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HIS trousers may not fit, but Franny Benali was just glad to be back in his own bed after completing his Big Race.
“It was nice to be able to look at the clock knowing for the first time in two weeks that I didn’t have to get up at 5.30am,” he smiled.
Franny’s 1,400-mile, two-week duathlon around the 44 clubs in English football’s top two divisions was completed at St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon, in front of 29,040 during the half-time interval of Saints’ 3-1 win against Burnley.
“It was spine-tingling to receive that reception. It’s greatly appreciated by the whole family,” said Franny, whose exhaustion was such that there were no wild celebrations with Karen, Kenzie and Luke back home in Highfield.
After sharing a meal, they enjoyed their best night’s sleep for several weeks.
“We had a proper spag bol, which was very welcome after eating a lot of convenience food,” he said.
“When I tried putting a pair of trousers on they certainly felt a lot looser and there’s a bit of muscle wastage to my upper body.
“But I don’t feel too injured. My achilles is pretty swollen, but I’m sure that will go down. Although the hamstring was a problem at one point it’s a lot better for being strapped up.
“I’m not resting completely, I’ll probably get back on the bike with a turbo trainer. But won’t be running for a while yet!”
Despite that, 47 year-old Franny will not be setting himself a third endurance challenge anytime soon.
“Never say never but this felt tougher than the first one,” said the former Saints star, whose Big Race was preceded by Benali’s Big Run; a 1,000-mile, three-week odyssey of all 20 Premier League clubs in September 2014.
“I thought it would be at least ten days before there was something to be concerned about, but I had niggles and strains from day one this time,” he continued.
“I also saw how draining and all-consuming it’s been for the whole family and support team for the last few months. Everyone was so devoted to the challenge.”
Franny’s Big Run raised £265,000 and last night he had raised almost £100,000, plus the promise of £25,000 from Saints, to take his combined efforts for Cancer Research UK to around £390,000.
“I’m extremely grateful to everyone that’s donated,” he said.
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