Why I now run marathons

So I always said I would never run a marathon, I guess the saying never say never is quite true really, I have now run 5 marathons (I think!), my current personal best is 4 hours 10 minutes and in the future I am hoping to run a marathon in less than 4 hours and I believe that’s possible.

Anyway the point of this is why I decided to run a marathon in the first place after saying for years I was never interested in doing so. In 2019 I saw a chiropractor and what was a routine check ended up being a big problem, I went in with a slight niggle and ended with a bulging disc - I could not walk properly for a few months and could not even pick up Bobby, Bobby would have been about 5 months at the time.

It was a hard time for me both physically and emotionally, I have never been in so much pain in my life and the fact it was through no thought of my own really got to me. I had a lot of time to think and I was generally worried about never being able to train as I used to, I was scared I would not be able to work again as a personal trainer, I was worried not only for my future but that of my family, I quite frankly felt useless as a human being, husband and father

I have to say Danielle, my amazing wife was nothing but supportive and never made me feel bad for not being able to do things, she never once moaned about looking after me, Bobby and Loki and I can’t put into words how much that means to me, there were times I was reduced to tears

One day while sitting watching TV I knew I was slowly on the mend, I was getting back to the gym and although what I was doing was extremely basic, all I could do was use the Octane (a sitting Cross Trainer) and the upright bike I started to think what have I not done in fitness and a marathon was what popped to mind.

The thought of doing a marathon after the pain and self-doubt I went through just would not leave my mind and so I found something to focus on, so I signed up to a marathon on the 10th November 2019 Remembrance Sunday. I chose that day as I thought I could run it in honour of my Nan and Grandad.

Obviously I knew I had to do more running beforehand but also I did not want to take time away from my gym training so decided when I was 100% back to normal I would do a specific strength and conditioning programme 4 times a week with a long run at the weekends. I started off running for 2 hours and simply added 20 minutes to every run every week until I was running for 3hrs 40 and then after that would be my marathon. I was aiming to run a marathon but also get my strength & fitness back to where it was before.

In some respects I am grateful for the injury as without it I would never have done a marathon, it made me focus on appreciating what I have. We all take things for granted, I never thought for 1 second I would go into a routine appointment with a slight issue and come out with the biggest injury of my life. I would like to say though I had seen the chiropractor numerous times before and never had a problem and they did wonders for Danielle during her pregnancy so I know it can do you good.

Anyway now I know I can do a marathon its ultra-marathons next and I have booked up for later this year (2020). Hopefully Co-Vid 19 does not prevent them from happening but if they do then it’s just another goal for 2021 I guess.