determined to see how much training I could complete and ultimately finish the marathon. By the first week in April I was feeling great and running better than ever, so made the decision to give the marathon a go...Race day arrived and I was totally up for it

I had a place in the London Marathon in 2003 but unfortunately had to pull out after doing all of the training, as I had a chest infection during the taper.  It was particulary sad because Dad was dying in hospital and was really looking forward

Well, my Virgin London Marathon in 2010 was supposed to be a triumph. I had racked up more miles than ever and was, I hoped, heading for a glorious 2:59.59.It was not to be, and really I knew that before I started. I was in the Good for Age start

The race got off to a good start. It was a lovely sunny day. The event start was well marshalled and I felt good at the start line and through the early miles. I found myself having to hold myself back to try and stay on track for my target time

Wow! For someone usually not short of a few words, I'm not sure where to start!My marathon journey started just over a year ago when I entered (as a total non-runner) the Welwyn Garden City Race For Life 5K to raise money and to support our family

to tell on me. I stopped and walked for the first ever time in a competitive race. I struggled on through the heat, walking the length of each water station and running between them. My thanks go to the runner who grabbed my shoulder and urged me on

! From an almost standing start, I knew I would have to train hard to cope and it was a rocky road. I had done a half-marathon before but hadn't run for months. Luckily I had a decent physio and was driven by fear of failure.I thought I had some idea what