As the inspirational Kevin Sinfield CBE recovers at home after his latest epic fundraising effort, we caught up with two RFL staff who formed a key part of the team alongside Kevin.
In the fifth annual challenge in support of the motor neurone disease (MND) community the team covered over 50km per day for 7 days broken down into 7km blocks. The number 7 retaining special significance in recognition of Kevin’s friend and former Leeds Rhino’s, team mate Rob Burrow CBE who wore the number 7 shirt throughout his illustrious career. Rob died from MND in June of this year but continued to provide the inspiration behind this year’s challenge, Running home for Christmas.
With the team aiming to complete each 7km within an hour before the next block starting on the hour the only rest the team got between each leg was the time remaining after they have completed the block.
In addition to the logistical complexities of running through numerous towns and cities ultra-endurance running takes extraordinary physical fitness and mental endurance. Professor Ben Jones, the RFL’s Head of Performance Science and Research and Dr Gemma Phillips, the RFL’s Deputy Medical Chief Medical Officer are uniquely placed to give some insight into some of the challenges faced by Sinfield, including a muscle tear leading up to the challenge.
According to Prof Jones: "This is the fourth challenge we’ve supported Kevin on, and each one has become more challenging. The challenges Kevin and the team were faced with this time was a combination of the duration of the days, the distance he was running each day, and also the travel between cities. We prioritised the recovery immediately after each run, to give him the best chance of finishing the challenge.
"Our nutritionist, James Moran meticulously manages his food and drink, to ensure Kevin is fuelled for the week. Kevin leads a determined team, who are there for a great cause, banging the drum for MND. As a team, we know what we need to do, but it was clear for everyone to see how physically demanding the challenge was for Kevin."
Medically, hydration, nutrition, and the ability to recognise the onset of injury would have been at the forefront of Dr Phillips mind throughout the 230 miles Sinfield ran.
Dr Phillips commented: "One of the unique challenges this time was managing Kevin’s injury leading into the event. Before, and during the event, this was something myself, and the physiotherapist Dave O’Sullivan working closely on, to make sure Kevin was able to complete the challenge.
"Given Kevin’s rugby league playing background, he’s aware what he needs to do to recover between matches, and from injuries, but the distance he is required to run during this week is unique, and not something you can prepare for.
"During the week, we met families and individuals affected by MND, which shows the importance of the challenges. The funding raised is so important, and it’s great that so many people get behind Kevin, to support the MND community."
Whilst Kevin and the teams challenge is over for this year up to 5,000 adults in the UK continue to battle MND disease a life-shortening disease for which there remains no cure.
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