Sheinelle Jones Dishes On Finding Therapy in NYC Marathon Training
When it comes to preparing for the New York City Marathon, Sheinelle Jones is on her Zoom.
The "TODAY" co-host revealed her aspirations to train for the nearly 27-mile marathon in September with Women's Health. As the race approaches she took a moment to reflect on the lessons she has learned throughout her training.
She told WH, “I've been taking it day by day the final two months of training. I literally only look one or two days ahead with the training plan. What's amazing is, the training works. Before I started, I had to gear myself up to run five miles. Now, if it's five miles on my schedule, it feels like a break. I never thought I'd be in this place.”
Having covered numerous miles in Central Park, along various bodies of water, and across the bustling streets of New York City, the 45-year-old has reached a significant point in her running journey. Running through Central Park, in particular, has been a positive experience.
The supportive comments, such as "I'm proud of you," from onlookers never fail to touch her.
Jones reflected on a pivotal moment during her training. Initially feeling out of place among fellow runners, she quickly realized that her new running companions would become lifelong friends. During a memorable run in pouring rain that crossed three boroughs in New York City, she laughed off the challenges, soaked to the bone, realizing that if she could handle it, she was ready for anything on race day.
“Running has been like the therapy I didn't know I needed. I can put my AirPods in, and my sneakers on, and just be free for that amount of time. When I run, I put my hectic schedule on the shelf, and I have peace with just my feet and my breath. I meditate. I pray. I listen,” she said.
This journey has taught her to be kinder to herself and give herself so much more grace because she didn’t realize she hadn’t been doing that before. “You have to say positive things to yourself and treat your body the way you would treat a friend.”
The 2023 New York City Marathon, the 52nd edition, is on Sunday (Nov. 5.)
