23rd November 2020
“I just kind of get on with it, usually after a good cry. There’s nothing to be gained by dwelling on the negatives though. I’m big on finding the positives in every situation and not letting things out of your control bring you down and rule your life.”
– Shannon Waine
Cheltenham Town Ladies defender, Shannon Waine will be participating in a virtual full-marathon on Saturday, November 28 to raise money for The Survivors Trust.
The New York Marathon is being run by individuals across the world, with Shannon completing her 26.2 mile route on the streets of Cheltenham.
However, Waine has faced many hurdles since committing to running a full marathon for the first time.
With the announcement of a second lockdown coming into effect on November 5, matters have become complicated.
“Initially when it was announced I thought about putting it off, but honestly, it’s given me something positive to do despite the uncertainty over this month,” she began.
With the four-week national lockdown in effect until December 2, Waine had to quickly adapt her fitness plans as a consequence.
“It changed my whole routine pretty drastically.
“Football has been put on hold, which has meant no training on Tuesdays and Thursdays and no games on Sunday.
“My running coach, Dylan Janetta quickly changed my plan to include interval runs twice a week to replace the sprints I’d normally do at training and Sunday became my long run day.”
Despite the suspension of Women’s football due to lockdown two, Waine has found a positive in a negative.
“It has been a blessing in terms of injury management. Football is where I’m more likely to pick up injuries and I did have a few niggles that I’ve been ignoring so I’ve managed to recover from those and have some extra rest days.
“Although the only thing I’m missing out on is the different fitness I get at football, like short, sharp sprints.”
Following the postponement of previous marathons throughout the year due to Covid-19, Waine remains optimistic despite her many obstacles.
“Gosh, I’m used to it. Life is never smooth sailing and over the years I’ve grown to be fairly resilient.
“I just kind of get on with it, usually after a good cry. There’s nothing to be gained by dwelling on the negatives though. I’m big on finding the positives in every situation and not letting things out of your control bring you down and rule your life.”
With just under a week to go, the 29-year-old admitted that in the recent midst of uncertainties, she found one thing that helped her to maintain motivated.
“The marathon itself has been the thing pushing me on. If I didn’t have that coming up I would have found it hard to stay motivated to do all my runs, I’d just be working and staying home which sounds a bit depressing.
“It’s much better to run for hours on end to boost your mood and also to do all the right things for my recovery like yoga and good nutrition.”
As November 28 edges closer, the day the Australian has envisaged will soon become a reality.
“I’m starting to get a bit anxious, but to be honest, I just can’t wait to get out there and be doing it. I don’t think about how it will feel to finish but how it will feel to be running and I’m pretty excited!”
With the lockdown restrictions in place, Waine will not be allowed a fanfare at the end of her race.
“It is what it is, I’m just excited to finish regardless,” the defender explained.
“I’m not too disappointed. I will probably be ready to die by the end of it and the less people around to see that the better!”
Although her number one supporter, boyfriend Ollie Kimber will be cheering her on from a distance.
“I‘ll be happy enough to have my boyfriend there, he will be riding his bike with me for most of the run or maybe even all of it.
“Hopefully some of the girls from the Devs team will join in for a few miles here and there, which is allowed under the lockdown rules.”
Supporters can still donate to Waine’s fundraising page of her chosen charity, The Survivors Trust by clicking here.
