Nick Watson grew up playing soccer, he loved it. But in late 2023 he ruptured his ACL meaning serious surgery and no more soccer.
He didn’t let that get him down though, taking up running as soon as his recovery would allow. Work had to change too, working on the tools as an electrician wasn’t going to be possible so he moved into a planning role at Glencore.
Both worked out better than he ever expected.
Nick has worked for Glencore for seven-and-a-half years, and is now the Maintenance Planner at Ravensworth CHPP. Last year, he ran a personal best time at the Gold Coast Marathon and recently backed it up with another impressive performance at the Newcastle Marathon, crossing the line first overall.
“I had the knee surgery and started running. Back then my goal was to be able to run the City 2 Surf and I did so much better than I thought so I haven’t stopped since.
“I set my goals high and going into it and I thought running a marathon was achievable. To actually do it was quite emotional. The Gold Coast Marathon last year was my first one, I ran just under 2 hours 30 minutes which qualified me for the national race at the Sydney Marathon this year,” said Nick.
You wouldn’t be foolish to think running the actual marathon would be the tricky part but Nick said the lead up was more challenging.
“I had good preparation and I felt ready for the race, but the hardest thing was the nutrition. The days leading in you’re pretty much cutting out all fibre and only eating rice, potatoes and lollies.
“I also have Crohn’s disease, so I have to be careful. On race day you’re eating a mix of carbs and gels – I had to slow down at one point because I really needed to go to the toilet!
“The prep is a long grind. You don’t ever really feel fresh; you’re tired every day. I never had time to run in the morning before work, so I had an hour to two hours of running after work, then go to sleep and get back to work the next day,” Nick said.
He said it was the goal of reaching the finish line, along with the vibe, that kept him going throughout the race.
“At the Gold Coast I ran with one of my training partners and we were with the lead women for 20 kilometres of the race so you’re in a big group and a million spectators cheering like crazy.
“It definitely helps you keep going.”
The Newcastle Marathon was much different, not just the course but Nick’s prep.
“I had a bad month leading in, I was really sick and hurt my back so I only really had one good week of training so I was down on confidence going in and doubting the time I would run.
“But in the end, I did it and got an awesome time of 2:32:32.”
The Sydney Marathon is at the end of August and is a World Athletics Platinum Label Marathon.
“I just want to go there, run a PB and give it my all.”
Running has become so popular right across the country, whether it’s local run clubs starting up, Park Run or other big running events.
“You get such a sense of accomplishment after a run and people like to chase that. It’s so accessible too you can run absolutely anywhere.”
Nick said he definitely misses soccer, but he knows one day he’ll go back to it.
“I’m only 25, so when I feel like I’ve hit my ceiling and given running everything I can I will go back to soccer.”
