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Long COVID Survivor Becomes Boston Marathon Qualifier
28 Jun
Summary
- Sports psychologist Robert Schinke qualified for Boston Marathon after long COVID.
- He completed the Sudbury Rocks Marathon in 3 ½ hours at age 60.
- Long COVID symptoms can persist for over two months and impact daily life.
Sports psychologist Robert Schinke, who once aided Olympic athletes, successfully applied his own advice to recover from long COVID. In May 2026, at the age of 60, Schinke completed the Sudbury Rocks Marathon with a time of 3 ½ hours, significantly beating the Boston Marathon qualifying standard.
Schinke's health challenges began with a COVID-19 diagnosis in spring 2020, followed by a more severe second infection in early 2021 that led to persistent symptoms for over a year. These included severe fatigue, ear ringing, muscle rigidity, and significant weight loss.
Dr. Angela Cheung of Toronto's University Health Network confirms long COVID is now a clinical diagnosis. While no cure exists, physicians manage diverse symptoms, and recovery is possible for many.
Schinke, a former equestrian competitor who had taken up running, found his diminished activity impacted his mental health. He hired coach Helen Francis, adopting a process-oriented mindset, crucial for his demanding recovery. He now aims to improve his marathon time.
