AJ Calloway is taking on one of the toughest and most meaningful challenges of his life this year, running the New York Marathon. Calloway, the New York-based correspondent for the primetime entertainment show "Extra," has extended his route from running around town interviewing A-list celebrities to cross training in Central Park.
He was inspired to challenge himself after sitting down with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. During his conversation with Lance, AJ revealed that finishing a marathon was one of his long-time goals, but admitted he had no idea of where to start. Much to Callaway's surprise, Lance said, "Hey, I'll run the New York Marathon with you. Come on. We can train and I will do it with you!"
On top of the opportunity to run alongside Lance, AJ was motivated to accept the marathon challenge as a way to commemorate his aunt's battle with cancer.
When I asked AJ about the day-to-day challenges of marathon training, he chuckled a little and replied, "I am discovering new parts of this body that were never there. But I feel great and this challenge has definitely changed my life."
(Photo by: Warner Bros./Alex Oliveira)
Calloway went from not working out at all to running six to seven miles a day. He's been battling a minor hip problem, but thanks to physical therapy he'll be in working health in time for the marathon. AJ understands the value of cross training, and he's decided to keep up his cardio training by swimming and biking to minimize the impact of his knee and hip.
When last I spoke to AJ, he was heading off to Barbados, so I sent him off with an iPod filled with iTRAIN running, cycling and stretching workouts to keep him on track for when he gets back to the Big Apple and resumes training with Lance.
Stay tuned for more updates on AJ and his marathon training techniques!
Did AJ's story inspire you?
Watch our beginner's guide to running a marathon, or read our article on marathon cross training, to get started!
LIVESTRONG Fitness Expert Grace Lazenby will be following AJ Calloway's marathon training and will provide ongoing updates on his progress. Lazenby's company iTRAIN is also donating all proceeds from two of its iTREAD workouts to Calloway's efforts for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
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