Following the Simply Health, Great North Run, our patient Lesley Calder got in touch to share her ‘couch to half marathon’ journey.
I decided to run the Great North Run half marathon after my mother had a stroke at Christmas 2016. I’d visited the Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic earlier when I had tore ligaments in my foot after a fall. Ben helped me get back on my feet – quite literally. I didn’t give myself enough time to train really, and had NEVER run before – but was determined.
My foot started tweaking in training and I developed ‘runners knee’ through overcompensating. That hurt – it really hurt. I didn’t think that I would be able to run (I was struggling to walk at times!)
With sound, sensible, realistic advice about my training, excellent treatment and massage, and a recommended exercise regime – I built strength and confidence.
My training and approach was better planned and achievable. The treatment and exercises managed my pain and discomfort and built strength where I needed it.
I RAN the Great North Run, 13.1miles. It was incredible. I would not have been able to achieve it without Ben and the Clinic. They got me over the line and I’ve learned a lot about my body – what to do – what not to do. I cant recommend them highly enough.
True story!”
Lesley Calder – 2017 Great North Run Participant