lads at Accrington Road Runners. Started doing speed sessions, gave up smoking and got my head down to the task in hand. In December I had a 2 pb's and felt excited when Runner's World came out with the training plans. Followed it to a T. Then came a

.Ironman experience... I've been doing them since 2000PB's10K - 42:50Half-Marathon - 1:46Marathon - 3:46Ironman - 11:35Favourite Races... Ballbuster duathlon, North downs run and Luton marathonSee my RW profileMy handy links • Mike's Amazing Cakes• RW's Q+As page

and looking for a swim time of around 1:20 on the day. Cycling has been a great experience but if you thought marathon training took time then try fitting in six-hour training rides!Another positive outcome of entering Ironman Switzerland is that I've joined a

PB'sIronman - 10.30.30 Marathon - 3:28Half-Marathon - 1:28See my RW profileMy handy links • Mike's Amazing Cakes• RW's Q+As page --About meSport Billy - enjoy snowboarding, golf and triathlon. Theharder the better, 'you must be mad !' comments make me even

should be comparable to Heartbreak Hill, and I finished my long rides two weeks ago with a 130-mile ride at an average of 18.5mph. What a boost to the self-esteem that was!Running... hmmmm... I have trouble with my right knee, so although I can run a half

)Bike - 203.4 miles (14.8 hrs)Run - 48.11 miles (7.75 hrs)Total Time 26.1 hrsDecember was my best all round month so far. I managed to do some decent sessions, and some not so good - fell off the bike twice and tripped over running all in the same week

3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 6) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 --David Williamson, 3:27My first marathon, three weeks before my 50th birthday! What a fantastic experience. The last two miles went so quickly with the crowds cheering.Worst moments

3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 9) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 --Jon Hull, 4:00What an amazing eventThe best part: every single mile, where spectators are cheering and routing for you. A truly democratic sport - what a feeling.The worst moment: about 22

4:00 TO 5:00 (Page 8) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15Mad Moo, 4:14I was a marathon virgin, a bit old as I am nearly 40. On race day I got up in a mad panic, looked at the alarm clock - past five o'clock and we were late

3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 2) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 --Acer, 3:44:50 What a day. After two unsuccessful attempts at sub-4 hour marathon running, a winter of hills and speed sessions paid off for me.The Best Moment: Realising that I could get a