From the First Step to the Finish Line: My Yorkshire Marathon Journey and Injury Recovery with Physiotherapy
- neilp171
- 3d
- 4 min read
Running a marathon had always been something I said I’d do “one day.” But in 2025, I finally stopped talking about it and started training — with one clear goal: the Yorkshire Marathon.
Early Mornings, Dark Roads & Discipline – Yorkshire Marathon injury recovery with physiotherapy
Training began in the depths of winter. Early alarms. Rainy evenings. Shoes on when the rest of the house was still asleep.
I used the Coopha training app to guide me — tracking every mile, adjusting pace, and keeping me focused when motivation dipped. On long runs, I relied on Precision Fuel & Hydration energy gels, which became essential for maintaining energy and hydration.
But it wasn’t all grim. As the months rolled into summer, the lighter evenings brought a change of pace and mood. Running after work in the warm evening sun became a genuine pleasure — a chance to clear my mind, enjoy the countryside, and remember why I’d taken on the challenge in the first place.
Bit by bit, the miles built up. Confidence grew. And suddenly, marathon day didn’t seem so far away.
Then Injury Struck
Just as everything was coming together in my Yorkshire Marathon training, a sharp pain hit my right glute. What began as a niggle soon turned into a limp — and serious concern for how I’d reach the start line.
That’s when Esther, my niece and our in-house physiotherapist at Parkhurst & Co., stepped in. Together, we created a personalised Yorkshire Marathon injury recovery with physiotherapy plan — combining structured physio sessions, targeted strength work, careful stretching, and enforced rest (even when I didn’t want to).
Her expertise in physiotherapy for runners, along with a few sports massage treatments, and plenty of family determination, made all the difference. Thanks to her support, I made it to the start line ready to give it everything — proof that the right care and the right people can help you go the distance.
The 25 km Wall — and a Moment of Grit
Race day started perfectly. But around 25 kilometres, the famous wall appeared. My legs felt like lead, breathing tightened, and that same glute injury flared up again. For a brief moment, I questioned whether I could finish.
Ahead of me, I saw another runner limping in the same way. I moved alongside him and said: “Looks like we’re both in the same boat — but we’ve come too far to stop now.”
He nodded. That shared determination — two strangers, same struggle — kept us moving. Step by step, we pushed through the barrier together until rhythm and belief returned.
The Finish Line — and the People Who Made It Special
And then, at last, the finish.
Waiting for me were my wife Alison, my son Thomas, my daughter Lucy, my brother Ian, and a crowd of family and friends, all cheering and waving banners. Esther was there too — not just my physiotherapist, but my niece, whose skill and encouragement helped make it all possible.
Watching the finish live on YouTube was my sister, Emma Parkhurst-Tubby — also a director and optometrist at Parkhurst & Co. Even from afar, she was part of the moment, sending messages of encouragement as I crossed the line.
That medal didn’t just belong to me; it belonged to them all — to everyone who encouraged, treated, and believed I could get there.
If you’d like to see the atmosphere for yourself, take a look at the official Yorkshire Marathon Facebook page — it truly captures what makes the event so special.
The True Spirit of a Family Business
That moment summed up everything I believe in.
At Parkhurst & Co., we often say we help people see clearly and feel their best. But this journey reminded me it’s about more than that — it’s about support, resilience, family, and genuine care.
We’re a family-run independent opticians, and that means something. My brother Ian isn’t just family; he’s also an optometrist and director in our practice. My sister Emma, who watched the race live online, is also a director and optometrist, helping to lead our business with the same care and integrity we grew up with. And now, with Esther leading our physiotherapy service, the next generation is helping us expand our care even further.
Together, we’ve built a place founded on trust, compassion, and community — the same values that carried me across that finish line.
Recovery — The Final (but Important) Step
The next morning, legs sore but spirits high, I booked a post-race sports massage and flush-out treatment with Esther. It worked wonders — easing tight muscles, flushing lactic acid, and speeding recovery. If you’re training, racing, or just pushing your limits, I can’t recommend it enough.
What I’ve Learned
The marathon was a lesson in more ways than one. If I do it again (and I probably will!), I’ll:
Focus on more strength work to build stability and endurance.
Include cross-training — cycling, swimming, and core work — to stay balanced and avoid overuse injuries.
And most importantly, start slower to finish stronger.
It’s not just about speed; it’s about patience, pacing, and trusting the process.
Thinking of Your Own Challenge?
Whether you’re running, recovering from injury, or simply want to move better and feel stronger, physiotherapy at Parkhurst & Co. can help.
📞 Book with Esther: Initial consultation: £ phone for pricing Follow-up treatments / sports massage: £phone for pricing
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