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Wendy's Marathon
Former world number 25 and Scottish International Wendy
Maitland achieves an ambition ...
Running the London Marathon was something I had always wanted to do
when I finished playing squash professionally. So, three years on, I
find myself standing at the start with 36,000 other runners.
Since hanging up my squash racket from the WISPA Tour, life has been
very busy. My fiancée (Marcus) and I bought Strings Squash &
Fitness, in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, 20 months ago and that
has consumed most of my time. We are also in the throws of
organising our Wedding this august in Scotland.
However, I was determined not to let anything stop my training for
the London Marathon this year. I failed to get a place in the ballot
but managed to secure a Golden Bond place for the Outward Bound
Trust by pledging to raise £1,200.
I started training in January following a 16 week training program.
The first 8 weeks went well, until I picked up injuries to my left
knee and right hip, which tapered my training until race day. After
only completing 15 miles in training all thoughts of completing the
marathon in a record time went out the window, I just wanted to
cross the finish line.
After 4 hours 26mins, during the hottest London Marathon on record,
I crossed the finish line. It felt fantastic.
For anyone who has a slight inclination to run it, do it.
Running a Marathon should definitely be on your list of ‘something
to do before you die’. The atmosphere is electric, the support
incredible. It is a very emotional day.
 For
adrenalin junkies that want to recreate the feeling of stepping on
court in front of record crowds at the pyramids or Grand Central
Station or Canary Wharf, this is what you are looking for.
I have raised £1,300 for the Outward Bound Trust and it has not put
me off doing it again, maybe New York next time!
Wendy was back in the gym on Tuesday and back on court on
Wednesday .... dedication! |
All about the London Marathon
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 Finishing
the Athens Marathon was former Greek champion Nikos Moustroufis.
The Athens marathon is on the classic route from Marathon to
Panathinaikon stadium,where the first Olympics held at 1896, and is
the toughest of all marathons because it has a really difficult
route with hills. Nikos finished in 3 hours and 53 m after preparing
hard for this for almost a year
Nikos panticipated in 20 European championships and some Worlds with
the Greek team. He is still playing competitive squash and
panticipating some times in tournaments in Greece and abroad. He is
now 47.
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am the Pro at Princeton Club, did the NYC in 2005, finished in 4.12,
and just signed up with two friends of mine who ran the NYC, to do
Philadelphia in November 2007…
New York was such an experience!!!
Our bet between us 3 is to do 3.40 in Philly.
I agree this is “something to experience before you die”…
Ben Desombre
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Any other
squash players who completed the marathon ?
Let us know
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