to cramp just before the Runner's World cheering point. I was all set to look out for the team 8 supporters when I had to concentrate on kicking the cramp out without stopping. Had to do this intermittently until the finish but thankfully didn't lose too

1983 London Marathon winner Mike Gratton has been voluntarily advising runners live on our forums since 2004. This marathon training programme forms the core of his advice for anyone seeking to run seven days a week. It's suitable for men and women

surely have gone to bed on Saturday night pleading: 'Whatever you do, Dad, don't get overtaken by a rhino'."John Brown, 4:50Many thanks to the Runner's World pacer. Sticking with the 11-minute mile group made my first marathon (at 57) a lot easier

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

run past Colin Jackson as he was interviewing another runner just past Tower Bridge. They were so enthusiastic about the run. Their parents have all sponsored me also. So too have many friends and neighbours, and the local karate club and dance academy

holding red and green balloons on a stick - I even had time to kiss my daughter, Freya, at six miles.The best thing was finding the Runner's World 10-minute mile pacer. I stuck with her for 20 miles, and this helped me enormously. But then I hit the wall

sure I would be capable of undergoing the necessary training. I did another two halfs including the Great North Run and now had a PB of 1:47:17. At Christmas my focus switched to training for London and I used the Runners World Intermediate schedule

, thinking about the bike and run. Coming into the island was horrible. I got pulled back by my legs, swam over and knocked in the head but surprised myself and stayed calm – it's all part of the mass-start experience! Out on the bike the wind bore right