Group helps people train for Flying Pig Marathon

Miriam Jackobs (front) and her team, the Mason Mighty Walkers, (from left) Kathy Gough, George Taylor, Parmjit Sandher, Christa Carrelli, Gail Alford, Ceil Allard and Julie Montgomery.

Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli Miriam Jackobs (front) and her team, the Mason Mighty Walkers, (from left) Kathy Gough, George Taylor, Parmjit Sandher, Christa Carrelli, Gail Alford, Ceil Allard and Julie Montgomery.

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By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer 11:19 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

A journey of 26.2 miles begins with a single step.

That’s the philosophy of the Mason Mighty Walkers & Runners, a group helping people to take that step by training with them to enter the Flying Pig Marathon.

The group got its start five years ago, when Mason resident Miriam Jackobs was still with Joints in Motion, an Arthritis Foundation’s athletic training program.

“I would have other people just join us,” she said. “If I’m taking 12 people out to train, why not add a few more? The more the merrier.”

But when that group ceased to exist, Jackobs continued to ask people if they wanted to train.

“We had a bunch of people who said ‘Let’s not just end with the Flying Pig, It’s easier to stay in shape than to get into shape.’ So we just do things year-round now,” Jackobs said.

In the past five years, Mason Mighty Walkers & Runners has helped train about 150 people for the event.

During the summer and early fall, the group does track training on Wednesdays and goes for 5-mile walks on Saturday.

Jackobs said the group’s coaches enjoy helping people achieve their goals.

“Most people join with the idea of completing a half marathon or a full marathon and it’s just so neat to see them achieve that goal,” she said.

Jackobs is joined by coaching staffers Tanya Thatcher, George Taylor, Gail Alford, Jo Nall, Parmjit Sandher, Carol Huesing and Julie Montgomery.

The group, which has trained people from 23 to 72 years old, is seeking to continue its track record of success.

“We can say that everybody we have trained ... has crossed the finish line,” Jackobs said. “People come with their ambitions and their goals and we just kind of tap into that.”

The program is free, but participants are responsible for their own equipment and the entry fee for The Flying Pig, which is scheduled for May 2, 2010. Training starts in January and includes Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts, plus long walks on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Recreational runners and walkers or those training for other races also are welcome, and participants do not have to run or walk a marathon to join the group.

Contact this reporter

at (513

) 696-4541 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com.

To learn more

What: Mason Mighty Walkers & Runners informational sessions

When: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and Dec. 2

Where: Mason Municipal Building, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road

When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9

Where: Middletown Public Library

More info: E-mail mason walkers@gmail.com

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