The Swindon Town squad are set to be subjected to one of football’s most notorious fitness tests, and so was I.

Ian Holloway is known for being heavy on fitness. Speaking to multiple players this summer, most have half-smirked, half-grimaced when the topic of pre-season has come up. “A lot of running, I believe,” was Tom Nichols’ response.

As the squad return for pre-season on June 23, initially starting with their physical testing before the more difficult stuff takes prominence over the next fortnight or so, it felt fair to get a small slice of what they are facing. If I am to dissect their displays, then I should have an idea of their pain. I will run about 1,200 yards in their shoes. I decided to take on ‘The Run’.

Read more: Nightmare fuel: Ian Holloway’s run that is ‘not for the faint-hearted’

‘The Run’ is Holloway’s preferred fitness test, gleaned from his playing days under Gerry Francis, and involves what is essentially an extended shuttle run of 20 yards, 40 yards, 60 yards, 80 yards, 100 yards, 80........

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