Pushing through the pain barrier
Twyford: Justin completes marathon challenge weeks after car crash
Twyford’s Justin Malin is feeling triumphant after completing his 52nd marathon in 52 weeks despite suffering a fractured sternum.
The 50-year-old dad of three was involved in a car collision on the A4 on Thursday September 22, just days before he was due to run the final 26.2 mile stretch of his 1,362.4 mile challenge.
Inspired by the work that his daughter, Eva, does for the MakeA-Wish UK charity, Justin embarked upon the ’52 marathons in 52 weeks’ challenge on October 8 last year.
He fitted in runs around the area and as far afield as Brighton and Boston (USA).
There had been no issues until 36 hours before his final run which was due to take place on September 24.
After a few weeks of bed rest the determined fundraiser felt compelled to put on his running shoes and do whatever he could to complete the challenge.
Pushing through the pain and at times experiencing discomfort with breathing, Justin walked two half marathon laps around Twyford and the surrounding areas on Sunday October 2, 359 days after
he began his 52 marathons in 52 weeks challenge.
Wife Lucy and daughter Eva took turns being his walking partner.
“It was a very difficult decision to try and complete my
52nd marathon so soon after the accident and certainly not anything I would recommend to anyone else,” he said.
“The impact mentally of having this taken away from you is hard to explain.
“Nearly two weeks after the accident I was getting very depressed and just knew regardless of the pain I had to complete this year long challenge if I was to ever get over this.
“Running a marathon is hard enough but 52 is a balance of extreme mental and physical endurance.”
Medically, a fractured sternum (the breast bone that connects the collar bone to the ribs) takes approximately ten weeks to repair with rest – and even breathing is difficult.
However, determined Justin was focused on finishing his challenge, which raised just over £6,000 for Make-A-Wish UK.
“I took ibuprofen and paracetamol during the walk as I wanted to ensure I did not mask the pain and was prepared to stop at any point,” he said.
“Breathing wasn't completely pain-free but actually the walk allowed me to open my lungs up which is a good thing.
“When my watch showed I had done 26.2 miles a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I was very emotional but immensely relieved and proud.
“Walking a marathon two weeks after fracturing your sternum is not remotely sensible, but in my case, I had to complete my challenge more than anything. I will now rest with a clear head, challenge completed and focus on my physical recovery.”
Justin said that he will take some time to fully rest and recover and will be back running seriously in time for the London Marathon in April 2023 where he will be ‘planning something special.’
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/justin-malin