Running a marathon around the eternal city with 36,000 other runners was an incredible experience. But it came as a result of 7 months of training through a very wet Welsh winter. That was the real marathon.
The event itself was the exciting culmination of all that work, all those hard miles. The training was much more difficult than the actual race. And when you finally get there, you realise that all those people, of all shapes and sizes and ages, have been through the same training as you, and earned the right to run 26.2 miles around one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One of the best things I’ve ever done.
Mike Howe 
Wow! I’m impressed, Mike. All that time spent training took some dedication and staying power, so the marathon was your reward. Good for you!
Thanks Anneli. There is certainly something to be said for reward in hard work 🙂
Congratulations Mike!! What a wonderful and inspirational achievement. My hat is off to you and I have great admiration for the discipline and training this achievement encompasses. Congrats again as you take some time for rest and recovery.
Anita
Thank you Anita!
I hope it was a fantastic experience where geography and physical activity complement each other. Watch your knees. Maybe walking is better for you.
It was a fantastic experience, thanks (ps my old knee injuries were actually much improved as a result of the training, strength and resilience built up in the miles!)
Congratulations on that accomplishment. Sounds like the experience was transformative for you. Wonderful!
Thank you Carrie, it really was!