A great Chinese challenge
TWO Jewish women will prove just how great they are when they tackle the Great Wall Marathon in China in May.
TWO Jewish women will prove just how great they are when they tackle the Great Wall Marathon in China in May.
After completing a number of marathons and half marathons in Australia and New York, Marilyn Lewis and Kim Arenson decided it was time to challenge themselves further.
“We just wanted to try something different than a flat, long run and I guess while we’re still fairly young we can push our knees and experience China,” Lewis explained.
“So we’ve decided to do one overseas marathon a year and two local ones and we’ll just keep going until the hips and knees give in I guess.”
Lewis, 47, and Arenson, 44, are preparing themselves for the hills, rugged terrain, 5164 steps and arduous journey they’ll face on the Great Wall of China by doing strength training and running five to six times a week, with the aim of building up to a distance of 90 kilometres a week.
“It’s an adventure and a challenge that’s totally different to the other marathons, so the training is totally different.
“I’m very excited but it’s going to be very hard and right now I’m feeling very unprepared, but it’s all a mind game.
“I just hope I don’t fall off the wall,” Arenson laughed.
The dynamic duo are also motivated by their families’ encouragement.
“Our families are very supportive and maybe even a little envious,” said Arenson, a mother of two.
Lewis added that she is also inspired by her children being proud of her. “I think what I’m showing my kids is amazing. By the time they wake up on a Sunday morning I’ve already done two hours of running and I’m in a good mood, so they enjoy that aspect of it,” Lewis, who is a mother of three teenage children, said.
Lewis and Arenson are hoping to conquer the London marathon next year.
CASSILEE KAHN
Kim Arenson (left) and Marilyn Lewis are training their bodies and minds ahead of tackling the Great Wall Marathon in China later this year.
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