Clark Campbell, a coach and professional triathalete from Lawrence Kansas goes on to explain, "The ability to adhere to a specific well-though-out and long-term training program is the most necessary factor leading to success in the marathon."

I feel honored to have the guidance of some very experienced professionals in setting a training plan for myself in my journey to my goal of crossing the finish line of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on March 29, 2009.  I would like to introduce them to you in no particular order of importance. All have been equally invaluable to us ordinary folk trying to achieve and extraordinary goal:

Missy Kane has been invaluable as our team trainer.  She is a former UT track and field coach, former Olympian and Pan American Games medalist and has been helping us with developing our training plan. http://www.covenanthealth.com/healthy/mkane/index.cfm 

Phil Bevins, PT, OCS, CSCS, Board Certified clinical specialist and certified strength and conditioning specialist specializes in the treatment of overuse injuries in the runner and the cyclist.  He provides each of us with a free runner's evaluation and assisted in the development of my 18 month training plan.  He advised me on the best shoes to get to counter my slight pronation on my left leg, shoe inserts to prevent injuries and a shin wrap to support during running also to prevent injury.  I would recommend him to every runner or cyclist to perfect form and avoid injuries. He is with the ParkWest Therapy Center, 200 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Bldg. 1, Sutie 201, Knoxville, TN 37922 and can be reached at (865) 531-5710.

Kayla Matrunik, MS, RD, Clinical Dietician for Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center. She educates us on Running Hydration, Distance Runner's diet for peak performance to include overall nutrition, prerace nutrition and what to eat in the last few day before a distance event and offers regular lunch & learn clinics on helpful topics such as "Cooking on a Dime:  Learning how to make healthy dishes inexpensively."  She can be reached at (865)-531-5116. kmatruni@CovHlth.com

Jason Altman, an assistant manager of sorts for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Team who is instrumental in coordinating our training activities and acting as a liason between the the Knoxville Track Club (www.ktc.org) and the Marathon team. He advises on dressing for running conditions and is an expert athletic shoe fitter.  All may be purchased at the Runner's Market http://www.runnersmarket.com/ .  Additionally, he is the technology consultant to the team. He can be reached at (865) 684-4294. jason@knoxvillemarathon.com ,

Tonya Stoutt-Brown is the Covenant Health Marathon Team Manager, Marketing Specialist at Covenant Helath.  She worked at WIVK radio station for 13 years and is an expert in promoting the team and it's goal of inspiring others to get out and get active through each team member's journey to participate in the activities of the 2009 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. Tonya can be reached at (865) 374-0426. tstoutt@covhtlh.com

Eddie Reymond is owner of The Health Shoppe and one of the originators of the Knoxville Marathon.  He spent many hours with a team to develp course, logistics, advertising, sponsors and all the other endless details that go into establishing a big city marathon.  He is an expert on nutritional supplements, refueling nutrients after training, products to aid body repair and much more pertaining to health and nutrition.  He is an accomplished long distance runner and can be reached at (865) 693-4909.  His store is located at 8025 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 in the Suburban Center by Toys R Us.