JAMIE Dicks helped Aveley go the distance in the Isthmian Premier League promotion race – little more than a week after completing the London Marathon.
The 30-year-old midfielder successfully completed the gruelling 26.2 mile course across the capital on Sunday.
But Dicks’ gruelling schedule did not end there.
Just three days later he lasted the full 120 minutes as Aveley beat Canvey Island on penalties in the play-off semi-final.
And on Sunday he came off the bench midway through the second half as Danny Scopes’ side made sure of their place in next season’s National League South with a 1-0 win at Hornchurch.
“It’s been a hell of a week for myself,” said Dicks.
“I had the marathon on Sunday and I did everything I could to recover for the semi-final of the play-offs on Wednesday after that.
“I had sport massages and went cryotherapy too so I spent a few quid to be ready.
“It certainly wasn’t exactly ideal going to extra time but it is what it is and luckily enough we’ve done it now.
“It means the world and to finish it off like we have is unreal.
“It’s the icing on the cake of the week I’ve had.”
But incredibly Dicks also worked nights at the start of week, including a shift on Sunday – the same day as the marathon.
“I’m a railway engineer for Network Rail so I’m on my feet doing that as well,” said Dicks.
“I worked through the nights on Sunday after the marathon through to Wednesday and did a three miles inspection walk on Tuesday night as well which was the last thing I needed. “
But Dicks was desperate to power through as part of his celebrations for a landmark birthday.
“I signed up in my 30th year,” said Dicks.
“I was 30 in Jan and was adamant I wanted to do a marathon.
“I wasn’t sure how it was going to align with football, especially after picking up a bad injury at the start of the season.
“It set me back but it’s probably helped me at the same time.
“Being out of the team isn’t ideal but it’s just been cramming the runs in during 16 weeks of marathon training.
“Lucky enough I pulled through it.”
However Dicks – who ran the marathon in four hours 24 minutes – is unlikely to run another long race any time soon.
“It was my first one and it will be the last one I do in season too,” said the former Bowers & Pitsea midfielder.
“I wouldn’t say no to doing another one outside of football but not when I’m still playing.”
And unsurprisingly Dicks is now relishing being able to have something of a rest
“I’m looking to the summer now and I’ve got a couple of holidays booked,” said Dicks.
“I’m definitely looking forward to them now.”
>Jamie Dicks ran the London Marathon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and can still be sponsored here.
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