Spencer Matthews feared leg problems could end desert world record attempt
Spencer Matthews has said his gruelling desert marathon world record attempt hasn’t been without “jeopardy” and that he’s battled some pain, but that he’s in “good spirits”.
The Made In Chelsea star has taken on a tough challenge in the Jordanian desert in over 40 degree heat, in a bid to run the most consecutive marathons on sand - 30 in 30 days – while raising money for charity. The entire run will be 1,266km.
He has now shared an update with fans on Instagram, revealing that he has been running for over 500km and has completed 12 marathons in 12 consecutive days, so is inching towards the halfway mark. However, he has felt a few “niggles” in his legs that he worried could mean he had to quit.
Spencer Matthews feared leg pain could end challenge
“I’m feeling confident and strong but this challenge certainly hasn’t been without jeopardy,” Matthews wrote. “This is a huge undertaking on the body and mind so it’s quite easy to slip into negative headspace from time to time, particularly when in physical pain.
“I have had niggles around my knees and ankles that I believed to be seriously problematic to the point that I thought there was a good chance that they could end the challenge, or at least, drastically change it.
“My physio Jonny (@jh_adventurephysio) however has seen it all before and his calming and professional nature has proven to be spot on every time. I couldn’t be more delighted to have him here with me and I’d go so far as to say that this challenge would be unachievable without him.
"He has so far, without fail, prevented all problems before they become serious and I’ve started most days on stiff but not bad legs.”
Star feels ‘happy and optimistic’
Matthews went on: “We are conscious that we have 18 marathons left and are certainly not taking them as a given. Every day is a threat but I am however in good spirits, happy and optimistic, despite only ever getting about 5 hours of sleep.
“Running 12 marathons back to back is something that not so long ago, I wouldn’t have believed I had in me. Goes to show what effort and self-belief can do for you.”
Fans posted messages in the comments section urging the star on after he shared his update, and his wife Vogue Williams posted a heart emoji as she told him: “You’re amazing.”
Why is Spencer Matthews tackling the challenge?
The star is running in aid of Global’s Make Some Noise, previously explaining on Instagram that it’s “because they work with a number of causes that are really close to my heart”.
“Namely, bereavement, homelessness and the physical and mental health of children,” he said. “The work that they do helps improve the lives of people enormously across the UK.”
The star has also said that he likes to see how far he can push himself after overcoming addiction issues. He previously said on ITV's Lorraine: "You know, it's not too long ago that doing any running of any kind would have been difficult. You know I've struggled with problems with alcohol in my life.
"I'm keen to push myself, test myself, but also draw attention to the fact that I think anyone can do interesting things if they set their mind to it."
