as the leading men's pack passed in the other direction. It's not often we midpack runners see top athletes in full stride in a race.The worst moment? Getting cramp in both thighs and both calves at exactly the same time at mile 22. I had to stop and stretch

instead of sitting behind the fence sipping tea)But after I debriefed I found I was fascinated with the whole world of marathons, like how many people do it. How there were 35,000 runners with a single shared desire, how much of a spectacle the whole thing

me?! Fripps I always say hello to runners, cyclists and walkers and if I'm on a long run and I'm a bit bored I give a cheery wave too. If I get an equally cheery wave back it perks me up for the next few miles! Lou-Lou My family live in Liverpool