If you have pondered the idea of doing a marathon or a triathlon but never thought you could ever do one then you're not alone. If you need a reason or you are looking for motivation or inspiration then this might help. Hey, if they can do it, why can't you?
ATHLETE is a new sports documentary that examines the growing popularity of endurance sports and profiles four everyday individuals -- a cancer survivor, a blind senior citizen and twin sisters -- who compete in marathons and triathlons and are redefining what it means to be an 'athlete'.
"During those three marathons, I noticed the diverse group of individuals running these races. Not only in terms of the different sizes, shapes and ages of the participants, but the reasons behind each person's commitment to train and run 26.2 miles. It changed my view of what defines an athlete and inspired me to make a film about it." -- David Lam
The ATHLETE documentary features:
Jenny Hinshaw: 38-year-old cancer survivor (Hodgkin's lymphoma) and triathlete who trains and competes despite living with complications from chemotherapy and radiation.
Artie Elefant: 61-year-old blind (retinitis pigmentosa) Achilles member who takes part in the New York City Marathon, 25 years after he ran the race as a sighted runner.
Carrie Neveldine and Kellie Smirnoff: 35-year-old twin sisters who try to balance family and work while training for their first Ironman Triathlon in Lake Placid, NY.
"I just keep thinking of the finish line and how that's gonna feel and that's what's really getting me through it." -- Kellie Smirnoff
The ATHLETE DVD was release on March 9th, 2010 and is available for purchase at athletemovie.com and at major retailers including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy and Netflix. MSRP: $19.99
ATHLETE was filmed on location at the following races:
• New York City Marathon
• New Jersey Marathon
• Miami Marathon (FL)
• Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon (NY)
• Mighty North Fork Triathlon (Long Island, NY)
• Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon (NY)
• Finger Lakes Triathlon (Canandaigua, NY)
• New York City Triathlon
• Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon (NY)
• Achilles Hope & Possibility 5 Mile Run/Walk (NYC)
• Five Boro Bike Tour (NYC)
The film is directed by David Lam, an award-winning graphic designer and photographer based in New York City. The idea for the documentary came from his experience in completing three marathons in New York, London and Chicago between 2004 and 2005. ATHLETE marks Lam's directorial debut and also features music by Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist Moby.
Additional information can be found at: www.athletemovie.com
