In August, he ran his first 5K. His anger started to subside. He started to believe that a marathon was possible.
According to Dr. Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard professor who studies the evolutionary biology of running, the fact that humans have long Achilles' tendons, short toes and the ability to sweat -- among other features -- gives humans an advantage at long-distance running.
"Pretty much every human being in reasonable shape can train and run a marathon," he said.
When Ward joined a local running group, he was given a 150-page manual as part of his membership. It told him when to run, how to run (he has since shortened his stride), when to rest, how to eat, how to stretch, how to walk. He found his new routine.
He bought $100 long-distance running shoes, and a watch that tells him how far he ran. Always in the back of his head was finding a new job. But in October, he didn't have to think about it anymore.
Ward was hired to work at a parish in Baldwin Park, helping with social services and fundraising. The pay is about half of the $75,000 he made before. He now breaks even on his bills and is still able to cover his $1,215-a-month rent.
"The luxuries in life are gone at this point," he said.
Waiting for Sunday's marathon has been both exciting and nerve-racking. He couldn't sleep one night two weeks ago. He isn't sure why. He believes he can do it. His group ran 20 miles recently, the farthest he had ever run. They were given certificates, and he posted his at his desk at work. He feels empowered.
Next to that certificate is a map of the route, which runs from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. When Ward runs it Sunday, he'll run past his old building in Century City. He'll be able to see into his old office.
It will mark 325 days since he last worked there, and 8.7 miles from the finish line.
