Well, I completed the Berlin marathon just over a week ago in 5 hours 15 minutes. Four months of training for a few hours pounding the roads of Berlin with nothing but chilly, rainy winds and a few cheers to see me to the end. Not even a whiff of a German sausage. But it was worth it -  I raised money for the NSPCC and I got myself (sort of) fit in the process.

When reflecting on my previous marathons, what I noticed was how much my stamina had increased post-race - more so than ever before. After the first marathon I could barely peel myself of the bed to make it for a pint at my local. After the second, my legs hurt so much I had trouble getting myself home - my 77 year-old mother had to assist me.  But this time, I managed a 25 minute walk back to the hotel - chips in one hand/fag in the other - had a quick shower and made it straight out to the nearest bar to neck some Spezial beer.

My friends just couldn't believe I was being so hardcore. My time may not have improved but clearly my recovery had, for no apparent reason. Maybe it's time to move the goal post - ultra marathon anyone?