The Adidas "Impossible is Nothing" team of first-time marathoners has begun its training in preparation for the 26.2-mile October event, writes Erin Golden
With exactly five months remaining before the kick off of the 27th Adidas Dublin Marathon, the six men and six women of the Adidas "Impossible is Nothing" team have begun training in preparation for the 26.2- mile race event.
The team members - all first-time marathoners from around Ireland - were selected from a large field of applicants to train with top marathoner Gary Crossan based on their personal interests and commitment to training for and completing the race.
The team members will also receive nutritional guidance, strength-training workout advice and running clothes and equipment.
According to race director Jim Aughney, selecting the 12 new marathoners was a difficult task.
"I am delighted with the number of entrants for this year's team, which reached record numbers," he says. "We have a great bunch of people on board and I have no doubt that they will strive to meet their goal of finishing this year's marathon."
Following an initial meeting last weekend, Crossan plans to create an individual training programme for each of the team members based on current fitness levels. Although the marathon will be a new experience for all, many of the team have had significant background experience in a variety of sports and fitness activities.
Catherine Kelly, an administrative employee with the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Dublin and a native of Australia, has completed several triathlons and says she'll use those training skills to prepare for the big day in October.
"I'm used to having a programme and trying to stick to it," she says. "Back in Australia, I did triathlons, but the running leg was always the hardest, so this will be a challenge."
Waterford-based network marketer Jonathan Battell ran his longest race - 10 miles - at the age of 17, more than two decades ago. But in the years that followed, Battell says he has kept running, thinking that he'd someday complete a marathon.
"Ever since I saw the London marathon in the mid-80s I've wanted to do one," he says. "My first goal is to finish it, and I'll finish even if I have to walk."
Battell's participation in this year's marathon was inspired by the recent loss of his father-in-law to cancer. He plans to use the race as a fundraising opportunity for the Southeast Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families.
All of the team members will be asked to follow training programmes in their home towns and travel to Dublin for team meetings. The team will also participate in shorter races, including a 5km, 10km and half-marathon in the lead-up to the marathon.