4 Weeks Out, Injured and Uncertain: Will I Make it to the Manchester Marathon Start Line?

Ever wondered what it’s REALLY like to be four weeks out from a marathon… injured, uncertain, and questioning everything? This is the raw truth of marathon prep when things don't go to plan.

If you’ve ever felt the stress of an injury in the final stretch towards a major race—or you’re pushing your own limits for a greater cause—you’re in the right place. My journey isn’t just about running. It’s about breaking barriers, saving lives, and proving the impossible is possible. This isn’t just my storey. This is OUR legacy.

Nothing Tests Belief Like Four Weeks Out, Injured

Picture this: It’s four weeks to the Manchester Marathon. You’ve been running your heart out every single day for over 1,700 days. You’re on a mission to go beyond 4,292 days running, to circle the earth's circumference—40,075km—all to raise £1,000,000 for children who desperately need help.

Suddenly, uncertainty hits. Six weeks ago, whilst skiing (rookie mistake, I know!), I twinged my hamstring. At first, I shrugged it off—it didn’t seem disastrous. But here I am, still feeling that little gremlin with every stride, questioning: Will I even make it to the Manchester start line?

Why I Run: The Ultimate Mission

Let me get real for a second: Every run, every vlog, every day on this streak is part of my ultimate ultramarathon—barefoot, all around the world—fundraising to save children’s lives. The more people who know, the more we raise. Simple.

I’m not just running for personal bests; I’m running to make history and leave a legacy for the next generation. Will you help me reach more people?

How Do You Train for a Marathon… When You’re Not Sure if You’ll Get to the Start?

Honestly? Right now, I don’t have all the answers. I’m running slower than planned, and the dream of a sub-3:15 has probably evaporated. Even if I recover, I can’t magically regain six weeks of missed speed work. Maybe I’ll manage a sub-3:30, maybe 3:45. But anything over 4 hours? That’s the line. Beyond that, the risk to my injury—and my streak—is just too high.

Sound familiar? Here’s what I’m learning—listen to your body, seek professional advice, and always put your long-term goals first.

The Mental Game: Living With Uncertainty

This is the hardest part. Not knowing. Should I defer my place? Cancel hotels? Stop hoping?

Sometimes, making the call—yes or no—hurts. But you adapt. You accept what you can’t change, focus on what you can, and keep moving forward. For now, I’ve got one more physio session booked. If there’s a chance I can run without risking everything, I’ll go for it. But if it means sacrificing the streak, or raising less for children’s causes? I’ll walk away… for now.

My Promise to You: I’ll Make the Best Call for the Mission

If you’re staring down the barrel of injury before a major race, here’s my advice:

• Don’t risk long-term health for one event.

• Lean on specialists—physios, sports therapists, and those who know your journey.

• Remember WHY you started. For me, it’s about saving children’s lives. That matters more than any single medal or PB.

Get Involved—Shape the Fight, Change Kids’ Lives

If you connect with this mission, if you believe in pushing limits to create real change, help me grow the movement:

• Comment below: Have YOU faced marathon uncertainty? How did you handle the mental battle?

• Share this post. Every new set of eyes means more support for children in need.

• Subscribe—and join the journey as I chase 4,292 days running, 40,075km, and £1,000,000 raised.

We’re stronger together—and every step, even the limping, uncertain ones, brings us closer to a future where no child is left behind.

Stay positive, stay happy, and never let the setbacks win. See you at the next mile—whatever it brings.

Let’s do this,
Kevin (Runpreneur)