Running the New York marathon is the ultimate goal for serious athletes and for adventurous fitness fanatics, but it is rare to make the iconic event your first attempt at the gruelling distance.
But Anna Barrett will make her marathon debut in the Big Apple on November 4 and toadd to the slightly unusual situation, her mother Lyn will also be her competing in her first marathon.
Barrett says it was her 54-year-old mother's idea to take on New York.
"She didn't want to play golf and had an empty nest at home so she came up with a bucket list of things to do and the New York marathon was first," the 23-year-old said.
"Mum is not a natural runner and last year she dislocated her hip so we were a bit worried that she would not be able to run again. But she is fine now and training hard."
Barrett says she is not daunted by the massive challenge awaiting her in New York, despite the fact the longest race she has completed was a 27km trial run in Pyes Pa, Tauranga late last year.
"I am feeling confident about the marathon. Last week I had a really good week in training and I ran 100km in total, so that was really good. So I have no real worries about being able to finish the marathon but will probably be a bit nervous on the day."
Mother and daughter are both competing in the 19km-long course in the Karangahake Gorge on Saturday and Barrett is looking forward to taking on the trail run format.
"I have done a few trail run events before so I kind of know what I am up for, but I have never run this trail run before. It should be a good test of my fitness."
Saturday's event is the last for Barrett before she leaves for New York with Lyn and her support crew in the form of dad Trevor.
"It is exciting and as I have never been to New York before, it will be a big change."
