March to May is always a busy period for physiotherapists, as it's marathon season and many brave people attempt to take on the challenge of running a marathon. Naturally, the intense and high volume needed to complete such a feat leads to many people booking appointments with us to address any niggles or injuries that may hinder their performance on the big day.
This year, I had the privilege of treating several runners who had dedicated their winter to battling harsh weather conditions and ultimately achieved their goal of running a marathon! Among them were both seasoned runners who had completed many marathons before and first-time marathoners. Regardless of their level of experience, all of them deserved massive praise for their dedication and hard work.
Tracy O'Brien completed the London Marathon in 5 hours and 52 minutes, after struggling with some glute issues during her training. However, with regular massage and consistent strengthening exercises, she was able to achieving her goal and earning a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.
Tom Croft had some doubts about racing his first marathon at the Manchester Marathon due to a calf niggle, but he was able to run without any issues and finished in an impressive 3 hours and 13 minutes. His partner, Beth Hopla, also completed her first marathon in Manchester in 4 hours and 12 minutes, overcoming her hip pain with consistent treatment and strengthening exercises.
Adam Williams completed the Manchester Marathon in 4 hours after receiving treatment for ankle pain that he had developed due to his increased training volume.
Callum Bond also completed the London Marathon in an impressive 3 hours and 33 minutes, with the help of sports massages throughout his training.
I'd also like to give a massive well done to Giles Horridge, who completed the Milton Keynes Marathon, and Alan Proudfoot, who raced in Paris and also ran in a unique marathon in Spain called the Sherry Marathon, where runners get to taste the local sherry while racing around the vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera!
Runner's Experiences
"I first started seeing James a few months ago with an glutes issue that kept appearing after my long runs. James was excellent , offering practical advice and simple exercises to strengthen my glutes and core as well as treating the issue to prevent a re occurrence. I avoided any injury prior to the London Marathon and I think that was definitely down to seeing James regularly during my marathon training.
I am a back of the pack runner , but London has such an amazing inclusive vibe to it that i just loved all the cheering along the route which kept me smiling all the way round. In fact I think my cheeks hurt from smiling more than my legs afterwards!
Thank you James"
Tracy O'Brien
London Marathon
"In the later stages of training for Manchester marathon I picked up an Achilles injury. James helped to investigate the problem and advised on a series of stretches and strengthening exercises. After some thorough checks, he gave me the go-ahead to race. I completed the marathon without any issues and exceeded my expectations. Thank you, James!"
Tom Croft
Manchester Marathon
"My marathon training was hard and intense, but with James's assistance, he kept me in the game. James kept me training hard and injury free. He addressed any niggles I had, sorting them out before they came an issue and giving me further exercises to prevent them. He's not scared to be ruthless and get deep into the muscles, you may not thank him at the time but you definitely will the morning after!"
Callum Bond
London Marathon
"James was a godsend in ensuring I got round 2 marathons in 3 weeks in April. He was recommended to me when I started to be troubled with what I thought were knee problems in February. He soon realised that it was in fact ITB issues and prescribed me a number of exercises and stretches that helped tremendously. Without his assistance I wouldn’t have made the start lines, let alone the finish!"
Jamie Nelson
Brighton Marathon and London Marathon
"James came to my rescue when I was three quarters of the way through training for my first marathon, and sustained an ankle injury. He took time to understand what led up to the injury, and was also aware that I was running Manchester Marathon a few weeks after my first visit, so managed to work through an intensive course of treatment and this definitely helped me get round the 26.2 miles!"
Adam Williams
Manchester Marathon
Congratulations to all the runners, and I look forward to next year's marathon season!
James McMurray
Physiotherapist
