trying to keep to target pace quite difficult and it was almost impossible to avoid abandoned water bottles and other obstacles. I trod on a water bottle and nearly sprained my ankle - by some miracle the pain was temporary and I was able to carry

, this tends to further damage the ligaments in the area and make you more susceptible to another twist. If the pain is intense or the joint is swollen, you shouldn’t try to restart your run at all. (More about ankle sprains.)You should… ideally get home

with a sprained ankle. I grew in confidence as the event went on, and eventually finished as first lady – seven hours ahead of my nearest rival. Racing lesson Believe in yourself. Much of the art of successful racing is in the mind. Physically you

and it was almost impossible to avoid abandoned water bottles and other obstacles. I trod on a water bottle and nearly sprained my ankle – by some miracle the pain was temporary and I was able to carry on, but if it had ruined my race I would have been devastated