Luke Robinson Completes First Marathon
Bermuda national team footballer Luke Robinson has reflected on his unexpected journey into marathon running as part of his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The 26-year-old, who plays for English non-league side Whitehawk, suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament [ACL]— the second such injury of his career — during a Isthmian League Premier Division match in February.
What initially began as a way to stay active during rehabilitation has quickly evolved into a new passion.
After completing the Brighton Half-Marathon in February, Robinson went a step further by tackling his first full marathon — the Brighton Marathon — last weekend, finishing in 3hr 33min.
“What an experience!” the winger wrote on social media. “First marathon with only six weeks of training to prepare off the back of eight weeks of nothing after an ACL rupture.
“Football has always been my life and that was put on hold massively with the injury.
“I needed a goal to take my mind away from the situation and with surgery two months away I had some time to try and achieve something new!”
Robinson credits his short but intense training period for helping him push through the mental and physical barriers.
“Six weeks of serious graft with the running machine and some long, lonely miles in there too, the day finally came!” he continued.
“The goal was 3:30. I didn’t know if that was optimistic or not but based on my training, I knew the distance was going to be a struggle regardless.
“And on race day…3:33, I just fell short and missed the goal but crossing the line was the real win.
“The fire has been reignited in my own fitness journey to do more and better for next.”
What an inspiration you have been young men. Thank you for encouraging me
Oops all the the best your career as you share your wisdom