My first 20 mile run literally stretched me to the limit! I made the classic novice mistake of galloping off at the start trying to keep pace with faster runners, with the result that my legs had died by mile 7. How on earth could I complete a further half-marathon distance? The answer: slowly and painfully! The half-hearted attempts at post-race exercises were to no avail. As I post this, 3 days later, I'm still having trouble with stairs! Still, again I just about managed not to win the fight for last place: I came 160th out of 168. More importantly, I've almost proved I can run a marathon. Could I have staggered on for another 6.2 miles? I think so. Just about. (Photo: Mark Warwick)