The serial adventurer had to pull out of the recent Virgin Money London Marathon through injury. He tells Men’s Running how his eventful past helps to keep disappointments in perspective
Hi, James. Sorry to hear you had to pull out of the Virgin Money London Marathon through injury. What happened?
About three weeks ago, I damaged a nerve down the back of my hamstring. It made it very painful to run and it was affecting my gait. I ummed and ahhed about running it anyway but decided to take the long view and pull out.
That must have been very frustrating. I understand you were aiming for a quick time too.
Yeah, it was. I was hoping to go round in 2hrs 49mins. The training had been going great and I completed 18 miles in 1hr 54mins in training. I’d logged all the miles on my Karrimor Elite Running app, so I knew I was on track for a fast time, but then the hamstring went and I knew it was over.
Were you tempted to run it anyway?
Part of me was definitely tempted. You think of all the money you’re trying to raise for charity and hours of training you’ve put in. But I also think you need to look at the bigger picture. I have young kids so I didn’t want to be hobbling around all summer and I’m also trying to become an MEP. When I was a professional athlete, I might have tried to race anyway; nowadays, I have other priorities.
Will you be attempting another marathon in the future?
Definitely. I’m yet to have a go at one injury-free so I’d like to see what I can do. I’m tempted to try an off-road marathon as trail running is less sterile than pounding the pavements but I’m also keen on the New York Marathon. So we’ll see.
You’ve suffered significant injuries in your life [in 2010, Cracknell suffered a severe brain injury after being hit by a lorry while cycling from LA to New York]. Has this changed your attitude towards lesser aches and strains?
Yes, I think it has. And the good thing about running injuries is that you can easily track your recovery, whereas brain injuries are slightly more subjective. Having experienced a life-threatening injury, I think it helps me to keep the other niggles in perspective.
James Cracknell is an ambassador for Karrimor. Karrimor Elite Running App is available via iOS & Android – bnurl.com/kr
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