Steve Sidwell is on a mission. The former Chelsea and Fulham midfielder is training to run the London Marathon in under four hours next month. He’s doing it for a cause – to raise awareness for the British Heart Foundation.
Sidwell’s got personal reasons for choosing this charity. His dad had a heart attack during a preseason tour, and his youngest son, Lenny, has a rare condition that requires regular check-ups. “He might need surgery in the future,” Sidwell says.
He was also with Glenn Hoddle when the former England manager had a cardiac arrest in a TV studio seven years ago. That experience left a mark on Sidwell.
Running is also a way for Sidwell to prove something to himself. “Running was my strong suit as a player,” he says. His career was cut short in 2018 due to a back injury that required two surgeries. It took him six years to complete a marathon, and now he’s set his sights on London.
After watching last year’s marathon, Sidwell bought a new pair of running shoes and started training with a plan. “I started with a kilometer on the treadmill in April and built up from there,” he says.
Sidwell’s competitive streak is still alive, but he’s got a simple goal: “As long as a guy in a diving suit doesn’t pass me, I’ll be happy.”
His Training Regimen
- Started with a kilometer on the treadmill in April
- Increased his running distance over time
- Training to run the London Marathon in under four hours
Sidwell’s determination to raise awareness for the British Heart Foundation is inspiring. He’s putting in the hard work, and his dedication will surely pay off.