Running

[Russ Greaves]

If he has any tips, pass them on!

[mn1970]

I,ll let you know how he gets on

[mn1970]

Well he completed it despite having a heavy cold, he reckons the first 37k was fine and then it felt like a 6ft 8" bloke had knocked seven shades out of him,he said from there it was the hardest thing hes ever done both physically and mentally. On Sunday he swore hed never do it again.On Monday he booked up for an half marathon in May 😁
By the way him time was 4hr 9 mins

[Russ Greaves]

Ha. I think that’s a common experience! Well done to him.

[Russ Greaves]

Mixture of bad luck, stupidity and inevitability at play here but I’ve managed to injure myself to the point of being unable to run with just 10 days until the marathon. I’ve got a disc bulge in my lower back that’s causing pain and weakness down my right side. Physio says it *should* improve in 5-7 days but can offer no guarantees re: my fitness for London.

It’s not even a running injury, but one that’s been creeping up on me for a few years now and I tipped it over the edge playing dodgeball on a stag do.

Can’t lie, I’d be absolutely gutted to have to sit out the marathon. Can only do the prescribed rehab, take the positives from an enforced rest (I’d be tapering anyway) and hope for the best.

[mrjimmy]

That's horrible luck. Best get rested and listen to your body.

I made it through my first half marathon in five years in Prague last weekend (2:07-last one was 1:45). It was stupidly hot in the last 5km and there were a lot of casualties. Enjoyed running with the main aim to reach the finish rather than chasing a time.

[rocky]

Cold turkey tapering, Russ? It might just work! If you do get to run London, hopefully it is a stroke of luck. If not, take it on the chin; perhaps you can use your fitness levels to run a different upcoming marathon?

[mn1970]

Fingers crossed for you Russ,hopefully your fitness levels will help with the healing process.

[Russ Greaves]

Cheers all. I think if this rehab works and I’m pain-free by early next week I won’t have lost much fitness. May play on my mind a little and it’s definitely not ideal prep but all hope is not lost yet. Still not able to run but it’s definitely easing up.

To be honest it’s been an eye-opener in terms of the importance of doing the right things to avoid future back problems because I’ve had just a small insight into how debilitating they can be. Telling my daughter that daddy can’t carry her up to bed because of his poorly back is quietly devastating.

The physio said it’s a very common injury because so many of us are hunched over laptops.

[Russ Greaves]

Still in some pain though it’s definitely eased. As tapers go it’s been a shocker but I’ll be delighted if I can get on the start line.

[lionel]

Apr 17, 2024 11:32:22 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Still in some pain though it’s definitely eased. As tapers go it’s been a shocker but I’ll be delighted if I can get on the start line.

Go well if you do run. If the injury has healed then you won't have lost anything as the final few weeks are just about reducing and resting anyway. The hard work has already been done.

If not, you will still have a really good bank of training/ fitness for the next run.

[mrjimmy]

Apr 20, 2024 19:51:47 GMT lionel said:

Apr 17, 2024 11:32:22 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Still in some pain though it’s definitely eased. As tapers go it’s been a shocker but I’ll be delighted if I can get on the start line.

Go well if you do run. If the injury has healed then you won't have lost anything as the final few weeks are just about reducing and resting anyway. The hard work has already been done.

If not, you will still have a really good bank of training/ fitness for the next run.

Wise words. Good luck Russ!

[Russ Greaves]

Got it done! By some metrics possibly one of my worst runs ever, but I’ve never had to work so hard and felt so much pain putting one foot in front of the other - for 18 miles it felt unsustainable!

Saw some Cambridge fans around Canary Wharf which was a welcome boost.

Edit: 3.13.24 for those who care! Nowhere near the original target but bang on the new target I set after 8-10miles (just finish it!)

[lionel]

Apr 21, 2024 15:55:51 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Got it done! By some metrics possibly one of my worst runs ever, but I’ve never had to work so hard and felt so much pain putting one foot in front of the other - for 18 miles it felt unsustainable!

Saw some Cambridge fans around Canary Wharf which was a welcome boost.

Edit: 3.13.24 for those who care! Nowhere near the original target but bang on the new target I set after 8-10miles (just finish it!)

Good work sir.

Some of the best runs are not about the quickest time but test of mental strengh. You will be flying on your next one.

Our fans really are the best. I've had support from Cambridge fans in Liverpool and Edinburgh.

[joffjog]

Well done, Russ! You’ve done yourself proud even running today, let alone finishing. Hope the medal looks great on Amelie 🏅