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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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