By Ken Stone

In a dark alley, Frank Schiro might scare you — his arms covered with tats, his hair black and scraggly. In fact, he’s a keeper of stray cats who markets cute little pillows for a living. But he’s been through the wringer of life, which has been a true fright.

His prowess as a one-lapper is legend, especially in New York track circles. He led off Team USA’s gold-medal effort at the 2003 Puerto Rico worlds and last year was the top-ranked M50 sprinter in the USATF rankings for 400 indoors (54.58) and out (53.86). But few people know about his other victory — a far bigger one. Last year, he sent me a book called “Heroin.”
Published in 1998, the book by Humberto Fernandez is a definitive history of heroin, its use and abuse, and how victims have kicked it. One was Frank Schiro.

Frank Schiro of New York City shows off tattoos during a break at the 2005 USATF Western Regional Masters Championships in Carson, California. Ken Stone photo

Fernandez mentions only “Frank” in this case history, but it’s obvious it’s our own Francis A. Schiro — with references to masters track, Boston indoor nationals and other hints. But the book isn’t widely known. So when it talks about his cocaine use and heroin addiction, his life as a petty thief and burglar to support his habit, his first failed attempt to go straight (and addiction to methadone), Frank didn’t have to worry about too many friends knowing about his sordid past.

But in recent years, with his addiction under control, he’s gained the courage to come clean to more people. When I asked him for an interview, he readily consented — but asked that I not dwell on his narcotic years — during which he worked as an drug counselor. That was fine with me, since he’s just as interesting as an opinionated track star as a recovering addict.

Frank lives with his wife, Darlene, and a cadre of cats rescued “from the means streets of New York City, including three at home — Red Boy, Skeeter and Peepers. We also attend and feed many other stray cats on the street.”

Frank’s primary source of income is his family business — dream-pillow.net, but he also works as a fitness trainer. “Last year I had the privilege of working part time at the Armory with Ed Small.”

Frank also says: “I am incredibly grateful to be taking part in masters athletics; it is a direct result of my ongoing recovery.

A few people I have to recognize would be the first guy who gave me the “push” to even get on the track again — Joel Pasternack of Clifton, N.J., who I believe is now coaching at Montclair State College in New Jersey; Ed Gonera for years of support and guidance, for having more confidence in me than I had at one time; Sal Allah for teaching be the true definition of commitment and bravery in the face of adversity; Jim Manno the world record sprinter from North Jersey Masters for teaching me “grace” and being an example of what really matters in athletics; Phil Felton for the incredible job he does at Penn and the opportunity he provides for all of us; the entire staff of (National Masters News); you and Dave (Clingan) for this Web site, which I check out on a daily basis. A sincere and heartfelt thanks.”

This interview was conducted over two months, ending in January 2006.

Masterstrack.com: What part did masters track play in your quitting alcohol and drugs? Could you have kicked your habit without track and training as a motivating factor?

Schiro: Being able to run again is one of the biggest “gifts” of my recovery. I had to get off alcohol/drugs in order to be able to run again. When I went into a 30-day treatment program 10 years and 9 months ago I had no plans to get back into running; I was just trying to get back into “life.” For me “life” always meant running — something I have been doing since I can honestly remember. I do not feel I have “overcome” anything. I live my life one day at a time as a member of A.A.

Masters track is yet another incredible gift of my sobriety. I have met some incredible friends who have become part of my life. I think the lifestyle of a masters athlete is its own reward. I train countless hours, day after day, month after month, year after year to race for less than one minute. I myself love to train and love to see where I can go with what I have. As much as I love my athletics, I always have to remember I have to put first things first and in my case that is a strong connection to the A.A. program. Without an active program of recovery I do not think I would be running. That has been my experience to date.

Frank zooms at Puerto Rico during an M50 world championship relay.

Your name in the “Heroin” chapter is given only as “Frank.” Are you now comfortable with a wider public knowing that you’re the subject of this sad and shocking life story?

At this point in my life I guess I am comfortable with me. My story is my story. Many people have quite a story in their lives as well. I agreed to have my story as part of that book because I thought it might possibly help someone else. I myself do not want sympathy or adulation. I got caught up in drugs/alcohol and they took a tremendous toll. Bob Neumayer, a very dear friend of mine — (and) a four-time winner of the New York City Marathon wheelchair division — once said to me as we were talking on the street one day: “You know, Frank, the only difference between me and them (pointing at the people walking by) is you can see my handicap.” I think that’s how I feel. True my story “exposes” me, but the truth is the truth.

For the World War II generation, tattoos were common among service members, especially sailors. In recent years, the art has made a comeback among younger people. When did you get your tattoos, and why?

I got my first tattoo 35 years ago. They are not that important to me actually. I could live with them or without them. I had different motivations for different ones. The Ganesh on my right forearm is holding a relay baton. I got that one after I was on a team (with Sal Allah, Ray Blackwell and Ed Gonera) that broke the Indoor 4×400 world record at the nationals in Boston.

You left the Central Park TC and with fellow New York sprinter Ed Gonera and others formed Sprint Force America. What led to SFA, and what is its purpose? It has a reputation as being for elites only, though. Can anyone join?

Ed Gonera and I left Central Park TC because we wanted to develop a club that would help the athlete to excel. Many clubs exist to “benefit” from the athlete — improve ranking, elevate visibility, etc. We wanted a club that would help us. The plan was twofold — both financial and real support of what we were actually doing. We were receiving financial help for a while but lost that because of the way athletes who were receiving that help were behaving — running in national championship finals without our uniform, complaints of no car service at the airports, etc.(when Sprint Force paid all fares and hotels to outdoor nationals in Oregon). This part of the club has been an incredible eye-opener to me. I think our reputation of elite was more performance-based than reality-based. We are and remain an open club. Last year we did not charge a membership fee.

You helped organize masters events at the 2005 Millrose Games. But I recall reading that Millrose won’t offer masters events in 2006. Is this true? If so, what can be done about it? What is the history of masters events at Millrose?

Masters track had an incredible history at the Millrose Games — the oldest indoor track meet in history, I might add. Ed Small — director of track at the Armory — had worked with Mr. (Howard) Schmertz (meet director) for many many years coordinating the masters 4×400. Ed did an incredible job but wanted to phase out, so I got involved in 2002. By the year 2003, I was coordinating the masters 4×400. Event Networks took over the meet in 2004 and dropped the masters 4×400 almost immediately. The stated reason was lack of interest on masters’ part, which I might add was partially true. I had a hard time finding teams to support this event.

I contacted the new meet director, Skip Stolley, and discussed plans I had to make this a successful masters event again. Stolley was great and promised a masters sprint medley (200, 200, 400, 800) for 2005. He agreed that this should be an event with national focus and agreed to provide rooms for masters athletes from out of town. We had a great package in place. I was again amazed at the lack of interest by masters. I had been making calls to Stolley as we were coming up to the fall to discuss the event. He was no longer returning my calls. Eventually I got someone at Event Networks who told me there had been some new developments and someone would call me back regarding this. I explained to that person that I had been working on this project for over a year with Skip Stolley/Event Networks and needed some answers.

A day ot two after this call, I received a call from a David Katz, the new meet director. He was arrogant and oppositional. He said Stolley had been let go and he was now in charge. He said that since I had nothing in writing from Event Networks they owed me nothing. I was astounded at this kind of attitude from a person who was supposed to be in charge. Katz stated that there would be no masters relay and that was that — a 25-year-old history gone, not to mention the year I had spent on developing this project.

What a surprise I got in mid-December when Ed Gonera called me to tell me he had seen notice on a local running club’s Web site that Millrose would in fact have a Masters 4×400! Why were we (the athletes) not told? I’m sure since USATF is handling this event a good excuse will be forthcoming. From what I understand Jim Reilly is coordinating the men’s event and I think he will do the best job possible.

I guess to be “politically correct” a women’s 4×400 was included. After seeing one masters women’s team run at the Penn Relays in the last four years I wonder about the quality of the field they will get. Who knows? But good luck to the women as well. I just hope they actually have one or two 400-meter runners running!

I was very happy to see the team from out west coming — Southwest Sprinters — they seem like a serious and focused group. They may be in for a slight shock when they find the gun goes off at 6:05 and the Garden opens at 6:00!

They will essentially be running in an empty venue. What’s really interesting is that they have a kids event scheduled for like 9 p.m., right in the middle of the program! I believe it’s called the “fastest kid on the block” race and is a short sprint for young kids. From what I am understanding, masters have even less representation with USATF. I wonder if our membership is ever going to get the subtle “hint”? We masters are not important to (USATF CEO Craig) Masback and his group. I feel the way Millrose has been haphazardly “thrown together” only reflects that fact more clearly.

Running In Madison Square Garden is a thrill. The event should be given the respect and focus we deserve as masters athletes and dues paying members of USATF.

In your earlier running career, you ran road races, including a marathon (or more than one?) Does your long-distance strength contribute to your talents at 400 and 800? Do you incorporate long runs into your track training?

I have completed four marathons — three NYC Marathons and one Marine Corps. I no longer run road races, but at one time did — at distances from 1 mile to the marathon. PRs (in my 30s, mind you): road mile, 4:43; 2-mile, 10:36; 5K, 17:01; 5-mile, 27:59; 10-mile, 62:34; half-marathon, 1:22; marathon, 3:20. I do no long runs ever at this point in time. I do entirely different training now than at an time in my life. I never had the desire/determination or discipline to train the way I do now — very hard. Basically I never run slow. I don’t think slow running is going to benifit a 400-meter runner. That’s my opinion based on my results.

Conditioning is another factor altogether. I feel 400-meter training should be geared to race 400 meters not to “participate” at 400 meters. I gear all my training in that direction both physically and emotionally. If one is training appropriate to their level of skill and the training is “right” the results will show on the clock. It is interesting to me how many people “know” how to train. They are quick to tell you, but (they) perform well below what they are capable of. Training to me is an empirical, personalized process.

Toshiko Seko‘s coach Nakamura said this: “Talent is limited, but effort is unlimited.” This is the base of my training — effort. I am willing to do the work I may not want to do to get the result I do want. Ed Gonera has been incredibly helpful in my return to the 400. He gave me realistic frameworks to work within and in all cases I have exceeded my expectations. He has supported me in victory and in defeat and always had positive encouragement for me. During the season, I do a track workout followed by two days off,repeated all season. I do not measure time in weeks and months. If I’m going to the worlds, where rounds are required, I will do double and triple workouts — meaning two and three days without any rest days.

Massage is another tool in my conditioning. I find it essential. I am writing this at the end of November, so my off-season is almost at an end. I will return to the track in about one week. During the off-season I have been running three times a week — Monday/Wednesday/Friday 100s, 150s, 200s, 300s ALL on grass. I have not been on the track in over two months. A few days ago, i ran 25×100 with a 100 walk in between at a good pace, meaning I was moving. I never time these workouts. I give myself a break from the clock.

When I return to the track, I do completely different workouts. I run faster with less reps and at times faster repeats and I use the clock constantly. The 400 is a difficult and stressful event; I replicate these conditions in training. I want to repeat that I have found rest and massage to be incredible training tools. Just as important as the actual work.

The USATF national masters indoor championships will be at the Armory in 2007. What does this mean to New York area track athletes? Even though you’ll be 54 at the time of the 2007 indoor nationals, will you make a special effort to do well in your age group?

I’m really glad the Armory will get national exposure in regard to masters in 2007. Ed Small, the director of track and field, does an
incredible job with that facility.

The facility is flawless and has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Hopefully having the nationals at the Armory will get more New York-area athletes involved.

What are your solutions to the stagnant and sometimes declining turnout in USATF masters national championships?

Chairman Matthews has said there has been growth in masters participation. I race constantly indoors and out and have seen no evidence of this. I started running masters in 1996 and there is significantly less participation at meets I attend. I really hope USATF Metropolitan can handle a meet of this size. They tend to be well-intentioned but seem to be disorganized. They will need help to pull this one off. As you stated, I will be 54 for this meet. I will prepare exactly the same way as 53, 52, 51. I always get a kick out of how many good masters runners “disappear” when they reach the “top” of their age category but “reappear” fresh and ready for the new age category. A study should be done on the incredible incidence of injury when someone reaches the top end of an age category and the consequent miraculous “recovery” when they enter the new age category. To me this is B.S. I run and race at whatever age I am.

You’ve been very outspoken in criticism of USATF Masters T&F leadership. How would you reform the masters track movement in the United States, or the world for that matter?

To me the focus should be on participation. Without people, we do not exist. USATF/Craig Masback have no interest in Masters track and field. They prove this by the way they treat us. They are honestly considering doubling our membership fee? For what? When you go to a world meet you see how the British/German/Italian/Dutch federations seem to work for the benefit of the athetes. It seems to me the USA representatives take this as a paid vacation. We presently have a leader in (George) Mathews who wants to focus on “diversity” what the hell is this guy talking about? He attended a meeting with the big shots at USATF and who have no interest in Masters growth apparently and they sent him on a “wild goose chase.” Matthews needs to focus on athletics not politics.

From the World results I see he is quite an athlete. He’s aware of the results one can get from focused hard work so why not focus on the problem? A significant decrease in participation! I also think it’s a disgrace that I am forced to pay a surcharge to attend a national meet. This is a sign of poor management.

When I entered road races in the past, a T-shirt was part of the deal. This was a great way for the race to advertise. It’s also a great way to “connect” with the athlete who has no chance of returning home with a medal. It makes him/her feel more part of the event. And in truth these people are perhaps the most important component of our membership. Why don’t we give T-shirts at national championships? It would promote our sport. In regard to World Masters, I’m not that informed. They seem to have a lot of power. They also seem to have discounted the USA in regard to selection for meets, etc. I’m not clear on how this happened honestly. I suspect it’s because they know how little USATF cares or supports the masters movement. Why should they give us respect when our own federation does not?

What about the issue of doping in masters track? Should masters be punished for taking doctor-prescribed medications?

Drug use is part of our culture. If illegal drugs are used, the person using them has to be made to deal with the consequences. Consequences are the way to go — to make people responsible for their choices. I have worked in many modalities of substance-abuse treatment from adolescent to adult, from inpatient to outpatient, from short-term to long-term. Responsibility for actions was always a key to possible resolution. In regard to doctor-prescribed drugs, this has to be carefully addressed on an individual basis. Both doctor and athlete are capable of manipulation.

Frank Schiro waves the flags of America and Puerto Rico upon taking the top step of the medal stand after his M50 1,600-meter relay team won gold at the 2003 World Masters Athletic Championships in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Frank takes care of many adopted cats.