Ironman first-timer: forumite kittenkat (courtesy of Michael Luchmun)Looking back, it was a short journey. Last summer I broke my ankle out running (back from the pub) with my dog. While I was in plaster I whiled away a lot of my time on the RW

, flat-as-a-pancake course and friendly atmosphere are great for first timers." - Lisa Buckingham, triathlete and co-author of Triathlon Made EasyClub Relays, Pace Setter EventsWHEN August WHERE Holme Pierrepont, NottinghamDISTANCE 500m/15K/5KSWIM Lake

.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and a full 26.2-mile marathon. This summer's trip saw over 50 forumites board the Pirate ship – including a record number of beginners. Now they're back it's time to catch up with first-timers arctic lady, Nam, PSC, Rio

:40:24 What a wonderful experience. As a first-timer it surpassed all my expectations. People had told me it would be more like a carnival and to enjoy the moment, and for the most part I did. The sheer number of runners and the level of support was awesome

was just being there in Greenwich Park on Sunday morning knowing that this was it, along with thousands of other runners like me, first timers, seasoned runners, the lot. I felt so privileged to be part of the 25th London Marathon.My worst moment

at first; most programmes use low speedsIn short Excellent stability and solid feel, especially for the price. Straightforward programmes are easy to set up (you set either speed or elevation; the machine automatically alters the other element

Getty ImagesThe road to marathon success is never smooth and problem-free. Every runner, from first-timer to marathon veteran, hits a hurdle or two while preparing for the marathon: an injury, a cold, an unexpected extra project at work. If things

of the age spectrum, the GB women's team was led by Mara Yamauchi (now 36) and Liz Yelling (now 34), while ‘old-timers' and world-record holders Paula Radcliffe (now 35) and Haile Gebrselassie (now 36) show no signs of slowing down. Impressive results from

the crush of first-timers who inevitably head for the first table and clog things up. Time savings: 5 seconds per water station Grab ‘N’ GoIf there are cups rather than bottles at the drink stations, once you have your cup, pinch the top together to form a

, time to celebrate. Jenny G, 6:38 As a first-timer I had no idea really what to expect, and boy did I learn a lot during those six hours! About myself, about the kindness of others and about what anyone can achieve which I never ever thought