initially unfolded according to plan. I hit the halfway point at 2:27:32, right on target. At mile 15, I was still there. By mile 17, I was three seconds off the pace, but still hopeful, even though I was beginning to feel the signs of impending disaster

Extract from No Need For Speed by John Bingham (Rodale International Limited, £8.99). To order direct from Runner's World for the special price of £7.99 (inc P&P), call 0800 731 0622 and quote 55174-0.Those who know me well know that I enjoy

’d known when they started out. JOHN BINGHAM1. Three steps forward, two steps backI thought that once I’d started running regularly, I’d become increasingly better all the time. I thought my progress would be linear. For a while, that’s exactly what