plane. I recommend having some short-term goals, because they’re better for motivation than the non-specific one of just keeping fit. I suggest that for the five months after your first marathon you think of running for a total of two hours a week

can follow a conventional marathon training schedule, trying to run 60-80 miles a week. This should be preceded by an autumn programme of 50-60 miles a week, taking in some half-marathons and maybe a marathon. Because your goal is an ultra

marathoner, wanted to lower his personal best from 3:50 to 3:30. And Deena Drossin, the American 10K and cross-country star, wanted nothing less than to run the marathon faster than a legend – Joan Samuelson. All three runners achieved their goals. Each used

had failed me and that my strategy had been flawed – overwhelmed me. It was of little consolation that my goal of running my first sub-5:00 marathon in nearly two years meant nothing to anyone but me.Those around me were quick to point out

of rain that I felt like I was wearing a pair of wellies! The biggest surprise? Or the most memorable moment? The biggest surprise was not having a suntan at the end! What was your goal? And what was your finishing time? Not trained well so wanted under

noise!). I'm hoarse today and my hands sting from clapping but I bet I'm not hurting half as much as the runners.Well done one and all and I hope they all got the times/met their goals and had a fantastic day.Index of all quotesNext quote

at 5 milesGoal- sub 3 (yet agin)Time- 3:04 somethingI raced and paced well, all went to plan but my training needs tweaking- a fast 10k towards the end of this year should do the trickCelebrating-  Out with the forum chaps of course.Index of all quotes

.Biggest surprise: At one of the water drink stations, seeing a butler with silver tray serving water! Most memorable moment: At Westminster, a spectator on seeing me glance at my watch shouts out "forget the time mate, it's the finishing that matters!"Goal: Finish

. It was like performing at Wembley (well what I imagine it would be like)!What was your goal? And what was your finishing time? Finish by teatime and before the finish line shuts. 4 hours 57 mins and 4 seconds.What would you do differently? And indeed what

= three toilet stops!) but my goal was to finish and I did. I was satisfied and swore I'd never do it again.  But then entered the ballot... every year since!Getting in via the ballot to the first VLM was brilliant news.  Since my last marathon, I'd joined