Educational Media Reviews Online

Can the average, sedentary American be trained to run the Boston Marathon in 9 months? That’s what the folks at NOVA set out to discover and film in Marathon Challenge. They recruited a team of 13 men and women from a variety of backgrounds between the ages of 21 and 60, with a variety of fitness levels and existing health conditions. With the aid of an exercise physiologist and a coach from Tufts University and joined by an elite distance runner they formed Team Nova.

Beginning with a series of baseline tests, each person is evaluated for their fitness level. The training schedule begins and along the way each runner’s story is told. As the training runs get longer, injuries begin to develop, and mental as well as physical fatigue begins playing a role. In true NOVA style, fascinating facts are thrown in that keep you glued to the film. Producers McCabe and Wells have done an outstanding job of creating the perfect balance between explaining the science and exposing the personalities of each runner. For instance, after the initial tests, all the women are considered technically obese, and we learn that someone with an ideal weight can still be overly fat; and Dan has missed the first few weeks of training…where is he? Wonderful animations depict the physical changes in the muscles, or the heart, or the bloodstream as various milestones are reached or injuries develop. And when will Melissa recover from her shin splints? With the late addition of Steve DeOssie former NFL linebacker to Team NOVA, we not only learn about different muscles and body types, but are charmed by his infectious good nature. His final crossing of the finish line with his daughter at his side is a highlight of the film.

Production values, as expected of NOVA programs, are the best around. The combination of explaining a medical or biological function and the personal story that goes with it is unbeatable. This is reality programming at its finest. If all reality TV were made like this the world would be a better place. The science is in-depth, yet explained at levels the layperson will understand. High school health classes through to college level sports and exercise science courses will enjoy this film as will the general public. Highly recommended.