Millwall’s Gary Rowett talks about how running acts as release from pressures of management
Gary Rowett has talked about the cathartic effect running has on him as the Millwall manager gears up for the London Marathon this month.
The Lions boss is raising funds for the British Heart Foundation – the chosen charity of the family of Paul Jiggins, a football reporter at The Sun who passed away last year. Rowett is running with his daughter Betsy.
Asked how much running helps as a switch off from football, he replied: “Massive. I’m down in London and away from my family – so most evenings I’ll get back to my apartment and spend until 11 watching our games, looking at Wyscout and thinking about the team.
“It’s good to get out for a few hours, to run and see London. I’m doing it with my daughter this year, she’s just turned 21, so it’s going to be a really nice experience. I’ve been out with her after work and there’s been a couple of times I’ve had to head over to Marylebone at half past five and run a half-marathon.
“You’ve got to have some sort of release from management and for me it has always been that.
“It’s a great way to explore cities. Some people say you must think about football, but it’s probably about the only time that I don’t. Of course some fleeting things go through your mind but it’s a good way to switch off for half an hour or three hours – depending which type of run I’ve got to do.
“I’ve done London Marathon a few times before and it is such an amazing event. People come out and support. It’s a very unique event. Everyone is running it for special causes that mean something to them.
“I’m aware as a manager at a Championship football club I can help raise awareness around key things. Paul being a Millwall fan and his family choosing the British Heart Foundation as their main charity, it was something worthwhile doing.
“I was on for three hours 48 minutes last year and then blew up at mile 20 or 21. My daughter might keep me at a sensible pace. My son is doing Valencia in December, so they’ve caught the bug.”
You can donate here https://www.justgiving.com/page/millwall-football-club-1680170994663?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=one_page&utm_content=page/millwall-football-club-1680170994663&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=6f10d53619df44c0a1d203424d577cbb
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