's future step-granddaughter. To see the look on their faces is worth more than keeping something I didn't earn properly. When the likes of Plodding Hippo, Sezz, and Evil Pixie run up and give me an "I'm so glad to see you Nicko" hug, it makes the hours

, support and the camaraderie was excellent, even if it was a little bit too hot for my liking.I’ve got sore legs, sore feet............. but bring on next year!People ask: ‘why does everyone want to run the London Marathon?’ Anyone who witnessed the event

at all felt like a huge achievement after struggling with my training all this year and only three weeks ago planning to pull out. This one was most definitely for him.Wixey, 3:28:47 This was my first competitive run of any kind. I have to say I'm very

and JJ, with whom I had trained over the winter months, to the very end, it was one big party, doing 'high fives' with the younger spectators, and stopping frequently to see friends and family at various stage posts.Running with forum pal Rach, who

trainer lace! This was an electronic chip which had my running number programmed in, so that when I past the starting line (where there was a special electronic mat) it would register that I had started. There were mats positioned across the road at 10km

My Tri ProfileAge.... 32I have been running for... 4 yearsStrengths... Perseverance, mental strengthWeaknesses... A good looking bikeIronman experience... The Longest Day (UK) 11hrs 26mins , IM Switzerland10hrs 46 mins , IM Austria 10hrs 30 mins

. There weren't any real surprises in the event as such, but I may have to reduce my pace a little. Mind you, I have never run in the hot sun before, so that may have had something to do with it? The crowd were great, and many who saw my nickname on my vest

!   The key to my success, I would say, was following the schedule to the letter and practising everything several times - i.e.. refuelling on the run, running in the top that I would wear on race day so that I knew it didn't rub etc.  Everything worked

quoteUAN1817--Time: 3:00:42The best moment: feeling like a proper athlete crossing Tower Bridge and taking the time to look at the crowds that seemed to be 20 deep in all places. Oh, and running behind Nell McAndrew for a few minutes!The worst moment

be - Sydney was a long and lonely run whilst London is a festival. What was my best moment? That is pretty difficult to answer as I loved every minute, yes even that last 800m. However, seeing my workmates at mile 23 with James Cracknell, and giving them all a