. The fates had clearly spoken. I needed to run the race. Self respect required it. And I had 12 weeks to prepare.My first stop was the book shop where I bought all the marathon for beginners/dummies books I could manage. Most seemed to be co-written by some

in the whole wide world.I soaked up the atmosphere and the crowds to the end with a massive smile on my face. The shouts of "come on Higo" from complete strangers was just fantastic. Marathon running is an event where you can do exactly the same as the world

only ever do a first marathon once. Many, many thanks for all the support and encouragement. Diana D, 5:32 This was my first Marathon, and I am a beginner, having started running last October. I haven't ruled out doing another one, and it was certainly

the marathon with disabilities or under stressful conditions and made me realise that this is what the London Marathon is all about – it makes a winner out of every runner.This race was a great event for me personally and one that I shall remember forever. Kiwi