combination of cramps, a niggly knee and a torrential downpour slowed me down and I finished in 5:33:15, with which I was happy. No pain at all apart from a bit of a twinge from my crocked shin. Looks like I could have tried a lot harder. See you next year :o

laps, with a half-marathon p.b. it all went pear-shaped with calf pains and cramp and has left me with a sore knee/hip/thigh, that’s stopping me running. At least I finished, which is important for morale when doing long events. I can still cycle though

differently? Absolutely nothing! (Oh except maybe a bit more pain relief en route!) I had an absolute ball. Can't wait to do it all again next year!Sue Toseland, 6:20What a day, thousands of people it was great. Enjoyed the whole event even though got injured

day! trouty, 2:52:43I've been using the Mike Gratton hard marathon training thread since early January at which time I had a painful knee injury. However, following Mike's advice and also the encouragement from the other forumites I was delighted

severe pain in my right shin, since diagnosed as stress fracture. Best of all: when I crossed the finish line and burst into tears. What would I do differently: not wait until I was 60 years of age to do it. The key to my success: just determination

words I've ever heard... 'It's okay love, you can stop now'.It has to be one of the most amazing, terrifying and painful experiences ever (granted, I've never given birth!) From the cheerful, smiling start to the tearful, slogging end, picking one moment

is, and how glorious it feels to know that I will never attempt anything so daft again in my life (maybe).I found there is no way of knowing what can come from so much pain and sustained effort, without finishing your own marathon. And knowing

salute you.Sunshine, 4:36 --What a wonderful event! My preparation was not ideal, having picked up shin splints three weeks before and having to rest (something I found very difficult to do!) Thanks to Shan, my sports therapist, and ultrasound I got