Press Release - London Marathon - 3/2/23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

              Rugby stars try marathon running - a big conversion

         Former England Rugby greats Charlie Hodgson and Chris Robshaw 
                  get ready for the 2023 TCS London Marathon

With this year's Six Nations well underway, you'd think rugby players past 
and present would be fully focused on the tournament at hand. But for 
retired English rugby union players Charlie Hodgson and Chris Robshaw, 
another epic sporting endeavour is front of mind and on the horizon - the 
2023 TCS London Marathon.

We caught up with both Charlie and Chris to find out how they're preparing 
for the 26.2-mile challenge on Sunday 23 April.


How are you feeling about taking part in the 2023 TCS London Marathon?

Charlie: I am nervous but excited. It's going to take a lot of work to get 
to the Start Line, given my history of rugby injuries, but I'm doing 
everything I can so I can enjoy the day.

Chris: I am pretty nervous about running the marathon, but I've always 
wanted to take part and hopefully complete one.

What made you decide to take on the challenge of a marathon?

Charlie: I have heard such amazing things from other people who have run 
the TCS London Marathon - and in the back of my mind, it's always been 
something that I'd like complete.

Chris: I've always wanted to do one from a young age, so I think now would 
be my best chance while I'm still recently retired and a little fit.

Former England Rugby player Charlie Hodgson

Charlie Hodgson

Are you running for a charity?

Charlie: I am running for Muscular Dystrophy UK. I have been fortunate 
enough to have been invited to two of their Sports Quiz evenings at Lords 
Cricket Ground and each time I go, I am completely humbled by the personal 
stories that are shared by the families living with Muscular Dystrophy. So, 
when the opportunity came up to run the marathon for the charity, I jumped 
at the chance. I figured that any pain I'll experience through the training 
and marathon itself will pale into insignificance!

Chris: Yes, I am running for my and my wife's charity, the Kerslake Robshaw
Foundation. Through the charity, we aim to empower young lives through 
music and sport - something very close to our hearts. 

How have you found the training so far?

Charlie: I am enjoying it, but things are ramping up now - so I may change 
my mind! I like being able to tick off little milestones, and seeing my 
progress is great. The training also provides a little headspace away from 
the hustle and bustle of family and work life.

Chris: The training has been OK so far, although I feel that it's going to 
suddenly jump up a lot as I hit the bigger mileage!

Former England Rugby player Chris Robshaw

Chris Robshaw

How different is it to the training you did as a rugby player?

Charlie: Very. Everything we did as rugby players was short and intense. 
Plus, we were in the gym doing strengthening work all the time. This is the 
first time I must learn to pace myself and not get carried away. I've been 
so used to getting my heart rate up to the max and being able to maintain 
that, but now I'm in a position where I'm learning something completely 
new. It's a challenge but I like it.

Chris: It is completely different to rugby training. With rugby, we wanted 
a good cardiovascular base but it was still all about strength and 
anaerobic fitness - so short bursts of high intensity. I think I will need 
to lose a little more mass before I get to 23 April.

What are you most looking forward to on Marathon Day?

Charlie: Hearing the crowds and finishing!

Chris: I have been to the London Marathon once before and that was to give 
out Lucozade Sport - and the atmosphere was incredible. I look forward to 
being on the other side and witnessing that support and positive energy 
first-hand.

What will be the first thing you do post-marathon?

Charlie: Sit down and take a few minutes to reflect on my achievement. I'll 
also enjoy watching the other runners cross the Finish Line.

Chris: Order a Chinese!

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