Non Athletes Train to Run a Marathon in Israel

Running a marathon is considered very difficult and something only experienced athletes can deal with. 

 

But, in Tel Aviv, Israel, an idea was born to train non-athletes to run a marathon after 2 months of training. 

 

So, they come to the park to train in the evening.

 

[Novice Marathon Trainee]:  

"Well, I'm not an athlete, I did not even participate in gym class at school, but from now to the end of March I'll be running a tenth of a marathon."

 

[Novice Marathon Trainee]:   

"I've decided to come here to work on cardio endurance, be able to run and do sports without wearing out."

 

And there are those for whom this training is not so difficult.

 

[Assaf Levinger, Novice Marathon Trainee]:   

"Training is not too difficult. We start with a moderate effort and slowly increase the effort. They teach us exercises that work differently on any muscle. I experienced exercises I have not done before and did not know before. It's fun." 

 

The Tel Aviv Municipality is working with Adidas and hired professional coaches for the novice runners.

 

[Daniel Cohen, trainer]:  

"This program consists of two training sessions a week. In these two trainings we are working mainly on strengthening, on technique, improvement in speed. Also the program considers gender and age. We were surprised to hear that mental strength is the most important."

 

[Ron Shilon, Project Manager, Marathon Runner and Coach]: 

"I use the term "mental strength" and I believe in it. A lot of people want, but even when you want very much, there is the point where you break. The question is how to deal with this crisis. The ability to deal with crisis is due to the mental strength and not a matter of willpower."  

 

The marathon will be held on March 30, so the trainees have much more work to do.

 

Reporter:Israela Yablonka       Photographer:Michael Ash

NTD News, Tel-Aviv, Israel