with my dad, who is also racing, and we ran from our house on the outskirts of Philadelphia all the way to the Art Museum (Rocky steps!) and back along the Schukyll River. That was special.

Do you see any relationship between your work and your running?

Most definitely. Training provides me with an alternate outlet besides medical school. If I have a tough or a boring day, I always have exercise to look forward to. Especially when I have a race coming up, I always wake up in the morning with a special spark of excitement for life.