Jelena Prokopcuka wins New York for a second time. © Victah Sailer
Latvia’s Jelena Prokopcuka defended her ING New York City Marathon title last Sunday in 2:25:05 hours. She set her personal best of 2:22:56 while winning the 2005 Osaka Marathon, and was 12th in last summer’s European Championships 10,000 meter. Take the Magic Step® talked with her after her victory in New York City.
How was the race for you?
Jelena Prokopcuka: The race was really strange. Right from the beginning, I had a weird feeling. The pacemaker ran a fast pace that I didn’t want to go with, and the others were so far behind me that I wasn’t sure if I would be too fast. I was waiting for them to close the gap, but that never happened. Only Tatiana Hladyr was supporting me a bit. I knew that I would have a strong finish and I was sure that I would be able to beat Hladyr if she would be with me at the end.
How do you rate this second victory in New York?
Jelena: It is a very nice, sweet victory. My first victory here in New York last year had changed my life—suddenly I was known all over the world. Now I am not sure how this victory might have an impact on my life again.
How did you train?
Jelena: I have been in a training camp in St. Moritz in Switzerland twice. First time in spring, and the second time just before the European Championships. At the beginning of the year I trained three months in Portugal. I was very well prepared, better than last year. I had done a lot for my speed, which helps me in the marathon. That is why I was quite confident before the race. I knew I could win it.
Isn’t it difficult to run long-distance track races besides the marathon?
Jelena: It is difficult but definitely an advantage for me because I became faster. Track running is a good base for the marathon. I broke four national records on the track this year, and now I have won the New York Marathon—that tells everything.
What are your next plans?
Jelena: First I will rest for a month. Then I start to get ready for the London Marathon in April. I would love to improve my personal best there. At the end of 2007, I would like to defend my title in New York again. And maybe it works out then with the first World Marathon Majors victory, although this is not my priority.
