Nov 16, 1999

(reply to 11/10/99 online column and earlier letters on the same subject) I'm not quite sure what sort of an audience you're aiming at, serious runners or fun-runners, but if I'd listened to your advice [to take it easy and perhaps add walking breaks] way back in 1986 when I began jogging at age 54, I may never have aspired to the heights I did.

It took me five marathons to get it right. But after much pain my little brain got the hang of it eventually and I ran the race of my life in London just weeks short of my 61st birthday to record 2.54:18 and take the British over-60 marathon championship.

Incidentally, I have often wondered how many people over the age of 60 have run a sub-three hour marathon for the very first time? None of my friends can name anyone. (Gordon Booth)

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