The Manchester Half Marathon

🏃🏻 Damian's Triumph: From Injury Setback to Manchester Half Marathon PB

The roar of the crowd, the pounding of feet, and the rhythmic beat of his own heart—these are the sensations that athlete Damian had dearly missed. For over 12 months, the world of competitive running had been on pause for the Run Loughborough runner. His journey back to the start line of the Manchester Half Marathon was not just a physical undertaking; it was a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of the running community.

Damian's competitive hiatus began with a devastating blow: a stress fracture in his knee sustained during the London Marathon. The subsequent doctor's orders, nine months of no running ! were a crushing reality after all the training and effort he had put in.

“I felt awful. I was gutted!”

However, the running track's loss was the community's gain. Damian credits the unwavering support of the Run Loughborough club, specifically mentioning Craig, along with encouraging messages from fellow members, for keeping his spirits up during those challenging months. Their support was a vital lifeline, reminding him not to lose heart.

The Road to Recovery and a New PB

January 2025 marked a fresh start. The running shoes were laced, and the daunting process of rebuilding his fitness began. It was a tough beginning; the progress he had painstakingly built before the injury had vanished. Yet, Damian’s commitment slowly brought results. Durations improved, and the familiar rhythm of ParkRuns returned.

By August, his hard work paid off with a new 10k personal best of 53 minutes. The focus sharpened: two half marathons in October, starting with the beloved Manchester event.

Damian approached Manchester with a clear pacing strategy, breaking the 13.1 miles into manageable four-to-five-mile chunks. The plan was executed flawlessly through the first two-thirds of the race, but the notorious 'wall' appeared around mile 10.

“The energy just seemed to drain from legs.”

Despite the sudden fatigue and a heart rate peaking at 190 bpm, Damian pushed forward. A couple of short recovery breaks were needed, but his determination to finish strong never wavered. He crossed the line in 2:01:12, securing a phenomenal outcome: a new Half Marathon Personal Best (PB)!

Eyes on the Next Finish Line

While thrilled with the PB, there was a touch of disappointment; Damian felt the sub-2 hour time was within his grasp on the day. But that's the beauty of running, there's always another race. The focus now shifts to the upcoming Leicester Half Marathon, where he aims to achieve that elusive sub-2 hour goal.

His journey serves as an inspiration to all in the Run Loughborough family. A huge thank you from Damian goes out to Craig, Sheree, and the entire club for their constant encouragement and support.

Here’s to looking forward! Damian’s story is a powerful reminder that with grit and a supportive community, setbacks are merely detours on the road to success.