at the end!). The last 5 miles were down to mentalstrength more than anything. The crowd support, and that from my family andfriends, was unbelievable and helped me so much. I was a little embarrassednot to be able to catch the giant shoe in front of me

crowded it was. I was kicking the shoes in front while someone was clipping my heels, and then someone else was trying to squeeze in from the side. My arms are covered in bruises from people elbowing me in the crush. I told everyone how sick people were

sore, but thinking about it a bit and aftersome research I realized I might be able do a triathlon after all.So Ientered the London Triathlon, bought a bike, some proper running shoes andstarted training. Well I enjoyed the training and doing

up the marathon running shoes. I’ll really miss it, and am in floods of tears watching the video, but enough is enough. Time to help son number two train as he is now convinced he wants to do it next year - we'll see.Well done everyone and good luck

3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 4) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -->MattyH, 3:16:14How to do your first marathon: Do the Flora London Marathon, on its 25th anniversary - the best race in the world. Ten days before the race, buy a new pair of running shoes

and spectators alike, offering encouragement and calling out my name, which was written on my vest. Not getting any blisters or black toe nails thanks to copious amounts of Vaseline on my feet and talc in my shoes.Worst moment: Realising near the end that I

training, but I was also able to pick up lots of advice from some of the more experienced runners within the club. I also consulted a podiatrist who videod my running style and advised me on what shoes would suit my action. That advice also proved to be a

event and it still chokes me.I was expecting my best moment to be running down the Mall, but to be honest when I got there I really couldn't care less!The best bits by far for me were the starting line (knowing that I was part of the best marathon

this event such a humbling experience when you see so many other people overcoming life's hurdles just to be taking part: a local policeman from our area who had overcome leukaemia to run this year, or the blind man being led. It makes my pain seem so little

who witnessed the event, either as a runner or a spectator will know why: it is quite simply the greatest running event in the world!RFJ, 3:51The start area was great. I met up with Tea and Toast Man, AlanM and Dunnarunner as planned on the 3:30 forum