Michael Moore has always enjoyed physical fitness.
He owned and operated his own gym for over 20 years and was active in encouraging others to be active. But, even fitness experts need motivation from time to time.
"I worked out pretty much all my life and enjoy wellness," said Moore, "Although I did hit a plateau and just didn't train as much as I used to."
Moore ran the first Knoxville Marathon in 2005 and followed it up with the half marathon in 2006.
"I said I was done, no more running," said Moore. "But, the opportunity came up and I thought well, okay here's a challenge."
That challenge was to be part of the Covenant Health Knoxville 2018 Marathon team. Moore and his teammates have worked for months to train for the Knoxville Marathon which is on March 25, 2018.
Michael plans to run the half marathon.
"For me, it felt like being a client. Coming in for the first time you're a little bit intimidated and for me, I had a pretty high level of fitness and so having not done anything in a while and admitting that I'm not where I used to be was an awakening," Moore said.
Moore admits that the challenge to get race day ready has been a challenge but he's also embracing his time with his teammates, all of whom are 50 years old or over.
As he and his teammates wind down their training, Moore says he's ready to finish, get his medal and most importantly, cheer on his friends.
"For me, I've never really enjoyed working with a group 'cause I can never count on my schedule," said Moore. "This gives you an accountability. You have other friends who are counting on you. It's a team effort and that's what this whole Covenant movement is all about."
Channel 10 will carry the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon live starting with 10News weekend at 6 a.m. on March 25, 2018. Our live coverage begins at 7 a.m.