Belfast last year in 3:11, but did not really do the full training. This year I followed the sub 3hr schedule and felt really confident that I could break 3hrs. I ran 2:51, so can I say a big thank you to Runner’s World for getting me there. One

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

further. Around the nine-mile point, my old knee injury started to give me some worrying signs and I started to panic, thinking I may have to travel another 17 miles at walking speed. With this in mind I stopped, stretched a little, gathered my composure

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

the Highway the lead group of elite men came past on the other side having done 22 miles. They got a huge round of applause from the runners alongside me and it reminded me that I was taking part in the same event as them. Fantastic.Worst moment: my calf

did notice was how well the whole event was organised from start to finish. I can see now why it is the best marathon in the world.Beanz52, 6:32:28Best moment? Meeting the forumites at mile 17 – I’m not sure how I'd have got that far without them