Age: 51 and holding

Home town: London, England

Occupation: Lecturer and Researcher in TV studies

Past history of sports participation : My first race was a 5k in Battersea Park about 4 years ago. I moved onto the Crouch End 10k, which I have completed twice, the London 10k (also twice). Last year I completed my first half marathon in 2hrs 25.

Primary athletic focus currently: My primary focus at the moment is just to get through marathon training. I have entered the first ever Brighton marathon and I am desperate to be fit enough to complete it - particularly as my family will be there to support me.

Favorite training or racing experiences: My favourite training is a gentle 5.5 mile run through the park, over the hill and far away to the woods. I often have to pinch myself to believe that I live in London and can take in two woods, one park, Alexandra Palace and back. At the top of the uphill climb (which is the only problem) I get to look right across London and consider how lucky I am. How come I am not running through traffic fumes and on concrete? I must have done something good in my life to be rewarded by this. My absolute favourite racing experience is actually finishing. Not because of any spurious reason (like not being able to run any further) but because I never truly believe that I can finish. It always seems ridiculous to me that I have even considered entering a race - let alone finishing! Races/events completed this year: Nothing so far this year (well it is only 7th January) but even being able to complete training runs at the moment is a great achievement.

Favorite race/s: My favourite races are probably 10ks. They are much more manageable in terms of fitting training in with a busy life and they feel achievable. Finishing the Crouch End 10k is a major achievement each time as it is on such a hilly track and full of people that I know (and watched by neighbours and friends).

Personal Records/Best races: Best race time so far is 50 mins on a 10k for my daughter's school. It was a couple of weeks after the half marathon and everyone knew that I was aiming for under an hour. Even I knew this was too well under the hour to be true. Yup you guessed it - this was a school race - not very well signposted and I missed the last 1 mile! My actual PB for 10k is about 64mins.

Athletic achievement/s you are most proud of: Finishing the half marathon through a wind tunnel that was Milton Keynes lakes and a hail storm. The day started cold but sunny and ended freezing cold, wet through but successful - I still can't quite believe that I finished and that I wasn't last.

Goals for the coming year/season: If I can only keep on track for the marathon training and actually complete the race I will be a happy bunny.

Races you are planning on next season: I can't think past the end of April and the marathon

Favorite racing and/or training tip-it does not have to be one that I gave you! :: Favourite training tip is to ignore the voice in your head that tells you that you are too old, haven't trained enough, too injured, or any other 'can't' or 'shouldn't'. My head is full of these every time I go out. Obviously if you are really under-trained or injured you should not attempt to push yourself but, training for the last four years has taught me that I can talk myself out of any run or training session if I really want to. Far better to ignore that voice and just go out and do it as the sense of achievement is beyond compare.

Additional comments/info: I will never be unhappy that I started training. Looking back over last year's comments I have come so far. I haven't smoked in 4 months, I hardly drink, I've dropped a few pounds and have much more energy than ever before. I may be a boring old fart now - I would sooner go to bed early than stay out carousing - but training has taught me that I can actually do anything I put my mind to. Not a bad lesson to learn at the ripe old age of 51. This new year was a strange one for me as I had nothing to give up just masses to gain. I will never go back to my old ways now and for this I thank Dara. My best buddy, best coach and the voice that tells me I can do all of this.