hired bikes we could find and (of course) wearing utterly inappropriate gear, we notched up miles traversing Brittany. And whilst the views were admittedly spectacular, it took some time to be able to walk again without wincing in pain or looking like a

while later, freshly attired in a branded jersey and suitably hydrated, I was nervously clicking my way across the pit of the track towards my brakeless (gulp) fixed-gear bike.Joining me on the mission were a handful of journalists along

the most of the superb grounds after your race, or cheat and make a beeline for the refreshment stalls - custard pie anyone? Enter online now.Gawsworth 10K and 5K Fun Run (Macclesfield, September 12)Cross-country newbies will delight in this varied course

, which has barely changed since 1807. Dash around the lake, through uneven woodland and across grazing land, before enjoying an 1.6K sprint straight up the inspiring West Avenue to the grand Hall itself. Once you cross the finish line, you'll meet with a

place finish at the Berlin Marathon in 2:10:55.The former 5,000 and 10,000m track runner had met the Olympic A standard, secured his slot in London 2012 and burst onto the scene as a shining new British marathon talent.With less than six months until his