hours, having done my first, 2002, in 4:20. I was on a delayed train from Charing Cross, so I didn't get to the red start until bang on 9.45am. I then realised I needed the toilet, so left the start and ran to a Portaloo. I didn't expect to be sitting

on being a modern parent – but nothing of the sort emerged. Naturally I wanted the professional green light to go ahead with my training. My first meeting with the doctor was a very light-hearted affair with him practically uncorking champagne to celebrate

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

select set of training aids, along with interval training and drills, will help to fine-tune your technique. Whether you're a beginner or an elite swimmer, there are certain items you should have in your swim bag. Training aids improve technique, develop

patches. Meeting up before, during and after the race all added to the party atmosphere.I was badly affected by cramp from miles 20 to 23, probably not helped by my injury-restricted training over the last 8 weeks. At one point I stopped to stretch against

ladies you are all so special to me. – Mini Me1Merry Christmas to you all. Special mention to the Runners Arms, the Wagon Train, Moderately Annoyed threads. And to NGL, Welsh Alex and Tickled Pink in particular for being supportive, non

think that I’m a very disciplined person because I lost so much weight and have trained for so many marathons. Nonsense. I think I’m about the least disciplined person I’ve ever known. Discipline is not my strong suit. But I’d go so far as to suggest

ran on the day, especially with my pacing up to about 23 miles. The reason the physical shutters came down after that, I believe, was simply not enough miles in training. The balancing act of keeping injury-free and been fully trained for a quick

, running takes time to break into. "Every able-bodied person can be a runner," says Gordon Bakoulis, a running coach and author of Cross-Training (£12.99, Simon and Schuster). "Just start slowly and build up gradually." Most coaches agree that the best

was all that about?) and then walked to Waterloo station. No complaints, a belting day. Oh by the way, raised £640 for Children With Leukaemia.Ian Middlemas, 4:08As this was my first marathon I was just hoping to finish the course. However, my training