BOSTON — Athletes with disabilities training for the marathon are taking advantage of a new program in Charlestown that will help them maximize their abilities.
The program uses similar science that professional athletes would use when they train for an upcoming competition.
Tim Morris is one of the wheelchair-bound athletes training for this year’s Boston Marathon, his first, at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
"I'm equal parts excited and equal parts nervous,” he said.
Spaulding is one of two clinics in the country that uses professional techniques to help the athletes with disabilities.
With every push and lift Morris is analyzed and adjustments are made by his team of trainers and specialists.
"I had a little bit of elbow pain and they've been deconstructing my movement patterns," he said.
Dr Cheri Blauwet launched the clinic at Spaulding.
"We're learning a lot more regarding injury patterns in Paralympic athletes and athletes with disabilities,” she said.
Blauwet is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time winner of the Boston Marathon. She hopes to pay it forward with her knowledge as an elite athlete.
"She has really helped with nutrition, she's helped with mental preparation,” Morris said.
FOX25 was there for Morris’ third session at Spaulding when some of his equipment was optimized.
He’s hoping the extra training and knowledge pays off at the finish line.
"You work hard and you persevere that you can do anything that you want,” he said.
Doctors at Spaulding say the program is available to any disabled athlete who wants train for an upcoming event.
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