My second race was the Duchy of Cornwall 20 mile race on 12 March 2006. I had never walked 20 miles before, let alone run that far. The distance was further by almost 7 miles than I had ever run at a single stretch. Despite my optimistic smile for the camera I was feeling apprehensive, as well I might. So far I've been unlucky with the weather in both my races - just awful! The Duchy courses are scenic but hilly and tough, the runners lashed by coastal wind and rain. The race organisers and marshals in both the Duchy Races and the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon, I should add, are wonderful. The marshals and drink-givers stand freezing selflessly in the gales - at least the runners keep warm by moving! (Photo: Mark Warwick)