Legal standpoint of being caught being signed off with stress to focus on marathon PB

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2 days ago 09/24/2025 11:32am EDT

Hi Letsrun,

I'm posting here as I'm so worried about a situation that's occurred and am honestly not sure where to turn.

Background; keen marathoner, but I've never reached my potential as I'm too tired to reach upper limit of training around work.

This spring, after another disappointing result, I faked a stress-induced breakdown. I've been signed off work since July.

Since then my training was increased dramatically, and I feel I'm on for a big performance later in the year.

All was OK until a colleague leaked that I'd been seen at a tune-up race.

Could I theoretically be fired? I know what I'm doing is low, but work for a corporation big enough to financially absorb my absence.

I can never reach my potential around a 40 hour week.

2 days ago 09/24/2025 12:20pm EDT

re: Mitch 26.2

The legal standpoint is that for being caught trolling you could be turned to stone. They do this by forcing you out into the sun.

2 days ago 09/24/2025 1:34pm EDT

re: Gandalf's law

Gandalf\'s law wrote:
The legal standpoint is that for being caught trolling you could be turned to stone. They do this by forcing you out into the sun.

I'm not sure what you mean?

My marathon times have decreased and then plateaud

4:58 4:42 4:41 4:32

4:18 4:17 4:16 4:14

Impossible for most to make a 3:xx clocking while working 40 hours week

2 days ago 09/24/2025 1:47pm EDT

re: Mitch 26.2

Mitch 26.2 wrote:
Hi Letsrun,
I'm posting here as I'm so worried about a situation that's occurred and am honestly not sure where to turn.
Background; keen marathoner, but I've never reached my potential as I'm too tired to reach upper limit of training around work.
This spring, after another disappointing result, I faked a stress-induced breakdown. I've been signed off work since July.
Since then my training was increased dramatically, and I feel I'm on for a big performance later in the year.
All was OK until a colleague leaked that I'd been seen at a tune-up race.
Could I theoretically be fired? I know what I'm doing is low, but work for a corporation big enough to financially absorb my absence.
I can never reach my potential around a 40 hour week.

Former employment lawyer here (I did not practice in the USA, however).

Lying in order to obtain a stress leave almost certainly breaches a material term of your employment contract, whether it is an express or implied term. This presents grounds for termination.

If your need for a stress leave has an air of legitimacy, which it sounds like it may (as I assume "signed off" means you have the support of a medical practitioner), termination would be dicey grounds as it may open up exposure against your employer for a human rights-related dismissal claim.

On another note, if you are unable to reach, or at least near, your potential on a 40 hour work week, you need to work on time management skills.

2 days ago 09/24/2025 2:53pm EDT

re: Mitch 26.2

Running is good for mental health so can be argued it’s part of a stress recovery plan.

Faking illness to avoid work is equivalent to stealing from your employer.

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Legal standpoint of being caught being signed off with stress to focus on marathon PB

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