Nov 5, 2007 8:39 am US/Central
Paula Radcliffe, Marathon Mom, Wins After Baby
NEW YORK (CBS News) ―
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Paula Radcliffe of Britain holds her daughter Ilsa after winning the women's division of the New York City Marathon on Nov. 4, 2007.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Almost 10 months after giving birth, 33-year-old world record holder Paula Radcliffe was the fastest woman the 2007 New York City Marathon, reports CBS News correspondent Bianca Solorzano.
Radcliffe ran almost the entire race with Gete Wami on her heels. Then within the last mile, Radcliffe poured on a dramatic burst of energy, a final sprint, and pulled away.
She crossed the finish line in 2:23:09 and then held one thing that made the win even more impressive. No, not that trophy - her baby.
Radcliffe last won the New York City Marathon in 2004.
But before today she hadn't run in a marathon in two years.
Radcliffe became pregnant in 2006, but that didn't stop her training. She ran the entire time, at least an hour a day, up until the day before she gave birth. And just 12 days after having her daughter, Isla, Radcliffe was back out running again.
Angela O'Conner has run seven marathons. She is now a week away from giving birth to her second child.
"I can not imagine," said O'Conner, when asked if she could train like Radcliffe. "It's taxing to be pregnant and it's so impressive to be able to run during the pregnancy part. At the level she runs, she's such a phenomenal runner."
A sportswoman and an inspiration for new mothers, Radcliffe has her sights set on next year's Beijing Olympics.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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